AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sixteen
Malakai
I don’t returnto Lola’s Shack until the lunch rush is over. Agreeing to help Connie was a mistake and I refuse to feel guilty for letting her manage the day’s punters on her own. Serves her fucking right. She taunted me on purpose. She wore that pretty little dress and that purple underwear to fuck with my head. But I won’t play her games. She needs to understand that even though I might want her, Iwill nothave her.
My cock can do one. I don’t care how hard I am, I refuse to go there.
A long swim in the cold ocean just beyond the harbour wall has helped to cool both my temper and my desire enough so that I can return to The Shack and collect the rest of my things. Last night, Rob called and offered to put me up whilst my boat was getting fixed and even though I’m not good around other people, especially people I’ve only just met, it’s a far better option than sleeping in Lola’s Shack. Besides, I can’t take up the same offer from Grant given I need to keep our connection on the down low. He’s an old acquaintance and like me he wishes to keep his past in the past. I respect that. As far as everyone is concerned we’ve only just met. He’s fixing Princess, and that’s as far as it goes.
Not only that, I can’t risk Connie finding me asleep again because in that moment between sleep and wakefulness, I’d actually considered pulling her towards me and giving her that kiss she wanted so bad. Thank fuck I hadn’t because that contact would have led to me breaking my promise to Ma Silva and to myself. So, Rob’s it is.
Feeling calmer from the swim, I make my way over to Lola’s Shack. In the distance the sky suddenly rumbles with portent as storm clouds roll in covering the sun and cooling the humid air to a more bearable level. I love a good summer thunderstorm. There’s nothing quite like watching one move over the ocean, churning up the sea as dark clouds blanket the sky. The brilliant shards of lightning that always tend to accompany such a storm only ever serve to remind me just how fragile we all are.
“Hey, Malakai, where’ve you been?” Rob says as he steps out of The Shack, stopping me in my tracks with his disappointed glare.
“I had shit to do,” I retort, refusing to feel guilty.
“Connie needed your help. She’s been run ragged all day, not to mention…”
“Not to mentionwhat?”
“Not to mention the fact that she needs a goddamn bodyguard,” he whisper-shouts under his breath.
“Youwhat?” I hiss.
Rob holds his palms up, trying to placate, given I’m about to step into The Shack and rip all the ogling bastards a new one. “I love these guys, and they mean no harm, but she is a very pretty girl who draws a lot of attention to herself without even meaning to. Something I believe you’ve noticed too,” he remarks with a raised brow. “I see how it is…”
Rob’s voice trails off as I step toward him. Every inch of me is vibrating in anger. “What are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting that Connie could’ve used you being around today. For whatever reason that girl seems to like you.” I don’t miss the knowing look on his face, but I do choose to ignore it.
“Who do I need to fucking kill?” I growl out, ready to slay an army. Jealousy slams into me, almost taking my breath away. So much for being calm.
“No one touched her. The whole damn harbour of fishermen might be enamoured with Connie, but they’re good men. I just think she could’ve done with having you by her side. Besides, you promised Lola you’d help.”
I promised a lot of things last night, doesn’t mean to say I can fulfil them all. Grumbling unintelligible words, I push past Rob and head towards the shack.
“This storm is set to stay for the afternoon and possibly overnight. I’ve told the boys to head off home before it really gets going. Right now, I’m going to check in on Lola. I suggest you lock up within the hour. Looks like it’s going to be a violent one,” Rob remarks, looking up at the darkening sky.
“Yeah,” I reply, pushing open the door to the shack.
Inside, Connie’s crouching behind the counter, stacking plates and humming a pretty tune that sounds all too familiar. It’s the song she sang on the dock the other morning, a song that has haunted my every waking moment since. I flinch, trying not to react to the beautiful lilt of her voice and how I’m drawn to her in a way I can’t explain.
My Little Siren.
Mine.
Gritting my teeth, I glare at the few men who are finishing up their breakfasts. “Get off home, storm’s rolling in and we need to close,” I bark out. Out of the corner of my eye I see Connie stand up.
“So the wanderer returns,” she mutters with an unimpressed snort, continuing to tidy up behind the counter.
Immediately my back stiffens, and my hands itch to spank her round arse. This girl is pushing my patience, but I take it out on the punters. “I said out!”
They don’t need to be told a third time. I watch as they throw their money on the table and head out. One of them wink’s at Connie and holds up an extra five-pound note.
“Your tip, Connie, for the lovely…grub,” he says, staring at her tits so blatantly that I have the sudden urge to pummel his face with my fists. Instead I bare my teeth at him as he passes by. Dickwad.
“Thanks, Dan,” Connie smiles sweetly, oblivious to his ogling. Though her smile does turn into a self-satisfied smirk when she spots the look on my face. Traversing the counter, she picks up the money left behind. I grab the door, locking it quickly before scrubbing my hand over my face. “Arseholes,” I mutter.
