“Are you afraid of me, mermaid?” That question when he’s using that nickname makes me feel emotional all over again. “I don’t want to be,” I say, since it’s the closest thing to the truth I think won’t offend him. “You don’t have to be,” he says, gently laying his hand over my bare tummy. “It doesn’t bode well that you are already. I don’t like to think Anae was right, but maybe I am too dark for you.” He circles my belly button with the tip of his finger. “Unfortunately, I’ve already decided you’re mine, and you being afraid of me won’t change that.”
