Page 49 of The Sea Witch's Son

It’s like watching soft porn.

“I almost missed the best part.”

A dark braid swings past my vision as a gorgeous woman struts down our row of bleachers. I use the opportunity to movefarther away from Calista, letting the newcomer settle herself down between us.

Calista grins, pulling the woman in for a kiss, “I thought you were done breaking Sebastian’s heart.”

“Heart, yes. Body, not so much.” Dark eyes flick in my direction, “You must be Marlin’s new pet project.”

I smile sweetly, “And you must be Calista’s side fling.”

A sharp crack of laughter echoes from the blonde beside her.

“I told you she was precious, Tahira.”

“You did.” A slow smile spreads across her face, “I can see what all the fuss is about.”

A nose stud sparkles against flawless brown skin, pulling out the molten chocolate colour of her eyes. It’s the same woman I saw climbing out of Calista’s car at the house party and she is just as stunning under the pool’s florescent lighting.

“Do you have a name, pet project?” Tahira tilts her head, “Or does Marlin’s bitch suffice?”

Calista pats her arm, “There’s no need for name calling. The poor girl has suffered enough.”

“Yes, I can see that.” Her gaze drops to my neck and my cheeks flush.

“Melody St. James.”

“Ah, so that’s where he got the nickname from.” Tahira chuckles, “Marlin can be witty when he wants to be.”

I hold her gaze, “And you are?”

“Tahira Malik. The heiress to Wolf Hollow’s fortune.”

Calista snickers, “Tahira is something of a princess over in the Middle East. Here, she’s just another trust fund baby.”

“Father enjoys sponsoring the local businesses. Although I hear Anton Clementon has called for an early election.” She lifts a brow, “Has the Dragon finally found a way to get rid of him?”

“The early election was called on his own, actually. Something about not wanting the competition to have enough time to retaliate.” Calista shoots me an amused glance, “The mayor is an idiot if he thinks two years is enough to deter a well thought out plan.”

Tahira smiles, “I heard Marlin put the daughter out of commission. Playing dirty before the campaign has even begun.”

“Freya just got released from the hospital.” I find myself speaking up, “I’m going to visit her tomorrow.”

“How... kind of you.” Tahira grimaces like there’s a bad taste in her mouth, “I suppose I should join. Touch base with her before I fly back home.”

Calista sighs, “Abandoning me already.”

“I’ve already told you, come with me. We can find ourselves a pool boy or two to play with.”

“You know the pampered lifestyle doesn’t suit me. I would be bored within twelve hours.”

Tahira shrugs, “Suit yourself.”

Another beep fills the arena, followed by a sharp whistle. The swimmers lined up behind the blocks step forward and mount them, each one wearing identical caps and goggles.

“How can you tell them apart?”

I squint at the half-naked bodies, trying to find a distinguishing marker. Glistening muscles flex as the men bend down and position themselves on the block, the tension in their shoulders echoing the stillness of the water below.

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