Page 79 of Music of the Ocean

“It was, and I cannot either.” Indigo propped himself on one elbow, looking down at Saxby. The morning light caught the scales on Saxby’s face, highlighting the subtle changes in his physiology. “I need to speak with you about something.”

Saxby groaned. “I’m really going to have to teach you a new way to bring up subjects you want to discuss. What’s up?”

One of Indigo’s tentacles curled around Saxby’s wrist, a gesture that had become familiar between them. “Last night, on our way back to our chambers, your mental shields lowered. I heard your thoughts.”

Saxby sighed. “I wondered.”

“I didn’t intrude deliberately, but the connection between us is strengthening.” Indigo’s voice remained steady, though his tentacles tightened their grip on Saxby’s wrist. “You were thinking about us. About your feelings.”

Saxby’s face flushed, the color spreading across his cheeks and down his neck. “I didn’t realize I was broadcasting.”

“You weren’t broadcasting. The bond between mates naturally deepens over time. It allows for greater understanding.” Indigo released Saxby’s wrist, giving him space. “I want you to know I heard you.”

Saxby turned back, his expression guarded. “What exactly did you hear?”

Indigo’s bioluminescent markings pulsed in a slow rhythm. “You were thinking about how you would follow me into the deepest trench. How you’re falling in love with me.”

The flush on Saxby’s face deepened. He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it farther. “Yup. That’s... Yeah. That’s what I was thinking.”

“I am falling in love with you as well.”

Relief flowed over Saxby’s face. “Yeah?”

“Yes.” Indigo’s voice dropped to a lower register. “I have been for some time, but I have not said anything because I did not want to pressure you.”

Saxby looked up, meeting Indigo’s gaze directly. “Have you not figured out yet that you’re not gonna pressure me into anything I don’t want? I mean, that was what I was thinking. All of it, especially how determined I was that we were both going to be in this boat together.”

“I do not know this boat you speak of, but I proudly will get in it with you. I await the day you know for sure that you love me.”

Saxby chuckled, the sound echoing around them. Propping himself up on one elbow, he looked at Indigo. “You don’t have to wait. I love you, Indigo. I said I was falling for you because…” Saxby glanced at the ceiling before running a hand over his face, hiding a grin.

“Because?”

“Well, it seemed like this was moving fast. And honestly, I didn’t want to freak you out or anything. I didn’t want to pressure you, which is funny, right? Because I’m the one who’s here with you, in your city, in your bed, and it felt normal. There was no anger or anything about how this all came to be.”

“My mate—”

“No, no, let me get this out because I don’t know how to do this the right way or if there’s even a right way.” Saxby met Indigo’s gaze. “But it’s real. I love you. I’d say it again if you want. Hell, I’d shout it down the corridor and let your entire city know.”

Indigo did not look away or even blink. Instead, one of his tentacles reached up and gently brushed Saxby’s hair out of his eyes. Indigo said nothing for a moment. Something like delight, like hunger, like absolute certainty moved through him.

Indigo kissed Saxby’s cheek. “You do not have to shout. I hear you, and I know you meant it. I just…”

“You just what?”

Indigo laced their fingers together. “I did not want to mistake my own hopes for yours. All I have ever wanted, since I first saw you, was to know that you wanted me as much as I wanted you.”

Saxby squeezed Indigo’s hand. “Well, now you know. So, what are you going to do about it?”

Indigo kissed Saxby’s cheek. “What am I going to do about it? Well, I will love you until the end of time and space.”

“Excellent answer. And I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

The water between them seemed to warm as Indigo stared into Saxby’s eyes. Happiness, along with unspoken promises, bounced back and forth along the bond.

The mesh beneath them shifted as they breathed in unison. Indigo stared at Saxby, the curve of his mouth softening, the glimmer in his gaze like a beacon through blue-green depths. Saxby’s declaration settled Indigo, anchoring him in a way he’d never been. He lifted Saxby’s hand and kissed his fingertips.

Pleasure sparked through the bond. Outside, faint city sounds filtered through the walls like a distant pulse. The click and hum of aquatic life carried on, but inside their chamber, all Indigo could focus on was the heat of Saxby’s body and the way his own heart crowded his chest.