Page 39 of The Last Aether

Kai grinned at me as he held out a bathing suit. “Water class is meeting at the lake today. We all have to suit up.”

I stole a look around at the students heading into makeshift changing tents. “What about the mark on my chest? You guys have to be careful of that too. Especially you.” I sent a meaningful glance towards the spot on his shoulder.

One look at those silver strands and people would know something was up. It wouldn’t take them long to figure out we were fully bonded.

Kai wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me flush against him. “Don’t worry, Pip. I’ve got us covered. Want to share a changing stall with me?”

“No, she doesn’t, Mr. Torrent,” Professor Belthorn said with a shake of her head. “Please let Ms. Coleman go.”

“Aw, Thorny. You never want me to have any fun.”

Professor Belthorn pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. “Please remember your bathing suit this time, Mr. Torrent. And not a speedo thong like the last time.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose. Kai was going to be the death of me.

He grinned at the professor. “I think you’ll fully support my attire for today’s class.”

“Why does that worry me?” Professor Belthorn asked.

I shot her a look. “Because you’re a smart woman.”

“Now, Pip, don’t doubt my fashion choices.”

I simply shook my head and started for an empty changing stall. Kai had handed me a swimsuit and towel. I quickly shed my uniform and pulled on the bathing suit. He was right. It completely covered my new markings.

The bathing suit was a mock-wetsuit with a zipper that fell between my breasts. Pulling the zipper up to the top, my chest was completely protected from view. But as I took in the rest of me, I scowled.

Of course, Kai would find some way for me to show skin. The cut of the bottom half of the suit wasn’t nearly as modest. Half of my ass was on display.

I let out a little growl and wrapped the towel around my waist. Pulling back the curtain, I stepped outside.

Kai stood there wearing board shorts and one of those wetsuit-like tops, rubbing his hands together. His face fell as he took in the towel. “You don’t like the bathing suit?”

“I don’t like showing the world my entire ass,” I hissed.

Kerry strode up, a gauzy cover-up layered over her chic bikini. “What’s wrong?”

I pressed my mouth into a hard line. “Kai was in charge of my bathing suit.”

He shrugged. “What can I say? Your ass is a thing of beauty.”

Kerry choked on a laugh. “You can just keep your towel on until it’s time to get in the water.”

Aiden strode by, his muscled chest on display, and sent us a wink. “Lookin’ good, ladies.”

Kerry’s face flamed.

“Seriously?” I asked.

She shrugged. “You can’t deny that he’s pretty to look at.”

Kai frowned. “This is what happens when I can’t just be naked. Punks like Aiden start getting all the attention.”

I patted his chest. “I’m sure you’ll be naked before you know it.”

He looked down at me, eyes heating. “Promises, promises.”

Professor Belthorn ushered us forward. “All right, class, let’s come to the edge of the lake, please. Mr. Torrent, please join me.”