Page 6 of His Curvy Ocean Maiden

CHAPTER FOUR

Pierce

We gambledand drank and gambled some more.

My cheeks hurt from laughter, my head buzzed from the alcohol, and Zariah was the best company I’d had in a while.

I didn’t want the night to end even though it was after midnight. A part of me was surprised my family didn’t launch a search team for me yet, and a tiny bit of guilt rolled through me. But Zariah was worth it. They’d understand.

They were always trying to set me up on dates or play matchmaker, so to see me hanging with a woman and having fun should appease their meddling ways for a while.

“I hate for the night to end, but I’m ready to fall asleep on this slot machine,” Zariah said.

“I know, me too. Alright, let’s call it a night,” I said, my voice full of reluctance. “I’m definitely a better slot player, though. That’s for sure.”

Zariah playfully punched my arm. “No way! I won so many more times than you.”

“Beginner's luck,” I said as we both stood.

“What?” she exclaimed as she giggled and walked toward the casino exit. “That’s a load of horse shit.”

“Horse shit? How ladylike of you.”

“Who said I was a lady?” Zariah burped, and her eyebrows shot up. She threw her hand over her mouth and dissolved into a fit of giggles.

“Point made.” I chuckled.

Our laughter and conversation continued as the elevator took us up to deck seven. As we made our way down the hallway, the laughter didn’t stop and sounded louder, which only made us snort more.

That was until we arrived at our doors.

My parents and all three of my sisters stood there, arms across their chests and faces tight.Shit!

“Uh-oh,” Zariah muttered.

I wanted the floor to simply open up and swallow me whole.

“Pierce!Where have you been? We’ve been worried sick!” My mother, Grace, ran toward me and pulled me into a hug before smacking me on the arm. My father, Bob, stood in place, his disapproval look in full force.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you worry. We went for a couple of drinks, and time sort of got away from us.”

“How could we not worry? You said you were gettingusdrinks and would be right back. We were going to get something to eat, remember?” Annie snapped.

“I’m going to sleep.” Leah snipped as she rolled her eyes, and Tracy followed her, the door slamming behind them.

Shit.Annie was right. I did say all those things.

But I saw Zariah and got distracted…

“You’re right, my bad. I should’ve come back or gotten in touch with you. I met Zariah and kind of got carried away. This is her.” I snuck a glance at her as I took a step beside her, and she didn’t look happy. In fact, she looked annoyed as all hell.

This whole situation was fucking stupid. What was I, two?

“Listen, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. No need to worry.”

“We’ll talk more in the morning. Good night,” my mother said as my dad nodded, and they both disappeared back into their room.

Annie stood there for another moment and looked between Zariah and me. Then she clicked her tongue against the back of her front teeth and went inside the room.

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