Page 65 of The Sea Witch's Son

“And I did. So, why can’t you do the same for me?”

Erik breaks eye contact and looks back out the window, “This is different. You’re in the line of fire every second of every day.”

“To sacrifice is to survive.” Walking over to where he’s standing, I take his hand, “Don’t go throwing away our motto now.”

He chuckles softly, “You were always the fighter in our family.”

No. I was the only one willing to sacrifice.

“Someone had to be.” I blow out a breath, “Stop stressing and enjoy this time off. She would hate to see you like this.”

“I miss her so much.”

“I know.”

“One day I’ll get to see her again.” His eyes start to glisten, “One day I’ll get to hear you two sing together just like you used to.”

I swallow hard, “Don’t live in the past, Erik. Keep looking towards the future.”

“When it comes to matters of the heart, the past and the future tend to look very similar.” His lips tighten, “You can fall in love with hundreds of different people, but only one will stain the open road ahead.”

“Arielle would be pissed you’re stealing her lyrics.”

The tension breaks with a smile, “Old habits die hard.”

“Apparently.”

Our moment ends when the doorbell rings. Giving his hand one last squeeze, I break off and find an unexpected guest waiting at the door.

“Finley! What are you doing here?”

He flashes that boyish smile, “You never got back to me about the date, so I thought I’d try the old fashionway.”

“That’s so... sweet.”

Unease curdles my stomach as I look at the guy standing on my doorstep. His blond hair is carefully brushed back, his polo shirt neatly tucked into jeans. Everything about Finley is nice and put-together, from his looks to his personality.

And here I am, wearing leggings and a hoodie that barely covers the bite mark Marlin left behind.

“You’re doing that thing again.” He lifts the notched brow, “The one where you don’t give me an answer.”

“Oh, right.” Guilt slaps me across the face, “The thing is-

“You didn’t tell me you have a date today.” Erik peeks his head out the doorway, “Can I get an introduction?”

Cursing his terrible timing, I wave a hand in his direction, “Finley, this is my stepfather, Erik Prince.”

“A pleasure to meet you, sir.” Another boyish grin flashes as Finley steps forward and offers his hand.

Erik takes it, “Likewise. Do you go to school with Melody?”

“I was lucky enough to bump into her on her very first day.” He glances at me with a smile, “She’s been quite the distraction.”

Erik gives me a knowing look, “I’ve heard there are quite a few distractions this year.”

I cough awkwardly, “Finley is on the swim team.”

“Is that right?”

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