Page 92 of Visions of You

Jaron laughed and walked on. "Next I'll find something disgusting for you to taste."

"You'd have to eat it first," Keegan pointed out.

Jaron flashed his mate another grin. "That's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Keegan shook his head as if this was all very hard to deal with for him, but Jaron knew better. In truth, his vampire was more relaxed than Jaron had ever known him to be, his shoulders loose and his face free of the worry lines that usually creased his brow. It was a good look on him.

"What are you staring at?" Keegan asked, catching Jaron's gaze.

Jaron shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips. "Just admiring the view."

"Is that so?" Keegan pulled Jaron closer. "Maybe it's time we checked into our hotel."

"Wait," Jaron said. "I want to do one more thing." He pointed to a stall up ahead where an artist was painting pictures of people.

"You want a painting?"

"Well, we can't take a picture, can we?" Vampires didn't show up in photographs, after all.

Jaron led Keegan to the artist's stall. "Excuse me," he called out to the artist, a mermaid with shimmering green and blue scales. "We'd like a painting."

The mermaid smiled warmly. "Of course, please have a seat." She gestured to a pair of chairs set up in front of her easel.

Jaron and Keegan settled into the chairs, their hands still intertwined. The artist studied them for a moment, her eyes flicking between their faces. "Such an interesting couple," she mused as she began to mix her paints.

Jaron chuckled. "You have no idea."

As the artist painted, Jaron stole glances at Keegan. The vampire had to put some work into keeping his smile in place now, but he did it for the sake of their portrait.

Jaron squeezed his hand silently. Maybe he shouldn't have reminded him that this vacation would end eventually, but he did want this painting.

At least it didn't take the artist long to complete her work. She probably used some sort of magic to speed up the process. After only a few moments, she stepped back from her easel. "All done," she announced with a flourish.

Jaron and Keegan stood up and moved to see the painting. It was stunning—a perfect capture of them in vibrant colors, leaning toward each other.

"It's beautiful," Jaron said.

Keegan nodded in agreement, but he didn't say anything, almost as if he didn't have the words.

Jaron pulled out his credit card and went to pay the artist, but Keegan stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Let me cover this one."

Keegan paid before Jaron could protest that this had been his idea.

The mermaid thanked Keegan and handed him the painting carefully wrapped in protective paper. "Enjoy your stay in Aquavaris."

"We will," Jaron promised as they walked away from the stall. Whatever came next, he would always treasure this painting and the moment it had been created.

CHAPTER 22

Jaron and Keegan checked into their hotel, and Jaron led the way up to their room. With his dad's credit card, Jaron had booked them the most luxurious suite money could buy.

The room was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered an unparalleled view of the underwater cityscape. Every detail screamed opulence, from the marble floors to the chandeliers that glittered like captured starlight.

"Not bad," Keegan said.

Jaron grinned, pleased that his mate had kept his promise not to look ahead and spoil the surprise. "Only the best for us."

Keegan walked further into the room, his gaze catching on the bed. There, arranged on top of the sheets, were pieces of coral in the shape of a heart. Keegan picked one up and sniffed it. "Is this…candy?"