“The power. You’re not charging up to levitate some bottles, Torres. You came to a motel you clearly find disgusting?—”
“It’s fine?—”
“—you knocked on my door like a repo man, you prepared this little speech. You need power for something. What is it?”
I considered lying. But he was already inside the operation whether I liked it or not, and some stupid, honest part of me wanted to see his face when I said it.
“RipTide moved its compound onto a turtle nesting site. I’m pretty sure they are burying our complaints. It’s dangerous for the hatchlings.” I lifted my chin. I was going to be honest with him, but he didn’t need to know about the tournament, my tournament. “I’m going to make the beach so expensive they move. I need power to do it. That’s the exchange.”
Chase looked at me for a long moment. The grin was gone, and what was under it was worse, because it was interested.
“Oh, they are definitely suppressing the complaints.” He paused. “You’re going to sabotage my sponsor, using me as the power source.”
“Yes.”
“While I’m here on their dime. Performing in the competition they’re paying for.”
“Yes.”
“That’s the offer. I provide—services—and in exchange I get nothing, the company paying me gets bled, and you don’t even pretend to like me.”
“Correct.”
He flopped back on the bed and laughed. It resonated in his chest, booming.
“God,” he said. “Finally.”
“…Finally?”
“Do you know how long it’s been since anyone wanted me for something interesting?” He propped himself up on his elbows. “Everyone wants El Tiburón. The smile, the attitude, the big wave surfer. You want a battery for eco-terrorism. Torres, this is the most exciting thing anyone’s ever offered me.”
“It’s not eco-terrorism. And?—”
You shouldn’t want to be used like this.
I cut myself off.
This is just business.Don’t make it weird.
“And?” He raised an eyebrow.
“And…you’re an asshole.”
“I know, but I’m going to help you save the turtles. So I’m also a hero.”
Smirking, he stood up and moved closer.
“You’re insufferable.”
I reflexively took a step back, and his eyes darkened.
“I know.”
He took another step closer.
“Your stupid surf competition is taking over my beach and making me take extreme measures.”
“I know, baby.”
