Page 83 of The Rusalka and Mr. Right

“That’s my future daughter-in-law on the couch, isn’t it?” she says it like a question, but only a fool would miss that it's actually an order. Like when a nurse jabs an IV in your arm and says “Who’s ready for some fluids?” as the fluids are already fast-tracked into your system.

“Yes, Mom.”

Mom surprises me by giving me another huge hug and an even bigger grin. “Good! I’m so glad you can see it and I don’t have to talk sense into you.”

“No, Mom. That’s one thing I already know.”

“Is that ring on her finger from you?” One eyebrow climbs high.

“Yep.”

“Mmhmm.” Mom makes a satisfied sound and walks back to the couch. “We’re going to make sure you two eat and then we’ll find a hotel for the night.”

“Country Pines Motel is very beautiful, Mrs. Bailey,” Marina speaks up.

“What a pretty voice you have, dear,” Mom gushes. “But don’t let me catch you using it to say ‘Mrs. Bailey’ again. I’m Esther—or Mom. I wouldpreferMom.” My mother cups Marina’s cheek for a moment.

Marina nods, then puts a hand over her mouth like she can push down whatever is about to burst out. It doesn’t work. “I never had a mother of my own,” she whispers.

“Damn.” Dad wipes at his eyes. “Onion ninjas,” he coughs and goes back to banging around my kitchen.

“Well, you have a whole family now.”

“Son! You don’t have an black beans! No green chiles, either! I thought I raised you better than that!” Dad calls.

“We’ll go to the store and let Kev and Marina shower and get into some clean clothes,” Mom says. “We’ll be back before you know it.” She kisses Marina on the forehead and pats the blanket up under her chin.

For the first time in a long time, I’m glad my mother is in the way and in my business all the time. Marina looks like she’s been handed a fairy godmother with a couple of bonus relatives.

“I’m going to call Carter. He’s probably shitting himself by now. Or he’s trying to get on a plane,” Cal says.

“Language!” my parents bark as one.

“Oh, it is okay. I have heard very much worse,” Marina charms with a delicate little smile.

“I like her.” Cal grins.

“Not more than I do.” I put a possessive arm around Marina when I join her on the couch.

“That’s the way it’s supposed to be with your soulmate,” Dad says with a wise nod.

“Soulmate is the right word.”

Marina slides her fingers through mine, blue eyes hungry and soft all at once. Just like her—the sweetest, prettiest little lethal weapon.

I love my parents to death, but I’m glad they’re going to the store. I want some alone time with my beautiful monster.

THE QUESTIONS ARE SAIDin the dark of the bathroom as we hurriedly undress, bodies pressed together.

“Did he hurt you?”

“Only my skin,” I say. “He never touched me inside. Couldn’t. Our bond was in place.”

“Then why did he—”

“There will be so many things to figure out—later. But not now. Now, I need you.” I kiss him hungrily, muscles trembling with weakness. His do the same.

Hot water and soap make us both moan. I don’t think we realized how uncomfortable we were until this moment, when we were able to feel all the sandy grit of the river washing away, spiraling down the drain along with our fear and desperation.

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