Page 10 of Rescued By the Kraken

Her trust and willingness to let me guide her is more than I could have asked for.

“We’ll get you dressed first,” I tell her, trying to keep my gaze steady. “Then, we’ll head to the resort’s hospital to get you checked out. After that, we can go to any restaurant you like.”

She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. “Well, you need to let me go first,” she teases, her eyes dancing with mirth.

The urge to pull her closer, to kiss her, to wrap all my tentacles around her, is strong. But I resist, pulling away and releasing her.

She climbs out of bed and I keep my eyes on her, ready to assist her if she shows any signs of weakness. Yet, she seems strong, resilient.

Just like her spirit.

My heart is filled with relief when I notice that Rey doesn’t seem startled or uncomfortable waking up next to me. After carrying her to her villa, I couldn’t bear to leave her side. I needed to be there when she woke, to make sure she was all right. I hadn’t intended to fall asleep, but the rhythmic cadence of her breath was just too soothing.

The last thing I wanted was for her to think I had ulterior motives for staying. My concern for her wellbeing is genuine… even if I can’t deny the pull I feel toward her. The desire to be closer.

The tenderness I feel is overwhelming, but I also know I must respect her space if she requests it.

As Rey moves around the room, selecting clothes, I can’t help but watch her.

When she moves toward the bathroom, she pauses at the doorway, glancing back at me with a curious expression. “What are you going to do now?” she asks, her voice soft.

“I’ll check in with Svea to let her know you’re okay, and tell her our plans,” I answer, trying to keep my tone casual. “And then I’ll check the weather forecast.”

Her brow furrows. “And… you’re going to just stay here while I get ready?”

I tilt my head, considering her question. “I could leave,” I say slowly, “But I would worry something might happen to you. Unless, of course, you want me to go…”

I let the words hang in the air, ready to respect her decision, whatever it might be.

There’s a strange tension in the room. I’m trying to respect her space and boundaries, but the instinct to protect her is strong. It’s a delicate balance, one I’m trying desperately to maintain.

“I’ve never had a male wait for me… in my bed before,” she admits, a small smile playing on her lips. The faint flush on her cheeks stirs something within me. “It’s nice… to know I’m desired.”

My heart flutters at Rey’s words, her shy admittance that she likes knowing she’s desired. I can’t help but be taken aback, pleased that she is not only tolerating but actually enjoying my presence. Her confession sets a fire inside me, and I find myself fighting the urge to pull her back into bed, to show her just how deeply my desire for her runs.

“Rey,” I reply, my voice husky with the force of my feelings, “know this: I desire you more than you can possibly imagine. And if you’ll allow it, I want to spend the rest of my life getting to know you, cherishing you.”

She grins at my words, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and something deeper, something I dare to hope is the beginning of mutual affection.

“We’ll see.” She winks at me before slipping into the bathroom, the door shutting softly behind her.

Her teasing wink and the tantalizing promise of what might be to come sends a jolt of pure joy through me, and I chuckle. The sound echoes around the empty room, a testament to the happiness brewing within me.

Shaking my head with a grin, I climb out of bed and search for the vidtablet that Sage had thoughtfully dropped off for me. I couldn’t wait to share my good news. Rey was giving me a chance. We were giving us a chance. The thought of it fills me with a hope and anticipation that I’ve never felt before.

I find the vidtablet on a nearby table. Picking it up, I prepare to report to Svea and check the weather, my mind humming with thoughts of Rey, and the precious opportunity I have been granted.

CHAPTERSEVEN

REY

I stand before the mirror in the bathroom, scrutinizing my reflection. My hair is a tangled mess, and I can still smell the salty tang of the ocean on my skin. I can’t believe Zethe finds me attractive in this state. But then, he’s a creature of the sea. Maybe to him, the scent of saltwater is as appealing as a fine perfume.

There’s a pull toward him I can’t ignore. It’s sudden, but undeniable.

My heart flutters at the thought of his strong arms wrapped around me, of his tentacles caressing my skin, of his lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. The male saved my life. I owe him everything.

Brushing off the strange thoughts, I step into the luxury shower. The warm water relaxes me as I work the knots out of my hair and cleanse myself of the remnants of the sea.

---