“Mer…” Keld looked down. “It’s our bodies’ way of releasing strong emotions. Like how humans cry.”
“You’re crying?” Grayson ducked his head to find Keld’s eyes again. “Why are you crying?”
Keld shook his head. “It’s stupid. Just… No one’s ever said something like that to me. Or looked at me the way you just did.”
It was Grayson’s turn to feel like crying. He blinked the pricking tears away and reached up to hug Keld tight to his body. “I shouldn’t have been the first one, but I’m glad I could be.”
Another shudder ran through Keld as he pressed a kiss into Grayson’s neck.
Chapter 28
Grayson
Any remnant of sunlight was gone by the time they reached their destination. The tiny beach was tucked between sheer, obsidian cliff faces. Stairs had been roughly hewn into the rock face, leading down to the silvery sands.
“Wow.” Grayson leaned over the edge of the cliff. “I’m going to die.”
A sharp, amused breath left Keld’s lips. “No, you’re not.”
Grayson felt something strike his legs, knocking the ground out from under them. He yelped as he went crashing into Keld’s waiting arms. Keld hoisted him into the air and Grayson flung panicked arms around his neck.
“Don’t!” Grayson half-screeched. “You arenotcarrying me down those fuckin’ stairs.”
“I’m not?” Keld’s foot hit the first step.
“No!” Grayson tightened his stranglehold. “I’m too heavy, you’re going to lose your balance and then we’re both going to fall and die!”
Keld actually laughed, the sound echoing off the cliffs. “Heavy? You?”
“Okay, fine, but I’m still five foot nine! I’m not exactly small.” Grayson squeaked when Keld descended another step. “Seriously! I can walk!”
Keld clucked his tongue. “Hush. Your flailing is the only thing that’ll make me lose my balance. I’ve carried paperwork heavier than you.”
Grayson stilled and buried his face in Keld’s neck. If he just focused on the feeling of Keld’s powerful arms around him, and the way he made Grayson feel small…
No, that’s just making me horny.
Keld’s low voice interrtupted—but did not redirect—Grayson’s impure thoughts. “See? Perfectly safe.”
Grayson peeked out from his hiding place. Shallow waves lapped at the sand under Keld’s feet and the jet cliff face rose at his back. Keld placed him back on his feet, looking smug.
Grayson toed off his shoes and socks to feel the cool water washing over his skin.
“Is this the skinny dipping part of the itinerary?” he asked.
“Ideally, yes.” Keld waded into the sea until he was deep enough to fling himself backward with an almighty splash.
“Can I ride you like a dolphin?” Grayson shouted.
“Ride me? Yes. Like a dolphin? No.”
Grayson chuckled and stripped off his clothing. Goosebumps sprang up almost instantly, but if this was about to go the way he expected, he wouldn’t be cold for long. He splashed into the water, wincing when the droplets hit his back.
“It’s cold,” he complained.
Keld opened his arms. “Let’s see if you still think I’m too scaly to warm you up.”
Grayson waded deeper, until he was close enough to jump into the Alpha’s arms. In the air, his body still felt cool to the touch. But under the waist-deep water, Keld actually felt warm.
