Merlicious 1 Read online

  "A swim? I could use one."

  "Great, just let me change."

  He went into his room and pulled on fresh shorts, then waited for her in the living room. When Karla walked out in her suit, if you could call it that, he was sure it was meant to entice, a black number that covered little. It did nothing for him, and, in fact, he thought it made her look like a corpse. Karla wasn't meant for him. She never would be.

  "Ready?"

  "Don't you like my suit?"

  "As far as suits go, it's nice."

  She glared at him as she brushed by. He wouldn't give her any reason to think he wanted any more from her than what they already had.

  At the water's edge, Chris made a run for it. It felt refreshing and cool, just what he needed. He looked back to see Karla, one foot in the water and a frown on her face.

  "What's wrong?” He stood waist deep.

  "Will salt water dry out my skin? What about my hair?” She looked around the calm waters, chewing her lip. “What about sharks?"

  "Karla, you are safe from sharks. That I can promise. As for your hair and skin, well, it never hurt mine before.” He sighed to himself. “Are you coming or not?"

  "It's a little cold.” She slowly walked in until she was toe to toe with him. “Have any idea how to warm a gal up?"

  "Karla, you know how I feel about this. Why do you insist on pursuing it?"

  "You had no problem with me a few months back."

  "I don't even remember it, Karla.” His voice hardened. “I hate to admit that, but I just don't."

  "Let's just swim a little while. Maybe we can talk about it more after."

  Not wanting to argue, he swam out, Karla beside him. Only today, he found no comfort. As he floated on his back, he felt a slight movement beneath him, a touch of a hand on his back. He turned his head, but Karla was floating herself.

  "Trinity,” he whispered with a smile.

  "Did you say something?” Karla called out.

  "No, just relaxing,"

  His eyes widened as hands circled his middle. He took a deep breath before he was pulled beneath the surface. Through the water, he could see her smiling eyes, but only for brief moments. Her eyes could take the salt water; his could only take so much. She pointed to the area of rocks that could shield them and he nodded, following her until they surfaced.

  "Did I scare you?” She whispered, a wicked smile on her lips.

  "Not even a little."

  "Who is your friend? I don't want to intrude."

  "Karla is someone who works with me.” He returned a wicked grin. “But she does want my body."

  He pulled her close, kissing her lightly. It felt good to have her near. It felt right.

  "Well, I don't like that at all.” She pouted. “You should be mine for the next few days."

  "I want to be yours forever."

  Where had that come from? It was out before he even knew he was thinking it, and he didn't want to take it back. He wanted her, in his life, from now until the end of their days.

  "What?"

  Before he could answer, he heard Karla calling for him. Damn! He didn't want to leave it like this.

  "Meet me here tonight, Trinity. Another hour or two. Let me send her on her way."

  "Sure."

  He kissed her quick and ducked below the surface. When he popped up in waist deep water, he wasn't expecting Karla to make her move, but she did.

  Chris stood stunned as she launched herself into his arms and planted a kiss on his lips. In his surprise, he didn't move for long moments. When he did, he pulled her away and glared down at her.

  "What in the hell was that?"

  "Chris, I can't help it. You know how I feel about you."

  "Karla, we have been over this a hundred times.” He placed his hands on his hips. “You know how I—,"

  A half scream erupted from the woman as her hands flew about wildly. She jumped from side to side.

  "There's something in the water!"

  "Karla."

  "Something just grabbed me, Chris!"

  "If this is an attempt at getting me to play hero, it won't work."

  "I mean it.” Her eyes looked about wildly. “Oh, god, there it is again!"

  Before he could say another word, a shriek filled the air just before she went under. For a few moments, he waited, wondering how far she would take the game, but worry set in when a minute went by.

  "Karla?"

  She popped up about twenty feet out. Seaweed matted her hair, and she swam faster than he thought possible. When she gained her feet, she rushed from the water and turned, glaring at him from the shore.

  "Thanks a lot!"

  "What?"

  "Something was pulling me out to sea! I nearly drown and you just stand there."

  "I didn't realize,"

  "I am taking a shower, here, and I will be having a stiff drink, here, and I plan on passing out here too.” She stomped up the beach. “I will leave in the morning!"

  Damn, what a mess. He guessed he had about an hour before he would meet Trinity. He would have to be careful.

  It hit him then, just what had really happened.

  "Trinity, you little minx."

  * * * *

  Trinity sat in the rocky enclosure, still chuckling to herself. She'd no idea what had come over her, but the sight of that woman with her lips on Chris set her teeth on edge. She'd acted before thinking, not hurting her any, but giving her one hell of a scare.

  "Are you pleased with yourself?"

  She turned an innocent look up at Chris, who stood smiling down at her. She tried to avoid looking at his naked body, but it was impossible.

  "It would be a lie if I said no."

  "Did you really need to scare her like that?"

  "I was under the impression you didn't want her attention. Was I wrong?"

  "Of course not,” He sat beside her. “You're still in mermaid form."

  "Yes, I thought I would take you to a special place before I changed."

  "Where?"

  "Just around the bend there are several rocky cliffs. I have found an amazing cavern built into the wall.” Her eyes were excited. “It's a swim to get to, but I can get you inside quickly."

  "It's dry?"

  "Yes,"

  "Let's do it."

  Once they were in the open water, it took all of five minutes to reach the rock wall she had mentioned. She took his hand, and he took a breath. He relaxed his body, only using his feet as she pulled him swiftly through the water. He felt the burn in his lungs, but didn't panic. He trusted her to get him to the surface in time. He felt it when she shifted, and then he was being pulled up. His head broke the surface, and as he breathed in the needed air, his eyes took in the cavern.

  As if crystals were built into the walls, they glittered all around him. He couldn't see how light could get inside, but it didn't matter. It was beautiful to look at. Trinity had pulled herself up on a ledge, and he made his way over to where she sat, her legs where her fin had been before. He was amazed at just how large the area was. He could easily stand and walk all around the pool.

  "Amazing, isn't it?"

  "Yes.” He lifted up beside her. “But then again, I find you amazing as well."

  "It's just the thought of what I am."

  "No.” He turned her face to his. “Do you know, I didn't even think to separate the mermaid from the woman?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "That to me you are just Trinity. I accept the fact that you are two halves, but to me you are just you."

  "Really?"

  "Really.” He smiled and kissed her gently. “I don't know if what I feel is love. I have never been in love before. But I know it is something I don't want to give up."

  Her hand cupped his cheek and she kissed him this time. His hands pulled her with him as he lay on the dirt floor beneath them. Chris pulled her above him.

  "You make love to me, Trinity."

  For long moments they kissed, his h
ands touching her in all the places they could reach. When she nipped his ear, he thrust his hips into her, silently asking for more. She slowly rose above him and he lifted his head enough to pull a nipple into his mouth. He rolled it against his tongue, and he could feel her moisture on his lower belly.

  "Take me into your body.” His hands on her hips. “You have the control."

  Trinity slowly lowered herself until he was just at her entrance. As if they had all the time in the world, she eased herself down, pausing for a moment to adjust, then lower still. When he was seated inside her, she tested her abilities, rocking her hips, finding the one perfect rhythm.

  "I don't know how long I can hold out, sweetheart."

  "It feels so wonderful, Chris."

  "How about this?” He placed his thumb on her swollen bud. “How does that feel?"

  She cried out and her hips slammed against him. Chris gasped and pulled her down to him for a deep kiss, then rolled them. He had to take control before he lost control. Gently, he pulled from her body.

  "Roll over, Trinity."

  "What?"

  "On your hands and knees."

  She complied, looking dazed and confused. Then she was panting as he entered her from behind. He moved slowly at first, letting her adjust to his depth in this position. But then she was pushing herself onto him, and he was helpless against it. He gripped her hips and let himself go.

  Chris knew in that moment that he had been waiting for her his whole life. It was why he felt so close to the sea, why he felt so at ease at the beach house.

  She arched, and he felt her release wash over him. His shout echoed off the cavern walls and, once again, he saw stars.

  She lay panting as he pulled from her and lowered himself beside her. He would never be able to walk away. The question was more if she would be happy in his world.

  "Trinity?"

  "Hmm?"

  "Are you happy in the sea? Do you think you could be happy out of it?"

  "What?"

  "I know it seems sudden, and a little scary, but I want you with me. Not just a few hours, a night, but in my home, in all my days and my nights."

  "That is a big decision, Chris. I know I could be happy, but what about you?” She sighed when he just looked at her. “Maybe it is something you should really think about."

  They made the swim back to the rocky cove on his private beach. As they surfaced, Chris pulled her to him, not caring she was now in mermaid form, and kissed her with all he felt inside him. Lust, confusion, desperation, and even love.

  "I don't need to think about it, Trinity. I want you with me. Now, tonight."

  "It makes me so happy you feel the same, Chris. I have wanted this, and now it all seems so unreal.” She laid her head on his chest. “But you must be sure, because I can never return."

  "I can't think of anything I want more."

  "But tonight will not work."

  "Why?"

  "You have a house guest."

  Damn, he had forgotten about Karla.

  "She will be gone in the morning. Then you are coming with me."

  Trinity smiled and returned his kiss. What she had always wanted was right within her grasp. Tomorrow morning she could reach out and take it. Could it get any better? She would live her life as a human woman and bear children, Chris's children.

  "So, this is what's been keeping you away all night.” Karla's voice was slurred, hard and angry. “Out here playing with the local trash."

  He felt Trinity stiffen against him, and he moved to hide her bottom half.

  "What are you doing out here, Karla? Are you drunk?” He wasn't sure.

  "I am perfectly fine, thank you very much.” She eyed Trinity. “He's good, isn't he? Knows just how to play a woman's body."

  "That's enough, Karla. Go inside."

  "Why? I just got here. Introduce me to your new friend."

  Trinity was trying to pull away, but he wouldn't let her go. No way would he let her go thinking he had something with this woman. He didn't expect what happened next.

  Karla eased herself into the water and stood at his front. “No, tell me lover, how you don't remember our night together.” Her hand reached up and touched his chest. “Tell me you don't remember chanting my name."

  "Stop it, Karla.” Her hand was moving lower. “You just blew what chance you had as my firm partner."

  Still her hand moved lower, and he let go of Trinity to push her away. But he didn't need to. Trinity wrapped her arms around him and took hold of Karla's hands. Her grip must have been tight, because Karla's eyes went wide for a moment.

  "Chris, I am starting to think I should have just drowned her earlier.” She let go suddenly and Karla stood back. Trinity moved to Chris's side. “It isn't too late."

  "What in the hell are you?” Karla panted, her eyes taking in the lower half of Trinity. “You turned me away for a fish!"

  "I am not a fish, you half-whit.” Trinity tossed her hair over her shoulder. “I am a mermaid. There is a difference, you know."

  Karla looked suddenly sober. Chris had suspected that she might have been faking it. He suspected she had faked many things.

  "Oh, you just wait till I get back to the city. I will be a rich woman. I will be back, you can bet your practice on it."

  "Karla..."

  Trinity put her hand on Chris's arm, stopping him as the other woman hurried from the alcove and ran up the beach. It wasn't long and the sound of her car engine could be heard as she sped back toward town.

  "I have to stop her?"

  "Why?"

  "She will tell the world of you, and we will never have a moment's peace."

  "Chris, think about it.” She smiled. “Did you truly mean you wanted me?"

  "Yes, of course."

  "So take my hand, carry me inside, and make love to me."

  "But your time for tonight is up."

  "Not if you accept me."

  "She will be back."

  "Then let her find us together.” Trinity reached below the water and stroked him. “A man and a woman. None will believe her."

  He took her hand, and as he slowly pulled her from the water her legs replaced her tail and fin. He lifted her and made his way up the beach to the house and his bed.

  * * * *

  Trinity stretched, feeling tired, a little sore, and a lot in love. Chris had been amazing last night—and this morning. The things he did to her had seemed wicked at the time, but anything that felt that good couldn't possibly be wicked in a bad way.

  Trying not to wake him, she eased from his bed and pulled one of his shirts over her head. It hung well past her knees and it took her a moment to locate her hands. Trinity stepped out onto the deck and gazed out at the water that had been her home for so long. It seemed odd now, looking at it through new eyes. But still, it was a beautiful sight. Something in the water caught her gaze and she smiled, rushing to the water's edge.

  "Halo, it is good to see you."

  "I see you got your greatest desire.” He moved into the shallows. “Was it the legs you were after, or the man?"

  "Honestly, I would have to say the man.” She grinned. “But the legs are nothing to pout about."

  "No, as human legs go, you seem to have received a fine pair.” Halo turned serious. “You know this is it, right? You can never return as you were."

  "Yes."

  "Are you unafraid?"

  "Are you kidding? I don't think I have ever been so frightened. But I would always have regretted it had I not taken this chance."

  "Does he love you?"

  "I don't think he knows what that is.” She blushed. “But I think he is starting to see it."

  "I will always be here should you need me."

  "Thank you, Halo."

  She watched until he vanished below the water. It hit her then, the step she had taken. It was done now and she refused to look back. Chris wanted her, she knew that. It was enough for her. He would come around to loving her in his own tim
e. Something told her he already did.

  Warm arms came around her and she turned her head to see Chris. When he pulled her against his hard chest, she relaxed against him.

  "Having second thoughts?"

  "Never. I am happy with my choice. I was just saying goodbye to an old friend."

  "The old friend being the man in the water I saw you talking with?"

  "That was Halo, and yes he is an old friend.” She turned in his arms. “But I was talking about the sea."

  "You don't have to say goodbye to the sea.” He kissed her nose. “After all, we will be living right by it."

  "What about the city?"

  "I think change is in order all the way around. I plan to move my practice, change my practice. Besides, living out here will be much more peaceful."

  "Do you mean it?"

  "Sweetheart, this place has been my salvation for a long time.” He hugged her. “Now, it will be our new home."

  She returned his embrace, happier than she had ever been before. It just got better each and every day.

  "Home, on the land. It will take some getting used to."

  "What about your family? Won't they miss you?"

  "Halo was really all I had. If I ever knew my parents, I don't remember them."

  "Well, you have me now.” He smiled down at her. “Maybe one fine day we can start our own family."

  "You want children?"

  "Sure, but first I will need a wife. I have my eyes set on this pretty little mermaid. Think she will have me?"

  "Oh, I bet she could be persuaded."

  They fell silent then. In their own way, each had said all that the other needed to hear. Chris held her as the sun rose high over the ocean, her eyes on the water as if she were seeing it for the very first time.

  Trinity eased her hands into the back of the shorts he wore, rubbing and touching. She could feel his desire for her against her belly. Her tongue sneaked out for a taste of his chest.

  "What are you up to?"

  "Well, I would hope it was obvious.” A noise caught her attention and she frowned, pulling away. “What was that?"

  "Karla,” Chris groaned. “She has brought a news van with her."

  "Just let me take her out and dunk her again.” Trinity giggled.

  "What is so funny?"

  "I was just thinking that Halo would love a chance to take her for a dive."