Page 81 of The Sea Witch's Son

I pause, studying the unfortunate soul in front of me, “Luckily your encounter with Melody went rather poorly, so I have decided to let you off with a warning. A man can only take so much rejection before he breaks.”

“She didn’t reject me.” He grinds out the words, burning a hole through my skull, “We're just friends.”

“Just friends.” Echoing the words, I give him a sympathetic smile, “Does it get tiresome, always being on the platonic end ofthe relationship? After Josie, it must have beenterriblydifficult to work up the courage to pursue another woman.”

“Fuck you.”

I sigh heavily, “Unrequited love is the world’s most bitter taste, although I suppose you’ve gotten used to it over the years.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“On the contrary, I remember the situation quite clearly. You were infatuated with the girl, so much so that it nearly ruined your friendship with her brother.” Tapping my chin, I purse my lips, “Something about not being able to take no for an answer?”

“That’s not what happened.”

“Didn’t she end up getting a restraining order against you?” I give him a mocking smile, “That doesn’t sound like the noble hero Finley Reef paints himself out to be.”

His lips tighten, “I was trying to protect her.”

“From whom? Because from where I’m standing, it seems like she needed protection fromyou.”

“You’re the only monster in this town, Seaborn, and I pity the girl who gets tangled in your web.” Finley lets out a bitter laugh, “Like mother like son.”

My breath catches only for a moment.

“The Sea Witch’s reputation is quite the standard to achieve. I’m sure my little saint would love to help me celebrate the milestone.”

“She’s not yours.” He shakes his head, “Melody is sweet and gentle and needs someone to protect her. She's anicegirl, and I don’t want you tarnishing her reputation more than you already have.”

“Let’s get one thing straight.” I take a step forward, forcing him to tilt his head to make eye contact, “Melody does not needprotection because she is far more cunning and intelligent than you so foolishly believe. And as for the other matter...”

Slipping my hand into my pocket, I pull out a scrap of blue material.

“It would seem she is not too concerned about her reputation.”

Melody’s thong unfolds between us. She wore a nice pair today, a translucent blue that left nothing to the imagination.

“Consider this your final warning, Finley. Come near my little saint again and I will not be so merciful next time.”

His brown eyes darken as he takes in the erotic piece of fabric dangling from my fingertips. I watch the cracks splinter beneath the surface, coming dangerously close to the man’s breaking point.

“Do you understand me?”

His head jerks in acknowledgement and I smile, “In that case, I will see you at tomorrow’s practice.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Giving me a stiff nod, Finley turns and walks away. I watch him leave, listening to the sound of footsteps echoing the victory held in my hand.

I look down at the panties dangling from my fingertips, the material finally dry after our encounter this morning.

Melody played her part marvellously, capturing Finley’s affections long enough for me to uncover the source of his resentment. He will be removed from the team, of course, but that will have to wait until he comes for me.

Because he will come for me.

And when he does, I will be ready.

Chapter 28

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