Page 38 of The Sea Witch's Son

I smile, “And one of them didn’t grow back?”

“Worse. The blade slipped when I was doing it, so now I have a permanent scar.”

“That’s... less traumatic than I was expecting.” Biting back a laugh, I give him an apologetic smile, “But it suits you well.”

“The words every man wants to hear.”

The laugh escapes me, “What was the bet that lost you an inch of hair?”

Finley pauses to twirl me around and pull me back in.

“I had to eat a mason jar full of worms. Typical childhood stuff.”

I pull a face, “I would have tapped out too.”

“Oh, no. I ate the entire jar. The problem was I threw it all up afterwards, so Killian disqualified my efforts.”

“I take it back. That is very traumatic.” I smile, looking up into soft brown eyes, “Are you still friends?”

“Him and his younger sister moved away when she was fifteen.” His expression darkens, “Josie had to go seek help once Marlin was through with her.”

“What do you mean?”

Our dancing falters as Finley’s steps come to a halt.

“He does the same thing every time. He picks a girl and he learns everything there is to know about her. He studies her, manipulates her, seduces her until every hidden fear and every dark secret is at his disposal. And once that happens...”

Finley shakes his head, “He takes what’s left and he breaks the girl into pieces.”

I swallow thickly, “That happened to your friend’s sister?”

“Josie didn’t stand a chance.” He gives me a weak smile, “Don’t let him get into your head, Melody. He’ll take everything and leave nothing behind.”

Unease spreads across my skin like a rash.

“I won’t.”

No sooner are the words out of my mouth does someone tap Finley’s shoulder.

“I believe it is my turn to take the lady’s hand.” Marlin flashes his teeth, looking every bit the nightmare Finley described.

Except this time, his attention is locked solely on me.

He’ll take everything and leave nothing behind.

Chapter 13

MARLIN

She thinks I’m going to take no for an answer.

How adorable.

“I’m dancing with Finley.” Melody plants her feet and glares at me.

“And now you will dance with me.”

“No.” She steps closer to my rookie, “Go find Freya or someone else to dance with.”

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