“Speaking of thieves stealing you away, there’s one up there who seems to be looking for you. You’d better go before he comes down here and tries to eat the rest of our chocolate.” She winked. “From now on, I only share chocolate with prison mates.”
“You’re right. He’s still upset I ate the last bit of honey whilewe were in the sky. The chocolate is our secret.” I pulled my tunic up around my waist, bunching it in my grip as I slipped into the shallow water. Over my shoulder, I said, “Next time, I’ll bring warm strawberry jam and shortbread. And you’ll tell me more about this sea lord and his plan to get your song back, along with your other wild kelp adventures.”
“It’s a deal, Marin! I’ll bring Pearl.”
Sirena waited until I’d reached the water’s edge, then dipped below the waves.
I took my time, climbing the worn path up the cliffside, letting the wind dry the dampness from my hair. But when I reached the top, I stopped short.
Gavin was pacing. No, not just pacing, talking to himself. He dragged a hand through his windswept hair, muttering under his breath as if working out how to tell me he’d lost his hammer.
A smile curled my lips. I’d be devastated.
His boots trampled through the weeds, back and forth, until he caught sight of me. He rolled something small and glittering between his fingers.
“Is that a jewel?” I asked, eyebrows lifting.
Gavin looked down like he’d forgotten he was holding anything. Then he blew out a quick breath, squared his shoulders, and angled his chin with practiced ease.
The thief with a secret.
“Yeah. I found it just lying around in the dirt.”
“You don’t say? That’s twice in one lifetime. I bet someone dropped it.”
A gleam sparked in his gaze.
“Doesn’t matter. It’s fair game. Unless you want to try and steal it, again.” He dropped the jewel into his pocket andpatted his side. “Second time’s never as easy. I won’t be fooled by the usual tricks.”
“Hmm… you’re right.” I strolled closer, swaying my hips, and chewing the corner of my lip as I considered his challenge. “You already know the rock-in-the-boot trick.”
He nodded, eyes locked on my hips, before he meet my gaze.
“And I already fainted in the Fields of Futile Escape.”
“Let’s not try that one again. Worst moment of my life.”
“Agreed.” I stopped in front of him, fingers tugging on the lapels of his jacket. “And I already tried to steal your cloud token during a kiss.”
“I won’t be so gullible this time.”
My fingers drummed against the wall of his chest. “That doesn’t leave much left.”
His hands settled on my waist. “Guess you can’t do it. First time was merely luck, no skill.”
I narrowed my eyes. I still had one trick up my sleeve. And Gavin would never see it coming.
“My secret’s out. You beat me at my own game.” I rose on my toes, brushing my mouth against the shell of his ear. He went still as my fingers delved into his pocket.
“Drop it,” he said.
I closed my fingers over the jewel as I let go of the other object in my grip.
“What did you leave this time? More sea glass?”
I shook my head, sliding a lock of hair out of his eyes. “Something better.”
He removed a folded piece of parchment, his brows drawn together. “Did you use my fortune to buy another house? Maybe one of those huts overlooking the clouds in the sky?”
