Page 136 of Storm and Sea

Her father gave her a prickly kiss on the cheek before leaving her alone.

Of course, she’d forgive Atreus. He was pretty much family. Well— a lot more distant family.

Not even the same species.

The thought sent chills down her spine. Yet the way he’d pleaded with her—the fear in his eyes. It was still him. No matter how weird the whole ‘change into a legendary creature with water’ thing was. He was still Atty.

But she wasn’t about to let him off the hook that easy. He’d still not trusted her with his secret, and that friggin’ hurt. Sure, she understood why he did it. There was no shortage of horrible stories about sea monsters in a place like Baia Vita. There was no guarantee how the rest of the island would react to the news. Still…

He should have trusted me.

Marina was in no rush to talk to either of them. Atreus could stay wherever he was hiding until the festival. She’d let him stew with his nerves.

Serves him right. That way, he can think about what he’s done.

Not to mention, she had no idea where he was. She wiped the burn out of her eyes before dressing and going to town. The Bayallon still needed her, and Marina Marcello was no quitter. Even if there were Uomo del mare running around.

Marina walked from city hall, careful to avoid the last uneven step. She didn’t need to meet with the mayor, but there was almost nothing left to do to prepare for the race. Talking with the mayor about the course, the number of kids signed up, and whether the hospital would send a nurse in case of an emergency gave her something to do—even for a few minutes.

Marina meandered up the hill, following the trail of flags. The same red flags they’d been tying when everything changed.

Nope! Don’t think about that.

She ducked to a side alley, away from the race course. She admired the lights strung across the balconies, replacing the usual clotheslines. Everyone was getting ready for tomorrow.

Maybe I should get back and help Papà fry the fish and — !!!!!

Marina’s thoughts were wiped clean as ice-cold water drenched her from head to toe. Several hard bits smacked against her skull, nearly knocking her to the ground. Cubes of ice clattered on the street. Her nose wrinkled as a strong, fishy smell overwhelmed her.

“Oops! Didn’t see you there.” Leaning over the balcony, Anna and two other girls giggled maliciously from above. “Hey, school-girl, what does this say?”

Anna held the bucket so Marina could see the words “Ice” printed clearly on the side. Probably one of the ones her father used to deliver fish.

“I was feeling too hot. Thanks for the refreshing splash!” Marina called, shaking her sopping hair for show.

“Oh, that’s right, you’re numb to the smell,” Anna taunted. “Was this the same water you use to shower?”

They giggled again, and Anna shouted above the others, her voice filled with venom. “You stay outta my way at the festival tomorrow. You hear? I’m getting that dance with him.”

Marina rolled her eyes as she walked away, trying to ignore their jabbing words. There was no doubt in her mind who Anna was talking about. The mystery man she’d been with last time. The one who basically told Anna to get lost and chose to stay with Marina.

A whole lotta good that’s done me, Marina thought, squeezing more water from her hair.

Marina hadn’t seen Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome since catching him putting the moves on another girl. The entire summer went by without another sighting of him, and honestly, Marina had just begun to forget about it. That was until Anna supplied her with a splashing reminder.

“Yeah, you can have him,” Marina snapped. She wanted no part of this. “Like I have time to deal with a man.”

“But my dear, you haven’t had the pleasure of dealing with me.”

Marina yelped as the silky voice purred behind her. He was alone, which was odd since Vincenzo hardly went anywhere without his entourage.

This day can’t get any worse, can it?

“I’d rather chew glass,” Marina said, trying to move past him. He side-stepped, blocking her.

“I can’t have that. What a waste that would be, ruining such a mouth.”

“Fuck you.”