Ruby Workman

“You’re my beloved,” Athlen said, his voice a vibration against Tal’s lips.

“And you’re mine.”

They kissed, and kissed, and Tal would’ve thought it a fairy tale if not for the sand in his collar, and the water in his boots, and the ache of his body. But he wouldn’t trade it for anything else.”
― F.T. Lukens, In Deeper Waters

“His imagination must have taken pity on him in his last moments, because a vison of Athlen suddenly appeared before him, staring at Tal with his wide sunlight eyes, his pretty red mouth open. But the feeling of Athlen's webbed hands holding Tal's face was shockingly real, soft, and gentle.

Tal's first kiss was rough and frantic, Athlen's mouth bruising against his own, a tight seal of Tal's lips.”
― F.T. Lukens, In Deeper Waters

“Tal shook his head. "You are a wonder."

"As are you," he replied, voice somber, free of teasing.”
― F.T. Lukens, In Deeper Waters

“Can I touch you?” Tal asked, stepping closer. “Yes.”

Tal wrapped his arms around Athlen’s shaking body and held on. “I’ve got you.”

“I know.” His breath was cool on Tal’s neck. “For how long?”

“Until you tell me to let go.”
― F.T. Lukens, In Deeper Waters