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Breathtaking

*Jalen*

I spotted Karln’s scowl as I twirled Ren to the beat. To my people, cutting in on a dance was an insult worthy of a duel. Yet that knowledge hadn’t been enough to still my feet after our eyes had met a few moments ago.

Until then, I’d been locked in a trance, watching her. Every roll of her hips. Each spin that sent her skirt inching higher up her lithe thighs. The light flush that spread across her chest I was desperate to trace with my tongue.

Then our gazes clashed. In that instant, my fingers burned from the pain of holding back. My lungs ached, needing to be close enough to breathe in her scent. And I’d had about all I could stand of the sight of my mate in another male’s arms. Luckily for me, Demi hadn’t put up a fight when I claimed her.

Neither had Ren. I’d half expected her to slap my hand away when I slipped my fingers into hers. Instead, they’d wrapped around mine like they were made to fit. She’d even admitted she was having fun—albeit grudgingly.

Tingles shot up my wrists as I pulled her into a spin. She followed my lead effortlessly, though her gaze constantly darted to the side, as if tracking the dancers around us. As the move ended, I tugged her closer than was decent.

I didn’t need to look up to know Karln was scowling again. I couldn’t help it. I was greedy for Ren’s attention. Now that I held her so close, I couldn’t contain the want burning within me. And if I couldn’t have her hands on me the way I craved, the least I would settle for was her eyes.

She complied, her gaze shooting to mine. “Are you sure these are the right moves?” she whispered hastily.

I fought the urge to drag her even closer. “I am. Why do you ask?”

She glanced around nervously. “Because everyone’s staring at us.” Her face paled, and my smile fell.

“Do you need a break?”

“Please,” she said gratefully.

I led her to the crowd’s edge, my stomach sinking. Great job, idiot. You’re supposed to be wooing her, not ruining her fun.

As we slipped past the last dancers, Ren stumbled. I grabbed her upper arms before she took a tumble. Her hands landed on my chest. I ignored the thrill of her warm touch and asked, “You all right?”

Gulping, she nodded. “I think so. Just… got a little dizzy.”

“Did you take your tablet already?”

She nodded again. “Before we left. Maybe I need a drink.”

It was a bad sign if the medicine was losing its effectiveness already. I snagged a couple cups of juice from a nearby stand. We drank in silence, and after a moment, a bit of color returned to her cheeks. “Feeling better?”

She tugged at the neck of her tunic. “Somewhat. Still kinda hot. Can we back away from the fire?”

That was the second time tonight she’d complained about the heat. I had a sinking feeling it wasn’t the bonfire causing it. My heart twinged. I had to tell her. But what about proving we fit together first? No way I’d done enough to show that yet.

A torch flared to light in my mind’s eye. “I can do better than that. Follow me.”

“Where are we going?” Ren lifted a brow as we wandered away from the village square. Cobblestone gave way to a dirt path heading to the town’s outskirts. Two partially full moons hung high in the sky, lighting the overgrown footpath.

“You’ll see.” I flashed a grin at her. “You’re not too hot walking?”

“I’m okay.”

“If you get dizzy again, I can carry you.”

She scoffed. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

Yes, please. Having her body pressed against mine sounded like bliss. “More like hate it. You’d poke me with your knobby Terran elbows.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You really want to complain about being poked? I bet my ass still has a bruise on it after that day on the rider.”

Laughter burst out of my chest. “I can check if you want to be certain.” My gaze slid to her skirt. In her Dionion garb, it would be a simple enough task to complete. One I would be thrilled to undertake.

“No thanks.” She tugged the hem lower.

“Offer stands, if you change your mind,” I said playfully, but Ren didn’t take the bait. If anything, the teasing suggestion made her more distant. Her pace slowed slightly, widening the gap between us.

Harlx’s bane. Why don’t you keep your dumb mouth shut for a change? Every time I thought I was getting her to loosen up, I couldn’t help ruining the progress a heartbeat later. I sighed, hoping my surprise would help.

After a short hike, I slowed to a halt.

Ren crossed her arms and frowned. “I don’t see anything.”

“That’s because we’re not there yet.” I bent, lifting several low-hanging branches to reveal a barely discernible path leading up a steep, densely forested hillside. “Come on. It’s this way.”

She cautiously stepped forward. “It’s dark in here.”

“Don’t worry.” I dug into a vest pocket and sparked my lighter. “Path opens up again just ahead.”

Ren grunted as she ascended, her breath labored. “How did you find this place? Looks like no one’s been here for ages.”

I kept a close watch of her movements, ready to catch her if she lost her balance. “I’ve always loved to explore, even when I was a puny tike. Found this trail when my hair barely swept my shoulders.”

“I can’t imagine you ever being puny .” She glanced back. “And you kept it a secret?”

I nodded. “Used it as my escape. This is where I came when I needed a moment alone. I’ve never showed it to anyone until now.”

Ren scrambled up the last rise. “Is that supposed to make me feel special?”

Shadows danced on her face as I caught up to her. I snapped the lighter closed, washing us in near darkness. “Special? Perhaps. Now you know where to find me if I run away.” I stepped into her personal space but held back from touching her. Still, it was close enough to greedily breathe in her scent.

She whispered, “What makes you think I’d come looking?”

Dipping my head by her ear, I said, “Because if you were the one missing, I would want to find you.”

Her breath hitched. I closed my eyes, sampling her sweetness in a deep, slow inhale.

Then I stepped back and lit the lighter again. “Sorry. This was getting hot. Had to let it cool off.”

Ren swallowed. “Sure… Hot. I get that.” She tilted her head. “Hey, is that water?”

I’d barely noticed with her occupying my thoughts. “Good ear. Come on.” I waved the lighter ahead. “We won’t need this much longer.”

The elevation leveled out, and soon the path opened, revealing a moonlit cliffside topped with a waterfall. I’d crossed more impressive falls in my travels, but this secluded spot brought back so many memories from my youth.

Ren strode to the edge, eyes wide. “Wow. It’s beautiful. I’m surprised you kept this place a secret.”

“I didn’t, exactly.” I stopped beside her and pointed to a larger, higher vantage point on the far side of the falls. “The falls aren’t a secret. Just the trail. No need to tromp through the woods when there’s an easier hike over there.”

“Hey! Why’d you take me the hard way?” She shoved my shoulder.

“I don’t mind putting in extra effort when the reward’s breathtaking.” I dropped my gaze to her mouth, certain she’d be worth every bit of my effort, too.

Ren licked her lips, and for a tense moment, I wondered if she might lean in and put me out of my misery. But then she shook her head, blinking rapidly. “Breathtaking? That little thing? Remind me to take you to Niagara Falls one day.”

“It’s a date.” I winked, enjoying how her cheeks reddened in the moonlight. “Only I wasn’t talking about the falls.” I stretched out a hand. “Ready to cool off?”

“Wait… You want to jump in?” She backed away, eyeing my hand like I might toss her over the edge. “No way.”

“I’ve done it a thousand times. Even when I was just a puny tike.” This was the reason I loved this spot so much. Yes, the higher vantage made for a better view. Perhaps we’d even visit there one day, have a picnic with the falls trickling in front of us. But my secret trail let out at the perfect spot for cliff diving.

“You swear it’s safe?” She inched forward again, peering over the edge cautiously.

“Promise.” I wiggled my fingers. “Come on. Or are you afraid your breath will be taken, and you’ll be forced to admit you were so very wrong?”

“You’re lucky I really want to swim, or I would’ve shoved you in for that remark.”

Her fingers slipped into mine, and I smiled.

“You ready?”

She nodded. I tugged her gently forward, and my pulse raced as she joined me at the edge.

This has to mean something, right? A few days ago, she would barely speak to me and backed away every time it looked like I might touch her. Here she was, holding my hand. Trusting me to lead her into the unknown. To keep her safe in an unfamiliar world. It might not be much, but to me, it meant everything.

“On the count of three, we jump.”

“Okay.” She sucked in a deep breath.

“One. Two. Three.”

We leaped in tandem. A startled yelp escaped her lips before the cool water enveloped us. We sank fast before lightly slapping the bottom. I pushed off, using the momentum to lift us to the water’s surface.

She emerged with a gasp. I laughed, flinging long blue strands out of my eyes. “That was fun, wasn’t it?”

“Sure.” Ren twisted in the water, facing me. “I’m still breathing just fine, though.” As the last word slipped off her tongue, her jaw dropped. Brilliant glowing specks in varied shades of pink, orange, and yellow floated around us, blooming from below and spreading out to coat the surface of the lake. “What is that?”

“Tiny creatures that live in the mud. When we kicked off the bottom, we disturbed them. Beautiful, aren’t they?”

She smiled as she treaded water, staring openly at the dancing lights. “They are.”

“Did I hear a snag in your throat?” I smirked.

“No.” Her lips pursed, and her gaze shot to mine. “I’m just not used to treading water like this.”

I swam closer. “Come here. I’ll tread for both of us.” No part of me expected her to take me up on the offer. But barely a moment passed before she glided closer, then wrapped her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.

“Is this okay?” she asked softly.

Is she kidding? We were alone, out in this breathtaking pool, flickering lights reflecting off her lovely face. “It’s perfect.” Well, it would’ve been better if we’d lost the clothes before jumping in. Still, feeling her curves pressed against me had me so hard I ached.

My arms and legs lazily flicked, keeping us afloat. Ren inched closer, bringing her face so close I could’ve leaned forward and captured her lips if I wanted to. And yes, I wanted to.

But something held me back. Perhaps it was the realization that—once again—she’d only felt comfortable enough getting close when my hands weren’t part of the equation. Or it could be I just wanted to know how far she would go without me spurring her on.

So, I bit my tongue and kept treading. One by one, the neon embers winked out around us. My body quivered, my gaze locked on her perfect lips as they drifted closer… and closer.

Yeeesss. Shivers rushed down my spine at the first tentative press of her lips against mine. I sighed, kissing her back softly.

That one perfect taste left me eager for so much more . I wanted to drag her to the bank, strip her naked, then lick, suck, and stroke every delectable inch. To spread her thighs and sink one cock after the other into her heat.

No. I shoved the lustful desires aside. This was enough—for now. I’d cherish every delicious scrap she fed me until she was ready to let me feast.

Ren’s mouth opened, and her tongue flicked out. The sensation was surprising—Dionion teeth were far sharper than Terrans, so we typically kissed closed-mouthed—but not unwelcome. She teased my lips with the wet point of her tongue, clearly wanting me to do the same.

I leaned my forehead against hers. “I don’t want to hurt you. My teeth—”

She tugged my neck, dragging my lips back down to hers. “You won’t hurt me.” Her mouth skimmed mine again. Then her tongue was back, flicking insistently.

I opened the tiniest fraction, groaning as she sucked my lower lip into her mouth. Tingles shot out, spreading through my chest and igniting a fire in my loins. Then her tongue slipped into my mouth, tangling with mine so exquisitely I nearly forgot to keep treading.

A deep moan vibrated my chest. I was on the verge of swimming us both to the edge and giving in to the need burning within me, when she suddenly slipped away. “What? Where—” I blinked, feeling like she’d fed me a dose of drosse along with her tongue.

“How’s that for breathtaking?” She grinned cheekily as she swam away.

I chuckled, catching up to her as she reached the shallows. “You win. I can admit when I’ve been bested.”

She wrapped her arms around her middle as she emerged from the water. “Glad to hear it.” The grin she flashed barely could be called a smile.

“Hey. What’s wrong?” My heart pounded as she whipped around, crossing her arms.

“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” I thought we were having a nice time. Especially after that kiss.

She stomped out of the shallows and plopped on a boulder by the lake’s edge. “I still barely know you, and you barely know me.” She unlaced her boot before upending it, dumping the water out. “This might come as a surprise, considering how… forward I’ve been on this trip, but I don’t usually go around kissing men I’ve just met.”

“I won’t lie. I’m happy to hear that.” I grinned as I sat beside her.

She shot me a glare before turning her attention to her other boot. “Well, I’m not happy.” My heart sank as the murky lake water splashed out of her boot onto the ground. “What aren’t you telling me, Jalen? I don’t want to go to sleep tonight feeling like I just made out with a stranger.”

Harlx’s bones. I’d been so hopeful that by bringing Ren here, she’d realize we were meant to be.

No. She wanted the truth… and it was beyond time I started opening up to her. Only how could I tell her we were fated now, when she was already on edge? Perhaps a different confession would appease her… I’d work my way up to the one that might send her running.

Then again… this one might be just as bad.

“I wasn’t in that cabin by choice.”

Ren shoved her boot back on. “Yeah, I figured. So why were you there?”

I bent over, unlacing my first boot. It’d be easier to admit to the humiliating past if I wasn’t watching her reaction. “On Dionus, when you have a personal conflict with someone, you can challenge them to a duel. If you lose, the winner selects your punishment.”

“Wait, seriously? That’s—”

“Barbaric?” I tugged off the boot with a shrug. “It may not be how the rest of the universe does it, but it’s always been our way.”

“So that’s why you didn’t want to tell me. You were embarrassed.” She nudged me with her shoulder. “You can relax. I don’t care if you lost some dumb fight, Jalen.”

My heart hammered painfully. Will she still feel the same when she learns the rest? I dumped out my other boot, buying myself some time.

“Don’t leave me hanging.” She stood, pinning me with a serious stare. “What was the duel about?”

After pulling the wet shoe back on, I busied myself with the laces and drew a steadying breath. “It’s—”

“Jalen. Ren. There you are!” My aunt’s voice rang out from the path connecting the lake to the village, and I’d never been so thrilled to be interrupted in my entire life. “I’ve been looking all over for you. It’s nearly full dark. You two need to get some rest if you’re still planning to head out at first light.”

I shot Ren an apologetic look. “Mind if I fill you in tomorrow?”

Her eyes narrowed. “You better.” Then she turned to Karln with a wave and a warm smile. “Sorry we ducked out on you. How was the rest of the party?”

As my aunt took over the conversation, I heaved out a sigh. I hadn’t earned much of a reprieve, but it was something.

Tomorrow, I’ll tell her everything… Now to spend the night worrying if that kiss would be our first—or our last.