After a few seconds, his voice flows back over to us in a mumble. When he comes back, I try to get a look into the bowl he's carrying, but he tips it up just far enough that I can't. Then he straddles the seat next to me as he says, "Close your eyes, little siren, and trust me."
It's a tough choice to do as he says, especially after what just happened outside of the barrier. As he speaks, his voice drops into a deep hypnotic sound that floats across my skin and makes me want to crawl into his lap. What can I do other than what he says? My heart is screaming not to let my head decide.
Letting my eyelids drop, for a moment I could swear I see a thin sliver of a gold thread connecting the two of us. Something to think on and maybe ask them about. Too bad I'm cut off from being able to.
"Open your mouth," he purrs at my side.
Throwing all my faith into this one action, I almost flinch away when something cold hits my tongue. Human instincts scream ice cream, but it doesn't have the solid sweetness of the dessert. For a split second, it's bitter then gives way to an intoxicating taste that almost rivals kissing the man who feeds me.
A thumb skims across my bottom lip, begging for entrance, and I don't leave him waiting. The next bite is from Zephyr's fingers themselves. I let my tongue run over his skin as he places what feels like an almond on top of it. Not wanting to waste the moment, I seal my lips shut over his fingers almost a second too late. A low rumble from his chest is the only warning I get before his body scoots closer to mine on the seat, bringing a salty-sweet scent and warmth that makes me want to rub against him like a cat.
When I finally bite down into the crunchy nut thing in my mouth, I let out that groan that almost slipped earlier. It tastes just like Zephyr. Before I know what's happening, I'm standing to straddle the seat between his legs and lowering my face to claim his lips. The bowl clatters to the table right before his hands wrap around the back of my thighs to work their way up to my hips. He uses it to yank our bodies flush against each other. This time, I'm the one making the purring noise.
All of that tanned skin is warm underneath my fingertips as I run them across his bare shoulders and up into the sandy brown locks. Clenching fistfuls of it, I try to pull him even closer which still doesn't feel like it's close enough. He sucks my bottom lip through his teeth until it's borderline painful before licking it and giving it back. I bite his tongue in retaliation and he just chuckles, vibration rolling through those sculpted pecs and straight into my hardening nipples. If this place was so magical and in tune to what I really wanted, this sexy mer prince would have lost the last of his clothes forever ago, and we'd be upstairs alone somewhere.
It isn't until I absolutely need a good breath of air that I pull back slightly. I didn't realize how much I wasn't having to actually lean down, because even in our positions the top of his head comes above my chin. Damn near perfect angle to catch the molten gold swirling in the depths of his irises. I'm pretty sure they weren't doing that before.
As much as I hate to say it, I forgot the other two Zs were even still sitting here while being locked into Zephyr. My face flames, noticing the two of them from the corner of my eye watching the show. Shame has my gaze dropping to where our bodies are still connected.
He lifts my chin back up until we're staring at each other once more. "Don't do that, little siren. My brothers don't mind you kissing me. They're probably just jealous its not them in my seat."
My cheeks must be as cherry red as the little firebomb candies, and I can't seem to bring myself to look in Zanthus and Zale's direction.
The latter doesn't give me much of a choice as he says my name in that same tone Zephyr just used. "Things work different here, damselfish. Even before the wars when numbers were even with men and women, it came as no surprise to find multiple mer in one relationship. Back then it was more of convenience and what each could bring to their own school, or family as humans call it."
"How's ours any different? If I weren't the only woman here, you might each have your own," I tell them, pushing against Zephyr's chest. I shouldn't be trying to claim these mer princes as my own when they don't have any options to choose from. There's definitely much better out there than my eccentric self.
With his hands still at my hips, he refuses to let me budge an inch as Zanthus speaks, "There could be three times as many females here, and we'd still choose you, Eurybia. Nothing has ever called to me like you did on the back of that ship."
"Besides," Zales starts as I force my gaze back to him from Zanthus, "you've got something inside that calls to each of us."
He runs a palm across his chest, drawing my attention there and I instantly know what he's talking about. That golden string I'd glimpsed momentarily between Zephyr and myself.
"Do we all have the strings?" I ask absentmindedly flicking my eyes back down to see if it's visible again.
Zeph looks up in shock, and my head turns to the others. One of Zanthus' eyebrows is pulled up in surprise, and Zale's mouth hangs open.
"What? Is that not normal?" I ask worriedly.
"You saw a fate bond?" Zale replies, ignoring my question.
I shrug. "I don't know what that is."
After I explain what I saw between Zeph and me, Zale metaphorically rocks back on his heels as Zephyr locks his arms completely around my ass and presses his face into my belly.
Without thought, I push my fingers through the strands of sandy blonde hair on his crown.
"Is that the only one you've seen?" Zale questions quietly.
At my nod, Zanthus grunts and gets up from the table to storm out the door.
"What's his problem?" I ask defensively since I feel like that was my fault.
"He's just jealous," Zeph murmurs against my stomach, his warm breath breaching the microscopic holes and teasing my bare skin.
Zale rests his forearms on the table as he studies my face. "I was going to wait until we knew for sure, but I think you may be our mate."
I let my expression show the confusion resting inside of me right now.
"We're fated to be together," he tries again.
Zephyr's shoulder shakes slightly underneath my palms before he twists his head to face his brother without lifting it from my stomach. "Humans don't believe in stuff like that, brother."
Zale doesn't acknowledge his retort. He simply watches the gears move in my mind and lets me catch up on this new train of information.
It doesn't take me long before I'm asking, "That thread means Zeph is my mate?"
I can feel the mer's lips turn up at my use of the name his brothers use while Zale nods.
"If I'm not mistaken, you'll have at least two more of those to myself and Zanthus. It's possible they may not make themselves known until after we unlock your magic. And now Zanthus' fit makes sense.
"He's worried he won't have one, isn't he?" I murmur.
Zale nods, but I know deep down his brother is fretting for nothing. Even if they didn't feel the pull, I can. Magic or no. These three mer princes are mine. I'd been determined to help them lift this curse, but it felt nothing like breaking out of the barrier and popping back in. I think he's right about awakening my magic. Just the touch I've felt so far woke up whatever's inside of me. As angry as I was about the thought of them abandoning me, once everything came to light there's been a slight pressure from somewhere deep in my chest that's been reaching for them.
Locking Zephyr's cheeks between my palms, I press a soft, less demanding kiss against his lips before telling them, "I'll be back."
"Go careful with him, damselfish. Out of any of us, he thinks he deserves the least," Zale pleads.
I'm almost surprised I am able to pry Zephyr's arms away from my waist, though it was quite the battle. Our discussion and revelations seemed to set off a primal thing that had been lying underneath his skin this entire time. If it wasn't for a silent exchange between him and Zale, I can't be sure I would've made it out of the kitchen.
Treading lightly over the smooth floors, I
marvel at the sandy color as well as the texture. The material seems to be the same thing the dwellings outside the keep are made of as well as the dishes we were just eating off of. Everything here is alluring to the eye. I wonder if that's where the idea of sirens came from, or if they do actually exist. A good question to ask Zanthus...when I find him.
Might not have been a bad idea to ask his brothers where I'd have better luck finding him, but as soon as the thought crosses my mind, I realize I don't need to. Shifting my stride to ascend the stairs, I'm drawn back toward the very first place I woke up here. Bypassing the room I know from memory to belong to Zale, I make my way to the end of the hall. There's a door to the right and one to the left. Even if I didn't feel that strange tug in my chest as I walk past Zephyr's room, I'd know which one Zanthus is hiding in. I can feel him as though he's a missing extension from my body.
Since being here, none of them have shown me any kind of privacy, so I don't bother knocking before pushing the door wide. I'd prepared myself for the usual battle of wits with the brutish mer. What I'm not ready for is finding the giant, sexy prince sitting on the edge of his bed with his head down in defeat. His forearms are resting on the tops of his thighs, but I'm not planning on coming at him from that direction anyway.
Crawling on top of the ridiculously tall bed, I knee walk over to his hunched form. There looks to be so much tension in the muscle underneath all of that tanned skin I'm surprised it hasn't snapped yet. I let my hand brush a straight line down his spine, and I love seeing the chill bumps that break out across his back. I also love that they never wear shirts. It's so much easier access this way.
He still hasn't made any move to acknowledge me in his space, which is unacceptable. Leaning forward, I press my lips against his back and smile at the sound of his breath catching. Daring us both even further, I drag my tongue down the same path my fingers took.
Finally, he twists around to capture my shoulders, in one tugging turn bringing me to lie face up at his side.
"What are you doing, Rubi?" he asks.
I swear those are words, but they do not register. All I seem to be able to focus on is the blond curtain that falls around my body, tickling me.
Flicking a wrist between us, I capture one of the beaded locks as I ask, "Will you put some of these in mine?"
A softness lights his features as he stares down at me and says, "These specifically were earned for battle and glory."
"Oh," I say, trying not to let my disappointment show too much.
It has him breaking into a wide grin. With one arm beside me on the bed, and the other wrapped under my back he's got me trapped. No one will hear me complaining, though, because it flexes his upper arm in a way that makes me want to feel it beneath my lips.
Without breaking eye contact, I test it. As soon as I make contact, his eyes drop to where we're connected.
His nostrils flare before he quietly promises, "When the curse is broken and we take our kingdom back, I'll buy you the prettiest of stones to put in your hair."
My pleased smile as I lay back in his arm is all the encouragement he needs to close the distance and gently bring our mouths together. The only kisses I've ever gotten from him have been hard and demanding, so it comes as a fantastic surprise as he takes his time, dipping his tongue in slowly to caress mine.
The next to last thing I expect is how different he and Zephyr taste. Call me crazy, but I assumed that kissing them wouldn't be too far from the same. Boy am I wrong and deliciously so.
Salty margaritas, that inner voice sputters, and I can't say I disagree. One of my first margaritas had a thick rim of salt and was stronger normal. The damn thing put me on my ass by the time I reached the bottom. It's exactly what Zanthus tastes like, and if I'm not careful, I'll end up the same way too.
A slight rumble vibrates his chest as I skim my tongue across his bottom lip.
"Rubi," he sighs, the air shared between us. "If we don't stop now, I'm not sure I can control myself."
It pains my heart to know how long it's been for these beautiful males. Then there's a small gleeful feeling that tries to override that thought. With my emotions running high like they are, jealousy is sharp and I must say, I detest the idea of them with anyone else.
I let my hunger and excitement yank the corners of my lips up as I whisper, "And if I don't want to stop?"
That rumble turns into a pained groan as we get shifted until he's lying on top of me with forearms braced on either side, taking the brunt of his weight. I don't wait for permission before exploring the naked planes of stacked muscles all the way from his back and sides up to the top of his pecs. All the while, Zanthus continues to claim my mouth like a man possessed.
As he works his way down my jawline and into the crook of my neck, I arch my back, giving him better access. My fingers itch to sink into the blond tresses threatening to drive me crazy, but I resist, letting my hands fall to the bed at my hips.
"Please," he murmurs while his warm breath fans out at the top of my breasts now.
I'm almost out of my mind with need. A need for us to lose the rest of this barrier between us. A need for him to lock those pretty lips of his around my nipples. A need to feel him inside of me.
It still takes a moment for me to recall his plea, especially seeing as he's starting to test the strength of the fabric of my shirt.
"Please, what?" I ask on a breathless sigh.
"Don't stop touching me, love," he begs. A hungry expression crosses his face as he admits, "It's been so long."
Gods of the sea, how can I respond other than to oblige? A shudder wracks his body as I drag a fingertip up his back to rest the hand inside of his hair while the other keeps up its exploration. A few more minutes of him teasing around the top hem of my shirt leaves me wanting to take control. Pushing against his chest and waiting until he pulls back a few inches, I reach between us to yank the offensive material off, taking my bra with it.
A few days ago, I stood in front of this merman stark ass naked demanding my dress back, but he'd resisted looking at my body. That doesn't appear to be the case now as he drinks his fill. His pulse beats in his neck so fast it's a visible thing, and I can't stop myself from raising up to suck on the spot.
Surprising me, his body slumps against mine with a groan right before his hips drive forward. Apparently, I've hit a sweet spot. Something to keep in mind for later.
Wrapping my legs the rest of the way around his waist the next time those hips arch, the hardness still hidden beneath his pants rubs against the spot that just days ago I was using to get myself off. If I do say so myself, I've seriously upgraded. Now, all I've got to do is convince him to get rid of these stupid clothes.
Fortunately, that doesn't take any more persuasion. After covering each breast and showering the nipples with enough attention to have me gasping his name, that magical mouth of his works its way down to my belly button. Never has someone's face traveled that far down on my body and my first experience now yanks a giggle from my chest as the sensation also sparks tiny little butterflies beneath his lips.
His muffled chuckle blows hot air against my skin, making those small tickles jump straight to my core.
"Last chance, love. Tell me to stop," he pleads.
I gasp as his attention turns toward my hip. "Not if my life depended on it."
As if that's the cue he's been waiting for, the rest of our clothes are off in a flash. Not a literal flash, of course, because that would've been too cool. But, our pants fall in a stack to the floor.
Bracing myself with elbows on the bed, I don't hide my gaping at the glorious male on his knees between my own. His eyelids are shuttered, allowing me a moment to inspect every inch of that tanned, naked skin. Almost invisible white scars make a trail down his side, and I reach out to run my finger across one.
"What are these?" I ask, letting my fingers drift down the path to his hip.
He grunts softly, but his only reply is, "War is ugly."
&nbs
p; Wanting to see that smile wipe away the darkness trying to take over, I tell him, "Well, you're not ugly."
I'm rewarded with much more than I bargained for. His bark of laughter is a beautiful sound that echoes around the room, but it gets supremely outshined by his large cock, already rock hard, jumping at the movement. Temptation wraps me up in her arms and sweeps me away as I wrap my hand around him.
His sputter cough at my touch makes my grin even wider. My fingers don't wrap around the width, and the mere thought of it being inside of me sends another shot of heat to my core.
"Zanthus," I plead breathlessly.
Immediately, I'm empty-handed as his head drops between my legs. He tosses them quickly over his shoulder, spreading them further as he leans in to get his first taste.
Holy hot merman tongue.
My eyes roll back in my head and one hand sinks into his blond hair as my other keeps me propped up. It would be easy enough to lie back and enjoy the feel of him, but call me a little voyeuristic because I want to watch. I love the animalistic expression he wears as his tongue dips inside. The desire to ride his face hits me hard, but I'd rather be riding something else.
Giving a sharp tug on his hair, I'm able to direct his face up to mine. A hand wraps around the back of my neck, angling my mouth just enough for him to plunder straight inside. Between the taste of us both on him, it's enough to drive me wild. I don't give him a chance to overthink it before grabbing his cock and guiding it to my entrance.
I'm so far caught up in the moment that I don't think about how long it's been since I've been with a man. Nor do I take into consideration how overly large he is. We both realize this at the same time when he starts to push inside.
Words drop from his lips, but they're in a foreign language.
"Tell me if I hurt you, and well stop, love," he tells me as his forehead drops to my shoulder.
I growl like a fucking animal and arch my hips off the bed, forcing him a few more inches in. What sounds like swear words in that language are hot against my chest as he pushes the rest of the way into me. We're both breathing hard. He must be fighting tooth and nail to keep from taking me like a hundred-year abstinent man would be. Me? I just need him to start moving.
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