Cassandra Pierce - Diamonds in the Sand [The Aquans 2] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Special Edition) (12 page)

She was pure body, pure passion. She was one with the sea. And with them.

Climax struck suddenly, tightening her flesh around Daq and Tagin at the same instant. Maura felt hot tremors rock every fiber of her being. Her inner muscles flexed, and her nerves sang with delight. Even her nipples seemed to turn inside out and back again as their rasping tongues pleasured them.

“Please stay with us,” Daq pleaded as she slumped down on his chest, feeling as though her body had exploded. She was ready to rebuild herself, though. “We need you. We love you.”

“I love you, too,” she whispered as she closed her eyes. “All of you. I won’t leave.”

Chapter 9

All eight of them gathered at the edge of the sea, the guys in their cutoffs and cargo shorts, Maura in one of the light one-piece sundresses she’d taken to wearing around the house. Septimus and Zaila were modestly wrapped in large beach towels they planned to shed as soon as they hit the waves. But first it was time for farewells.

“I’m glad you’ll be looking after the homestead, Maura,” Septimus said, reaching out to take her hand. “It’s not that I don’t trust the boys, but housekeeping’s never been their strong suit. They’re not good on the computer, either, and someone has to keep up with my e-mail.”

Maura returned his affectionate squeeze, but couldn’t stop the tears from springing into her eyes. “Please be careful, Septimus. I know this sounds like the journey of a lifetime, but it’s still risky.”

“Nonsense!” Septimus laughed. “I knew my way around the ocean floor long before I figured out that I belonged there. Not even getting blown off course stopped me last time. Besides, I’m going to have the best tour guide in all the seven seas.” Still holding Maura’s hand, he took Zaila’s as well. When she smiled up at him, and their gazes locked, Maura’s doubts concerning the wisdom of their plans faded.

“I’ll keep him out of trouble—and kelp forests as well,” Zaila said. “Go on with your lives here, and don’t worry about us. We want you to be as happy as we are.”

“We’re certainly going to try,” Daq said.

Finally, Septimus released Maura’s hand. She stepped back, averting her eyes as he and Zaila tossed their towels onto the sand. They waded into the water and soon disappeared from sight.

“Off to see the world together,” Janko said, shaking his head in wonder. “I have to hand it to Septimus—he knows how to plan a memorable date.”

“You’re not jealous, I hope,” Ivar said as all six of them turned and trudged up the beach toward the house.

“Yeah, we’ll be sticking close to the shore from now on,” Ejan pointed out. He took Maura’s hand and brought it to his lips. Maura wondered if Irissa would extend them yet another dinner invitation this week. She never seemed to tire of Maura’s company and loved to regale her with tales of Ejan’s remarkable childhood and the special talents and gifts he had carried with him to adulthood. “I, for one, am looking forward to that.”

“Not jealous in the least.” Janko grinned. “Helping Maura with her research suits me perfectly.”

Maura returned his smile. “I’m excited to have all of you help me.” It was going to be tricky to document her findings and possibly even write articles without giving away the existence of the Aquans. Still, Septimus had faith in her, and she was sure she’d manage somehow.

She looked around at the five of them walking with her, enjoying Ivar’s boyish laughter and Janko’s breezy attitude. Ejan and Tagin stayed close together, but she felt more than welcome as part of their relationship.

And then, of course, there was Daq. Even now, as they strolled along a few yards away from one another, she felt the warmth of his love and the power of his desire. The bond was so strong that they didn’t need to touch to feel it.

Soon, she would return to the States long enough to collect her possessions and arrange to join them here permanently. Aquan multiple marriage wasn’t technically legal in the human world, the guys had explained, but what mattered was the commitment between them. Maura was ready to make that commitment. She’d be away from them for a few days, and though the separation wasn’t something she was looking forward to, she knew it would make their reunion that much sweeter.

When she’d first arrived in Bequia, she’d had no idea who was picking her up or what kind of situation she’d been plunging into. The next time she stepped off that plane, she’d know exactly who—and what—to expect.

She couldn’t wait.

THE END

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