Chapter 143: Chapter 143 Midnight Musical Chairs

Elara’s POV

"I adore it," I whispered, settling my chin against Barrett’s chest while slowly loosening the silk ribbons. "Thanks for this beautiful present, Barry."

Barry.

Barrett’s breath hitched at the nickname. He pressed his lips together and lifted his chin, staring intently at my mouth.

"Want a kiss?" I teased.

His eager nod made my heart flutter. Desperately wanting.

Alistair had been wrong about him. Sure, Barrett might have similarities to Finnian and Silas, but when he craved something, he wasn’t shy about it. And when I granted his wishes, pure joy lit up his face.

"Then can I play with your ears?" I bargained.

"Yes..." Barrett straightened and lifted me onto his lap, positioning me perfectly within reach.

A sharp rap echoed from the door.

"Elara, are you still awake? It’s me. I came to watch over you." Julian’s voice drifted through the wood.

Wind suddenly rushed across the balcony. Panic shot through me as I quickly pushed Barrett toward the closet.

He fought back. "Elara, I belong to you." Confusion clouded his features—why should we skulk around?

"Let me send him away, then we’ll pick up where we left off," I promised.

That earned me a bashful nod from Barrett.

Damn fish. Tomorrow I’m making sashimi out of him.

This wasn’t about secrecy—I was just mortified. Barrett looked so innocent and sweet... I mean, he still had those ribbons draped over him.

But that gorgeous body? Mine alone to admire.

After tucking Barrett away safely, I ran fingers through my hair, coughed softly, and cracked open the door. My toes immediately curled; my mouth fell open.

Hold on. Why is Julian sporting a chest chain at this time of night?

A silky robe draped carelessly over his shoulders, concealing absolutely nothing underneath.

Holy hell, that’s scorching.

"You’re dressed like that for guard duty?" I asked, disbelief coloring my voice.

Julian’s gaze dropped, dark lashes creating delicate shadows. "We merfolk are drawn to sparkly objects," he murmured. "If it bothers you, I’ll take it off."

"No. Keep it on," I blurted.

His mouth twitched, and I could tell he was internally celebrating. I could see the satisfaction in his eyes as he thought to himself, "Apparently spending time with these guys has been educational. Dorian’s underhanded methods are sleazy, but I’ll give him this—they’re effective. Just look at Elara, already rattled."

Without the sanitarium’s restrictive barriers, everyone was embracing their wild side. Julian moved closer, pressing my palm against his waist. "My lady," he breathed, "touch me. Please."

Those final words emerged barely audible.

I went quiet.

Another temptation. I’m still dealing with my period. This is pure agony.

But wait—how did I wind up in this mess? Who’s actually the one being tortured here?

I need to reconsider my strategy.

But how can I turn him down?

Julian noticed my uncertainty and pulled me close, nuzzling into my throat. "Stay with me tonight, my lady."

"You..."

"Want to see my tail?" he offered. "It’s gorgeous too. Look at me—am I still that reptile you despised?"

No. Julian, you’re absolutely breathtaking. Your form is flawless.

I stumbled over words, but my hands were already exploring, sliding up his back. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Julian grinned and drew me tighter.

"What’s so amusing?" I questioned.

"You might not love my face," he said, "but you’re obsessed with my body." He advanced another step while embracing me. His foot kicked the door closed, successfully getting us both inside.

I was intoxicated by the view.

Mother Nature knows what she’s doing. The males really are the beautiful specimens.

In the closet, I could sense Barrett was fuming. I imagined him thinking, "I’m turning him into seafood bisque."

Dim lighting created an intimate atmosphere. Julian angled his head, leaning in for a kiss. Then another knock interrupted us.

"Elara, how are you feeling?" Alistair called out. "I picked ginger from your garden and whipped up that ginger milk custard you mentioned. Interested?"

Julian’s expression crumbled.

"My lady?" he whispered, looking wounded.

"Sorry," I whispered back. "Hide for a moment. I’ll dismiss him, and we’ll continue."

I’ve got this handled.

But seriously, how many of them am I expected to juggle?

Barrett and Julian both looked shell-shocked.

On the balcony, Kaelen was doubled over with silent laughter.

The fish just got stuffed under the bed.