Page 31 of The Rusalka and Mr. Right

“I start at six, before the worst heat of the day—not that it gets very hot.” I don’t tell him that the heat affects rusalkas more, dehydrating us more quickly. “Growing up in a cold climate, I guess I’m more sensitive to it.” I don’t tell him that I used to swim in freezing waters, but I try to avoid them now. Don’t want to remember the cold, dark water where I used to hunt, where I fell in love, where I lost that love...

I turn and suck in a steadying breath, trying to sound as though nothing is on my mind. “Text me when you get close,” I say, patting my hair into a long, rippling ponytail.

Kev stares. “Damn. You look like every gym rat’s fantasy, babe.”

“Ooh? Really?” I survey myself in the mirror, taking in the sight of the tight, clinging clothes, the high, sweeping tail that swings over my shoulder, and the dazzling smile. Kev scoots into place behind me, arms around my waist.

We look so different—but so good together.

“I’ll be there by seven.” Kev kisses my neck and I sigh. “You okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Veryfine.” He gropes my bottom, and that confounded shrill of surprised laughter escapes me again.

“Stop, before I make you late for work,” I warn.

Kev slowly cocks his head, one eyebrow arched. “How late are we talking?”

I fall back to the bed and Kev pulls my leggings to my ankles before burying his mouth between my thighs.

I could get used to mornings like this...

“YOU, MY DEAR, LOOKradiant. Happy. Healthy. Bursting with energy. And is that a new outfit? You know, I think I’ve only ever seen you wearing that little white dress. It’s too cold for autumn.”

“The sleeveless dress did make me stand out around here, I suppose.” I shrug.

“But not in the Caribbean. Will you leave in November?”

“The cold isn’t an issue for me, not physically. It just brings up some painful memories.”

Jakob nods. “It’s why I don’t go back to Poland anymore. Too many memories.”

A silent moment. We squeeze hands, a show of strength. We mustn’t let the past win, destroy what chance we have for a future.

I wrap my free arm around my middle, hugging the soft shirt tight to my skin. “I might spend the winter. I don’t know. At any rate, I thought I should try to blend in.”

“The winter? Really?” Minegold’s voice is rife with suggestion, a knowing gleam in his eye. “It’s rare that you spend the coldest months here.” He offers me his elbow with a courtly inclination of his head.

I slide my arm through as we patrol the darkened streets of Pine Ridge. The Night Market is bustling, but we know there are enough members of the supernatural community over there to keep an eye on the “innocents.” As one, we turn toward the campus, where the people come and go and alcohol-soaked hormones and youth are a clarion call for all the hungry monsters passing through.

“What will you do for work? The seasonal jobs will be on hiatus,” he points out.

“I’ll find something to do.” My voice is short and sharp. I don’t know. I haven’t figured it out. In a few days, Kev could tire of me.

I could give into my baser instincts. Right now, my eyes scan the figures hurrying toward campus, bundled in their hoodies and baggy sweatpants. Three college boys. Arms full of bags from the Jade Forest, big headphones on or around their necks, and phones in front of their faces.

“They might as well wear labels that say ‘Bite Me.’” I snort in disgust.

Minegold mutters in Polish, something about the miraculousness of any generation making it to adulthood.

Another group passes them, a giggling bevy of girls with their phones out and short skirts hiked high so their legs are on display despite the mid-September chill.

“Too nice of an evening to stay inside,” Minegold murmurs, gesturing to the gigglers.

The more we walk, the more we’re reassured that such is the case. “It’s too early for the true demons to be out. The veil isn’t thin enough yet,” I whisper, referring to the way the veil between the mortal and supernatural thins with the waning of the year—and it’s only as thick as tissue paper in Pine Ridge to begin with.

“I wish I could be sure. You know how hungry you were waiting for the campus population to return. You have scruples. Others... Hmm. My spine is unsettled.”

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