Echoes of the Tide Quotes

“When she wanted him to roll her beneath him, he didn’t. He merely turned her to face the sun and ran his hands over her in that way. It was important that even while he pleasured her and drew out those sounds that always made him hard, that she still look at the world around her. Because this was only a moment in time. A memory for her to come back to when the world was dark and the rains wouldn’t stop. He wanted her to always remember the pleasure they brought each other on a white sand beach where the sun was still overhead.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Why? Why do you think we do that?” “Because we’re afraid if anyone sees who we really are, that they won’t like us. And what greater wound is there than to show someone who you really are and have them like you even less than the person you made up?”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“For everyone who felt like they weren’t enough, you are. And I’m not the only one who thinks that.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Stop talking,” she whispered. “I don’t want to stop talking. I want to tell you a thousand more ways of how I love you. I only said it once so far, Ace. There are many more ways I could tell you. For example⁠—” She kissed him, and all the thoughts fled out of his head. Those lips against his were the softest things he’d ever touched. He loved it when she did this. He loved kissing her and feeling her little inhalations when he surged forward so their chests were pressed against each other. He loved holding her, feeling her tiny hands pressing against both of his hearts that beat only for her. He loved it even more when she made those little noises in the back of her throat. The little moans that filled the entire cave with the sound of her pleasure. The sounds that made him see stars and want to feast upon every part of her body. All of it and more was what he loved about her. She was a fantasy come to life. Better than any dream he could have dreamt up with his own mind. “I meant every word,” he said against her lips, urging her backward until she was leaning against a stone. “I do love you.” “I know you do, Maketes. Because I love you, too.” “Fuck,” he groaned, tilting his head back slightly before looking back at her.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“I don’t know what god smiled upon me when they sent you to my side, but I am grateful for it.” “I am the lucky one, kefi.” “No, I don’t think you understand. You’ve been so kind to me. You’ve worked to make me a stronger person in such a short amount of time and I don’t know what I give back, or what I even could. I owe you so much more than just my life, Maketes.” His breath fanned over her collarbone, and he dragged her closer to his hearts. “No. You owe me nothing.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Breathing in the seawater scent of him, she sighed, “Terrible dream.” “I can banish it with you, if you’d like.” “How do I do that?” His thumb moved along her cheek again, so gentle that it made her feel fragile in his grip. “You share the dream, kefi. You tell me what it means, where it came from, and then I take it into the sea. The next time I am in the abyss, I will leave it there for you.” Ace opened her eyes, smiling at him even though it hurt to do so. “I don’t think I want to talk about it.” “Then that’s all right too.” He tried to smile, but she could see the pain in his eyes. “You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to.” Damn it, those tears burned her eyes again. She couldn’t be weak like this. This was why she’d never gotten attached to anyone. If she was weak, then she would cry, and nothing would get done. She had to bury it all deep inside herself, even if it meant that she constantly had stomach aches and felt like her chest was on fire.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Come here.” A shudder danced through her, and he could see all those little bumps rise on her skin again. But she turned toward him, heat in her eyes and her breath coming quicker. “Why?” “You know why.” “Tell me anyway.” She sauntered toward him, a confidence in her hips that he hadn’t seen before. Then she placed her fingers on his shoulders, dancing up to the fins on his throat. He arched into her touch, already hard behind the scales that kept him safe from her gaze. “You made a promise, didn’t you?” “Oh, and you think you deserve to have that promise fulfilled?” He’d saved her life multiple times, so he thought maybe he did. But he didn’t want to ruin this moment. Not when he knew that it was so tenuous and he wanted this to happen so dearly. So he arched into her touch, leaning back against the equipment that dug into his spine. He hit something that made all the lights turn out in the room. Blinking in the darkness, he watched her lean around him, set her glasses on the back of the console, and hit another button. Instead of the blinding lights overhead, the only light that came on was the red emergency light. It bathed her body in sensuous colors as she placed her feet on either side of his tail.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“We can eat in the meantime.” He gestured to the fish that she still clutched in her arms. “That should be enough to sustain you, should it not?” There were about fifteen fish in her arms, which she looked over before her jaw dropped open. “I can eat maybe two.” “Two?” he frowned. “That’s not nearly enough. I have to insist that you eat more than that.” “I quite literally can’t.” “You will eat more.” “Maketes, if I eat more than two, I’m just going to throw it back up.” She selected her two fish and then shoved the rest toward him. “Here. These are yours.” He took them, but he wasn’t happy about it. If she wanted him to feast with her, he would. But it felt like a rejection of everything he had done. Everything he was offering. He’d already stolen her. That much was complete. But now he was giving her food, and she didn’t want all of it. He’d never known that to be something that happened. What did it mean? What was he meant to do when a female accepted some of his offering, but not all of it? A little off kilter, he picked up one of the fish and swallowed it whole. Though eating them was lackluster now that they were no longer wriggling. And then he realized she was staring at him. Her jaw had hinged open, and he was certain that was surprise, not that she was still hungry and wanted more fish to put into her mouth.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“A soft laugh bubbled out of her, flowing into him with the soft sound. And then she was stroking his hair, like she seemed to always enjoy. He curved into her touch, knowing this was the last chance they’d have for a little while yet. “Maketes?” she said. “Yes?” “What does kefi mean?” “I will tell you when all of this is done. When you have your hands on that key, and when your sister is free from the man who would kill her.” He turned his head and pressed a kiss to her palm. “No matter what happens, you are always my kefi, and I will help you until the very end of this.” He could see how his words hurt her. She flinched as though he’d struck her, but there was also safety in what he said. Because they were a vow. He would protect her and her kin for the rest of his life, even if that was insanity.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“would like to do this with you someday. I will hold you as the sea rocks us to sleep.” Somehow, it felt like a sexual thing to say. He watched as her pupils blew out, her already dark eyes grew even darker as her breath caught in her throat. He wondered what was going through her mind. Perhaps she, too, was stuck remembering that she’d promised to kiss him with that mouth. That she’d promised to show him that achromos were better with their tongues than any of his people could hope to be. Maybe it was a dream, though. There was a long way for them to go before they would be alone again. He had half a mind to encourage this moment. If he drew her even closer, kissed her as he had before, perhaps she could be convinced. They could linger here in the cave for days if they wanted to. Because now that she’d mentioned using her mouth, he wanted to taste her as well. He should have talked with Arges or Daios more about... all of this. He knew that they had mated with their females. Both of them always smelled like their partners, no matter how long they had been gone from their sides. The scent of their women was melted into their scales at this point, and that was something he wanted as well. How, though? He had no idea. Maketes wasn’t exactly experienced in this. He’d only ever tried to mate with a female of his own kind once, and it hadn’t gotten very far. He had seen the swiping claws and the rage on the female’s face as she’d swam at him. Terror was to be expected during mating but that feeling had been enough for him to call it off. Ace seemed kinder. Softer. She was ready and willing to welcome him with open arms instead of claws and teeth.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“had a feeling it would be like this,” he murmured. “From the first moment Anya spoke of you, I could feel that the sea wanted to draw me to your side. But I never guessed how this would feel.” “How does it feel?” He traced her bottom lip with his thumb. “Oh, kefi, someday I will tell you that.” “You harbor a lot of secrets, undine.” “Shh.” He pressed that thumb over her mouth to silence her. “Stop talking. You’re going to miss this moment, just like you might have missed the sun.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Another rumble of thunder preceded him lifting his head, and a bolt of lightning illuminated the look of determination. As though he’d already come to the same conclusion she had just thought of. As though he knew he would tear the world down for her. The first drops of rain hit them. Heavy, thick balls that splattered on her shoulders and down into her hair. They were drenched in moments, staring at each other as an icy wind blew up as well. “Ask me,” he said, his voice low and quiet. “Ask me and it will be done.” “I’m not a murderer. I’m a thief.” “I am a murderer. You have seen me kill for less than keeping those you love safe. The burden will not be yours to bear. It will be mine.” Rain dripped down her cheeks, or maybe those were tears, because they burned hot enough to brand her cheeks. “I can’t ask you to kill someone.” “You won’t be asking me to do that. You’re asking me to save someone’s life, and how I do it is up to me.” He reached up and smoothed his thumbs along her cheeks. “You have to know by now that I would do anything for you, kefi.” She did. And that terrified her because there were so many things she could ask him to do. So many paths down this road that would end in blood and violence.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Maketes leaned away and tilted her chin up. “Look at the sunset, Ace. You deserve to see it for every second that I can let you.” “My name isn’t Ace,” she whispered, her gaze locked on the darkening sky. “It’s just what I prefer people to call me. My name is Maura.” “Maura,” he repeated, and then shook his head. “Ace is a wonderful name, too.” “Thank you. For everything, Maketes.” He leaned down and rested his head in her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist and holding her for a little while longer. “You’re welcome.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“He leaned forward and nipped at her neck with those sharp teeth, right over the spot that still stung a bit if she focused on it. Then the menace said, “Are you going to ask me about this?” She waited for the original rage and fear to come bubbling up like it had when she’d first touched her neck and realized he’d done something to her. But instead, all she could feel was the smallest sense of warmth and maybe a bit of irritation. But it was irritation that also made her want to tease him. “I guess.” Ace released one hand from his shoulders and touched the soft spot on her throat. “I did notice that something was different here.” “My people have found a way to connect with yours.” His hand shifted under her bottom, one broad finger slowly stroking between her legs before he retreated back to holding onto her. “Besides that, of course.” Her cheeks flamed bright red. “Stop that.” “Stop what?” This time his opposite hand moved up her side, gently brushing against her breast before retreating. “Do you not want me to touch you, kefi?” “No.” Wait — “I mean, yes. It’s fine if you touch me. You’re just distracting me from this conversation.” “Maybe.” Those talented fingers pressed down against her ribs, hauling her a little higher in the water until her breasts were at eye level for him. She could see the heat in his eyes again, and it made something in her squirm. “Perhaps I need to distract you better.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Kefi,” he growled, the words rumbling through him before he could catch them. “I need you to trust me.” “I do.” “Because I know you think I’m an animal, perhaps capable of hurting you even after all that we have done together.” “I trust you,” she repeated, her words breathless. “Good, because for a few minutes, it’s going to feel like I’m trying to consume you.” Then he descended upon her. His hands grabbed onto her sides, holding her in place as his tongue traced along her skin. He licked to the peak of her breast, drawing that rosy tip into his mouth and swirling his tongue along the sun kissed taste of her. The tip beaded against his tongue, and the more he touched her, the more she moaned. Her hands came down into his hair as he licked her, sucking hard enough that she arched against him again. He switched to the other breast, tasting her as he had been begging to do for such a long time in his mind. And still, it wasn’t enough. Maybe the problem was his hands. He grabbed onto her ass again, yanking her against him so she could roll like she had done before.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“With a deep growl under his breath, he let his hands wander where they wished. He grabbed handfuls of her ass, feeling the softness, just the right amount that he could grab onto. The plushness in his grip nearly sent him into a void of pleasure and desire from which he would never escape. That growl in his chest grew louder as he used the leverage of his grasp to thrust her even harder against him. Her breasts flattened against him, pressing against his chest as all of her was suddenly against all of him. “Gods, there’s so much of you I want to taste, kefi. But first, give me your lips.” That was all it took. She fell into him, the soft cushions of her lips pressing against his, and it unleashed an animal inside of him. The sound he made was a moan of pure anguish. With lips and teeth and tongue, he tried to devour her. Her taste flooded into his mouth, the sweetest sunshine of her lips that only made him need her even more. He kissed her without skill or talent, only pure desire as he delved between her lips. Seeking more of that taste. Needing to touch her more.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“She moaned, the little sound echoing around them. Ace froze, her eyes widening a bit as though she didn’t intend to make the sound. “Again,” he growled, rolling his tail between her legs a little harder this time. The whimper she made was the prettiest sound he’d ever heard, and even then, he wanted more. It would never be enough to hear just the one little sound of her walls breaking down. Maketes wanted to swallow down every sound of pleasure she made. He wanted to press the scent of her desire into his scales so he would never forget this moment. One of her hands slid down to his chest, bracing herself so his movements didn’t knock her free from his tail. “Do you know what a kiss is?” she asked. “Yes.” Of course he did. He’d seen both of his brothers press their lips to their mates, and though he’d thought it was rather odd, it was more than tempting. With Ace, he wanted to do everything. He wanted to taste every inch of her body, even if these thoughts were perhaps too much. He couldn’t devour her the first time she let him touch her. “Can I kiss you?” she asked, and he could hear the vulnerability in that question.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Her heart was already beating harder and more heat burned between her legs. She wanted him. She wanted him to move that hand that was on the small of her back even lower so she could feel him grip her ass. That massive hand would have no issue grabbing onto her, rolling her over, moving her against his body as she so desperately wanted. She wanted to grind down on him. She wanted to rock against him so those scales rubbed against her clit in a way she knew would be life changing. Ace just... wanted. He’d saved her life more times than she could count. And as she leaned a little farther back from him, her eyes half lidded and heavy with desire, she saw the same need in him as well. Maketes lifted his hand between them, those thick fingers brushing up her neck and gently cupping the side of her head. There was so much power in that hand. She’d seen him kill people without a thought, and yet he was shaking to remain as gentle with her as he could. “I almost lost you,” he whispered, his words guttural and harsh. “I do not like this feeling, kefi.” “Yeah, me either,” she replied, seeing his gills flutter against the sides of his head.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“I’m sorry,” she whispered against his chest. “For what?” “For... this.” “You don’t have to apologize to me. Ever.” He held her even tighter, his arms shifting around her back as he got more comfortable. “I was bringing you a fish to eat, but I’ll admit, this is far more pleasant.” She huffed out a small laugh, her breath fanning across his chest and sending tiny goosebumps dancing across his skin. “Pleasant? It’s nice for me to attack you the moment you show up?” “This is the kind of attack I enjoy.” Again, that big hand smoothed down her spine, and suddenly this wasn’t just easing her fear. It was more. It was so much more.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Maketes,” she said, before launching herself at him. His arms came up for her as though he knew what she wanted. Those strong arms caught her with ease, only sinking back into the water a little and only with the slightest “oof” as she kneed him in the gills. But she couldn’t get close enough. She couldn’t hold on to him tight enough to feel like she was finally safe. His clawed hands came around her, clasping her tighter and pressing her underneath his chin, where she was nestled against the cold chill of his gills. He exhaled through them, water spilling down over her body, but she didn’t care. She only knew that in this moment, she wasn’t alone anymore. “Kefi?” he asked, his voice pitched low, as though he was afraid something was in the cave with them. “You’re okay, dear one. You’re all right. I’m here.” She shook her head against his throat. “I don’t know what happened.” “I’m not leaving again.” He flexed his tail underneath her, swimming them to the edge of the water. Then, with a sudden jerk of his tail, he propelled them out of the water enough so that he was sitting on the sand.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“There should have been a way for him to say that she meant far more to him than just a friend. That he wanted her to be with him all the time, and when they were apart, he felt strange. He wanted to listen to her talk, collect all of her smiles, and all the other things that were probably too clingy for him to ever say to her.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Swimming up to the glass, he slapped at it hard. “Ace!” She whipped around, that glare on her face sending a tingle all the way down to the tip of his tail. “What?” she hissed, stomping up to the window in that adorable way she always did and slapping it in response. “I’m busy!” “I can’t get in.” “I don’t care! I’ll meet you back where we first came in.” “What if you need me?” She bared her teeth in a little snarl that might have been terrifying if he didn’t see how blunted they were. “Maketes, I am trying very hard to be polite to you. But I do not need you. No one knows I’m here. I have not been attacked. Stay out in your giant ocean with all your wide open space and let me work.” “You said I could join you.” Did she not want him with her? That thought stung a bit. “I know I said that, but plans change. You’re just going to have to roll with it. I’m this close to getting the key. This doctor kept a journal, so-” She pinched her fingers together and moved them over her lips. “Zip it, fish man.” He had no idea what that meant, but she’d already moved away from the window and back to the desk. He had a mind to slap the glass again and again until she was annoyed enough to come back, but Fortis cleared his throat behind him.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“You were inside the pavilion with her?” Fortis asked. “How did you⁠—” Fortis tapped his gills on his ribs, still not looking at Maketes as his gaze tracked Ace’s movements. “I can smell it on you, little brother. You are coated in blood.” “I killed some achromos who attacked her.” “Oh, now they’re achromos?” “They are when they think they can lay a finger on what is mine.” The snarled words ripped out of him, rage hanging from every single sound. He still wanted to rip into them again. He wanted to tear their flesh from their bones with his teeth, listening to their screams of fear. He’d do it all a hundred times over if they thought he would leave her to their grip any longer than he had to. “On what is yours?”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Sometimes, he didn’t want to be the fun one. Sometimes, he wanted to be the person who someone else looked at as if he were their forever. Her hand slid again, this time far too close to his cocks. He grabbed onto her wrist just as her fingers brushed against the slit between his scales. It took every single ounce of his power to keep his cocks where they were supposed to be. He would not scare her. Not after coming this far through her fear and disgust. “Sleep now, Ace.” “What did I just touch?” He glanced down to see her looking at her fingers. They were glistening with the natural lubrication that existed where his cocks were kept. Normally, no one would ever see the substance. It only existed so his cocks didn’t get irritated by the salt water. But to see it on her fingers? After this conversation? He’d never been more embarrassed in his life. Maketes let his head thud back against the wall and drew her hand up his chest, letting the movement wipe the fluid from her fingers. It would dry against his scales, a reminder that he shouldn’t let her touch whatever she wanted. “Sleep,” he repeated. “Time for talking is over.” As if he would get any sleep tonight.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Maketes,” she hissed. “I was fine where I was.” “You weren’t. You weren’t sleeping, which means I can’t sleep, and I would like to get some rest tonight if possible. I do have to return to the ocean at some point, which means you need to be in the water with me. Get some sleep.” But she was tense against his side. Even as he relaxed, hoping that she would follow suit, she didn’t. Maketes stared up at the ceiling and prayed for silence, but there was no rest for either of them tonight, apparently. Because her hand pressed against his chest and he knew that even if she had fallen asleep, he wouldn’t have been able to. She was touching him. Her fingers stroking his skin as though she was mindlessly stroking something comforting, and that made it hard to breathe. All he wanted was her. And damn it, that was a hard thought to have when she was pressed up against him. He wanted to roll over onto her. He wanted to kiss her like he’d seen his brothers do with their mates, even though he’d never thought about putting his mouth on another. But what did she taste like? Was her taste the same as her scent? All sunshine and sweet things? Sighing, he tightened his arm around her and tried to distract them both. “What is going through your mind?” “What do you mean?” “I can hear your thoughts as though you are saying them. You are a loud thinker, Ace.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“So why was he on edge? Ace rolled over in her sleep again, this time adding in a cracking noise that repeated constantly until he realized it was her teeth chattering together. Her teeth! The woman was cold, and he was an idiot who hadn’t realized that she was rolling back and forth seeking some kind of warmth. To him, the room wasn’t all that bad. Brisk, perhaps, but warmer than the ocean beyond. But to her, without her wet suit or anything else to keep her warm, this room and the cold floor must have been near to torture. Even the blankets she’d found were thin with holes in them. Idiot, he thought to himself, before running his hands down his chest to make sure he was finally warmed up. It took his body a long time to react to being out of the water, but once he was somewhat dry, his body started to put off a lot more heat.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“You killed all those people with your bare hands,” she whispered, her gaze still locked on his lips. “You ripped a man’s throat out with those teeth. And you are everything so many have described a monster to be.” “And yet?” She smiled. A real, true smile that made her cheeks ache. She was so rusty with smiling, Ace wasn’t even sure if it looked like a genuine smile or if it was all wrong. “I know these hands will not hurt me. I know that your teeth will never rip at my flesh. And I suppose I can admit that I trust you. Even if you have the hands of a murderer.” His hands flexed on her sides, and then he let out a low, grumbling sound. It rumbled in his chest like the sound of a motor before he suddenly pushed down on her hips. She went from standing to sitting. There was no fighting that grip. She thought she was going to tumble to the ground, but instead, she landed on his coiled up tail. The scales pressed between her legs, rubbing against the ache that had built while she touched him, and she was suddenly struck by their position. She had one hand still on his gills, one hand tracing his lips. Her legs were wrapped around him, and his hands were on her hips. If she rocked even slightly, she’d be grinding herself against the ridges of his scales. Seeking out that friction that she desperately needed but that he likely didn’t even understand. Maketes must know very little about her kind. There was no reason for him to learn anatomy, and she’d never even asked him if he was interested in humans or what he thought about her people. Cheeks flaming bright red, she drew her hands back to herself. Planting them on her thighs so she didn’t touch him anymore, she cleared her throat. “Would you like me to stitch you up?”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Your teeth,” she blurted. There was a reason she was touching him, and it was so she wasn’t afraid of him anymore. So she wouldn’t be scared to lean on him, to use him to keep her safe. “Open your eyes, kefi. If you are afraid of my teeth, then you need to look at them.” She didn’t want to open her eyes. Ace wanted to stay in this world where nothing existed but darkness and touch. But then he leaned closer, hesitating where the heat of his breath brushed against the junction of her shoulder and neck. She heard the ragged breath he sucked in before his lips were suddenly pressed to the soft skin there. She could feel the imprint of his teeth through his lips. The sharp edges of them were dulled by warm heat that spread throughout her body like a wildfire. Then those lips parted. She could feel the sharp tips of his teeth pressing against her flesh before he leaned back once more. Just the barest hint of them, and she was ashamed to admit she wanted more. So she opened her eyes, blinking in the glaring white overhead lights before meeting his dark gaze. He parted his lips, baring those teeth for her eyes. Maketes even let her look her fill before he spoke. “I am made like a weapon. But many of my kind are more terrifying than me. I promise you, with every part of who I am and every part of who I will be, I would never hurt you. You have made every part of me shine with light, sweet achromo. You are brave and wild and free, and I would be a fool to try and dampen that light.” The same hand that held her fingers to his gills took her touch to his lips. Then he released her, never pushing her to do anything she didn’t want to do. Because of that, Ace found she wanted to touch. She gently ran her finger along his plush lower lip, tracing the outline of the cushion of it. She could see where he had been biting the soft flesh, as though he was as nervous about her touching him as she had been. Again, those lips parted. He even opened his mouth slightly so she could run that same finger over the sharp points of his teeth. They weren’t as razor sharp as she’d thought. Perhaps there would have to be more force to a bite to tear flesh like he had with the others. It should have frightened her. Instead, a heat bloomed deep in her body. A heat she almost didn’t recognize because it had been so long since she’d felt it.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Then his hand cupped hers, drawing her fingers to his neck. The softest velvet bumped against her fingers, gently fluttered the moment she touched them. “My gills?” he repeated, his voice deeper than before. She took a deep breath, squeezed her eyes shut a little harder, and explored. Just like with the shark, he gave her an opportunity to face something that made her feel uncomfortable, and she was going to take that opportunity. From afar, his gills looked like they were similar to a lionfish. All spines and spikes and likely full of poisonous liquid that would make her writhe in agony. But they weren’t like that at all. They were soft. They slid through her fingers and seemed to touch her back with the slightest of movements. She could feel him exhaling. The warm air that escaped through his gills was so much warmer than the air of the surgical room. “This doesn’t hurt you?” she asked. “If you yanked on them, yes, it would hurt.” His tone was twisted, like he was holding himself back from something. “But it feels nice when you touch them.” “Oh.” Did she want it to feel nice?”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide

“Slowly, ever so slowly, he released her hand and lifted his. She could see it coming toward her face, and she let out a slow, stuttering breath so she remained in place. The smooth back of his claw touched the highest peak of her cheekbone. Feather light, she almost couldn’t feel it as he swept it along the curve of her cheek and down to the edge of her jaw. Gentle, always gentle. He wasn’t even touching her at some points, but she swore he was. Ace’s eyes fluttered shut. Something was happening inside of her that she couldn’t explain. Just that single touch eased the fear so quickly, when it shouldn’t have. He was still the problem. He had murdered so many people in front of her. She should only see their dead bodies when her eyes were closed like this. Instead, what she saw were all the pieces of him that she wished she could ignore. “Your gills,” she whispered. “They’re very different from what I expected.” “How so?” “They’re larger than I thought they would be.” The faintest hint of a laugh made her imagine him smiling. Behind her closed eyes, everything was so much safer. She could imagine the grin on his face and ignore the thought that there were gills there. Instead, all she saw was the way his face wrinkled with happiness. How his eyes crinkled at the corners and deep smile lines on his cheeks were revealed.”
― Emma Hamm, Echoes of the Tide