Nicholas stood still for a long moment. Long enough for me to cough politely and then step backwards, out of Julian’s arms. Julian, noticing my distraction, followed the length of my gaze to Nicholas. Julian stepped away from me and moved out to the center of the deck. Nicholas walked further away

Hopefully Lilliana and Olivia hadn’t caused too much trouble in our absence. Although, most likely, they were just bored without Nicholas there to try to pursue. They likely had been spending their time attempting to win over the King and Queen instead. They had to know that was a fruitless endeav

The waves were choppy today, making for an unpleasant boat ride. Even a boat as big as the yacht we were on was subject to many up and down jumps. My stomach was in knots. Though, admittedly, it probably would have been even without the constant ups and downs. I had a dire feeling being out on the

“I’m okay now, really.” The brothers thankfully began to realize that their presence was stressing me. “I’ll go see if I can find something you can take for seasickness,” Nicholas said. Julian, not to be outdone, said, “I’ll find you some water.” They both made certain I was fine once more.

At the last moment, I reached out and grabbed her wrist with my hand. She hadn’t been expecting it, so she was unprepared for the sudden weight. Holding tightly, I pulled her as I fell, so that we both toppled over the side of the boat and into the water. The ocean water was deep and cold. I hadn’

Nicholas, even with his eyes blazing with Alpha rage, had no other reaction while we remained in the water. He held onto me, kicking forward. I’m not sure how much help he was being with the strength of the merfolk tail driving most of our speed. But I imagined the exercise was still good for him.

Nicholas continued to hold me, even as the ship neared the dock of the familiar island. By this point, Julian had also joined us and was pacing back and forth in the small space in front of us. Veronica sat quietly nearby, observing all with watchful eyes. Jessica was still laying down, clutching he

Julian glanced back at me. I gave him the best calming look I could muster. He closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath in through the mouth, out through the nose. “You had better listen to her, Julian,” Bridget said. “Calm yourself and act like a gentleman to me for a change.” Julian’s calm fa

My breath caught. I braced myself. I didn’t know what would happen next. Nicholas had gone very still beside me. His arm around my waist tightened slightly. Then he removed it and stood. “Nicholas,” I said. He didn’t acknowledge me. He puffed out his chest and faced down his brother. He didn’t

He was demanding, his tongue insistent, his lips melding with mine. I clutched at his shoulders, holding on, as his hands traced long paths up and down the length of my back. When we broke for air, I sighed against him. He laughed lightly as he kissed along my cheek to my ear. “No more fears of