Page 27 of The Sea Witch's Son

A massive tattoo covers the entirety of her torso, the harsh outline of a serpent twisting its way across her body. The snarling teeth sink into the curve of her breast while a viciously sharp tail disappears into the seam of her pants. The piece is dark and shockingly violent, and it takes me a moment to realize what it is.

A dragon.

“Do you want a closer look?” She gives me a teasing grin, “It can be our little secret. Just a little girl bonding time.”

“I’m good, thanks.”

Calista leans forward and runs a sharp fingernail down the blush staining my face.

“I have a collar that would match your skin tone perfectly. Just say the word and I’ll treat you like the good girl you are.”

I don’t know what that means and I don’t want to find out.

“Uh, right.”

Taking another step away, I turn my attention back to the group of swimmers crowding the pool deck. They look like a bunch of human Doritos, all shoulders and narrow waists while the height ranges from guy to guy.

It’s easy to pick out Marlin because the bastard stands a couple of inches over everyone. Even from here, I can see the ink creeping up his forearm, the tattoo sleeve and slicked back hair adding to the dangerous presence he seems to exude.

Good morning, little saint.

The taunting words echo through my mind as I scowl at the walking slab of marble. To think this man was sneaking around my bedroom, ruffling through my lingerie drawers, leaving notes on my bathroom mirror while I was sleeping...

My pussy clenches at the thought of Marlin picking out the red panties from my dresser.

It’s creepy as fuck and I need to remember that.

“Gus is throwing a party tomorrow night. You should come.” Calista flicks a strand of blonde hair over her shoulder, “I’m sure you could find a dark corner to put that swimmer’s body to good use.”

“I’m not interested in Marlin.”

“Are you sure? Because you seem to be having a hard time looking away from that speedo of his.” She clicks her tongue, “I’ve heard he’s got excellent stamina. Can hold his breath for areallylong time.”

“I’m sure the boys love that.”

Calista throws her head back and laughs. The cackle sounds around the open dome, bouncing off the walls and down to the pool deck below. Eight pairs of eyes look in our direction and my stomach drops.

“I better get to class.”

Hurrying to readjust my backpack, I give Calista a nod and head back the way I came. She calls something over my shoulder, but I’m too busy running out the door to ask for clarity.

I hurry past the sports performance room, desperate to escape the teasing smirk staining my mind. Even when he’s wearing a fucking banana hammock, Marlin still manages to slip into my conscience.

It’s painful and intoxicating and I need to find a way out.

I round the corner and go crashing into a hard body. Panic immediately sets in, and I jerk away, expecting to see those haunting eyes staring back at me.

“Couldn’t find a flowerbed to hide in?” Finley gives me a cheeky grin and my shoulders slump in relief.

“Thank God. I thought you were-

“Marlin? Yes, I believe we’ve already gotten that out of the way.”

My cheeks flush, “I didn’t mean to insult you the other day. I didn’t know what he looked like and then suddenly you were there and I just assumed...”

He holds up a hand, “I’m the one who owes you an apology. My response that day was rude and rash, and I would love for a re-do.”

“A re-do?”

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