Streams of sunlight brightened the path while the cool breeze off the ocean and the shade of the trees made Jenny sure she had discovered a hidden paradise. The powdery white sand under her feet reminded her of the beaches along the Florida Panhandle. Spring Break never came fast enough after a long, cold winter.

The sound of water falling and birds singing made her think of the Swiss Family Robinson movie. Hopefully there wouldn’t be a tiger or pirates joining them. Rounding a curve in the trail, Jenny stopped dead in her tracks. Raising her hand to her throat, she gazed in awe at the humble accommodations.

A massive tree that looked very similar to a Banyan or an Australian Cathedral Fig tree supported the hut. One of the teachers had gone to Australia and brought back some incredible photos of unusual trees with trunks wider than some houses which grew to astonishing heights. The tree’s roots stretched from the limbs down into the ground, creating a curtain effect. Of course, the first thing Jenny thought about was how cool it would be to live in one.

“Hello, Mr. Robinson,” Jenny murmured, stepping onto an elevated walkway that bridged a creek and continued upward, winding around the tree to reach the dwelling above.

Behind the tree, water flowed from a narrow waterfall that ended in a deep, clear pool before flowing into the stream that led out to the cove. Tropical plants in a wide variety, too many to count, grew along the rocks and the edge of the stream’s banks. Flowers in every color under the sun dotted the landscape, while birds and insects buzzed from one to the other.

It was what was in the tree that drew Jenny’s attention the most. The treehouse was not as elaborate as the one from the Robinson movie, but it was pretty damn close. Along with the winding walkway spiraling around the tree, a hut made out of the thin limbs, vines, and palm fronds was situated near the top of the tree, partially hidden by its thick branches.

Jenny slowly climbed the elevated walkway. Her hands caressed the woven rope railing as she walked. Her gaze followed several colorful birds as they flew up to sit on one of the window sills. As she reached the house, she was surprised to see thin, almost translucent netting covering the windows and doorways. Pushing the door panel aside, she entered.

The interior was an open room. She had discovered as she climbed up that the dwelling was built in a circle around the tree. From inside, she could see three hundred and sixty degrees.

The furnishings inside the hut were sparse. There was a primitive cooking area that consisted of a grill, a sink fed with water from the waterfall, several empty shelves, and a small round table with two chairs made from bent limbs and woven palm fronds. On the far side was the sleeping area. A vine-net was stretched out and fastened at each corner to form a hanging bed. On top of it was a mattress covered by a thick weatherproof tarp.

Jenny crossed over and folded the tarp. Protected by the tarp was a thin comforter and pillows. She looked around for a place to store the tarp. She discovered that the empty trunks scattered around the room were also used for seating. She opened one of the trunks and placed the tarp inside. Straightening, she gazed out over the treetops. She could see the beach and cove from here.

She smiled when she saw Sea Fire playing in the shallow water. Orion was stroking the sea dragon and feeding it fresh seaweed. Once the stag was finished, he patted the creature affectionately on the neck and waded deeper. He stood looking out at the ocean before his shoulders rolled, and he dove into the waves. Jenny’s fingers curled along the polished wood. Her gaze skimmed the water searching for Orion.

Several minutes passed before he resurfaced. She understood what he was doing when he waded ashore and dropped a handful of long tubular stalks on a rock. He was gathering food for their dinner.

She watched him for several long minutes, admiring the sunlight on his tanned shoulders. His muscles rippled along his back when he turned to gaze out at the water again. Her eyes widened in appreciation when he bent over to pick up a shell. The form-fitting material of his trousers showcased his tight buttocks. Jenny’s fingers itched to run her hands over that firm ass.

He must have felt her scrutiny because he turned and glanced in her direction. She wasn’t sure if he could see her or not, but the idea began to form in her mind that she could surprise him with a romantic setting. She reluctantly turned her gaze away and glanced around the large room. It wasn’t that dirty. The ultra-fine netting had protected the interior. A little dusting here and a sweep there and their accommodation would be fine.

She would finish exploring and cleaning the hut, then help find some food for their dinner. She had seen several varieties of fruit trees she recognized. She could pick some to go with their dinner.

First things first, though. She must to do a quick inventory and clean up. Opening the trunks, she discovered extra bedding material, towels, and clothing. The sealed wooden containers did an excellent job of keeping everything clean. A short cabinet in the kitchen revealed the cleaning items she needed.

Jenny quickly set to work. She dampened a cloth and wiped down the polished wood counters in the kitchen and dusted the shelves. She retrieved dishes, cups, and utensils from one of the trunks and placed them on the shelf.

She discovered a unique feature between the bedroom and kitchen, the staircase to the bathroom! She had been wondering if there was one. She had also been curious as to why there was a railing along that single section of wall. Now she knew.

Curious, she descended the spiral staircase to the lower level. The bathroom took up the entire lower level. Jenny was impressed with the beautiful design and engineering it took to create the primitive, but very functional room. She would have to ask Orion how he was able to create plumbing that couldn’t be seen.

Walking around the room, she saw a free-falling shower. She twisted the single knob and held her hand under the falling water. It was surprisingly warm to her touch. Of course, now that she had transformed, all water felt good, no matter the temperature. She twisted the knob again and turned off the water. Like the room above, this area was open with just the screening to protect it from the outside elements.

A toilet, sink, shelves, and another storage trunk filled with wood-scented towels finished off the room. She laughed when several small, brightly colored birds landed on the outside edge and peered in. Their orange, red, and purple feathers reminded her of some of the fish she had seen. Each one had a crest on its head that rose and fell when it chirped.

“Carly would have loved you guys. She was always a sucker for birds and dragons,” Jenny informed them. “Ah, well, this isn’t putting my plan to seduce Orion into action. Let’s see if I can dazzle the clothes right off of him.”

The birds chirped again, as if agreeing with her plan. Jenny laughed and took it as a good sign. She laid out some clean towels and the block of soap. Humming under her breath, she returned to the upper level, set the table and pulled the covers back on the bed.

“All night long… Mm, mm… All night long…,” she sang.

She picked up a basket and danced down the spiral walkway, picking fruit that hung from the vines to go with their meal and flowers for the table. By the time she reached the bottom, her basket was overflowing. Placing it on a table near the walkway, she followed the stone path to the deep pool.

“I thought we could rinse the salt from our skin in the pool, or there is a shower up in the hut if you would prefer that,” Orion said from behind her.

Jenny turned around in surprise. “Oh! I didn’t hear you come up. I was going to…,” she said before clamping her lips together.

“What were you going to do?” he asked.

Jenny’s lips parted on a moan when she saw the fire burning in his eyes. She took a step toward him and reached out to touch him. All the weeks of longing suddenly came to a head. She wanted him—now.

“I was going to surprise you,” she admitted.

“How?” he asked in a soft, seductive voice.

“By getting naked and jumping your bones. I hadn’t thought much beyond that,” she murmured, leaning into him. “I figured I’d see where it took me.”

* * *

Orion groaned and captured Jenny’s lips. She parted them and eagerly returned his kiss. Their tongues touched, dueling with each other in a primitive mating dance that heated their bodies to a fever pitch. Jenny’s hand running over his chest, her nails lightly scraping against his skin, heightened his senses. He rocked his hips forward, pressing his thick cock against her. Pulling back, he ran his lips along her jaw.

“We’ll try the shower later,” he groaned against her neck.

“And the bed,” Jenny said, releasing the fastenings of his trousers and pushing them down.

Orion deftly unbuttoned Jenny’s vest. He pushed the material from her shoulders, following it with his lips. He loved the slight taste of salt against her skin. Cupping her breasts, he sucked on one of the taut nipples. His tongue rolled over the hard pebble before he nipped it.

“Oh, damn!” Jenny cried out.

Orion hissed when both of her hands wrapped around his cock, and she began stroking his throbbing length. He moved his hands down to her pants and quickly released the fastenings, pushing them down. The moment she was free of them, he lifted her up.

Her legs wrapped around his waist, reminding him of the last time he had held her like this. The difference this time was there was no barrier of clothing between them, just hot, aroused flesh. His cock was stiff, full, and straining. Any fear he had that Jenny wasn’t ready for him was quickly alleviated when she rose up high enough for him to sink into her slick channel.

Orion locked his knees when he felt the tip of his cock against her liquid femininity. Her molten core was tight as it stretched around his sensitive head. She paused and gazed into his eyes.

“Don’t let go of me,” she instructed.

“Never,” Orion promised in a voice thick with need.

His heart thundered at the triumphant smile curving her lips. She pulled back just far enough to stroke the head of his cock once more before sliding all the way down on his straining shaft, impaling herself as far as she could go. A shudder ran through him and he tightened his arms.

“Hold on to me,” he ordered in a strained voice.

Jenny leaned against him, wrapping her arms tightly around his shoulders and pressed a kiss against his neck. Orion took a small step forward. If he didn’t get into the water soon, they would both be on the hard path. He barely made it down the steps and into the pool. Now that his feet were planted against the ledge at the bottom of the steps, he relaxed his hold on Jenny and let the water help him.

His hands kneaded her buttocks, caressing them. She began to rock her hips, and she leaned back far enough that she could stretch her upper body to expose more of her breasts. Orion rocked his hips hard, squeezing the cheeks of her ass.

“You wanted to tease me,” he said, thrusting into her.

“Yes,” Jenny moaned.

“That can be very dangerous to a man who wants you as much as I do,” Orion said, pulling back and thrusting again.

“It can? How dangerous?” Jenny asked, gripping his arms and gazing up at him.

“Very dangerous,” Orion replied.

Jenny ran her hands up his arms, pulling herself close to him again. She threaded her fingers through his hair and gazed into his eyes. A mischievous smile curved her lips.

“I love danger,” she retorted.

“Goddess, you will drive me over the edge,” Orion muttered, capturing her lips.

Her confession and her teasing opened the floodgate inside Orion. Breaking the kiss, he gripped her hips and pulled out of her. Her loud hiss of protest soon turned to one of surprise when he turned her in his arms and gripped her wrists.

“Bend forward and brace your arms on the steps,” he ordered.

Jenny swallowed and nodded. He gripped his throbbing cock in one hand and her hip with the other. The crystal clear water swirled around his thighs. With a soft order, two twirling bands of water wrapped around her wrists, holding her in place.

“What…?” Jenny gasped, startled.

“Water can be very playful,” Orion murmured.

“I… Yes…,” Jenny groaned, her head falling forward.

Jenny’s broken groan died as he pushed into her again, this time from behind. He wanted her, every way, everywhere, with total abandon. Loving Jenny was nothing like the tame experiences he’d had in the past. Loving her was fierce, hot, and raw. Their coming together was primitive and powerful in need.

“You are mine, my beautiful mermaid,” Orion cried out, feeling her warmth wrap around his cock.

Each movement brought painfully intense pleasure. Leaning forward, he cupped her breasts and pinched her nipples. His hips moved with agonizing precision as he pleasured her until she was pushing back against him with increasing need.

“Oh, baby. Oh, baby,” her breathy chants increased until she stiffened and shuddered.

Orion felt her body tighten around his. Already stretched like a glove around his cock, her channel pulsed around him. He tensed as his body reacted to her orgasm, a long, drawn-out groan escaping him, and he shuddered as he emptied his hot seed into her womb—just like he had dreamed about for weeks.

“Release her,” he ordered the water, before pulling her back against his body and falling backwards into the water.

They sank down, keeping their legs tangled in an attempt to keep them joined as long as possible. Floating under the water, Orion tenderly caressed Jenny’s breasts. He could feel his body already anticipating their next joining.

“I love you, Jenny,” he murmured, gazing up at the sunlight dancing through the water.

“Forever, my magical merman?” she asked, half-serious and half-teasing.

“Absolutely forever, my beautiful mermaid,” Orion promised.

Jenny’s body relaxed, wrapped in his strong embrace. Orion loved holding her tightly. She pressed back against him and moaned in disappointment when he eventually slid out of her. He tenderly turned her in his arms. Gazing at her, he drew her close once again and kissed her.

Drawing back, Jenny buried her face against his neck. “I love you, Orion. I never thought I could love someone the way I do you,” she confessed.

Orion heard the faint uncertainty and fear in her voice. She had been hurt before, he was certain of that. The time they had together now would give her a chance to realize that he hadn’t made his confession lightly. He loved her. She was everything he could wish for and more. She was his beautiful mermaid, and he would do everything he could to make sure she never had a reason to doubt his love.

* * *

They sat on the beach watching the sun slowly sink on the horizon. After their first round of lovemaking in the pool, they became famished. Too impatient to dress, they had used towels as temporary clothing.

Orion had grilled the sea mushrooms while Jenny washed and cut up the fruit. She giggled when Orion’s towel kept coming loose. He had finally emitted a long expletive and tossed it aside. They barely made it through the meal before they tested out the hanging bed. Jenny discovered Orion liked her on top—and on the bottom and from behind and standing up and bending over.

In all honesty, she was amazed that she had the strength to walk down to the beach. She leaned her head against him and stared out at the fading light, thinking about how much her life had changed.

“Are you happy here, Jenny?” Orion asked.

Jenny sat up and looked at Orion in surprise. “Yes, very happy. Why?” she asked, trying to keep the self-doubt out of her voice.

Orion dug his toes into the sand. “I worry that you might miss your world. I have never asked if you had family—or someone else that you cared about,” he confessed.

Jenny reached up and touched his cheek. This was the first time she had ever heard the sound of uncertainty in Orion’s voice. He gazed back at her with a troubled expression.

“There was no one. Carly was really the only family I had. That is why it hurt so much when she disappeared. What about you? Are you happy?” she asked.

Orion reached out and gripped her hand, pulling it to his lips. Warmth filled her at the love shining from his eyes. Once again she was struck by the beauty of his features.

“More than I can ever show you, but I’m willing to try,” he said.

“The shower?” she teased, laughing when he stood up and pulled her off the rock they’d been sitting on.

“I was thinking more of the beach,” he said.

A soft gasp escaped Jenny when he pulled the thick towel off of her and laid it down. He placed his next to it, forming a bed over the warm sand. Gripping her hand, he twisted and pulled her down on top of him.

The warm, gentle breeze caressed her heated flesh as she sank down on Orion’s thick cock. She rode him, slowly, tenderly as the stars began to shimmer up above, lighting their makeshift bed.