Tidal Engagement - Chapter 15

The following year, on Full Tide Night, Pei Tinglan moved in next door.

It wasn’t cohabitation.

It was the result of three months of persuading on his part.

On moving day, he brought three boxes.

One for clothes, one for research materials, and one for a water tank and emergency salt.

I looked at the last box.

“You’re quite self-aware.”

He pushed the box into the living room.

“Afraid of being returned.”

“Who taught you that phrase?”

“Your junior sister.”

I decided to dock her bubble tea later.

At ten that night, the sound of the tide surged in through the window.

I was editing a report when the doorbell rang once.

I checked the surveillance feed.

Pei Tinglan stood outside, wearing loungewear, hair half-damp.

He didn’t press the bell a second time.

A message came through on my phone.

Pei Tinglan: High Tide, checking in.

Me: Status?

Pei Tinglan: Want to see you.

Me: Danger level?

Pei Tinglan: Medium.

Me: Handling plan?

Pei Tinglan: Go home and soak in the tub.

I looked at the screen and smiled a little.

The person outside seemed to sense it, looking up at the camera.

There was a faint silver glint in his eyes, but it was steady.

I unlatched the door chain, leaving only a crack.

“Pei Tinglan.”

He looked at me.

“Mm.”

“Hand.”

He extended his hand.

I checked his palm-no claws, no cuts from scales splitting open.

Just as I was about to let go, he lightly touched my fingertip with the back of his hand.

So light it barely counted as a touch.

“Is this okay?”

I looked at him.

“You already touched.”

He lowered his gaze and smiled.

“Then if I apologize now, is it still in time?”

“Depends on your attitude.”

“Sorry.”

“And?”

He thought seriously for a moment.

“I’ll go back and soak.”

Finally, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Pei Tinglan watched me, the silver in his eyes slowly receding.

Sometimes I think the most dangerous thing about a non-human lover isn’t his scales, claws, or abyssal instincts.

It’s that he’s really learning to be human.

Once he learns to wait, restrain himself, ask, and hand over choice, he’ll know better than anyone exactly how much tenderness it takes to make your heart soften.

That’s what’s fatal.

I undid the door chain.

“Come in and have some water.”

Pei Tinglan didn’t move.

“Lin Wu, it’s High Tide right now.”

“I know.”

“I might want to get closer to you.”

“Only allowed to sit at the other end of the sofa.”

“Might stare at you.”

“Not more than ten seconds.”

“Might want to hold your hand.”

“Apply first.”

He laughed.

Soft, obedient, and not remotely as obedient as it seemed.

“Applying.”

I opened the door.

“Approved, once.”

He walked in, carrying a hint of damp sea breeze.

The moment the door closed, I saw a patch of silver scales emerge on the side of his neck, only to be forcibly suppressed.

He was still dangerous, truly.

Charming and dangerous.

But this time, he stood at the doorway, waiting for me to say it was okay.

(End)