Page 83 of The Sea Witch's Son

“Melody.” His lips press into a painful smile, “What are youdoing here?”

“I’m not sure, honestly.” Looking down at the water, I feel a chill race through me, “Just wanted to make sure you were alright.”

“Ah, I see.” Another tight smile, “Seaborn put you up to this.”

“What? No. Not at all.” I take another step closer, “You just look like you need a friend right now.”

“Is that what we are? Friends?”

There’s an edge to his voice, a sharp sting that brings me to a halt.

“It doesn’t matter what we are. I just wanted to see if you were okay.” Peering up at him, I can’t fight the twinge of guilt, “If this is about what happened this weekend-

“Why didn’t you want to kiss me?” He suddenly steps forward, bridging the gap between us, “Since you brought it up.”

I frown at him, “We’ve already had this discussion.”

“Well, I would like to hear it again.” He leans down until we’re nose-to-nose, “Why didn’t you want to kiss me, Melody? Was it because you were holding out for someone else?”

I go to take a step back, but my foot slips on the tiles. My arms flail and Finley is quick to grab me.

Except this time, he isn’t quick to let go.

“You lied to me.” Those brown eyes, once so warm and kind, stare at me with a cold fire, “You said there was nothing going on between you and Seaborn.”

“There is nothing going on between us.” Yanking at his grip, I try to pull my arm away, “You’re hurting me. Let go.”

His grip tightens, “You made me look like a fool. I defended you and you made me look like a fucking fool.”

“There is nothing going on between me and Marlin.”

“You’re still lying.” He laughs, a harsh sound that grates every nerve, “After everything we’ve been through, you’re still fucking lying.”

“Been through? Finley, we barely know each other.” Prying at his grip, my discomfort quickly gives way to anger, “I don’t know what your problem is, but you need to-

“I saw your underwear.” He pulls me closer, digging his nails into my flesh, “It was tucked in his pocket like some sort of a sick prize.”

My mouth goes dry.

“I can explain-

“That’s all you are to him. A prize.” He lifts a notched brow, “You know that, right? Marlin doesn’t give a shit about you. He’s just using you to get back at me.”

A fire lights under my skin, “I didn’t ask for your opinion, Finley. Not now, and not on our date.”

“He’susingyou, Melody. Why can’t you see that?”

“The only thing I can see is a man who won’tlet go of my arm.”

My shout echoes around the silent arena and it suddenly dawns on me that we are the only people here.

Finley finally releases me and I stumble back, angry and confused as to why I felt the need to comfort someone who clearly doesn’t want to be comforted.

“I thought you were different.” He says quietly.

“And I thought you were a nice guy.” I snap back, rubbing the sore spot on my arm, “Looks like we’re both disappointed.”

He turns and looks back out over the water. Something dark and twisted crosses his face before disappointment takes its place.

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