Page 87 of Into The Light

“Snorkeling?” I quirked a brow.

“Yep. I chartered a boat and you and I are going swimming out in the sea.”

“Does that mean we have to leave our bungalow?” I frowned.

With an eyeroll, she snuggled in closer. “We have to leave eventually.”

“And see other people?”

“Yes, Aiden. We’re going to interact with other humans.”

My frown deepened. “I’m not ready to share you, yet. Besides, we have the sea right here.”

“Aiden,” she soothed. “We are going to leave this bungalow for few hours. It will be worth it. Trust me. I’ve never been snorkeling either so it will be a new experience for both of us.”

“Fine.” I sighed, but I knew she could detect the jest in my voice.

We climbed out of bed and she went to the door to retrieve the fresh fruit and juices that the staff left for us every morning. I pulled on the pair of black trunks Mark had gotten for me and felt a pang of sadness that he wouldn’t be waiting at the house when we returned. He was likely getting turned in the next few days if it hadn’t happened already. I had wanted to be there for him when it happened, but he had insisted he was fine and demanded we let him do this alone. The transition was brutal, and I hoped that he would get through it quickly and with ease. My good friend Thorne would be there, and I knew my brother and sister would look out for him. Still, I worried about my friend.

“The boat will be here in a few minutes.” Emilia stepped into the room while she took a bite of the fresh starfruit plucked from the nearby trees this morning.

“What should I wear?” I asked, flipping through the folded t-shirts.

“You’re in it,” she said, looking at my shorts before quirking an eyebrow and letting her eyes move to my exposed chest.

“Just shorts?”

“Yep. We’re going swimming, baby. That’s all you need. And I don’t want all of that covered up any more than it needs to be.” She wiggled a finger at my abs.

“As always, your wish is my command.” I laughed as I stepped away from the shirts.

A sheer white fabric covered her suit and left little to the imagination, yet it begged me to tear it off her body. Before I could make good on my idea, I heard the boat putter up to the dock outside.

“They’re here!” she squealed and grabbed my hand, pulling me out into the bright sunshine. Two men waved us over, and we made our way to the small fishing boat. I held her hand while she stepped over the side before hopping in to join her.

“Good morning!” the Captain said in his cheery Tahitian accent.

“Good morning!” Emilia chimed back, and I gave him a smile and a nod.

“We have a wonderful coral reef for you two to explore today. It’s pristine... the best in the world!”

“We’re looking forward to it,” I said and followed his first mate to the back of the boat where a bench seat waited for us.

He waved his hand over it. “Have a seat. Enjoy the ride and we’ll be there soon.”

Emilia took my hand and pulled me down beside her. Her face lit up with anticipation, her smile contagious and coaxing me to join in on the excitement. The boat puttered away from the dock before the captain pushed forward on the lever and sent us surging forward. The salty ocean water sprayed up around us and droplets splattered across my face.

At first, they startled me, and I cringed, closing my eyes against their assault. But then I heard Emilia giggle, and I peeked open an eye to look at her. The sight of her relishing the experience encouraged me to do the same. Tipping my head back, I closed my eyes and let the sun beat down on me. The wind and the water whipped across my face and I delighted in the sensations the warmth and the wind brought. A smile pulled my face up and soon I laughed with her, sucking every last drop of joy from this human moment at her side.

The boat slowed down a few miles away, and I scowled when the ride ended. I was half-tempted to offer him another hundred to take us around again.

“We’re here!” he said as they dropped anchor.

Emilia hopped up and her excitement to jump in stayed my hand and reminded me what we came here to experience. This would be my first time snorkeling, so I listened closely while they explained how to put on the flippers and how to relax and breathe through the funny little tube. She slid on her fins and then pulled the blue and white mask on over her head. When she looked at me, the sight of her in the goofy getup sent a roll of laughter shaking through my body.

“Not sexy?” she asked, her voice nasally from the contraption.

“You’re always sexy,” I answered and pulled on my own fins before securing my matching mask.