Chapter 31

Hayden

I stare up at the blinking stars, unsure of who I am now that I've fully merged with Tide and no longer hear his voice.

I'm not the old Hayden anymore, and that's a relief. Stress no longer courses in my veins, and although the hotel and the business are still close to my heart, it's no longer the reason I'm still breathing.

A tiny flicker underneath my hand brings my eyes down to the human sleeping on my chest. Natasha passed out after our session. She is terrified of my merman form, so I had to hypnotize her to indulge in sexual affairs with me.

I should probably feel guilty, but I don't—I had to have her at least once, hold her, and treat her as if she is mine.

And one day, she might be.

"Cold..." Natasha mumbles in her sleep, hugging her arms to her frail, delicate body. "Hayhay..."

My lips curve slightly at her mentioning my name, and I pull my hand over her like a blanket. Her weight is barely noticeable; she is as