Page 71 of Claim Me

“He’s certainly obsessed with something all right,” Nox agrees. “Now, are you going to stand there all afternoon, or are you going to join me in the warm water?”

I eye the entry ramp, then walk over to set my towel on the counter in front of me before slipping the sandals off my feet.

It’s a little chilly in here, but not too cold. At least not compared to the outside. “The sun will be going down soon,” I note as I turn toward Nox. “Will there be lights in the water?”

He nods. “They’ll come on soon. It’s automated.”

My toes meet the edge of the water, sending a bubble of excitement up my limbs. “It’s really warm.”

“As it should be,” Nox murmurs. “The volcanic activity in Iceland is intense. Normally, I prefer the smaller thermal spas. But for your first outing, this one seemed more appropriate.”

“First outing?” I repeat as I continue down the ramp toward him.

“Mm-hmm,” he hums. “First of many, if I have my way.”

“You think Kaspian will allow this again?” I ask, hopeful.

“If you’re good, I imagine he’ll allow it all the time,” he replies, his blue eyes twinkling.

“Definegood.”

He reaches for me as I near him, his hand easily finding my lower back and propelling me into his hard, muscular form. My palms land on his sculpted chest, a soft puff of air escaping me in surprise.

“Not running away was a good start,” he murmurs. “Although, I did wonder a bit if I was going to have to chase you down. You were definitely hesitating in there.”

I lift an eyebrow. “Were you being a voyeur again?”

He smiles and starts walking me backward toward a pair of doors in the water. “I think it’s safe to assume going forward that I’m going to be a constant voyeur in your life, firefly.”

His hands spin me around to face the glass exit, his bare chest meeting my back.

“Push through to go outside,” he says against my ear, his proximity and touch making me shiver.

Nox has always been flirtatious, but he’s never been this bold with me before. I definitely don’t mind the change, even if it’s a spell that’s bound us together.

Although, he may mind when he finds out,I think, frowning.

But as long as I can break the spell, he’ll be free.

I’ll… just need to figure that out.

Details,I mutter to myself as I press on the glass.

Chilly air immediately kisses my skin, making me want to duck lower into the warm water. Nox shifts closer, his hot skin a welcome sensation against mine as we move through the glass barrier.

The setting sun casts a golden glitter across the sky-blue water, painting a breathtaking scene that I pause to admire.

Nox doesn’t push me forward, just keeps his hands on my hips as I take it all in.

I caught a glimpse of the view when we arrived, but being in the lagoon itself is a whole new experience. There are obsidian-colored rocks framing the exterior, making the water appear even more blue. It’s such a unique color, one that appears so much fresher than the dark colors I grew up around in New York City.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, sinking down a little more into the luscious warmth.

“Yes,” Nox agrees, his lips still near my ear.

We stay like that for a long moment, his patience a calming presence that has me leaning back against him in our comfortable silence.

“I’m surprised you’re not trying to make me talk,” I admit, more relaxed than I’ve felt in months. “Now would be a good time for the continued inquisition.”