Page 4 of Party With the Kraken
I take a shaky breath in, hyperaware of my tentacles roiling under my skin, then hold her eyes as I lift her hand to my mouth to press a soft kiss to her knuckles. The move lets me sniff the ink on her nails, just to confirm what I already expect to be true.
One side of my mouth pulls into a pleased grin as I scent myself on her. This female got her hands on my ink and painted her nails with it. If I had a tail, it would be wagging right now.
I wonder if she’s touched herself with those fingers. No, don’t go thinking about that now. The others are staring. She must know it’s kraken ink, but maybe she doesn’t know it’smykraken that provided it. Maybe I’ll first ease her into the fact that I’m a kraken before I tell her she’s basically marked as mine now.
Juniper’s eyes travel appreciatively up and down my body, and I subtly adjust my cock in my pants before I straighten up to my full height, quirking my elbow out for her to grab onto. “May I help you with your bag?”
Juniper studies me for a moment, an unnamed emotion flashing behind her eyes before she nods and says, “Yes.” The word comes out breathy but sure, and I mentally pump my fist in the air for another win.
I give a friendly smile to the other creatures waiting around on the dock, nodding a greeting at them, then help Juniper onto my boat. Trying to be as inconspicuous about my intentions as possible, I glance down and notice the seashell bracelets around her wrists, my hearts beating faster at her appreciation for the ocean.
“You like seashell jewelry?” I ask the future love of my life.
Juniper’s head bobs excitedly. “Yes! I love making my own jewelry from shells I find on the beach. But I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve had to resort to buying them.”
Could this be a match made by the ocean gods themselves? I’ll collect every last seashell in the ocean and present them to her on a platter if it means I get a chance with her.
“Maybe I can help you find some today?” I shoot my shot, then hold my breath as she deliberates.
Juniper sucks her bottom lip into her mouth, and my cock twitches as I zero in on her mouth. I want to be the one sucking on that lip, tasting it.
“That’s a very sweet offer,” she says coyly. “Maybe you can also show me some good spots on the island?”
Is she flirting back with me? Could I be this lucky for once in my life?
“Yes. Anything you want,” I answer enthusiastically. Ready to get out of there and start wooing her, I quickly place Juniper’s bag in the storage area and turn back to her. “You can take any seat, but I’d be honored if you take the one next to mine.”
A small smile crawls across Juniper’s lips. “And if I honor you with my company, what do I get?”
I open my mouth to tell her she can get whatever she wants—my boat, my heart, my soul, but I rein myself in at the last moment.
Luckily she sees me struggling with an apt response and takes pity on me, simply lowering herself into the seat I suggested. If my three hearts beat any stronger they’re going to pound holes through my chest.
Looking calm and comfortable on the boat, she leans back and stretches her long, tanned legs out in front of her, her tiny denim cut-offs making them look like they go on forever. The sight almost makes me fall to my knees right here in front of everyone and declare my fealty to her.
Can this day get any better? I’m going to have to ask Bodin for tips on how to propose.
Ready to leave right now and show Juniper all the reasons to fall in love with Starry Hill—and me—I go to undo the boat from the cleats tying it to the dock, but the look Beck gives me stops me dead in my tracks. Oops.
I hold up my hands. “I was just checking the knots,” I lie. Beck doesn’t buy it for even a second and shakes his head at me, disappointment riddled across his features.
The final creature arrives and Beck divides the group up, directing most onto his larger boat and a few onto mine, all while I keep an eye on Juniper and her serene smile as she lounges in her seat and studies the horizon.
I’m nearly bouncing on my toes by the time we’re ready to go, nervous that someone else will steal Juniper’s attention.
I’m greedy for her. Her company, her smiles, her everything.
Maybe it’s irrational to fall this quickly, but when was being rational ever fun?
Juniper makes polite conversation with the other passengers who got on our boat, but it’s clear that she doesn’t know them.
She’s kind. Another attribute I can list of the things I know and like about Juniper.
Beck uses his fancy water power to leave first, calling over his shoulder, “See you at my dock.”
I shout back, “Go ahead. I’m happy to come second.”
Does Juniper know that the comment was meant for her? Can I be more obvious that I’m talking about bringing her pleasure, again and again and again before I’ll allow myself to find my own release? Oh, to see her cunt dripping with my shiny black ink would be a dream come true.
