Citrine (Deliverance #3)

45. Eli

45

Eli

While he's gone, I return to the shore. Now that there's no threat to my life, I can safely gather the things I need to start a fire.

For now, I'll start a pit, then all I have to do is supply it with some sticks, and find out a way to start a spark.

I'm in the middle of setting up when Wroahk returns and slaps two fish by me before splashing back into the water. I don't say a word and go back to moving stones.

"Are you injured?" I ask him.

From what I can tell, the man can grow back parts of himself. I wonder if he passed on that little upgrade.

"Nothing much."

Of course. Of all the predators in this lake, he's the most dangerous one, well, minus whatever is in the deep.

I shudder, but push it out of my mind.

Then I realize I've completely forgotten about my eyes. "What do my eyes look like, Wroahk?"

"Like you stole them," he clicks back.

"From you?"

"Yes."

I expect some sort of pouting rant about how I'm taking parts of him, but instead, he just looks… pleased?

I can't say that dark, soulless shark eyes make me feel that way, but I've reached my limit on the angst.

They don't sting in the water and it's not like the yellow was better. I shrug, dip into the water to rehydrate, and then get back to work.

Once I'm done setting up the pit, I move back to the water. I can see him properly now and he's done as I asked. He doesn't reek of blood, and his teeth are free from gore.

"Thank you for saving my life… again."

"This time, it was intentional," he quips, eyeing me up and down like I am tastier than the meal he brought. "Where's my reward?"

I lean down to kiss him. I see something far off, like a spreading puddle of blood on the surface, but I decide not to focus on it, ignoring my tentacles trying to tell me about it.

We are safe and that is all that matters.

He stops kissing me, then pulls me under the water, moving lower. Once he starts kissing my thighs, I know I've got to slow down this train.

"I want a cooked meal for once."

He doesn't stop kissing me, moving closer to the juncture of my legs.

"I don't know what that is, but it can wait. I'll taste you now and then I'll devour you once we are done eating."

I shiver, deciding I like this plan.

"And then we are going back to find others?"

He doesn't answer, but he also doesn't say no, so I figure a bit more delay isn't going to make much difference. With a start, I realize that the raging lust I used to have each time I saw him is gone. It's more of a gentle thrumming now.

Tied to what we've done and who he is.

It didn't feel natural before, but this does, and not because I'm desperate for attention. I'm stronger than that.

I just… want him.

"Taste me, Wroahk."