The Sea Witch

Not the body of a mermaid.

Not the body of anything else seen in these waters.

I am my own magic.

“I have always loved you. Every day. My heart is not mine to give because it is already yours.”

“I didn’t doubt you. I doubted my expectations.”

Iker raises a brow and his eyes are on my mouth. “And what were your expectations?”

“That you wanted to be here as much as I wanted you to be here.”

At this, he draws me in until his chest touches my bodice and I can feel his legs through the layers of my dress.

“Don’t doubt this.”

He presses his mouth to mine, stealing my breath. He is gentle in that first moment, but then sweeps us down onto the bench.