Page 90 of The Sea Witch's Son

There’s a threat in his voice, a dark undertone that has goosebumps breaking out across my flesh.

“I said,I’m sure you were hoping to be the one to hold me under.”Giving him a mocking smile, I finish flawlessly, “Next time, just leave me there.”

“Who.”

I didn’t know one syllable could soundso dangerous.

“Nice try, Marlin. You don’t get to play hero and go charging after the person responsible. It doesn’t work that way.”

“I amnota hero.” His hand is suddenly on my neck, pressing down until my pulse screams back at him, “Do not get the mistaken impression one rescue changed anything.”

“I saidplayhero. No one would ever accuse you of being the real thing.”

“So much venom from such a small mouth. It’s a wonder some of it didn’t come out earlier.” He grins, all perfect teeth and perfect smile, “Now, tell me who was responsible for ruining my dress pants.”

I almost roll my eyes.

“Vain is not a good look, you know.”

“Mm, but I wear it so well.” His grip starts to tighten, “A name, little saint.”

“I don’t have one.”

“I can get the answer from you another way.” His fingers brush my stomach, teasing the skin, “But I would rather not hear another man’s name on your lips when I make you come again.”

I scowl, slapping his hand away, “You’re disgusting.”

“Disgusting? My little saint, this is simply determination.” He leans down and whispers in my ear, “Give me a name or I’ll show you disgusting.”

His fingers start to creep south and the name slips out of my mouth.

“Finley.” Swallowing hard, I can’t bring myself to meet his eyes, “He was the one who held me under.”

The weight of Marlin’s stare has my cheeks flushing. I keep my eyes lowered, feeling my skin heat with embarrassment.

Finley made me feel weak.

He made me feel useless.

The two things I always promised myself I would never be.

“He overpowered you.” Marlin says it quietly.

“Obviously.” To my horror, my eyes start to burn, “He was stronger.”

Pressing my palms against my eyelids, I force the tears back inside. Sucking down a hefty breath, I drop my hands and force my aching body up into a sitting position.

And that’s when I realize Marlin is gone.

My stomach contents are gracing the floor beside me and I can see the silhouette of my backpack lying on the deck. The pool glistens with silent water, the stagnant surface identical to how it was before my life was almost ripped at the seams.

Something wet touches my hand and I look down to find my t-shirt ripped in half. My chest is completely bare, the dark purple bruising already creeping across my ribcage like some sort of sick floral design.

Carefully climbing to my feet, I steal a nearby towel and wrap it around myself. I’m unsteady as I walk over to my backpack and pull out my phone, scrolling through my contact list until I find Erik’s name.

Taking a deep breath, I press dial. The phone rings as I stare down at the pool, waiting for my stepfather to pick up the phone.

This one isn’t going to go over well.

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