Watching Thayde prepare to speed-swim was one of the sexiest things about him; his lovely body had to prepare for it. Closing his eyes, he exhaled; his shoulders and chest relaxing, almost closing in on themselves momentarily before a sudden great breath of air and surge of power swept through him, his muscles straining to the max. Though the power running through him was so intense, he would not allow his grip around my waist to tighten, to hurt me.
The moment I shut my eyes, the rush of Thayde taking off from being static in the water took my breath away. It was similar to leaping; the water flew around us, cold and jagged like ice. It reminded me of breaking the horses drinking water with my hands back home. The frigid shards almost cut my hands every time I did it. Dad would shake his head and say that was why we had shovels and that I never learned.
I didn’t dare open my eyes. Swimming at Thayde’s speed was not something I was used to and frankly, there was a reason why I hadn’t perfected it. I wasn’t fond of dark water and being hurled around at that speed was equally terrifying. Sure, I’d practiced it enough times to get the hang of it in McCall with Aletheia, but I was nowhere near as good as Thayde.
The water temperature changed, very quickly warming, and I stiffened. This was something new. Thayde pulled me even closer to him, nestling me against his side. A few moments later, the warmth disappeared and the cold returned. I sensed a change in his pace; he was slowing down for me.
I’m sorry baby, I keep forgetting.
It’s okay, just tell me when we’re there.
Just a few moments later, he stopped. We’re here.
Peering through slitted lids, my grip on Thayde’s arm tightened as I realized we were actually at Neridia. I was expecting to be at the surface above Neridia and swim down as a group. I looked about for Tiesa and Ezen.
“They aren’t here yet.” Thayde dug my nails from his skin.
“I’m so sorry,” I cried, realizing I had left nail indentations in his bicep.
He chuckled, ignoring my apology.
“Wait a moment,” I had to stop my mouth from hanging open. “We got here really fast – that’s why the water heated up. Are you gaining speed?”
His short hair trailed in the dark water. “Every time. I’m trying to go sonic.”
“Why are you doing that?”
A slight frown traced his face. “Why?”
“What’s the point of going sonic?”
“Because I know I can.” He rubbed his hand over the marks I left in his arm. “Why are you so upset about it?”
I hesitated, not really sure. “Can anyone else do it?”
“Not that I know of,” he said through gritted teeth, “what’s this really about?”
“Can you do it above water?”
Thayde smirked. “You mean fly?”
“No, run that fast?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“You are one fast son-of-a you know what!” Ezen’s familiar voice interrupted through the darkness.
I glanced past Thayde and watched as Ezen and Tiesa’s forms drifted toward us.
“We’re here!” Tiesa announced, bowing grandly.
“Don’t do that.” I snapped and the smile fell from her face. Backtracking, I turned to Thayde.
“This is insane. If you go sonic, you could get seriously hurt, you know that right?” I knew I sounded like I was talking to a four year old, and I ignored his granite stare waiting for an answer.
“I can handle it just fine, Morgan.” Thayde said firmly and my heart dropped as the look on his face made me realize what I was doing. I was trying to control something that couldn’t be controlled. Thayde was his own man. The best I could do was tell him what I knew and do my best to protect him. Trying to guarantee he do what was best for him was pointless and it wasn’t going to do anything for our relationship. Instead of arguing, I swam into his space and placed my hand against his smooth face.
Leaning forward, I kissed his hardened lips.
“I’m sorry. I love you, Superman.”
I didn’t give him a chance to react. With a flip of my tail, I swam toward the gates of Neridia.
This time, everyone knew who I was when I entered the city. What did they do? Put up wanted posters of me on every corner? A hush fell over the crowd as every merperson stopped what they were doing and watched me make my way to the center of the city. At one point, an older mermaid with short, curly hair bowed before me. Several more took her lead. Unable to stomach what was happening, I swam to her.
“Please don’t do that.” I said, pulling her out of her bow. Her hazel eyes widened.
“I’m just a person.” My words stuck in my throat. “I mean, I’m just like you.”