Page 116 of Sea's Secret

“I do not trust myself, sometimes. I always make mistakes.”

“Everyone makes mistakes. You have made far less than I have.”

“Dominick,” I said, and he waited for a few minutes. We just looked at each other in silence, his hand making soothing movements on my skin. I wanted to tell him my feelings, but something held me back. Maybe he was right; we should speak after.

“You know, Meria, you say things, even when your voice is silent.”

“So do you,” I whispered back. He smiled and nodded, his head bending closer to me. I knew we had just kissed, but I wished again for those lips to press against mine.

“You want me to tell you something about how I feel?” he asked.

“Yes, I care for you, Dominick, so much. I want to know if you also care for me, too.”

“I do not think a pirate should feel the way that I feel about you. I want to travel these seas with you for the rest of my existence. I want to be the man to make you a mother because you bare my children. I want to raise those children beside you–have a dozen if you so wish it. I want to hold you in my arms every single night and wake up beside you. I want to kiss you on every single section of this ship. Does that make it clear?”

I could not believe what I was hearing. He wants all of that with me? Is it true? Is it possible? I was just waiting for the words to make it even clearer. Those three words.

“I–”

“Speak, Meria. I will always listen even if you need time to find the right words.”

“I am afraid. What you said was so wonderful, but–” I didn't finish my thought; I was too afraid.

“Meria–” he said, leaning down to kiss my cheek. “I have never desired anyone like I desire you. I have never kissed anyone else, never dreamed of a future like the one I dream about with you. What else can I say? Tell me how to make it more clear.” He seemed to be begging as he cupped my face between his strong hands.

“I am so sorry, Dominick,” I said, taking a step back. I needed to hear the three words Edmar had never said to me. Those three words I thought I felt for Edmar, but soon had realized it was ridiculous. Did Dominick love me? I was not sure I could believe it unless he said it, simply said it. Why was it so hard to tell him what I needed? I could have told him I loved him, first. I could have been vulnerable with Dominick; he had been with me.

He cursed and yanked on my shoulder, not roughly, but determined as he pressed my back against the wall. He took one hand and held my waist. With his other hand, he moved from my neck to my chin. I noticed, then, that he was gloveless. He had been taking his gloves off more and more, at least when he was with me.

“You are the only person I’ve ever caressed, and yet I am sure I would never desire to caress any other maiden in all the fathoms below or in the air above. Land or sea, it is only you.” He ran a hand down my braid. “I am obsessed with this hair of yours; it is wild and beautiful, and only I am able to tame it.”

He ran his hand over my waist and up my back, pulling me flush with him. His hand reached up to caress my mouth.

“Your beautiful mouth, Meria. I want you to say what is on your mind, always. Even if we argue, I want you to voice what you want, and I want to spend all of my time giving that to you. You sing no song to drag me into the fathoms below, and yet, I wish you would, because I would go wherever you go, even to the ends of Terra and back again, to even the deepest depths of the sea.”

“Truly?” I asked with a gasp.

“Yes–is that clear enough for you, Meria?”

“I think so, for the moment,” I stammered, his eyes pulling me forward.

“So, are you alright? You understand?” he asked, moving away from me, and I watched as he placed his gloves back on. “We have to go; I need you, Meria.”

He had spoken those words many times before, but the way he said it at that time didn't make me feel like he was saying it because he needed my mermaid abilities; he was saying it because he needed me.

“I am ready, but I do hope we can converse more, later.”

“Yes, then you can tell me exactly what it is you desire from me. Maybe when we return, you will say it,” he said with a wicked grin. “Because I know you are not telling me what you want. But I will wait till you do. I may be a pirate, but I can be a patient one.”

Chapter Forty-One

Meria

The island was dark as we rowed the small boat across the glassy sea and onto the shore. It was something else, possibly the clouds, causing the depth of darkness. It was only Dominick and me.

“Are you really ready?” he asked.

“Yes–I hope we find your sister.”