“Are you hurt, Princess?” He runs his hand down my arm and over my leg. He gasps when he sees the toilet paper wrapped around my calf. Blood has soaked through all the layers and dripped down my shin, leaving a crusted, red streak.
“Why are you bleeding? And where is everybody? Why are you here alone?” His normally gentle voice grows more and more agitated.
I try to speak, and at first my voice is weak and raspy, but eventually I’m able to talk normally. “Jude and Gio went to look at boats, and Liam had an appointment. He said he’d be back in a few hours.”
“Why didn’t anybody call me? I would’ve come to stay with you, or taken you with me! What the hell were they thinking?” Avery growls, his jaw clenched.
My first instinct is to tell him that I was fine on my own, but obviously that isn’t true.
“What happened to your leg, Coral?” Avery examines the bandage on my leg again.
“The women at the bar thought my legs were too hairy, so I tried to shave them with Liam’s razor, but I cut myself. I didn’t have any seagrass to wrap it with.”
“Can I see it?”
When I nod, he starts to unwrap the paper. It wants to stick to the wound, so Avery wets a cloth and lays it on the paper till it’s soaked. It peels away easier after that. The cut is long but not deep, a pink strip of missing skin right in line with the bone.
“Does it still hurt?”
I nod. “A little.”
Avery pulls me tight against his chest again and kisses the top of my head. “God, Coral. I’m so sorry. I can’t believe they left you alone. You’re not ready for that.”
“They didn’t want me with them today,” I whisper, the words like a razor scraped across my heart.
He doesn’t have an answer for that. His first instinct is to reject the idea, but the evidence is right in front of him.
“Well, I want you with me every day. That’s why I came here, to see if you wanted to go look at apartments with me. If they had called me and told me they were leaving you home alone, I could’ve been here earlier.”
“I wanted to call you, but I don’t have a phone. Do you think I could get one?”
“Yeah, I think that would be a good idea, although I’m never going to let you out of my sight again.” He grins down at me, his white teeth bright against his golden face. I can’t help but smile back at him.
He wipes a thumb under my eye. When he pulls it away, it’s smudged with black. “Did you try to put on makeup?”
I dip my head, embarrassed by how I must look, and wince when I see the mess I’ve left on his clean shirt. “Yeah, I didn’t do a very good job. I was going to wash it off and try again, but I got hungry and wanted to eat first.”
“Yeah, what happened in here? The stove is a mess.”
“The spaghetti was cold, so I put it on the stove to heat up, but the container melted and caught on fire.”
“You kept it in the plastic container?”
I nod. “Then I accidentally dropped the towel in the fire.”
Avery chuckles then holds a hand to his mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh. It’s an easy mistake. How would you know? Plastic melts very easily. Next time you want to put something on the stove, you need to put it in a metal pan.”
“I don’t think I’m going to try that again any time soon. I think I’ll leave the cooking to Jude.”
Avery’s face crumples when he sees the despondent look on mine. “Aww, don’t give up, Princess. It’s not that bad. At least you didn’t burn the apartment down.” He gives a little grin.
My stomach growls loudly, bemoaning the ruined spaghetti. Avery grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet.
“Come on, let’s get you something to eat, then I want to show you something.”
Chapter 18
“Avery, are we close to the other side?” It took me about a day to walk from one side of the island to the other, but in Avery’s fast car, it feels like we’ve gone ten times that distance, and the sun has barely moved in the sky.
“The other side of what?” He glances at me, taking his eyes off the road for a moment, which frightens me.
I dig my fingers into the seat and try not to gasp because it bothers him when I do. The few times I responded that way to his driving, he slowed down and took it easy, but I know he thought I was overreacting. He’s going so fast, though! The houses and buildings blur by in one, long, colorful whirl like a school of angelfish.
“The land. Are we almost to the end?”
Avery chuckles and smiles, keeping his eyes on the road. “We’re not even to the other side of the city. It’s a big world, Coral. Ask Liam about it sometime. He can probably tell you all kinds of statistics.”
“Why do you want to live so far away from Liam? His apartment seems nice. Maybe you could get one nearby.”
I still hate the thought of the guys living separately, but at least if they were close, it would be easy to spend time with each of them. If they live this far away, will they be willing to drive me back and forth? I guess I could learn to drive, but the thought sends shivers rippling up and down my spine. The highway is scary enough as a passenger.
“Yeah, it’s cool, but there’s not much to do around there. It’s so… suburban. I grew up in the country, surrounded by swamp land, and I’ve always wanted to live downtown, in the heart of the city, surrounded by art and culture, instead.”
I don’t understand what that means, so I guess I’ll have to wait and see. But I can sense Avery’s enthusiasm, so I try to let it lap over me. More than anything, I want the guys to be happy.
Eventually, we pull into a small parking lot in front of a tall, shiny building. Avery jumps out then looks down, checking out his clothes, brushing invisible dirt off his white shirt. He had to borrow one of Liam’s since I sullied his with my makeup and tears.
Avery makes it look totally different, though. While Liam fastens all the buttons and tucks his shirts neatly into his pants, Avery rolls up the sleeves, leaves a few buttons undone, and lets the shirttail hang out. It’s tighter on him, too, since he’s more muscular than Liam. I can’t decide which I like better, Avery’s style or Liam’s, probably because they’re both perfect in their own way.
I sigh. That’s been my problem all along. They’re so different from each other, but I love them all so much, how could I ever pick just one? With each of them making different plans and going their own way, I might have to, though.
I glance down at my own outfit, but I’m confident that I look okay. Avery fixed my hair and makeup, bandaged my leg properly, and encouraged me to wear soft, stretchy, black leggings that cover up the wound without hurting it. I have a long, clingy top on in a bright red color that matches my lipstick. Avery even promised to paint my fingernails the same color later. When I put the outfit on, Avery couldn’t stop running his hands up and down my body, tracing the curves outlined by the snug material.
He takes my hand as we walk towards the building, threading his fingers through mine. I feel even more confident, knowing he’s at my side. Avery has always been the most thoughtful, caring, and compassionate one of all the guys. The others make fun of him sometimes for being girly, but I love the way he makes me feel nurtured.
I’m surprised when I hear his thoughts and realize he feels more confident having me with him. I can’t imagine why. Any girl would be lucky to have someone as gorgeous and kind as Avery.
We walk inside and head towards a small office where a woman in bold colors with short, white-blonde hair and large jewelry greets Avery with a predatory smile. “Well, hello! Welcome back. Did you want to see that apartment again?”
Avery gives her that smile that makes me feel dizzy when he aims it at me. “Yes, I’d like to show it to my girlfriend, see what she thinks.”
The woman flicks her eyes towards me and looks me up and down. She’s impressed by my looks and can’t think of any reason to dislike me, even though she wants to.
She introduces herself as Me
lanie and murmurs with interest when I tell her my name is Coral.
She grabs a pile of keys that jangle against each other then leads us up an elevator and down a brightly-lit hallway to an apartment, talking the whole time about the gym, the pool, the laundry facilities, and the nearby attractions, her heels clicking on the sleek floors.
When she opens the door to the apartment, I gasp and rush to the large, floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the sparking water off in the distance. Bright, white boats bob in the crystal green water, and sunshine reflects off a thousand tiny ripples. Birds soar against the wide, blue sky then dive into the water, barely disturbing the surface as they snag fish.
The woman laughs, a high, unnatural sound. “Obviously, the view is one of the best features, second only to the balcony.”
She points to a small space outside the window that juts from the side of the building. Two chairs with thick, blue pillows face the sea.
Avery joins me at the window, sliding an arm around my waist. “Gorgeous, isn’t it? Think you could live here?”
I nod eagerly but then gulp. Living here with Avery, right next to the sea, sounds like a fantasy, but I instantly feel guilty, like I’m choosing him over the others.
“Do you want to see the rest of it?” Avery tugs me away from the window. I nod but have a hard time tearing my gaze away from the view.
The rest of the apartment is all white — shiny, white squares on the floor, white walls, sleek, white cupboards in the kitchen, glossy, speckled countertops. Like Liam’s place, the main room is wide open, with the kitchen, living, and dining areas all in one large space.
“If you like water, you’re going to love this bathroom. There’s a jacuzzi tub big enough for two.” Melanie leads us into another bright, white space.
A large window made of small squares of distorted glass floods the room with light. It’s set above a wide, oval tub much bigger than Liam’s. It’s filled with water, even though it’s obvious no one lives here since the rest of the apartment is empty. The woman presses a button, and I shriek when a loud noise jolts me. Jets of water start spurting out of small, dark holes in the tub, and soon the water is bubbling like there’s an ocean vent below it. I can only imagine how wonderful that would feel.
My mouth and eyes get wide, and I turn to Avery, gawking. He grins at me, pleased that he’s thrilled me.
The bedroom is similar to Liam’s, with a large closet that excites Avery. There isn’t any furniture, but I can imagine a bed in the center of the room. It makes me think of the first night I cuddled with Avery in the life raft on the island, how his firm body pressed against mine, stirring up feelings I’d never had before.
I crave intimacy with Avery so badly my nerve endings quiver, desperate for his touch. I know that, of all the guys, Avery will be the most gentle, attentive lover. Plus, his body is male perfection. I’d like him to have his own place if only for the chance to be alone with him. I blush when Avery starts thinking similar thoughts about time alone with me, but then I remember that the woman can’t hear them like I can.
“I bet your girlfriend will love the pool. Shall we show her on the way out?” Melanie asks as we head back towards the front door.
We follow her downstairs and out the back of the apartment building to a large, open space surrounded by swaying palms. A giant pool of placid, blue water sits in the center. Long, low chairs encircle the pool, a few of them occupied by lounging people in tiny scraps of fabric.
Melanie spreads her arms and leans her head back, her eyes closed. “Wouldn’t it be lovely to spend the day relaxing here by the pool?” She lifts her head and looks pointedly at me. “You could do that tomorrow if you’re ready to sign a lease.”
“Don’t you just love this place, Coral? It’s got everything I’ve ever wanted, and I can finally afford it.” Avery gazes longingly at that pool then turns to Melanie with a big smile. “I think I’m going to get it.”
I grab his arm, the reality of it sinking in. “Wait, Liam!”
He turns to me, trying to hide his frown.
“Don’t you think you should wait, just a little bit?” I don’t have a good reason to offer him, but at the sight of my panicked face, he comes up with his own.
“I guess I should make sure I get a job nearby first.”
I nod eagerly, glad for a little more time to figure out how this could work for all of us.
Melanie is disappointed, but Avery promises her we’ll be back soon and takes the brochure she offers him.
“While we’re over here, do you mind if I stop at that salon I was telling you about? I want to find out if they have any open chairs,” Avery asks as we climb back in the car.
I’m just happy to be with him and not alone in Liam’s apartment, so I’m willing to do whatever he wants. Plus, his happiness feels like basking in the sunshine. I don’t need a lounge chair by the pool or a balcony overlooking the ocean as long as I have Avery.
He drives a short distance to a large building with several different storefronts. The sign above the salon says, “de Beaux Cheveux,” which Avery tells me means beautiful hair in French.
“Do the people who come here speak that language?”
Avery grins and shakes his head. “No, it just sounds fancy and pretty. This is the most prestigious salon in the area. Working here would be a dream come true.”
Inside, everything is black and white and glossy, and it smells strongly of scents I don’t recognize. Soft music floats in the air. Large mirrors line the walls, and spotlights shine down on the high, black chairs. People occupy several of them, their bodies draped in black fabric. Each one has a person standing behind them, styling their hair.
A tiny woman with sleek, gray hair cut sharply right above her shoulders, bright red lipstick, and sparkly jewelry stands behind a counter, looking at a computer screen. A badge pinned to her silky, white shirt says, “Hilda - Manager.”
Avery approaches her with his heart-stopping smile. I stand a few steps behind him and try to be invisible. Avery’s phone starts ringing, but he quickly silences it.
“Hi, Hilda, my name is Avery, and I’m a stylist looking for a chair in the area. Do you have any openings?”
She purses her lips and raises an eyebrow as she slowly looks him up and down. Then she starts peppering him with questions about his qualifications, his education, his past experience, and his current client base.
I can hear his nervousness in his thoughts, but Avery answers all the questions confidently until the last one. He hangs his head then takes a deep breath and looks up at her through his thick lashes, his blue eyes glittering like the sea.
When he tells her his story about the shipwreck and the months spent on the island, his soft, lilting voice mesmerizes everyone in the salon. By the time he’s done, all eyes are on him, and even this demanding woman is not immune to his charms. Avery is like the human equivalent of a siren.
The woman leans forward and clicks her long, shiny nails on the glass counter. “Avery, this salon specializes in high-end services for the prominent members of our community who desire the best care available. We’re known for employing only the most qualified beauticians, and we didn’t earn this reputation by offering space to young, novice stylists with no existing client base. However, your situation is certainly unique, and if your skill is comparable to your good looks and charisma, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble acquiring clients.”
Waves of excitement flow from Avery’s body. “I have my CV and portfolio if you’d like to take a look.”
The woman takes the black book that Avery holds out and opens it up. She pulls a sheet of paper from the front and scans it, tapping a fingernail against it and nodding every few moments. When she’s done with that, she sets it down and starts flipping through the other pages, making hmming noises under her breath. I’m curious about what’s in the book, but I can’t see it from this angle.
At one point, she stops, flips the page back, and looks up at me. “This
is her, no?”
Avery peeks over the top of the book and nods. The woman puts the book down and walks over to me, staring. She makes a slow circle around me before suddenly plunging her fingers into the back of my hair. I flinch but manage not to yelp.
“Quite impressive. Her before picture looks like she’d never had a haircut in her life. Now, her hair is lovely.” I hold back a snicker. If only she knew.
She raises an eyebrow and gives a terse nod. “I’m not willing to offer you your own chair at this point, but I will consider a floating position. That is, if your credentials check out. You would be on-call to fill in whenever someone is absent or the need arises. I would expect you to be available immediately, whenever we need you. Your rent would be half the price of a full-chair, but my cut would be 50% instead of the usual 30%. Terms would be renegotiated in six months.”
Avery’s lips curl in an angelic smile, light beaming off his eyes and teeth like he’s glowing from within. “I’m willing to take whatever you’ll give me, ma’am, and I’ll work whatever hours you need if you’ll give me a chance to prove myself.”
“If your references check out, you can expect a call from me in a few days.” The woman hands back the book but keeps the sheet of paper she pulled out earlier.
“Thank you, ma’am. I really appreciate the opportunity. You won’t regret it.” Avery gives her another brilliant grin then grabs my hand and pulls me outside.
The door is barely closed behind us before he starts shrieking, losing all of his carefully crafted composure. “Did you hear that, Coral? She used the word impressive! She liked my portfolio! She’s going to call me in a few days!”
I don’t have any idea what this will mean for him, or me, but I’m thrilled that he’s so happy. He grabs me in a hug, squeezing so hard I feel like a mussel oozing out of its shell. Then his lips claim mine, kissing me like he has to release some of his energy or he’s going to explode. I feel his excitement pulsing into me, making me shudder.
The Mermaid's Journey_A Reverse Harem Page 14
