Page 16 of Mermaid For You

“Whoa. They must really be charmers.”

I adjust the lens on my camera and look through it again to make sure my focus and lighting is ready. She’s stunning, with that little smirk playing on her lips. The sound of male voices approaching suddenly has me anxious.

I bring the camera down and tell her in a somber voice, “I mean it, Ava. These guys are real assholes. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, I’m here for you.”

Her lips part and she looks taken aback. “Thanks,” she whispers. She’s still frowning, and the little crease in her forehead is adorable. I quickly snap a photo. As they approach, I remind her again.

“I’m on your side. Seriously.”

Their eyes move in appreciation over her body. Immediately, I’m tense and uneasy about this.

“Hello! I’m Nerine! Welcome!” Ava gracefully waves using her whole arm. “We’re so excited to have you join us!”

“I bet not as excited as I am right now.” The crude bastard has the nerve to grab himself in front of her.

“Nope. No way, buddy.” I’m on my feet and standing between him and Ava before any of them even get a chance to utter another word.

The guys burst out laughing. “Uh-oh. Think the photographer has a boner for the mermaid.”

“Man, I thought the pirates are the ones chasing the booty.”

“Well, this is the hottest one. Her hair is pink. Think anything else she has is pink as well?”

My fingers clinch into fists. A gentle hand touches my arm. I turn to look behind me to find Ava slowly shaking her head. This is the last boat tour. We’re done. I’ll deal with the consequences later.

“Tour’s over,” I tell them. “Go back to the boat.”

The guy steps directly in my face. “But we want our photo.”

In a deadly calm voice, I whisper, “You touch her, and I will see to it that you are banned from all Hayes Resorts and their associated partners.”

They snicker, assuming it’s an empty threat. Before they can get comfortable around Ava, I personally position them for the photo, ensuring she isn’t being touched by any of them whatsoever.

As they walk away, I discretely take a photo of their name registration and the university name on his shirt. If he’s still in school, he won’t be after I make a phone call. The Hayes name holds a lot of power, and I’m about to abuse it. Of course, this won’t be going against the rules of the bet.

“You had no place to step in like that!” Ava is jerking her mermaid tail off. She tosses it onto the ground and stomps toward me in her bikini bottoms. “I’ve handled customers like that! Did you get off on having some authority? Was it a power trip? Did you think you were rescuing me?”

I don’t think. I’ve been so desperate for her lips, and we’re out here in the dark. Nobody is around. I take her by the shoulders and bring her body against mine. A gentleman would verbally ask for permission to kiss her, but I only pause at her lips. In those stunned five seconds, she doesn’t move, and I’m not wasting another second. I go for it and steal a kiss from the woman I vowed to not get involved with. She might not remember our kiss from before, but I’m going to make sure she never forgets this one.

It was real all those years ago. It wasn’t just lust, raging hormones, and alcohol. Pleasure shoots throughout my body as my eager hands pull her closer to me, crushing her body against mine. I can’t get enough. Her sweet lips finally part, only the slightest bit but it’s enough to allow my tongue entrance. Trembling delicate hands begin to travel along my waist and back, but then she brings them to firmly grip the waistband of my pants and pushes me back.

No. That’s the wrong way.

Why isn’t she pulling me closer? Or better yet, pulling my pants down…

I release her and follow her lead to take a step back. This could go either two ways: she’s going to start undressing and we’re going to have sex out here in the open, or she’s going to be pissed and throw sand in my eyes. I’ll accept either one, but I prefer she show me what’s under those seashells.

“That was intense.” Her voice comes out throaty, and it’s beyond the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard. I swallow but can’t speak, so I nod like a fool. It was intense and I’m eager to get back to it. “I—I need to go.”

“Do you need me to follow?” Ouch. That sounded super creepy. “Follow you, I mean.” Not any better. “Chaperone you. Guide you. Escort you back to your… room.”

Ava’s eyebrows are high, and she tilts her head and looks at me slack-jawed. “That was painful to witness.”

“I’m nervous, I’m sorry! I’m standing here with the biggest hard-on of my life, trying to do right by offering you a ride or helping you get back to where you need to go, but I’m suffering from lack of oxygen, or all the blood has gone to one appendage and I can’t focus on anything other than the taste of you.” By the time I finish my verbal vomit, I’m panting, but luckily my erection is simmering down. It seems I’m destined to make a fool of myself anytime I’m around her.

She slowly walks over to retrieve her tail. Her movements are cautious—I guess as not to spook me. With her back to me, she speaks. “You remind me of someone, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.”

Jealousy begins to eat at me. I remind her of someone? Was she imagining him while kissing me? Every woman I’ve kissed since her has been forgotten about. They couldn’t even take room in my mind. Nobody could compare to her, yet I’ve not only been forgotten but I remind her of someone she’s not ready to replace or forget.

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