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  She wanted to scream out in frustration. God, she needed him so much, she'd go crazy if her didn't make love to her soon. And she realized it was love. For too long she'd told herself she just fancied him. That she just wanted mad, passionate sex with Jonah. But it was more than that. She didn't know what her life would be like when she turned into an aquatic animal and she needed this time with Jonah. Needed to make a connection that would maybe have to last her a lifetime.

  "Jonah, I lo—"

  "Flip over,” he interrupted after a final nip at her thigh.

  Her body trembled so badly she was grateful for his assistance as she turned onto her stomach. Then Jonah set to work, massaging and kissing his way down her back. He nibbled at the cheeks of her bottom before soothing the love bite with a sweep of his tongue. Tension coiled tight in Samie's gut. Her clit ached. The muscles of her vagina clenched and unclenched in a spasmodic rhythm.

  "Jonah, I'm going crazy here,” she cried out.

  "Welcome to the club, baby."

  Grabbing hold of her hips, he lifted her onto her knees. For a moment, Samie felt a cloying feeling of vulnerability. Then Jonah bent down and ran the tip of his tongue along the crease of her backside until he came to her pussy. With a nudge of his hand, he prompted her to spread her legs wider. She complied, thighs quivering and the breath catching in her throat.

  "Did you know seals mount their mates from behind?” Jonah ran his fingers over her swollen labia, separating the folds of delicate flesh and flicking at her engorged clit.

  "Oh God, Jonah,” she screamed. “Don't tease."

  "Is this what you want, my love?” He plunged a finger inside her, his thumb rubbing at her aching clit. “You are so ready for me. So wet and hot.” He added a second finger, pumping them in and out in a pale imitation of the act of ultimate surrender.

  Samie whimpered and pushed her hips backwards, meeting his every thrust. It wasn't enough. Not nearly enough. “I want you inside me, Jonah,” she moaned.

  "Your wish is my command, my lovely little mermaid."

  He removed his hand and Samie heard a rustling as he opened the jumbo box of condoms. Within seconds, he was back, grasping her hips and positioning the head of his cock at her entrance. He plunged into her with one long, hard thrust, filling her until she felt his balls resting against her backside.

  She was beyond the stage of wanting soft and gentle. Her hunger for him raged so high she wanted hard and fast. With every thrust of his hips, she pushed her bottom into him, meeting him stroke for stroke. The sexual tension held all her muscles rigid. Her heart raced, making her pant for breath.

  Jonah slid one hand down to her pussy and pushed back the hood to expose her clit. When he took the highly sensitized bundle of nerve endings between thumb and forefinger and applied pressure, Samie cried out. An extra layer of sensation slammed in to her. Her internal muscles tightened around his thick cock. The first spasm broke fee, shaking her from her core outwards.

  "Let it go, baby,” Jonah shouted in a hoarse voice.

  His movements grew faster. He pumped his hips, thrusting into her in a forceful display of sexual power. Samie responded by pushing her hips back as hard as she could. His thumb nudged at her clit and white-hot sensation crawled through her blood. The orgasm took her unawares, the spasms encompassing her body, driving her into a frenzy to take as much of him as she could.

  Jonah cried out her name. His hand clutched at her hip and pulled her close as he climaxed. For a moment, Samie damned the layer of rubber between them. She wanted to feel him empty himself deep inside her. Then she gave into the convulsions riding her body and let the storm take her.

  When the spasms had subsided, except for a few lingering aftershocks, Samie collapsed onto the sand. Jonah followed her down, his long body resting against hers, searing her with his heat. Samie still trembled with the force of her orgasm. Her breath was a ragged series of pants and Jonah's wasn't much better.

  "Holy shit,” she whispered when she finally discovered her voice. “Sky-rockets!"

  "You'd better believe it, baby.” He gave a hoarse chuckle.

  "Hey, surfer man, roll over a bit so we can see her tits."

  Jonah jumped to her feet and stared about. “What the fuck..."

  Samie scrambled to pull the towel out from under her ass and wrap it about her naked body. Struggling into an upright position—amazing how vulnerable she felt stretched out on the sand—she peered around Jonah to see where the voice had come from.

  Sitting on a quad bike just inside the bolder-protected entrance to the cove were the two teenagers who'd been harassing Samie. The same two who made a career of bedevilling Jonah by swimming outside the flags when he did surf patrol.

  "Oh my God, how embarrassing.” Samie clutched at the towel with one hand and hid her face with the other. “I'll kick their asses if I ever get hold of them."

  How could she have missed hearing the bike coming? Because she was otherwise occupied, that's why. Jonah and his lovemaking had totally consumed her mind. God, she loved him. How on earth would she walk away when the time came for her to retreat to the sea? Not that she'd be doing much walking by then.

  Jonah started up the beach towards the boys, his face like a black thundercloud. The teenagers laughed and spun the bike in an arc, spraying sand up in a thick curtain. Within minutes, they'd disappeared. Jonah reversed his direction and returned to Samie.

  "I should have let the little buggers drown when they almost got caught in that rip today,” he grumbled as he dragged Samie into his arms.

  Chapter Seven

  "Ohhh, just give me five minutes alone with those little cruds! They won't sit down for a week.” Kally Anne grabbed another handful of smelly rubbish and tossed it into the bin. “And they sure as hell won't be thinking about trashing this place again after I get through with them."

  Samie growled. “Get in line, girlfriend. I get first crack at them. They've been creating havoc for three weeks now and I am so sick of it."

  This was not how Samie planned on ending her day. Kally Anne had been about to close up the shop when the two teenagers had flashed past on their quad bike. For an instant, it had looked as if they'd crash into the plate-glass display window, but at the last moment, they veered away, after tossing something at the glass. The package had split, raining fish innards and rancid raw meat scraps down the window.

  "Thank God there were no customers around,” Kally Anne said as she scooped fish guts into an empty bucket. “Nice impression to make.” She emptied the bucket into the rubbish bin as Samie started to wash the window down.

  "Tell me about it!” Samie sighed. “I didn't want to, but I think I'm gonna have to chat to the police about our two delinquents."

  "What about talking to the parents? I've seen the boys going into the apartment block on the corner. They must be staying there while they're here on holidays."

  "Won't work. I've already tracked the parents down and all I get it is the same old boys will be boys spiel from the father. The mother just stood there saying nothing."

  She tossed more water over the window and carefully scraped it down with the glass cleaner. Then she used the last of the water to wash away any offal remaining on the footpath outside the shop. “I'm soaked, but at least it's clean again."

  Kally Anne gathered up the buckets and cleaning paraphernalia while Samie hauled the rubbish bin away from the front of the shop. Thank God tomorrow was rubbish collection day. Otherwise, the smell would be too much to handle.

  Entering the shop, she closed and locked the front door behind her, before grabbing the towel her friend held out to her. Propping one leg on the chair behind the counter, she proceeded to blot the water from her skin.

  "Ackkk!” She quickly changed legs, inspecting her skin. “It's happening."

  Kally Anne raced out of the luncheon room, skidding to a halt beside her. “What the ... Christ, girl, don't do that to me. I thought you were being murdered at the very least."
/>   Samie's eyes filled with tears. “I may as well be. Oh, Kally Anne, I thought I had more time. I don't turn twenty-five for another few weeks yet, for crying out loud."

  "What on earth are you talking about?"

  "My skin.” Samie gestured to the leg propped on the chair. “It's all dry and scaly. The change is starting."

  Kally Anne bent down and stared at her skin before running her hand up and down Samie's shin. She burst out laughing. “Samie, there's nothing wrong that moisturizer won't help. Your skin's just a bit dry. Hell, we live in the tropics, spend a goodly portion of our day in the sun and salt air. What do you expect? Though I have to say, girl, you could stand a bit closer to your razor. You must have a two-day growth there."

  She spun towards the counter and scooped up a jar of cocoa butter. “Here. Get some of this on it."

  Samie caught the jar Kally Anne tossed to her. “I'll go up to the apartment and wash the salt off before I use it.” Her lips quirked as she fought a chuckle, albeit a watery one. “And maybe shave my legs. Don't want Jonah getting splinters.” She snagged another couple of jars of cocoa butter and tucked them in her beach bag. “Come on, let's get out of here."

  They exited through the rear door and locked up securely behind them, before making their way up to the apartment.

  "You and Jonah seem to be getting on like a house on fire,” Kally Anne commented as they entered the apartment. “Does he believe you about the mermaid thing yet?"

  "Not certain.” Samie shrugged. “But he's not laughing at me, so who knows?” She dragged in a shuddery breath. “How am I going to leave him when the time comes, Kally Anne?"

  "I don't see why you have to.” Kally Anne dropped down onto the couch, her legs pulled up under her. “I mean, all the tales I've ever heard show that mermaids don't need to spend all their time in the water. Even your mum was able to walk on land. Why can't you spend some time on land and some in the water?"

  Samie thought about it. “Maybe. I just wish mum had shared more with me, instead of just leaving me a letter telling me what was going to happen when I turn twenty-five. Sure would have helped a bit."

  "No point worrying about it now,” Kally Anne said as she wandered into the kitchen. “And you'd better go have your shower while I start dinner. Is Jonah joining us again?"

  "He's got a few things to do. He'll be over later in the evening.” Samie gathered up the jars of cocoa butter and headed for the bathroom.

  "Hey, you sure you don't want to change your mind,” Kally Anne called out. “I can stay with a friend if you and Jonah want the apartment to yourselves. That way, he won't have to sneak off early in the morning before I get up."

  Samie spun to face her friend, a frown on her face. “Um, he doesn't do any sneaking. And you not being here won't make a scrap of difference. He won't stay the night. I've already asked him."

  "Huh? Fuck and run?” Kally Anne snorted. “That's just so wrong on a whole number of fronts. What's so important in his apartment he can't leave it for a night? Maybe he's got another woman stashed down there?"

  "He doesn't go to his place. I'd hear him if he did.” A shaft of pain arrowed through Samie's chest. Was there another woman? Someone he visited after he'd made love to her? God, she didn't think she could stand it. “One of these nights I'm going to find out exactly where he does go."

  And maybe tonight was the night. Despite what Kally Anne said, Samie had a feeling she didn't have much longer.

  * * * *

  "I have to go."

  Samie shivered as Jonah's voice caressed the side of her face. She turned her head on the pillow and opened her eyes to find Jonah bending over her, his weight resting on his elbow. The rest of him cuddled in behind her, his body lovingly following hers. So close, she could feel his semi-erect cock nestled against the cheeks of her ass. Kinda’ like sardines crammed in a tin.

  Ewww! Samie grimaced. That was the last image she wanted in her head right at this minute. She flipped over on the bed, snaking her arms around his neck. The skin on her arms pebbled as Jonah allowed his weight to settle half over her. God help her, she'd never get enough of this man.

  "Do you really have to go?” Don't beg, Samie, it's not at all kewl.

  He lowered his head and nuzzled at the soft skin on the side of her neck. Tremors slid up and down her spine. Her temperature spiked as her libido woke up with a vengeance. She spread her legs and Jonah complied with her unspoken command, lifting his weight over her and settling into the cradle of her thighs.

  "Sorry, baby, but yeah, I really do need to go. Just for a little while anyway. I can come back later if you like."

  "I like.” She arched her hips so his erection nudged at her pussy. “I kind of like the idea of waking up beside you in the morning."

  Disappointment washed over her. Just what the hell was so important he had to leave in the middle of the night? Well, damn it, fine, but she'd give him something to think about before he went. And if he was screwing another woman on the side, she'd send him away so worn out, he'd be useless. She didn't want to think that about him, but he wasn't giving her any answers here.

  "Turn over” She pushed at his shoulder until he rolled onto his back, taking her with him. Widening her legs, she straddled his hips, rubbing her swollen labia against his now rock-hard cock. She grinned as Jonah's tummy rumbled. “Seems someone is hungry. We'd better feed you before you go."

  "It's not that long since I ate,” he complained, rubbing his stomach.

  "Hah, who said anything about food?"

  Samie swooped, taking his mouth in a hard kiss. Damn him for finding it so easy to walk away from her. She'd make him forget, even if only for a little while.

  She nibbled at his bottom lip, butterfly-soft caresses designed to make his temperature rise. When he opened to her, she swept her tongue in to tangle with his. At the same time, she rocked her hips, exerting pressure on his cock. She was already so wet the movement left his erection glistening with her juices.

  Jonah groaned and wrapped his arms around her. She immediately pulled away. “Uh-uh, this is my time,” she whispered. “You just sit back and enjoy it."

  Reaching across to the side table, she snagged one of the foil packages laying there. Not ready to sheath all his glory in rubber, she dropped the condom onto the rumpled sheets. Then she slid down a fraction so she could curl her hand around his cock.

  "You're so hot. Like you've been standing too close to a fire.” Tightening her fingers, she moved her hand up to the bulbous head.

  "Your fault, baby. You're the fire,” he muttered and tried to lift his hips.

  Samie kept him pinned down with her weight, running her nail down the back of his penis until she reached the base. She cupped his balls in her hand, feeling them tighten in response. “What do you want, Jonah?"

  "You,” he said in a hoarse shout as she moved her hand up again to probe at the little slit on the top.

  When she wiped the drop of pre-cum off the head and sucked at her finger, his hips arched, almost bucking her off. “But what do you really want?” she whispered, dragging her wet finger across his lower stomach. She grinned as his muscles contracted. “Tell me exactly what your pleasure is."

  "For crying out loud, woman, I want to fuck you,” he yelled out. “I want to be buried so deep inside your cunt, I can't think of anything but you and how good you make me feel. I never want to see another day go past where I can't make love to you, where I can't spend time with you. You hear me, woman? I. Want. You."

  Oh yeah! Just the reaction she was after. “Why didn't you say so?"

  She grabbed the condom and tore it open. Hands shaking so much it was a wonder she didn't tear it, she took the prophylactic and rolled it down over his hard cock. Heart hammering in her chest, she lifted up and positioned the head of his penis at her engorged entrance.

  Without further ado, she took him inside her in one long, downwards movement. A moan rippled from her throat at the feel of him, stretching her, fillin
g her, until all she could think of was Jonah and his lovemaking. She smiled. Caught in her own sensual trap. And, somehow, it had ceased to matter.

  Samie lifted up and lowered her weight again, biting her lip at the exquisite feel of him. He was seated so much deeper this way and it was kind of nice to have the control. As if they were equal partners in the most loving of relationships. Jonah arched his hips to meet her every move, helping her establish a rhythm that started the tension spiralling inside her.

  When he palmed her breasts and squeezed her nipples between his finger and thumb, a shaft of pleasure/pain shot from her chest to deep in her pussy, as if an invisible line connected the two. Sensation shot through her, heating up her blood and driving the air from her lungs in a loud gasp. Her clit throbbed and she slid her fingers between her labia to rub the sensitive bundle of nerves.

  "That's it, baby, touch yourself for me,” he groaned.

  He lifted his hips higher, pumping his cock deep into her pussy. Samie started to pant. Her internal muscles tightened, clamping around him. Holding him tight. She braced her hands on his chest and strengthened her movements, lifting up and lowering herself again in such a rush all she could hear was their heightened breathing and the slap of sweat-slicked flesh.

  Jonah slid one hand down her body and separated her labia, applying pressure to her aching clit. The tension inside Samie snapped. She climaxed, spasms rippling out from where they were connected. The breath caught in her throat as she tried to hold the orgasm back, but it was too powerful for her. She wasn't ready for this to end yet, but her body had other ideas.

  She collapsed forwards on Jonah's chest at the same moment he cried out her name and ground his hips against hers. Together they rode out the tempest, their breaths mingling as the firestorm swept over them. When Samie could think rationally again, she lifted her head and stared at him. A wave of sadness washed over her. “Why couldn't we have connected sooner? Before all this mermaid business came up?"