Zion chuckled as he nodded. “So, what do we do now?"
Tatyana took a step away and turned her back to him. She blew out a breath. “You will have to return to the sea."
"With you?"
She shook her head. “I can never go back."
"Then I stay."
"No, Zion.” She turned to face him. “It's not safe."
He continued to stare at her.
"I don't know what will happen with the people from the beach. But if it is pursued, you could be charged with murder. I can't allow that."
"But, if I leave, what will happen to you? You must come with me."
"I can't go back."
"What did you do that was so bad?"
"I told Neptune to kiss my scaly backside."
"Huh."
"You heard me. He was arranging my marriage, and I told him I would marry the merman of my choice, not his, not the elders, not the counsel. When he insisted, I told him where to go. I woke up the next day on the beach. Go figure."
"Then I stay."
"No. I will take you back. You must."
Zion stepped up to her, grabbed her around the arms, shook her hard and then brought her to his chest. “I will go to court, jail, whatever it takes, but I will not return to the sea without you. I love you, Tatyana."
Tatyana closed her eyes, moved her head slowly from right to left. She wrapped her arms around his body. Her heartbeat escalated and vibrated off the walls of her chest and every muscle in her body responded in kind. Electrical impulses skidded through her like nothing she'd ever experienced before. Her breath hitched when Zion's mouth slid across her neck, his tongue drawing circles at her pulse points. The humming from his throat ignited the flames that were already raging.
She cupped his face, turned it to her. “I don't want you to love me, Zion.” Tatyana grabbed him around the neck, brought his face down to her and captured his mouth.
"It's too late. I already do. You can't stop how we feel. Say it, Tatyana. Say it, and let me hear it from your heart."
"I won't.” Her dry voice sounded husky and strained.
"Yes, you will. Tell me what you've wanted to say from day one. Tell me."
She closed her eyes and sucked in a breath. Let it out. “I love you, Zion,” she whispered.
"Say it louder.” He kissed her again, this time trailing his lips across her face, her eyes, her mouth. “Make me believe it.” His hand cupped her breast and massaged it, drawing a soft moan from her throat.
"I love you, Zion!” It was loud and throaty, filled with lust.
"I know, now show me.” He drew her to him, pulling her shirt over her head with one swift movement as he lowered their bodies to the floor.
Zion flipped her so she sat on his hips. A lover's caress of his hands moved up and down her torso. He arched his back, captured a breast with one hand and brought it to his mouth.
His tongue drew circles around the hardened pearl until she shivered, and a moan escaped her throat. Her breath hitched when he took her breast in his mouth and feasted on the heat surging from her. Tatyana ground her pelvis into his groin and solid manhood and drew a moan from him so loud it shook the walls.
Zion grabbed Tatyana around the hips, pushed up from the floor and walked to the bedroom. He wanted her. He wanted her right then and there but not on the floor. He wanted to take her hard and fast, over and over, and the floor was not the place. He wanted her hot and sweaty, not banged up and bruised.
Zion laid her on the bed and positioned himself between her legs. Tatyana's pants had been removed without a care on the trek to the room. Zion stared down into her face, capturing her gaze and the sparkle in her eyes. Her heartbeat pulsed in her neck. The light from the window saturated her face and the need building inside her body. In a slow, tentative movement, Zion rubbed his shaft across her heat. Her body arched in response. He smiled. “I thought you would like that, but I think you'll like this better."
Zion slid his body down, trailing kisses along her curves. Her oxygen-starved respiration took on a ragged tone, panting and gasping as his mouth found and captured her mound. His tongue flicked across her nub and tore a scream from her throat.
"Ahhh! I can't stand it. Please, Zion, no more.” Her body bucked on the bed. Her hands tore at the covers, ripping them from the mattress.
Zion held her hips firm in his grasp and dipped his tongue into her core. He swirled it and probed it as deep as earthly possible while his fingers teased her hot, pleasingly wet clit. Her spasms erupted so wildly, the muscles in Zion's groin clenched. Tatyana's heartbeats pounded so loud they vibrated off Zion's ears and punched a hole into his soul. Never before had a woman, sea or otherwise, given him so much. He knew it would never happen again if it wasn't Tatyana. He wouldn't want it from anyone else. Her body bucked with the next onslaught of pleasure. His release was rising. Too fast. All control slid away. He withdrew his tongue and hand, drawing a whimper from her throat, and in one swift movement imbedded his manhood deep into her core, sheathing himself within her. The movement was so fast it ripped a moan from his throat when her body grabbed him, wrapped around him like a vice, accepted and welcomed him. She matched him stroke for stroke, pump for pump. The throbbing of her muscles against his heat sent a need through him he'd never felt before. He'd give up everything to have her forever—his life, this one and the next, if need be.
The sound of wet, naked skin slapping together permeated the room. The fire that had been smoldering ignited, and he imploded. Everything flooded back. Things he'd pushed aside, not wanting to remember. He was to go and find his love, his life ... and he did.
"Anything ... Ffa will give anything to have taafoowii.” Zion's words were almost foreign to her when he spoke in their native Merfolk language.
I will give anything to have you forever, too. She responded in kind with a siren love song. “Mersuronno. Fill my hhu-hng and soul. Only your truth will be my taafoowii.” My love.
Their bodies bucked, hands grabbed, and muscles spasmed when they came together. Moments passed before they flung their drenched bodies to the bed and lay quiet, their respiration and heartbeats the only sounds in the room.
After a heartbeat, Zion murmured, “I didn't think I would ever hear that again.” He breathed hotly against her skin.
"I didn't think I'd ever be able to speak our language again.” She buried her face into his shoulder and closed her eyes. “It's been so long."
"Never again, Tatyana.” He kissed her brow. “I'll not leave this land without—"
The banging on her front door interrupted his words. Tatyana moved to get up and Zion pulled her back to him. “Ignore it. Maybe it will go away.” His fingers caressed across her breast. Her nipple puckered immediately.
The banging grew louder.
"I don't think it's going away.” She pushed up, grabbed her robe and pulled it up her body. “Stay here."
Tatyana walked to the door, paused and looked back at the naked silhouette of Zion, smiling devilishly as she shook her head. Impossible situation.
She closed the bedroom door and walked toward the living room and the pounding on the door.
Chapter Six
Tatyana glanced down at her body, pulled the sash to the robe tighter around her waist, grabbed the knob and yanked the door open.
"What—” Her words stilled in her throat at the expression on Greg's face. She grabbed the collar of her robe and clenched it around her neck.
"Afternoon delight, Tat?"
"What do you want?” She glanced over her shoulder. “I'm off duty."
"I can see that. Have you lost your mind?” He flattened his palm on the door and pushed it open. “You, we, got a problem."
He stepped into her living room, paced a detailed line from the sofa to the hall and back again. He paused, glanced in the direction of the bedroom, shook his head and returned his gaze to Tatyana.
She propped her fisted hands on her hips. “What the hell is going on?” When he did
n't say anything she added, “What I do in my home, on my time, is my business.” She blew out a breath.
"Not anymore.” He walked over to the window, drew the curtain back and peeped through the blinds.
"What is going on?"
He continued to look out the window. “Your house pet may have a rap sheet."
"Bull.” Tatyana yelled at his back. “That's bullshit, and you know it."
"Doesn't matter what you or I know. Something fishy came back on his ... um ... prints. The DA ordered an APB on him. You got about...” He glanced down at his watch. “About ten minutes before the cruiser gets here to take him in for questioning, booking and arraignment."
"No,” Tatyana's voice squeaked. Almost a mere whisper. She reached out, grabbed Greg by the arm and swung him around. “No! I will not. This is a bunch of bull, you know it. They will kill him if they get their hands on him. No."
"Listen to yourself.” He pushed her back a foot. “Are you ready to go to jail with him?"
"No,” Zion protested as he rounded the corner from the bedroom. His voice was dry and harsh, interrupting her train of thought. “I will not let you ruin your life."
"Shut up, Zion.” She swung around, glared at him, then Greg.
Off in the distance, sirens could be heard wailing. Her body tensed for a split second. Her eyes darted from the front window to the back of the house.
"I've got to get you out of here."
"I'm not leaving."
Tatyana grabbed Zion's arm, pulling him to her. “You need to leave now. You don't understand what can happen to you."
"I understand everything.” Zion turned toward Greg. “I did it.” He paused, looked at Tatyana and shook his head. “I killed that woman."
"Shut up, Zion!"
Greg grabbed Zion by the arm and pushed him toward the sofa. “You better watch what you say. You might want to listen to Tat."
Zion shook his head. “I will not leave without her.” He stood and walked over to the door. Reaching for the handle, he stopped, turned and spoke to Tatyana in their native tongue. “To nulma em."
"I love you too.” Tears glistened in Tatyana's eyes.
Zion walked back to her, reached up and wiped the single tear that cascaded down her cheek. “Don't cry. I will be with you no matter what."
"Tatyana, I'm not going to cuff him. I don't think it's necessary. I can't promise how long I can stall before the DA gets there."
Tatyana nodded, turned and ran to the bedroom. The slamming of the front door echoed through the house, tearing a scream from her throat as she hurriedly pulled on her clothes.
* * * *
Zion sat in the rear of the car staring out the window. The silence was thick, almost unbearable. He glanced to the front of the car and captured Greg's gaze as he looked at him in the rearview mirror. The muscles in Zion's neck and shoulders tensed. He diverted his gaze to the side window, sucked in a deep breath and asked, “What happens now?"
"Depends."
Zion stared at him. Waiting.
"Depends on what the DA wants to do.” Greg shifted his gaze from the road to the rearview mirror.
"What's going to happen to Tatyana?” The need to see her roared through his body. Just the thought of her alone was like a knife in his gut, sharp and twisting, ripping him apart. “When can I see her?"
"Tatyana is the last thing you should be worrying about. In fact—” He cut his words off.
Anger bubbled in Zion's body. His heart pound in his chest with such force it took his breath. What if him turning himself in was a mistake? What if they took him far away? How would he survive if Tatyana weren't at his side, warming his cold body, boiling his blood? He glanced out the window, saw the station in front of them and closed his eyes, trying to remember his last minutes with Tatyana, her body warm and soft against his. Her breath hot against his skin as her heart beat in sync with his. The notion of her not being with him pummeled through him like a winter thunderstorm against the ocean. He shuddered, reached for the door and tried the knob. It didn't open.
"Don't even think about it,” Greg said as he pulled the car to the curb, shifted into park and took one last glance over his shoulder. “It's too late to think about running. You need to wait for Tat."
He stepped out of the car, walked around to the side of the car and pulled Zion from the car. His pace slow, unsure as they headed up the twelve steps to the entrance of the station house. Greg paused before he opened the door.
He turned slightly to face Zion. “No matter what, keep your mouth shut other than to say you want a lawyer."
"Huh."
"Shut up."
"Why are you helping me?"
"Toe heese-nah ren-dee. To hisna rendi."
Zion stumbled over his feet. Opened his mouth and closed it. He means no harm. He's a friend. Everything Tatyana said to him at the house collided in his memory. The storm. High tide. It was all making sense.
* * * *
Tatyana sped toward the beach, her gaze straight ahead. Her mind and heart raced against time. Thirty minutes passed before the coolness of the temperature rising from the ocean chilled her skin. The odd aroma of seaweed permeated the air and cut through the breeze swishing in the open windows. Off in the distance, the roar of the waves crashing against the rocks sent soothing caresses through her heart. A long time had passed since she'd paid attention to the ocean and its pull on her body. She'd thought those feelings were gone. She shuddered inwardly, remembering why she was there.
Her car screeched to a halt at the ocean's edge. A narrow sanded walkway was the only thing between her car and the raging water. Tatyana jumped from the car as soon as it came to a stop. She ran the short distance down the path to the beach and to the rocks jutting out into the ocean for half a mile.
Not thinking of her own safety, she ran with all her might, stumbling over loose rocks and falling to her knees. She pushed up, ignoring the gash in her shin, and ran some more. She tripped over slick seaweed, skidded across the rocks, paid no attention to the abrasions on her hands, got up and pushed herself to reach the end of the jetty.
Tatyana sucked in a large amount of air, held it and dove into the water. The sharpness of the temperature made her gasp, and she choked when the water filled her lungs. Dizziness swarmed around her. Crystal clear teal water enveloped her body. She'd forgotten the riptide, the danger of the undersea current. The drastic drop in body temperature, too. She didn't care. She'd do anything to save Zion. Whatever it took. She'd swim forever if that were what was needed to save the man who'd give up his life for her. Give up his freedom. How crazy could you be to do such a thing? Just give up everything. Zion did.
Tatyana sliced through the water, her mind summoning King Neptune. He'd have to grant her this wish. She'd do whatever he wanted. Marry whomever he desired for her. Just don't let them destroy Zion, take him away. Just don't.
The teal water became blue, blue-black and then black; ice cold engulfed her body and pushed the air out of her lungs. She thirsted to breathe yet was afraid to suck in the air needed. Tatyana's muscles spasmed against the weight of the water. Fatigue washed over her. A grave likeness of death enveloped her and pushed dread into her mind. She'd die tonight if that were what it all meant. Let go of her past life forever. How could she have forgotten? How could she save her love when her life was passing in front of her eyes? She shook her head rapidly to clear her mind. Tatyana slowed her swim, actually paused in the water and studied her surroundings.
The blackness gave way to crystal green waters. Lights flickered in the distance, certainly the light reflecting from the surface. Familiar indeed. Tatyana closed her eyes, waited a beat and sucked in a slow breath. Water filled her lungs. No coughing. No choking. She took another breath. Her leg muscles spasmed. Her arms twisted. A pain shot through her stomach, making her clench her eyes shut to fight the dizziness swarming around her head. Blackness crept up her body. She shook her head and tried to stave off the feelings of passing out. Now
was not the time.
She closed her eyes for a brief second, opened them and stared at her hands, arms and body. Her skin took on a bluish hue with copper undertones, a kaleidoscope of colors. Familiar scales coated her body. Her legs wove together. The shock of how beautiful she looked stilled her for a brief second before she pushed forward. The ocean began to pull her, lull her to depths no man had ever seen. Teal turned to blue, black and back to teal again. Bright colors swirled around her head, awakening her senses. Off in the distance, the sounds were almost deafening to her naked ears, sounds forgotten over the years. The call of her people. Merfolk.
Tatyana slowed her body, got her bearings and called out. Sweet, sweet music to her ears when the reply came forth. She was home. But would she be welcomed? Neptune had exiled her. Had the Merfolk forgotten her? Surely King Neptune hadn't. He never forgot anything or anyone. Would he forgive her? Grant her this one thing? He had to.
* * * *
Tatyana bowed her head when the elders approached her, not sure what to expect.
"Raise your head, child. We do not require such honor."
"I wish to speak with King Neptune."
"He's awaited your arrival for five years,” the mermaid they called Tempest declared.
Tatyana swam past her and headed in the direction of the alcove to Neptune's haven. He sat upon his throne with his trident propped at his side. He glanced up, his tail waved, and the sea parted for her. She crept forward, afraid to speak until spoken to. He didn't say anything. A snide ‘I told you so’ smile curved his lips. He looked past her and with a flick of his hand dismissed the Merfolk who had come to see the long exiled Tatyana.
"Please, Uncle—"
Neptune looked down at Tatyana, stilled her words in her throat.
"Why are you here?” His voice rumbled across the water, vibrated against her body and made her shudder, made her bow.
"Please, King Neptune.” Tatyana lowered her head and kneeled. “Please don't let them have him."
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