SAGE (Tales of the Merman Book 1) Page 3

  "You test my patience, Sage."

  "If you do not wish me to ascend to the throne, I am more than happy to let Heath take my place." Sage closed the book and stood. "I'm done here for today." He placed the book back on the shelf with the others and turned back to his father. "You wonder why others are restless, leaving for other clans? It might pay to remember that just because you are king doesn't mean that others don't matter. Their time is important, Father. It would do you well to remember you serve them, not them you."

  His father stared at him in shock. "You dare tell me how to rule my people?"

  "You rule how you wish, Father. Look at how well it's working for you." Sage strode from the back section of the cave, weaving himself from section to section until he came to the area that was his living quarters. He lit several candles, illuminating the rock.

  He stripped off the royal robes his father insisted he wear when he studied and stood naked as he shifted through clothes. He found a pair of dress slacks and a baby blue dress shirt and pulled them out. Folding them carefully, he placed them in a waterproof bag. He added dress shoes, socks, and a comb for his hair.

  Thoughts of Gary pushed the argument with his father from his mind. He smiled, remembering the feel of Gary's hand in his and the soft brush of his fingers against his skin. He was crazy to get involved with a human, but the attraction was too strong to ignore. There was no way they could ever have a serious relationship. Their lives were just too different and the secrets too big. Still, Sage hoped that they could enjoy some time together, before he was forced to step up and lead the clan and his freedom would be completely gone.

  "Sage?"

  He turned to see his brother, Randy standing in the entry to his chamber. His long, brown hair fell to the middle of his back. He was naked, but that wasn't unusual. The clan seldom dressed around each other. "What's up?"

  "You going out?" Randy nodded to the waterproof bag.

  "Meeting with one of the humans tonight." Sage shuffled through a stack of clothes, finding a pair of swim trunks to take with him.

  "I thought Father had Heath handling sales now." Randy sat down at the foot of Sage's bed.

  "He is. This is personal."

  "A woman?" Randy grinned.

  "No, not a woman. A man I've met." Sage counted out several hundred dollars from his billfold and shoved them into a seldom used wallet.

  "A man? This is a first for you." Randy raised a brow. "Are you trying to piss off Father?"

  Sage laughed. "It's not a first. I have been with men before. As far as Father is concerned, he won't know about it, unless someone tells him." He gave Randy a hard stare.

  "Hey, I'm not telling him. I just haven't seen you really date anyone. You used to see that one woman, but that must have been ten years ago."

  "I've had other things to take care of." Sage sealed the bag closed and tied it to his wrist. Truth was, he hadn't wanted to date before this. Gary stirred something long dormant inside him. He'd found his sexual pleasure over the last few years by his own hand.

  "Heath left an hour ago for the mainland. He said he might be gone the night." Randy sighed.

  "Feeling left out?" Sage reached over and tugged on Randy's hair.

  "The last thing I need right now is a human. I've got my hands full trying to deal with training the younger clan members. We got two new ones the other day, and I'm afraid they aren't adapting to living here very well. They keep talking about going back to their mothers and living among the humans."

  "And in my opinion, they should have that option. I don't see why Father demands they live here. I agree they need to learn our ways, but it hurts nothing if they choose to live among the humans as long as the secret is kept." Sage blew out the candles, casting the room in darkness. His eyes adjusted so he could still make out his brother in the blackness. "When I am king I will give everyone the choice."

  "Don't let Father hear you say that." Randy stood.

  "It's nothing I haven't said before. He knows my feelings. If he doesn't like them, I am more than happy to let you or Heath take the throne."

  "You really don't want this, do you?"

  "Not one bit." Sage made his way through the cave as Randy followed behind him. He stopped at the edge of the cave where it opened to the ocean. "I will be back by morning. If anyone asks, I am meeting with a buyer."

  "Be safe, Sage." Randy watched him from several feet away.

  "Making sure the bag was secure on one wrist and the swim trunks tied to the other, he gave a nod and willed the change as he dove into the water.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Gary glanced up at the clock. He was excited to see Sage again. He'd tossed and turned most the night thinking about how strange their meeting had been. He liked that Sage was honest, upfront, and admitted his attraction right off, instead of playing games and leaving Gary to wonder what was going on.

  His suit hung in the back, ready to put on. He debated on sneaking back now, but he still had another ten minutes before he officially closed. Restless, he sat on the stool behind the counter. He could wait ten more minutes.

  He brushed his hand down his shorts as he thought about Sage. The man was nothing like any other he ever met. The thick long black hair, deep black eyes, and dark tanned skin gave him almost a Native American look. His soft skin had to be from hours in the water. Gary wondered at what kind of salvaging Sage did. He imagined it would be for sunken treasure or shipwrecks. He hoped he would find out more about him tonight.

  He frowned as a customer entered. He just wanted the day over so he could begin what he hoped would be a pleasant night. "Can I help you?"

  "Looking for a watch." The young man moved toward the watch display.

  "Sure, we have several to choose from." Gary opened the display and set several out.

  He was several minutes into helping the customer when he looked up to find Sage watching him from the doorway. His heart skipped as his gaze traveled over Sage's dress clothes and then back to his face. His hair was neatly tied back in a long ponytail, slicked back and still wet.

  "Hi. Come on in. I'll just be a moment." He smiled, willing the customer to hurry.

  "No rush. We have all night." Sage met his gaze.

  Gary inhaled sharply at the seductive tone of Sage's comment. Was Sage implying he wanted to spend the night with him? He hadn't had a lover in a long time, but there was no way he would refuse Sage if that was where the night led them.

  His cock stirred at the thought. Great, just what he needed. Walking around with a hard-on all night was not what he wanted, but as he glanced back at Sage, it was evident his body was in control, not his mind.

  Gary spent the next ten minutes helping his customer while Sage wandered the shop, picking up several items and looking them over before placing them back on the shelves. When the customer finally paid for his watch, Gary quickly followed him to the door and shut it, placing the closed sign in the window, and then locking the door.

  "Sorry about that." Gary turned to Sage. "I'll hurry and change and we can go."

  Sage smiled and stepped closer. "I don't mind waiting. Gave me a chance to look around. You have a great place."

  Gary shrugged. "Same as any other dive shop." He inhaled as he caught the clean salty scent of Sage. "You look great."

  "Thank you." Sage reached out and took Gary's hand. "I wanted to make a good impression."

  Gary brushed his thumb over the back of Sage's hand. "You didn't need to get dressed up to do that. You leave quite the impression no matter how you dress."

  Sage lifted their joined hands and placed them against his chest. "The feeling is mutual."

  Gary felt the gentle beat of Sage's heart. He stared into Sage's eyes then dropped his gaze to his lips. He wanted to kiss him. Taste his mouth against his own, feel his body close. It was crazy. They just met. Yet every inch of his body craved this man's touch. He held his breath as they continued to stare at each other.

  After several moments, Sage bro
ke the silence. "Go. Change. As I said, we have all night." He brought Gary's hand to his lips and kissed it before releasing it. "I'll wait here for you."

  Gary nodded as he slowly pulled his hand back. He took a step back, still staring at Sage. "Make yourself at home. I won't be long." He turned and quickly made his way to the back room and shut the door.

  He let out a long breath and shook his head. What was it about this man that made him lose his mind? He'd known him for a day and here he was, ready to strip down and offer his body up to him or better yet bow down and offer to worship Sage's body.

  He pulled his shirt off and tossed it aside. He needed to get his head together or risk ruining the night with his stupid blundering. He reached for his suit and quickly changed, taking an extra moment to check his appearance in the mirror before walking back out into the store.

  Sage was sitting on the stool behind the counter as he stepped out.

  Gary smiled and brushed his hands down his suit coat nervously. "Ready."

  Sage glanced over him, his gaze traveling painfully slow over Gary as he stood there. "You look wonderful." Sage held out his hand.

  His pulse raced at the look in Sage's eyes as he stepped forward, lifting his hand to his. "Thank you."

  Sage took his hand and pulled him closer, easing Gary between his legs as he sat on the stool. "You're dangerous, Gary. I shouldn't desire you the way I do."

  Gary braced on hand against Sage's shoulder as he looked at him. "How am I dangerous? You know nothing about me."

  "That is the problem. Without knowing a thing about you, I want you." Sage slid his free hand down the back of Gary's suit and over his ass before pulling it back. "I promised you dinner. We will have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other."

  Gary held his breath for a moment, fighting the urge to refuse dinner and head back to his place. Sage was right, they hardly knew each other and dinner would give them a chance to talk. He moved back, pulling his hand from Sage's. "We walking or would you like to drive?"

  "Let's walk. It's only a couple blocks." Sage stood. "You need anything?"

  Gary glanced around, making sure the cash register was locked and then patted his pocket to make sure he had his wallet. "I'm good."

  They made their way out of the shop, pausing so Gary could lock up.

  Once they started walking, Sage reached for his hand. "You don't mind do you?"

  "Not at all." Gary tightened his grip and smiled.

  "Good."

  They made their way down the sidewalk in silence. Gary glanced across the street at the beach, seeing the crowds packing up for the evening and heading back to their hotels or homes. He really loved this area and the people around.

  "Sage?"

  They both turned to find Everest waving at them. They stopped and Sage released his hand to hug his brother.

  "Good to see you, Sage. Not used to seeing you around these parts." Everest smiled.

  "We were just headed to dinner." Sage glanced at Gary. "We met on the beach the other night. He mentioned he knew you."

  Gary smiled. "Hey, Ev. How are you?"

  "Doing good. Have to say I am shocked to see you with my brother. Small world." Everest eyed a couple who were looking at some of the coral displays. "I won't keep you. Have a great dinner. Let's do lunch one day and catch up, Gary. You haven't decided to sell the shop yet, have you?"

  "I haven't decided yet. I'll drop by later this week and we can talk." He missed visiting with Everest as he did before his father died.

  "Good." Everest gave Sage a strange look. "I look forward to hearing more on how you two met."

  Sage reached for Gary's hand once more. "I'm sure I will be seeing you soon. Father is calling a meeting soon."

  Gary heard Everest groan.

  "Would you take over already?" Everest gave Sage's shoulder a squeeze. "Till then, my brother."

  Sage waved and they started back down the street.

  "You don't see him often?" Gary glanced back to find Everest watching them.

  "Not as often as I would like."

  "Do you have a big family?"

  "Four brothers. What about you?"

  "I am an only child." Gary could see the restaurant up ahead. "You mentioned your father, what about your mother?"

  Sage frowned. "I haven't seen my mother since I was eighteen."

  "Oh." Gary wanted to press for more information, but didn't want to make Sage uncomfortable.

  "Hope you're hungry." Sage led them up the path to the front door. "I'm starving."

  "Me, too. I skipped lunch today when a tour group came in looking to rent equipment." Gary smiled as Sage held the door for him and they stepped inside.

  "Good. I won't feel bad ordering a large meal then." Sage placed his hand on the small of Gary's back as they waited to be seated.

  Once seated Sage ordered them wine. Gary glanced at the menu, already knowing what he wanted. His mouth watered as he thought about the crab he tried here once. Setting the menu down, he waited patiently as Sage decided what he wanted.

  Sage's eyes roamed the menu and he glanced up once to catch Gary watching him. He smiled and set the menu down. "You look at me that way and it makes me wish we had stayed in the privacy of the shop."

  Hell, when was the last time anyone had made him blush? His face heated and Sage laughed.

  Sage lowered his voice. "Please tell me I'm not the only one feeling this thing between us."

  Gary cleared his throat and reached for his water, taking a long sip as he watched Sage over the rim. Setting his water back on the table, he shook his head. "No. I feel it, too. A bit unsettling. I haven't really bothered with dating or anything in quite a while."

  "What made you change your mind with me?"

  "Just like you said. This feeling between us is unlike anything I have experienced. I saw you for several seconds when you saved the child and haven't been able to get you off my mind since." Gary played with the napkin in his lap. "I don't understand it, but I wasn't about to pass up the opportunity to explore it."

  Sage nodded as the waiter brought their wine and took their order. When he finally left, Sage looked back at him. "Well, that is one thing we share. I haven't dated in years. I have been so busy working, training to take over the business from my father, that I have hardly had time. But, as you said, those brief moments in the water, something happened. I was worried I would never find out who you were. Little did I know I only needed to visit my brother more often to find you."

  "Would you have kept looking if I hadn't been at the beach that day?"

  "Yes. I would have watched for you. You are the last thing I need in my life right now, Gary. My life is a mess and the business keeps me busy. I shouldn't have sought you out, but I'm glad I did."

  "So am I." Gary lifted his wine glass. "To new friends."

  "Friends?" Sage raised a brow. "I guess that will work, at least until dinner is over." He clinked his glass to Gary's.

  Gary's face heated again and he smiled. "Did you mean it when you said we had the rest of the night?"

  "If you aren't sick of me by then." Sage met his stare.

  "I'm pretty sure I won't be." Gary pushed back his nervousness. "You mentioned you wanted to see my paintings. If you like we can get my car after and head back to my place."

  Sage hesitated a moment and Gary felt his stomach cramp as he wondered if he'd offered too much, too soon.

  "I would love to see your place and your work." Sage reached for his hand on the table. "When did you say this art show was?"

  "It's in two weeks. I still have several paintings I hope to finish before it."

  "What do you paint?"

  "Just depends. I enjoy seascapes, but I have done people and other things. Just whatever inspires me." Gary gave Sage's hand a squeeze. "Tell me more about what you do."

  Sage pulled his hand back and leaned back in his chair. "My family searches for treasure, sunken ships, anything we can find out there. We also harvest Co
ral and other plants for aquarium use and to sell as trinkets."

  "Your whole family does this?"

  "Yes. My father is trying to get me to take over the business, but I don't want it. I'm trying to convince him to leave it to my younger brother Heath."

  "Why don't you want it?"

  Sage shook his head. "I love what I do, but I'm not a leader. I don't want to be the boss. I enjoy diving and searching. If I take over I will be stuck behind a desk most the time. I've never done well cooped up. My brother is much better at things like that."

  "And your father?"

  "Won't listen. Since I am the oldest he is convinced that it is my place to take over." He shrugged. "If I must, I will, but as soon as I am able, I will pass it to Heath and let him take over."

  Gary found it impressive that Sage would seek to please his father, even to the extent of taking on something he didn't want. "Makes me think twice about the dive shop. My father wanted me to take it over. Tried for years to get me to. I never felt it was my calling, but maybe you are right. Maybe I should do like you and honor his desires."

  "Not if it doesn't make you happy." Sage reached for his wine. "I think life is too short to spend it suffering through things just to make others happy. It's good to want to honor your father, but he is gone. You no longer need to do things to please him. If the shop doesn't make you happy, then sell it."

  "Well, right now my finances are such that I need to keep it. Hopefully after this show I will be able to make enough on my paintings to make that choice."

  "What about your mother?"

  "She died of cancer when I was still in high school."

  "I'm sorry."

  "Thanks. It was a long time ago."

  The meal arrived and the two of them let conversation drop as they ate. Gary watched Sage eat, enjoying the way his tongue licked over his lips after each bite of lobster. His body stirred as he thought about what it would be like to lick over his lips the same way.