Nerina lay breathlessly panting with a vixen's smile upon her heart-shaped mouth. He gathered her into the cradle of his arms and held her—a precious treasure from the sea. He had no idea what he was thinking taking her to his bed.
As her breathing slowed and her body calmed, she squirmed, snuggling within his embrace. He had many things to ask her, but the questions could wait until they rested. Besides, Daire needed time to absorb the magnitude of his coupling with a mermaid—had any man accomplished such a feat?
Within five minutes, his mermaid slept peacefully against him. Captured by the spell of her beauty and pleased by the hum of her breath, he too, fell asleep under the enchantment of a tranquil contentment.
When Daire woke, Nerina was gone.
He jumped out of the bed and dressed. Going up on deck, he looked at the shimmering moon's glow dancing on the night sea.
"Captain?” Niles came up behind him.
Daire put up a hand to stop him from questioning him about anything, and the man walked away.
As far out to sea as Daire gazed, he didn't spot a sign of Nerina. He put his hand on top of his head and ruffled his hair as if to stir his brain. Had he only dreamt of bedding a mermaid?
Chapter 4
Nerina's heart raced with alarm. She slid her foot over the threshold of the doorway into the great hall of the castle. She heard rumors that humans were hateful creatures, and yet, she believed Daire when he said they wouldn't eat her.
A man held the door and looked at her far too long, making her nervous. She didn't belong and she feared something alerted him to that fact.
Another footman came forward, bowed, and led her to an archway where enchanting music made her smile.
"Thy name?” he asked.
"Nerina."
He had an odd expression on his face as if he waited for her to say something else.
"Miss, I need thy full name, if ye please."
"I do not understand."
"Thy family name or the place ye come from."
"Oh, I come from the waters of the..."
"Presenting, Miss Nerina Waters,” he said, interrupting her.
A breath of relief expelled quietly from her lungs. Shuffling forward, not making eye contact with anyone, she smiled inwardly. She passed the entrance.
"Excuse me.” A woman touched her arm.
Nerina turned toward her. “Aye?"
"Ye have no escort."
She didn't understand. In her studies of human words, she didn't think she ever heard of the term ‘escort.'
"Dear.” The woman gripped her elbow. “Come with me. I have the perfect gentleman to protect ye."
"Protect me?” Nerina looked around. “Am I in danger here?” Maybe she trusted Daire's words too easily.
"A pretty young woman such as ye would be in danger any place. Men can be extremely overbearing. They will come at ye from all directions and ye must have someone to prevent them from bothering ye too much."
"Aye, I would appreciate thy help very much."
"I know just what to do."
"Who are ye?"
"I am so sorry, dear. I am Elizabeth Conners. Now come along."
Because Nerina liked the woman's smile, she went with her.
"Edward,” the woman called a man. “Edward, where is Daire?"
Nerina looked around the room. She came to the castle because she heard the men on the ship say Daire would be there for the party. She never expected someone would find him for her.
"He is about the place, I suppose."
"Find him. I have something he must do for me."
The man grinned and looked Nerina over.
"I do not think Daire will like ye meddling in his affairs of the heart."
"Oh, nonsense, Daire does not mind me pointing out suitable women."
Edward left them and only a minute passed before a gentleman walked up and bowed to them.
"Lady Conner, might I have an introduction to thy companion."
"Miss Nerina Waters, I present Roderick Conners, my son."
The man bowed and took her hand. “May I have this dance?"
Nerina gazed around at the people twirling about in the middle of the floor. “I do not know how,” she told him.
"It would be my honor to teach ye."
Nerina stared at the man, imagining herself fitting to the curve of his body such as the way she had fit to Daire. She shook her head to dislodge the idea. It gave the man the wrong impression and he gave her a bow and walked away.
"I did nay mean to be so abrupt with him.” Nerina looked apologetically at Elizabeth.
"Ye did well to send him away.” She pat Nerina's arm. “Besides, I have someone special in mind for ye to meet."
"Daire?"
"Aye, my dear. Daire is a bit bold, but he is gentle, and caring, and he will guard thy virtue. My son, Roderick, is afraid of his own shadow."
Nerina put two fingers to her lips when a laugh burbled out in a quick burst.
"I am sorry."
"No need, Nerina. ‘Tis quite funny the way we must hide our lustful nature from men, but we cannot go willy-nilly into frolicking with them on a moment's notice. How would we ever hope to obtain a husband if they believed we could be had for free?"
"Do we really need to pretend?” Nerina's curiosity heightened.
In the world beneath the sea, merfolk frolicked freely until they found the one that made them feel complete. She wondered about Daire and his thoughts on the matter of mating for life.
She'd never accept the desires he expressed and the lust they shared could be for one time only. If it were, she wouldn't have come searching for him with the idea of them being together forever.
Chapter 5
Daire stood with his feet slightly parted and hands clasped together behind his back. He looked around at the people filling the ballroom.
"The guests seem to be having a splendid time, would ye not say, son?” His father moved in alongside him.
"Everyone I see does have a smile on their face."
"Is there something wrong? Ye are usually dancing with some wee pretty thing who would marry ye in a minute if ye would but ask."
"I saw a mermaid today.” He ignored the marriage issue.
"Oh? Ye go out on the ship again looking to stop them from cutting the nets."
"Aye, and we caught a female, a beautiful creature.” He picked up a drink from a tray as a servant passed by him. “All the talk of merfolk and the trouble they are causing our shipping trade, I would have thought ye would have told me about the one ye caught."
"It was nothing."
"What did ye do with him?"
"I do not remember. Probably tossed him back, or maybe I gave him to Niles to dispose of in a humane way.” He looked over Daire's shoulder. “Look, thy mother is waving that handkerchief at us again. She sent me to fetch ye and now we have been found. Ye know she is bound and determined to find ye a suitable bride."
"I was not looking.
"Nevertheless, ye must make her happy by meeting all the eligible young ladies she takes an interest in. Besides, a man can never have too many beautiful women admiring him."
Daire followed his father through the sea of people. He saw no need to have anyone admire him. Nerina ruined him for anyone else.
"Daire, I would like ye to meet Miss Waters.” His mother turned the lady to face him.
The air in his lungs chilled. The emerald green of her eyes twinkled. His gaze dropped to her legs and all he saw was the shimmer of her silver gown. He realized quickly she would not have a tail while out of the water.
"Would ye care to dance?” He held a hand out.
Without hesitation, her cool fingers slipped into his palm. He pulled her hand to where his heart beat rapidly. With his other hand fitted to the small of her back, he drew her closer than proper.
"I do not know how to dance.” Her smile radiated like the scorching heat of the sun on a midsummer day.
"I do not care. It
is just an excuse for me to hold ye.” He waltzed her across the room and behind the heavy brocade draperies concealing a door.
"Where are we going?” She laughed as he swept her into a room void of people.
"To be alone.” He captured her mouth with his.
All the memories flooded his senses with the taste of her sea-salted breath. He held a hand on her hair and the one on her back he just moved with no aim in mind. Firmly determined in his possession of her, he kissed her hard until he released her lips and took a breath for himself.
"Ye left me.” The words rushed embarrassingly fast out of him.
Her fingers brushed cool and seductive along his jaw. “I did not leave ye, Daire.” Her lips touched his chin. “I am not used to staying out of the water for long periods of time. Unlike ye, I get sick."
"I had no idea.” He pecked kisses at her puckered lips.
"Come with me and let me show ye the wonders ye have forgotten."
"What have I forgotten?” Her skin, always moist, sweet, and salty, attracted him like a tonic.
"Who ye are.” She rubbed her cheek upon his. “It has been many years and I understand how ye have forgotten, but I can help ye."
Daire listened to the cadence in her voice as she spoke. It soothed the angst he felt when he didn't think he would ever see her again. Fitting his arm around her waist, he thought of all the ways he might try to keep her.
He walked with her, mesmerized by her fragrance like the sweet sea-scented air.
The perspiration of her heated pores left the silvery gown clinging to her as if it were only her skin. Her hips curved into a narrow waist. Capped by round, pearl-shaped nipples piercing the cloth, the snug bodice buoyed her breasts. Shadowed lower, slender legs moved.
Familiarity necessitated his closer inspection. Silvery moonbeam hair layered in cascading ripples down her back, over her shoulders, and swam in the sea of air.
She brushed a hand over his head, sifting her fingers through his hair, stroking all his desires with her innocent caress.
"I did not know the humans kidnapped ye until Selk told me. I talked to my father and he was right, ye were stolen when ye were just a wee merlad."
"What are ye talking about, Nerina?"
Her eyes warmed his soul every time he looked into the fiery depths. Her gaze had a lot to do with the attraction he had to her. The alluring desirability amazed him.
"I am here to take ye home."
She put her head against his chest and rubbed her cheek on his jacket. He stroked a hand over her hair, realizing it was the first time he touched it dry. Her velvet locks hung in waves to her waist.
"I am home.” He waved a hand around. “This is my home."
"Nay, Daire, ye belong in the sea."
Chapter 6
Nerina felt the heat of the day flush her cheeks. She had no other reason for her skin to warm other than the attraction of warmth emitting from Daire. She tried not to look at him. Except each time her gaze drifted to his mouth, she wanted to taste him. The door shut out the world of people and she looked up at him. His hand lifted to her face and she closed her eyes to the simple caress.
His dark eyes had the same magnetism as the moon had on the tides of the sea. She felt drawn to him.
Nerina grabbed the front of Daire's shirt. She liked the way he smelled of the sea. She smiled up at him finding the darkness to his eyes appealing. Her grip tightened on the shell someone carved into a Celtic knot. A strange euphoria washed over her at the same time Daire's arms surrounded her. Solid muscles locked her to him. The room swayed and she let go of the pendant to hold onto him.
"Daire, I need to go home.” Her knees weakened, her eyes grew heavy, and she put her head to his shoulder.
"Ye have only just arrived."
"Nay, I have been here for hours. I waited outside a long time observing the people entering the castle. I was afraid to come in right away, least someone suspect who—what I am."
Her knees shook and the weight of her body suddenly dropped. Daire's arms tightened and he scooped her up before she slipped to the floor.
"I must go home. Please, come with me.” She hugged him.
"I will take ye wherever ye need to go."
"Anywhere along the shore, so I can get in the water."
Through a door, across a courtyard, beyond the gates of the keep, Daire carried her. A majestic pride in the set of his jaw kept her silent. She didn't feel nearly as sick as she had the closer they got to the sea.
"Put me down,” she asked.
Gently, he lowered her legs. His arms remained a framework sheltering her against another collapse. But she pushed his hands away.
"If we walk down these steps, we can get to the beach.” He pointed to the way she had come up to the castle carrying with her a satchel with her dress. She had waited a long time for it to dry in the sun.
Nerina considered how the years had slipped by for Daire—the time he missed with the merfolk. She wanted him returned to his family and to the life he was meant for. Learning what she did about his pendant explained why he remained on dry land with humans. The spells of goddesses could be very powerful.
Nerina heard the wild waves crashing against the castle wall and she retrieved the sharpened shell she left on the ledge.
"I know this will be hard for ye to accept, but it is something I must do.” She reached up to his neck and grabbed the leather cord.
"What are ye doing?” He snatched her wrist when he saw the sea knife she gripped.
"Helping ye.” Swiftly, she cut through the cord, jerking the pendant free.
Then, running to the embrasure built of stone and mortar, she hoisted her gown up her legs and climbed on the wall
"Nerina, come down."
With determination set upon one goal, she looked over the side at the cove's deep waters colliding with unyielding stone?
"Nerina?"
"I must go. I will meet ye on the beach.” She glanced back one last time at Daire's confused expression and his approach. She ached to explain but knew she couldn't.
"No!” His voice came fast and ragged as she dove from the parapet.
Chapter 7
Daire stopped in disbelief as Nerina disappeared from the gap in the castle's wall. It wasn't a large opening, only a practical one for the kitchen staff to toss out scraps of food and other waste.
He ran to the breach and slipped in the spillage of garbage. The stench assailed his nostrils and overpowered the last lingering trace of Nerina's scent. He held tight to the jutting sharp stones on the wall and looked for her below. His heart sank with the knowledge no one could survive the plunge.
His hair whipped around his face, stinging his eyes as he scanned the ledges. Pushing aside the wet locks of black, he let his gaze go down the rock cropping to the foot of the basin. He had played there many years ago as a lad, but the tingle of his skin when he fell in the water had frightened him enough to never return.
The small inlet had a low hanging rock allowing small boats into the secluded pool. During high tide, the water gave a turbulent showing of frustration within the confines of the isolated entrapment.
His search locked onto Nerina's gown tumbling with waves against the rocks while the tide pulled it toward the sea. The splashing white froth echoed in his head.
"Nerina!” he shouted in quickening despair.
For all the strength of his nature, his legs felt weak and he wanted to let go of the wall, and follow her path. What stopped him from flinging himself over the edge of the parapet was her climb from the sea to a high perch of stone. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her nakedness. Pearlescent skin shimmered beneath her pale tresses hanging forward. She flung her head back and the long wet coil of hair swung over and draped her shoulders. The length left some floating on the water's surface.
Daire blinked.
His gaze shifted from the sight of her shapely breasts, to her fishtail, and back up to her face. She had the come hither s
tare that he felt entranced by before, and her departing words echoed in his thoughts, Meet me on the beach.
Daire hurried to the steps and trotted down the steep length of them. Following a path around the formation of rock, he rushed to the gap leading into the cove.
But the high tide sealed off the inlet and he couldn't get to Nerina.
"Daire!” With a melody that could make the winds of a storm listen, Nerina's enchanting voice sang his name.
His heart pounded.
"Nerina!"
Energy he couldn't control exploded in his mind. He didn't know how to get to her. The water lapping near his feet brought back the frightening tremors. And still, he undressed and waded into the furl of waves lapping the shore. In his head, he calculated the height of the opening, and the depth of the water. It couldn't be more than chest high.
Daire forged ahead, shivering when the cold spray bouncing off the rocks hit his hot skin.
His cock shrank back with the rest of his protesting flesh, but he kept walking. The water rose against his knees, his thighs, and his waist. When he thought he'd shake the skin loose from his bones, his warm body cooled, meeting the temperature of the water. His skin tingled, but it didn't scare him like it did when he was a lad.
"Nerina?” He ducked under the ledge of rock. “Nerina!"
The stone she had sat on was empty. Heat tightened in his chest and he moved against the force of the water rushing into the cove that almost dragged him away. The sea lapped his nipples and then near his chin. He gripped the rock tighter, except it didn't help to keep him from falling beneath the surface of saltwater.
He thought he'd panic. Not knowing how to swim made a man think about the dangers to his mortality. Seeing Nerina swimming toward him somehow took away his fear. She pressed her mouth to his and air bubbles tickled his nose. The rigid tip of her tongue opened his mouth and with the thrust of her lick, water entered. He didn't give up her kiss until they broke the surface of the water, together.
"Ye scared me.” He held her face. “Ye could have fallen on the rocks."
Celtic Love Knots Volume 6 Page 4