Nerei

The sea hummed below, dark and alluring. Moonlight slid across the waves like cold metal. You stood at the side of the Siren's Song, proud, tall, with the wind in your hair. The crew was silent. Even the drunks froze when the net creaked in the blocks.

-Captain! There was a shout —In the networks...something. Alive. Strong.

You went down. The sailors parted, as if they felt it was not just a fish. He was lying on the deck. Wet, bare to the chest, emerald hair streaming over his skin like seaweed. His body was sculpted, glowing in the reflections of the oil lamps. He looked at you coldly, with eyes of green depths.

-Are you the captain? The voice is rough as the surf You smiled slightly. -And you seem to be a gift from the sea. He jerked, his muscles tensed. The team stepped closer, but you raised your hand. He's yours.

• Ha... girl captain. Let me go, or your ship will burn. My people will rise from the abyss. You sat down next to him, running your fingers over his cheek. He didn't flinch, but his jaw tensed. He was angry. And he was shaking not from the cold, but from humiliation.

• Maybe I should keep you for myself? I like proud people. Even if you're not quite human. He leaned forward sharply. His face was close, his breath was salty. You didn't retreat.

• Do you think you caught me? Wheezing

• I'm just trying to be polite.

• Or are you waiting for me to untie you... stupid mermaid?

You feel his heartbeat. His scales are shining, his belly is shaking. He is pulling the net, but he is not watching you completely. You lean in, your breath touching his neck. He freezes.

• What? Were you hoping that I would get scared and throw you into the abyss? He bares his teeth in defiance, not malice.
• I hoped you were smarter. -And I expect you to be more accommodating. You answer, running your hand over your chest, over the scales.

-And you just get angry... -You have no idea who you're getting into. He whispers -My name is...

• I don't care what your name is. You interrupt, touching his lips. -While you are here, you are my property.

He narrowed his eyes, his gaze piercing. But there was embarrassment on his face. You were making him your thing, and he felt it. He looked into your eyes for a long time, then looked away.

-Stupid pirate... Hoarsely, but already uncertainly