Page 29 of Technically Abducted
"If that provides adequate mobility for aquatic movement, yes."
I can feel heat rising in my cheeks, which is ridiculous. I'm twenty-eight years old. I can handle being in my underwear around an attractive alien who admitted to wanting to taste me less than an hour ago.
Fuck.
"Are you...?" I gesture vaguely at his perfectly tailored pants.
"Nereidans typically engage in aquatic activities without artificial coverings," Tev'ra says matter-of-factly. "However, given the cultural differences, I can maintain partial covering if that would increase your comfort level."
The idea of Tev'ra completely naked in the water sends a jolt of something through me that's definitely not just nervousness. But the idea of him staying clothed for my benefit feels somehow worse.
"Do whatever's normal for you," I say, pulling off my shoes and socks. "I don't want to mess up your... routine."
Tev'ra nods and begins removing his pants with the same efficient precision he brings to everything else. I try not to stare, but it's impossible not to notice the way his bioluminescence extends down his torso, creating intricate patterns that disappear beneath the waistband of what appears to be form-fitting underwear.
When he's down to just those—which leave very little to the imagination—I force myself to focus on my own clothes. Jeans off, trying not to think about how this is definitely the most undressed I've ever been around someone I'm attracted to.
And I am attracted to him. That became impossible to deny somewhere between the grilled cheese and his completely flustered admission about wanting to taste me.
"The water temperature is regulated for optimal comfort," Tev'ra says as we approach the pool edge. "Entry should not cause thermal shock."
He slides into the water with fluid grace, submerging briefly before surfacing near the middle of the pool. The moment he's fully wet, his bioluminescence brightens dramatically, creating swirls of golden light beneath the surface that pulse and flow like living art.
"Holy shit," I breathe, staring at the display.
"Aquatic environments enhance bioluminescent response," Tev'ra explains, though he sounds pleased by my reaction. "The mineral content of the water conducts the bioelectric signals more efficiently."
He's beautiful. That's the only word for it. Standing chest-deep in the pool, water streaming from his hair, skin literally glowing with patterns that shift and change as I watch, he's absolutely stunning.
"Finn?" Tev'ra's voice is gentle. "The water is quite pleasant."
Right. Swimming lessons. I'm supposed to get in the water and stop staring at him.
I sit on the pool edge, feet dangling in the warm water. It feels exactly like I remember—mineral-rich, almost silky against my skin. But knowing I'm about to be completely surrounded by it makes my heart rate spike.
"I should probably mention," I say, stalling, "I'm not just bad at swimming. I'm actually kind of terrified of water."
Tev'ra moves closer, stopping just in front of where I'm sitting. "Terrified?"
"Yeah. I mean, obviously I can shower and drink water and whatever. But deep water? Being surrounded by it? It freaks me out." I look down at him, noting how the water comes to just below his chest, making him seem even taller and more imposing. "Probably should have mentioned that before we got to this point."
"Why does it frighten you?" he asks, and there's no judgment in his voice, just genuine curiosity.
I've never actually said it out loud before. "Foster care. Moved around a lot when I was a kid, never stayed anywhere long enough for swimming lessons. And there was this one group home where I learned pretty quickly that water and biggerkids don't mix well for someone like me." I stop, not wanting to get into the details. "Let's just say I learned to associate water with not being safe."
He purses his lips. His bioluminescence pulses brighter for a moment, patterns swirling rapidly before they settle again.
"No one will harm you here," he says quietly. "I give you my word."
The simple statement shouldn't mean as much as it does. But looking at him—at the way he's positioned himself close enough to help but not crowding me, the way his voice carries absolute certainty—I believe him.
"Okay," I say. "But if I panic and accidentally drown you, I'm blaming your research protocols."
Tev'ra's mouth curves into a slight smile. "Noted."
I push off the edge and slide into the water.
The immediate sensation of being surrounded, of water closing over my chest, sends a spike of panic through me. I grab for the pool edge instinctively, heart hammering.
