Page 70 of Hot in Witch City
“You’re with us now. You’re one of us.”
Right, that’s why I came here, I reminded myself—to find others like me. To find where I truly belonged.
“You know what they say about fish in the sea. Once you find a new lover, you’ll forget that furry canine.” She rolled one shoulder and motioned with her hand. “Take Jakob. He’d be perfect. No expectations. No promises.”
No one getting hurt.
That would be welcome. I hated how I treated Sebastian and hated how I felt. Not being tormented by the constant questions of my choices would be a welcome break.
“Maybe.”
Jakob was hotter than fire in a cauldron. Why wasn’t I more excited about this prospect? I should be eager to climb up his body and slide down like a fire pole.
Sebastian’s face popped into mind with his warm brown eyes that burned gold with hunger when he wanted me. Damn. Had he ruined me from enjoying other men?
No, I’d force myself to move on. Fake it ‘til you make it.
With what—orgasms?
“Come on,” my mother said. “Let’s go swim.”
Swimmingwith the pod in siren form was the same surreal experience as last time, but I knew what to expect. I lost track of time as we swam in the harbor. Jakob brushed his tail against mine as he glided past. Then he darted around me, chasing me in a sort of underwater flirtation. Although captivated by this underwater world with sea plants and varied hues of fish, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jakob’s attention. Yes, he was gorgeous and sleek and had the perfect male body, even in this tailed form. Yet I wasn’t as onboard as I’d expect myself to be.
Once we returned inside the beach house, back in human forms, he remained by my side, touching me often.
After we ate takeout from a local seafood restaurant, Jakob took my hand. “Come with me, Gianna.”
I accepted his hand, interested to see what he had in mind. He led me upstairs to his room. Once he closed the door, he bent down to kiss me.
“No.” I pulled my head away before I realized what I was doing.
Why was I turning this gorgeous, god-level attractive man away? This wasn’t some mortal who I attempted to pick up in a club. This was someone powerful and compelling and I should be heady with desire.
“No?” he pulled back and brought his brows closer.
He’d probably never been turned down by anyone in his life.
I stared at him, gazing at his perfect bone structure like it was alien. Nothing. No burning desire. Something about it seemed shallow and without substance.
Ugh, I never wanted something substantial before. What was wrong with me?
“Sorry, it just—doesn’t feel right.” I shook my head and rubbed my forehead. “Not yet, at least.”
Not like with Sebastian, when every part of me was drawn to him and every particle in my body responded with eager expectation. What was going on? I couldn’t continue like this. I was better suited with someone like Jakob.
Wasn’t I?
Then why didn’t I feel any sort of connection, not like that undeniable lure to Sebastian?
After slipping away from Jakob, I returned to my room—alone.
The next morning,I woke as the sun rose. While the house was quiet with everyone still asleep, I dressed and quietly stepped outside the French door with a blanket. I set it down on the sand and watched the sea birds as they swooped in searching for food. They sang, greeting the new day under the gleaming sun. The light rippled on the ocean’s surface as the waves rolled in and out from the shore, lulling me with their soothing sound.
Being here with my mother had answered some questions and raised more. I didn’t yet know what to do with what I’d learned.
Everyone else was back in the house, likely still asleep. I pictured Jakob and his model-perfect beauty. He’d beckoned me to go to his room with him last night, but I couldn’t. I’d said I wasn’t ready.
Not ready? I was usually the one leading the seduction.
