In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens (best business books of all time txt) 📗

damp but not wet. Athlen’s hair was dry as well, fluffed into an untamed mess. He’d been back for a while. “I’m sorry.”

Athlen’s eyelashes fluttered as he peered intently at the place where Tal touched his arm. He gently laid his hand over Tal’s. The last time they were together like this, quiet in the cave, the tide receding, something thick and magical like a secret between them, Athlen had talked about losing his family. He didn’t say much, the wound still raw despite the years, but Tal wanted to know. He needed to know.

“Why are you afraid of being left behind?”

Athlen frowned. He turned Tal’s hand over in his own and drew lines down the length of Tal’s fingers. When he spoke after several minutes, his voice was low and shaky.

“I was away exploring despite my mother and father warning me not to wander too far. While I was out, the seafloor rumbled and I was caught in the sea wave. I was pulled leagues away. Once I was freed, I swam home as fast I could, thinking about how much trouble I was in, but…” Athlen’s brow furrowed. “My usual way home was blocked by rubble. The walls of the tunnel had caved in because of the quake. I went around to another passageway and…” Athlen swallowed. When he continued, his voice was thick with grief. “The seabed was cracked. Molten red bubbled up and scorched the water, boiled it into steam. I tried to find my family, but the closer I swam, the harder it became to breathe, and my scales burned.” Athlen rubbed a hand over his eyes. “There were bodies floating, merfolk who’d tried but didn’t escape in time. I didn’t see my parents or my sister, but…”

Tal gripped Athlen’s fingers. “I’m so sorry.”

Athlen’s eyes glittered with tears. He shook his head. “They may have been able to get away, and if they did, they may have thought I was one of the trapped, especially if they couldn’t find me. I’m certain they didn’t mean to leave me behind on purpose, but…”

“Athlen—”

“I looked for them for months, but I never found them.” Shrugging, Athlen studied their entwined hands. “I had to force myself to confront the fact that I might not see them again. I was lonely.”

Athlen paused. Tal tightened his grip.

“So you made a bargain?”

“Our people often talked of the sea witch as a legend. I was afraid and awed by the stories. Those who called her name and had a desire in their heart could barter with her. I was desperate, so I tried. She came to me and offered me the ability to walk among the humans so I wouldn’t be alone.”

Tal leaned closer. “What did you give her?”

Athlen didn’t respond right away, and the quiet stretched between them. Finally Athlen looked up, his mouth turned down; the expression he wore was something Tal could only classify as regret.

“Something I thought I would never find.” He reached out and touched Tal’s chin, the tips of his fingers cool and tentative, then he slid them along the line of Tal’s stubbled jaw and cupped his cheek. “I know you want to protect me, but I don’t need protecting. I’d rather be in danger with you than left behind.”

Tal rested his forehead against Athlen’s. His heart beat wildly. Magic and desire scorched through his veins, his body set aflame. “I won’t leave without you. I promise.”

“Thank you.”

Tal didn’t know what awaited them beyond this moment, but this was the chance he thought he’d missed. He wouldn’t miss it again.

Closing the scant distance between them, Tal tilted his head. His pulse thudded hard under his skin as he brushed his chapped lips over Athlen’s, trembling and unsure, terrified in equal parts that he might be pushed away or pulled closer. It was the briefest of kisses, and Athlen’s mouth was slippery and cool before Tal inched away, breaking the gentle suction. He shivered as Athlen cradled his face in his hands and drew him back to kiss again. Tal surged forward, bold and eager, hungry for every sensation, his fist clenched in the fabric of Athlen’s shirt. Athlen returned each fervent press with an intensity of his own, lips parted, mouth hot and willing, and as clumsy as Tal felt.

Athlen gasped, his breath a shock on Tal’s mouth, and they kissed desperate and wild until Tal pulled away, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Athlen’s hands slipped down to the sides of Tal’s neck, fingertips grazing the sensitive skin behind his ears. Tal stared intently at Athlen’s chin, embarrassed at his inexperience and enthusiasm, while his body burned and his breath punched out in stutters.

With wide eyes, his mouth open, lips wet from Tal’s kiss, Athlen ducked down to meet Tal’s eyes with a shy smile, his eyelashes fluttering. “We will find a horse and ride to your home. Together.”

Tal nodded. “Together.” Then he darted in and kissed Athlen again, his ferocity tempered. They kissed slow, dragging kisses that left Tal light-headed and raw lipped. Despite his wish to continue, Tal felt his eyelids droop, and Athlen laughed into his mouth.

“You are tired, my prince,” Athlen said, head tilted to the side, pensive and quiet. “Move over. I’ve not slept in a bed before.”

Tal blushed fiercely but smiled. He scooted toward the wall, leaving a wedge of space for Athlen to slide into. Their shoulders knocked, and the blankets barely fit over them both, and Tal smelled of fever sweat, but Athlen didn’t seem to mind. He squirmed along Tal’s side.

“I sleep in the water,” Athlen said, running his fingers over the blankets. “Because it’s safe and quiet there. But I’ve slept on the deck of the ship and on the shelf here when watching you.”

If possible, Tal’s face flushed hotter.

Athlen tucked his hands under his cheek. “But never in a bed.”

“Welcome.”

Athlen laughed. He poked Tal in the side. “To be honest, I don’t see the appeal.”

“This isn’t quite a bed. When