by Debra Dunbar
“Amber, focus!”
I did. Sort of. It was hard to focus when Kai had abandoned her serviceable one-piece for a boy-short two-piece in a shade of turquoise that set off her tanned skin. She’d demonstrated proper surfing technique, hopping on her flying board like a Cirque de Solei gymnast. I blinked, trying to think about what I was about to do. Or not do.
“It’s the same as paddleboarding. Once you feel the wave pushing you forward, get up speed, jump into a crouch, then ease into a standing position. Knees soft. Got it?”
Riiiiight. My thighs hurt enough from the endless burpees I’d been doing at the end of each lesson. Burpees on the ground are one thing, but on a moving, floating paddleboard they were another. And on a board being pushed out from under me? I was going for some serious swims this lesson, no doubt about it.
Kai sensed my skepticism. “Remember, the board is more stable when it’s moving forward. You can do it.”
I appreciated her confidence in me, misguided though it may be. The wave arrived. I paddled ahead of it, picking up speed as it caught up to me. Then I rode it in on my belly.
“Okay, that was nice. Try to get on your feet next time.”
I paddled back out and into the line-up — which consisted of four kids with boogie boards, and a teenager who was wiping out two seconds into each wave. I was in good company. Kai had told me all the experienced surfers were down shore a bit where the waves were bigger and there was less chance of them getting fin-chopped by some jake. I had no idea what that meant but got the impression it wasn’t a good thing.
“Go! Go! Go!”
I instinctively started paddling, feeling the water gather me up and rush me toward the shore. Jump to crouch. Balance. Balance. Balance. Ease to a tall squat. And off into the water.
To my credit, or stupidity, I didn’t bail. The board shot to the right, and I flew to the left. An incoming wave hit me, driving me down into the rough coral and sand below. Without the rash shirt, I was going to have some serious abrasions by the time this session was over.
I came up coughing and pushing hair from my face. My sinuses and throat stung with salty water. My ankle jerked sideways, pulled by the leg rope, as the board tried to make it to shore. Damn it all. I’d almost had it.
Kai rode up to me, hopping off her board as the wave petered out. She gave me a quick once-over and shook her head. “How can somebody who can grow a forest with one touch not be able to ride a wave? I’ve seen you tightrope walk the stairway handrail, climb a tree like a monkey, run like an Olympic sprinter. You are poetry in motion on land; why can’t you be the same on water?”
“I don’t know,” I sputtered. “It’s just not my element.”
Twisting her wrist, she splashed a handful of water into my face. “I don’t believe it. You’re half-elf. Fae. That’s sylphs, water nymphs, fairies, pixies, and a ton of others I didn’t read about in high school. There’s no stinking reason beyond your own pigheadedness that you can’t get this.”
I touched the water, really felt it. The molecular structure flew into my mind. Minerals, animals, and interesting coral formations clinging to the underwater volcanic rock were pictures in my mind. I felt them all.
“It moves, and the pattern is so long and complex that I can’t predict it in enough time to ride the wave.”
She tilted her head. “Oh, give me a break. Stop analyzing patterns and just feel.”
I contemplated that, the Zen method of surfing.
“When you have sex as part of your sucky-demon thing, you don’t analyze patterns and predict responses, do you?”
I snorted. “No. Well, I see their fantasies, what they want and need, but once we get into it, I just sort of go with whatever feels right.”
“You see their fantasies and….” Kai shook her head. “Never mind. You need to do the same with surfing. Just go with whatever feels right.”
I heaved myself back onto the board. “Clear my mind and all that shit?”
“Maybe a pint of vodka would help,” Kai muttered. “Yes, clear your mind and all that.”
I paddled out, trying to find my inner Buddha, and waited in line with the kids. My turn came. A decent wave, well positioned and heading strongly toward the shore, approached. I turned and gathered speed, letting the wave push me forward as I hopped to a crouch, arms spread like a featherless bird. I wiggled like a worm on a hook, the board swaying back and forth, but somehow I managed to make it more than two seconds before flying off.
I came to the surface, swept the wet hair back from my face and gave a resounding ‘woohoo!’
Kai came up beside me like a goddess, jumping off and giving me a high five. “Nice job. And how is it that you still look breathtaking with a bruised face, black eye, and surf rash?”
I tucked wet strands of my hair back into my braid. “Mad skills.”
She nodded. “I’ve held my tongue, but you know I need to ask: are those bruises from Irix?”
“No. They’re from someone else. I wish I had Irix’s fixing skills, then I wouldn’t have these stupid bruises. Or the aching legs.” I had no idea if that skill would ever manifest. Being only half a demon limited those abilities considerably.
“Well, I’m just glad he has them, and that he acted fast last night,” she commented reaching out to gently touch my cheek.
I had told Kai about our hot tub attack. The resort staff had assumed some electrical malfunction had caused a fire and were relieved it had happened at night when no one was around. Even though we’d gotten out of there, streaking naked through the hotel, I’d wanted Kai to know. It was probably one more freaky nail in the coffin of our friendship, but I’d wanted to be honest with her. We were kind of in this fire-spirit thing together, and no matter how much it might widen the rift between us, she needed to know.
And she needed to know something else too. I had selfish reasons. I was hiding this one from Irix, but I seriously needed some girlfriend help.
“My injuries aren’t from the fire spirit or from Irix. Aside from my newly acquired surfing rash, they’re inflicted by another sex demon — a succubus who’s decided that she personally owns every man on Maui.”
I expected Kai to freak out, order me to keep surfing, or change the topic. I didn’t expect her to raise her hackles and bare her teeth like a rabid mastiff.
“Who? What? You’ve been getting beaten up by another woman?”
Crap, I sounded like such a pansy. “I’ve given as good as I’ve gotten. Well, maybe not the first time, but last night I grew a tree and catapulted her into a field.”
Kai raised an eyebrow. “So the first time she beats the snot out of you. Last night, you’re down but manage to prevail. What do you think is going to happen when you go out trolling for sex today? Huh?”
I’d been dreading that, trying not to think about it. There was more than a good chance Cleo would show up today, and this time a paltry coconut palm wouldn’t take her down. That trick was only good once.
“I’ll wind up with more bruises, possibly a broken bone or two.” I shrugged with fake nonchalance. “Sucks, but I’m not about to hide in my room and let her win.”
My speech was rewarded with a fist pump.
“Oh, heck yeah! Don’t let that two-bit ‘ho win. You need a wingman, or, rather, a wingwoman. I’ll come along, and we’ll see how cocky she’ll be against the two of us.”
I really didn’t know what to make of Kai’s sudden turnabout. It seems when it came to a catfight, the underdog side carried a lot of weight.
“Kai, she’s a succubus — a full demon. You’ve seen just a fraction of what Irix can do. She’s a big dog, and I’m a Chihuahua. I got the jump on her last time with a bit of luck. It won’t happen again, and, no offense, but a human sidekick isn’t going to sway the odds much in my favor.”
We had a little intense staring match. Kai smiled. “Get your cute butt out on the waves, and let me worry about it. I’ve got an idea. A little bit of shopping after our lesson and w
e’ll head out together. If things go the way I think, then Ms. I-Own-The-Island won’t even show up.”
I hesitated, just for effect. “Okay, kemosabe. Surf. Shop. Then we ride off into the sunset to pick up men.”
***
Shopping with Kai was fun. We grabbed a couple Italian ices, hit up a boutique where I scored a silk sarong with a leafy pattern. Kai picked up an odd assortment of items at the food mart.
“So, where’s the hunting today? Do you have a spot in mind, or will you let me suggest somewhere?”
My friend seemed oddly eager to bring it on with Cleo. I was worried about her, but underneath that, I was thrilled she was accepting me, freak that I was.
“I usually do my best work in bars. Everyone’s inhibitions are loosened, and there is a certain expectation of pickups. That’s where Cleo seems to be, though, so maybe I should try something else. I’m open to suggestions.”
Kai shot me a twisted smile. “Leave it up to me; I’ll find a place.”
Okay, there was an intriguing bit of mystery going on. “I’m in your capable hands.”
***
This was the weirdest pickup spot I’d ever been. I’d met men in bars, at the gym, at bowling alleys, even at libraries. I’d never picked up a sexual partner at a deserted beach.
Well, in all honesty, it wasn’t completely deserted. A few dedicated individuals were black silhouettes against the dazzling reflection of sunlight on the surf. I watched them with a twinge of envy as they effortlessly eased into a wave, slipping into the barrel then streaking ahead of the curl before cutting back. They made it all look so damned easy, easier than even Kai had. These guys were awesome, and I had an urge to seduce them, but they were already married to a more seductive woman than I could ever be — the ocean.
Rustling behind me. I spun around and saw Kai drop an armful of bags from the food mart and a huge, thick blanket.
“Picnic? What an awesome idea.” I helped her spread the blanket, using the rounded, surf-smoothed black lava rocks to hold down the edges. Out came bread, cheese, fruit, and a bottle of wine.
“We’ll need to swig it from the bottle. I forgot to grab cups.”
She hadn’t forgotten a corkscrew, though. I opened the bottle as Kai put the food out. We sat in silence and ate, passing the bottle between us. The sun on the curling waves shone blinding white. Incoming surf shifted the lava rocks, making them rattle as the water receded. It sounded like a thousand maracas against the roar of the ocean. The surfers moved farther out and down the shore, and I realized there were no bags or gear on the little beach, just Kai and me with our picnic and a bottle of Pino Grigio. Was this her idea of a pickup spot? Who the heck was I supposed to pick up?
Oh.
For a half-succubus, I could be a real idiot sometimes.
“Can you... do you see my fantasies?” Kai’s shy smile wobbled a bit before she busied herself with the cheese slices.
Yes, I could.
“It’s so beautiful here,” Kai babbled, taking a quick sip of wine. “Not a great place to jump in because of the rocks, but a great spot to watch the surfers and sunbathe. These rocks, the black sand, it all heats up, and when you lay down, it’s like being at a spa.”
“Then let’s do some sunbathing.” I stood and untied my bikini top, shedding my shorts along with the lower part of my swimsuit. Kai’s eyes grew wide, and she gulped wine.
She was nervous? I was the one buck naked, sprawling on a beach of hot lava rocks and gritty black sand. The only thing keeping me calm was the succubus confidence that this would all come together in beautiful harmony.
I tucked my palms under my head and looked at Kai from beneath half-closed eyes. “Well, come on. And bring that wine with you.”
She hesitated then rose gracefully and padded on bare feet to my side, wine extended. I took the bottle and watched her undo the back of her bathing suit, pulling it over her head with shaking hands. Hooking her thumbs in the waistband of her shorts, she shimmied them down, turning to the side and giving me a view of her slim profile.
I patted the sand beside me. Kai lowered herself gingerly, shifting a few stones for a more comfortable surface. We lay there, listening to the clatter of the rocks, the sun warm on our skin. I was completely aware of her next to me, of the rise and fall of her breasts with each breath, of the concave curve of her stomach and the angles of her hips, of the muscles along her arms and legs and the restless twitching of her feet. Slowly rising to my elbows, so I didn’t disturb the serenity of the moment, I took a drink of wine and looked across the black sand.
But my eyes returned to Kai. It was as if she was part of the beach, of the island itself, like she was one of the old gods whose souls were forever tied to the fire and rock, the wind and surf, the flora and fauna. Her eyes were shut, dark lashes a short fringe against her broad cheekbones. Her braid extended sideways along the rocks, a darker black than the rocks and sand.
“Stay there” I wedged the wine safely between some larger stones and rose. Her eyes fluttered open, full of nervous anticipation. “Close your eyes and relax.”
“Okay.” She closed her eyes, but the previous ease fled, leaving her tense.
I crawled, picking up the end of her braid and loosening the elastic. With gentle fingers, I untwined the tresses, spreading them out in a fan of wavy black above her head. Then I ran my fingers through her hair, scalp to end, smoothing the tangles as I gloried in the thick, heavy strands. It was like ropes of silk, so different than my fine blond locks. I rubbed the wavy mane between my fingers, thrilling at their texture and glossy sheen. I separated each strand, lovingly running my fingers along them as I arranged her wavy dark hair above her head. Working my way around, I ended up by her side, leaning over her as I worked.
She sighed, a smile curving the edges of her lips. I continued to caress her hair, amazed at how sensual such a basic act could be.
“There. You look just like a mermaid come to shore with hair spread out and your tanned body an offering to the sun.”
Her eyes fluttered open, looking into mine. My hands left her scalp to trace the lines of her face, one of my fingers exploring the curves of her upper lip. She said nothing, just watched me intently while I touched her.
Then I lowered my mouth to hers, my hair a golden canopy around us.
She hesitated, a breath against my lips, then kissed me back, tongue dancing with mine as her fingers curled in my hair. I know Irix said to let her kiss me first. I know I should have paused to ask if this was okay, if she really wanted to break her rules and do this with me, but somehow this felt so right. For once it wasn’t the horny succubus who was full steam ahead, but me. I’d never been swept away by anyone but Irix before, and part of me was shocked. I’d come to terms with loving someone and having sex with others, but loving someone and having a very different sort of love for another? I wasn’t sure how to handle these feelings, but there was no way I could stop now — Kai’s enthusiastic response had sent my body into overdrive.
Balancing my weight on my knees and one hand, I freed the other to roam lower, down the column of her neck, feathering across the delicate shoulder bones to palm the firm swell of her breast as my tongue flickered over her lips. She murmured against my mouth as I ran my fingers lower to brush the bud of her nipple with my thumb.
Then Kai yanked her mouth from mine with a gasp. “I want to touch you.”
“Patience,” I teased, kissing her pointed chin. “I get to do everything I want to you first, then, when I’m good and done, you can have your turn.”
Kai’s mouth set in a stubborn line that nearly made me laugh. Not willing to give her the chance for argument, I swung a leg across her waist, straddling her and bending my head to her breast.
I loved them, firm and smooth under my hands, the tips tightening to rounded points as I ran my tongue across their surface. She gasped, becoming pliant beneath me, and I lost myself in her warm scent, in the taste of the sea on her skin, in the way she roll
ed against me, whispering soft encouragement.
Her hands glided through my hair, caressing the sides of my face and along my shoulders as I slowly worked my way downward, mouth following my hands as I tasted every inch of her skin – the hollow of her belly, the curve of her waist, as well as the edges of her hip bones. I skated my hand along the muscles of her leg, curling back along the inside of her thigh as I worked my fingers upward. She shuddered, moaning with abandon as I placed my other hand on her taught stomach, resting on my knees to look up and meet her eyes. “Kai, you’re beautiful.”
I don’t know whether it was the pheromones or my words, but for the first time, she completely relaxed, her eyes warm and full of emotion as they met mine. We both smiled, and at that moment, everything else fell away — the fire-being, Cleo, the price on my head. I knew it was the same with her, that every hurt and doubt she’d had vanished. Irix was right; what I had to give was a gift. That expression on Kai’s face, the softness about her lips and eyes, it powered through me, lighting me up more than I ever thought possible from anyone but Irix. Unable to hold back, I lowered my head and kissed down the triangle of soft brown curls, skirting around her sex to touch her inner thighs with my tongue and teeth while my hand explored her warmth. My fingers danced over her folds, teasing with a light touch as she jerked upward, trying to urge me on.
My tongue joined my fingers, stroking, savoring every inch of her with my hands and my mouth, and she stilled, gasping as I worshiped her. Then she came with a breathy shudder, heat rolling like a fire across her skin. As it ebbed away, I felt the sweet strength of her energy, given freely.
Her eyes were liquid, slightly unfocused as they met mine. Her hand reached out to give my hair a gentle tug. “Come here,” she commanded. “It’s my turn now.”
***
The sun was dropping on the west side of the island as we sat, wrapped together in the blanket, drinking warm wine. The tide was coming in, teasing our toes with warm, salty water. The ebb and flow of the waves was our music as they rattled the rounded lava and smashed against the larger rocks. I felt drunk off the power of the energy she’d shared. Happily, giddily drunk.
