by Lux Miller
Luca raises an eyebrow. “What’s an Ori?”
I turn around and dig into my bag, thankful that I packed my sarong. I slip into a pair of boy short panties and fold the sarong in half before pulling it around my hips, tying it over one hip in a tight, doubled knot as Luca watches. “Probably the most embarrassing thing I’m going to do on this whole trip… and I totally peed in the ocean earlier.”
Luca nods. “Me too. Maybe that’s why the turtle was so pissed. My leg still stings where it bit me, you know.”
I toss him a pair of khaki shorts, then make a motion for him to turn around. He pulls the shorts on, then turns around. “Is there evidence? After my trial, I’ve picked up some good terminology. I might sue the shell off that little bugger.”
I walk over to him and kneel down, giggling softly as I brush my hand over a small mark on the back of his leg. “He left a mark, but it didn’t break the skin. You’ve been given a kiss from a sea turtle. In my culture, that’s a sign of good luck to come.”
I stand up behind him and lean up on my tiptoes to place a kiss between his shoulder blades. Smiling, I walk over to the bag and pull out a flower-printed shirt for Luca and toss it at him. He catches it and looks at it, then raises one eyebrow again. I wave my hand around in the air with a laugh. “It’s acceptable to wear that kind of stuff. Don’t worry. You won’t be insulting anyone, but the general consensus is that if you don’t have anything to hide, then don’t, so most young men leave it open.”
I smile as I watch Luca pull on the royal blue shirt with bright yellow flowers printed all over it. Then I pull out a bandeau style bra and step into it, yanking it up my body until my boobs are covered. I laugh as I look in the mirror. “I never thought I’d be grateful to have little titties until I got asked to do an Ori in front of my whole family, my husband, and my surrogate father. The last thing I want is one of those bad boys to pop out in front of everyone.”
Luca chuckles as he shakes his head. “What exactly is an Ori? And why would it make you pop out of your top?”
I laugh softly. “I thought you researched before you booked this trip?”
He nods slowly like a small child that isn’t understanding a concept being taught to them. “I did… nothing mentioned anything called an Ori.”
I nod slightly. “It’s not really Hawai’ian, but along with the Hula, we learned the Ori as toddlers, along with Maori Haka and others. They’re all Polynesia,, and if you want to work as an entertainer on Hawai’i, you have to know them all, because the tourists don’t know the difference between what is and isn’t Hawai’ian. The Ori is a Tahitian dance and I think you’ll like it, though I’m certain I’ll be the worst one out there. I stopped my lessons when I was ten and my cousins and anyone else my Puna has invited probably still take lessons. It’s a lifelong learning experience. You know, despite being a Swede, my father could Ori too…”
Luca’s face twists in amusement, “Gunnar Fredriksson could do what?”
I laugh and grab his hand, tugging him out the door and outside where dozens of people have gathered. Nerves begin to bubble up in my stomach as Aleka pushes through the crowd and grabs me by the hands. She looks me up and down and smirks. “It’s almost like you came prepared…”
I shrug as she pulls me through the crowd, Luca hot on our heels and Mike not far behind. The crowd parts behind me as Luca and Mike plow through, giving them a wide berth, Aleka pulls me up to edge of a clearing, but I quickly shake my head as I see the two lines of girls, ranging in ages from preteens to young adults in various costumes that are obviously from competition. She leans back down to me and laughs, “Oh, come on… you don’t forget the Ori... “
I clear my throat, trying to dig my heels into the grass. “I was never good though, and I only learned until I was ten… what if I look bad?”
Aleka shrugs and yanks me into the clearing, pushing me into line beside her. She smirks over at me. “Then you look bad. But considering this is your welcome home party and everyone now knows who you are… you’d better do your momma’s spirit proud. Just feel it, Emily… if you have to close your eyes, do it. Let the music move you.”
I swallow hard as I hear the drums kick up behind me, and I take a shaky breath, slowly testing out my hips as I sway them from side to side. My body hasn’t moved this way in over a decade, but to my surprise, Aleka’s right. For the most part, the fluid movements come naturally and surprisingly, I’m mostly able to keep up as the beat quickens...at least with the younger half of the group.
I take a deep breath and finally open my eyes as I raise my arms over my head, loosening my hips and letting them roll as the other girls are doing. I exhale slowly and look up as Luca pushes his way to the front of the crowd and his mouth drops open as the beat drops into a steady roll and I dig down deep to keep my hips moving with the music, turning my back to the crowd as my ass rotates in a tight circle around an axis.
I heave several heavy sighs of relief as the drums cut out completely and all of the girls near me stop moving. I hold my position with my hands on my hips, my shoulders tucked back and my knees bent slightly as the crowd claps and several of the men whoop and holler. I slowly pull my gaze up from everyone’s feet and bring it to meet Luca’s as my heart thunders in my chest.
He blinks for a moment, then a mischievous grin spreads across his face as beside me, Aleka nudges me and comments, “I think that husband of yours likes what he sees. Have you never danced for him?”
I shake my head quickly, “I mean, I’ve danced, but Lee Lee, I haven’t danced like that since my mother died. I guess my passion for it died with her.”
Aleka frowns slightly, then closes her eyes as a brisk breeze whips through the clearing. My hair flies around my face, and I shiver as Aleka nudges me again. “I think she approves. You know that it’s never too late to learn...”
Aleka raises her voice above the murmuring crowd and announces, “We have welcomed our Ohana that have departed us, but we also welcome one more who has returned, though she has a new name. Cousins, please open your arms and your hearts to Emily Kailani Barresi, the daughter of Leia and our ua nalo who has finally found her way home to Hawai’i. Aloha, my cousin. Though you’ve found a life away from Hawai’i, Hawai’i has missed you…”
SEVENTEEN
As soon as I curtsy sheepishly to the large crowd that has gathered, I tear out of the clearing to hide. I know that my cheeks are on fire, too. Despite holding my own with the younger cousins, I was clearly out danced by everyone my own age. It wasn’t unexpected since they have likely been continuing in the discipline ever since I left, so they have fifteen years of training on me, but it was still somewhat embarrassing. Until I see the look on Luca’s face through the crowd. He looks… amazed. I hold my hand up and give him a timid wave until I hear a deep, whooping set of undulations behind me.
I drop my hand immediately as I whip around in the crowd, Luca momentarily forgotten. My head bounces back and forth like a bobblehead as I try to find the source of the sound. And then my eyes find him, and my heart jumps into my throat. I push my way through the crowd and stare in awe at the enormous man that I’m now standing in front of. I look up at his face and the gentle brown eyes that I grew up seeking comfort in, meet mine. The most horrid screech spills out of my mouth as I run at him and leap into his arms, throwing mine around his big, strong body. “Tua!”
He stumbles backwards slightly, but chuckles as his thick arms wrap around my waist tightly. He rests his forehead against mine and murmurs, “So, it is true, then. I’d heard rumors and whispers, but I had to see for myself. You’ve certainly grown up into a beautiful woman, my sweet Kailani.”
I nod as he sets me down on my feet and a wave of sadness washes over me when I see how much we’ve both changed. The last time we saw each other, I was a gangly and awkward kid, and while he was a few years older than me, he was just as unwieldy with long, skinny legs and a predisposition of finding trouble. He was fifteen to my ten, and he was one of my biggest re
grets in leaving my islands.
I’m pulled out of my memories as I hear a throat cleared behind me, followed by Luca’s voice as he speaks tersely, “Emily, are you going to introduce us? Did he enjoy your dancing as much as I did?”
I turn around and find myself face to face with an expression on Luca’s face that would strike fear in any man. I glance back at Tua and hold up my left hand, wiggling my wedding band with an apologetic smile. “Tua, can you give me a moment with my husband?”
Tua nods and bows low as he makes a grand sweeping gesture with his right arm. “Certainly, my sweet Kailani. I’ve waited fifteen years to see your smile and hear your laugh again. I can wait a few more minutes.”
I turn my gaze back to Luca and grab both of his hands, jumping straight to the point. “Breathe, Luca. He’s my cousin. And unless something’s changed since we were kids, he’s quite gay. I assure you, my love, even if we were a people who intermarried, and we’re not, he’s no threat to your claim on me. He’s Aleka’s older brother, and he was probably my best male friend growing up.”
Luca glances past my shoulder, and I can’t help but smile at his not so covert jealousy. I grab both of his biceps and squeeze. “I swear to you, Luca. No man will ever compare to you. You have nothing to worry about. Now… can I go hug him for real without you threatening to get stabby with him or feeling the need to grab the gun I know you have strapped somewhere on your person?”
Luca exhales heavily and nods. “Fine, but with the way you just shook your ass up there, I’m sure there are plenty of men in this crowd who noticed how incredibly gorgeous you are. And I actually don’t have a gun on me. Mike does, for sure. In fact, he’s got two. But I am armed. Old habits and all...”
I burst out laughing and lean into Luca to hug him. “Thank you, but I freaking embarrassed myself out there. The little kids could dance better than me, and Aleka wiped the grass with me. And she was holding back, I’m sure. She was incredible when we were kids and with fifteen more years of training in the Ori, she’s probably amazing.”
I turn back to Tua, and he raises one eyebrow and holds his arms open. This time, instead of running to him like a lost lover, I casually walk over and wrap my arms around his neck, sighing as he tugs my tiny body against his massive one. My husband’s a big man, but Tua’s huge. He’s got several inches on Luca and probably at least fifty pounds, if not more judging by the tree trunks that are wrapped around my body. As I pull away, I poke one of his arms and quip, “You wanna talk about me growing up… you growed way up…”
He nods and smirks. “I work at my dad’s farm. Got these guys…” He slaps his palm against the rock that he’s somehow implanted under his skin and smirks, “...climbing coconut trees.”
I laugh as I shake my head. “I haven’t worked in a while. I used to be in the acquisitions department at my last job, but since getting involved with Mr. Jealousy, my financial situation has greatly improved to the point where I don’t need to work. Not officially at least. Between Luca, his brother, his pregnant sister, and the security that guards our home, I’m constantly cleaning something, and it seems like all I ever do is cook anymore. Not that I’m complaining. His Momma’s teaching me all kinds of Italian recipes.”
Tua nods his head slowly, narrowing his eyes. “Italian, huh? I’d say you should consider going into a job as a public relations officer with the way you just spun the fact that your husband is a mobster into something that almost sounded mundane.”
I gasp as my eyes widen in surprise at Tua accusations. “But… how? Why?”
Tua chuckles. “Emily, you moved back to New Orleans with your mobster father… I just kind of… assumed… Until today, I thought you were dead, so accepting that you’re alive, but married to the mob isn’t as hard to believe as you might think. Besides, his tattoos are a dead giveaway to anyone who’s seen them before. I was little when your dad married Aunt Leia, and your dad was pretty careful about covering most of those tattoos that came along with him from New Orleans, but he couldn’t hide them all.”
Luca steps up beside me and slides an arm behind my back to rest his right hand on my hip. Tua gives him a curt nod of reverence, then adds, “And though Uncle Gunner didn’t tell me much about his previous life, he was adamant that he didn’t regret following the orders of the wolf. However, judging by the fact that your husband is tattooed with wolves and is wearing a snazzy ring that screams importance, I’m going to guess that…?”
Luca clears his throat and inclines his head as he answers, “Luca… my name is Luca.”
Tua nods and continues, “I’m going to go out on a limb here and hazard the guess that Luca doesn’t take orders - he gives them. Now, I’m but a humble islander, but even I can recognize when I am in the presence of greatness.”
Tua drops to one knee before me and bows his head then stands, then he turns to Luca and holds his hand out. Luca narrows his eyes at my cousin for a moment, then takes Tua’s hand in his own for a quick handshake. Tua smiles brilliantly and nods. “If you decide to add to your collection of artwork, I’d be honored to expand your horizons with something to remind you of your time here.”
My eyes widen in horror at Tua’s insinuation that Luca would dare mess up his intricately planned canvas with something that has no meaning to him. But Luca surprises me as he shifts his hand out of Tua’s and up his arm, clasping Tua just beyond my cousin’s wrist. Tua naturally mimics the movement and the chatter around us ceases as everyone turns to stare in surprise to see this foreigner greeting a native islander in the manner of our people. Luca and Tua’s eyes meet and something unspoken passes between them before Luca responds, “I’d be honored to accept your offer, as long as it won’t piss off Pele. Emily has been working hard to appease her all week. And who I am to argue with my queen?”
Tua smirks and nods. “Oh, so she’s asking for blessings from Pele? Has she told you exactly what that entails?”
Luca rolls one shoulder slowly. “Somewhat. And I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to secure these blessings. Emily has already chopped her hair off and poured out an entire bottle of gin on O’ahu, but she says those gestures were just to get Pele’s attention. That we’re now as close as we can safely get to Pele’s home, since Kilauea is inaccessible right now.”
Tua glances over at me and I shrug my shoulders. “But I’m prepared to make the full sacrifice for her blessing.”
Luca holds up a hand and reaches into his shorts, producing the knife he offered to me earlier. He pushes the button on the side and the three-inch blade pops out, gleaming in the light of the torches. I reach for, and he closes his fist around it just as I pull it out of his hand. He flinches slightly as I pull the blade free of his fist. Tua makes a strangled noise as I look up at him and hold the knife to my own palm. Tua holds one hand up and disappears into the crowd.
He returns moments later hold a fire knife. “Do it on this, and then I’ll dance to send your offering to Pele.”
I nod quickly as I drag the blade across my palm, wincing as it bites into my skin and trickles of blood begin to pool in my palm. Luca opens his palm, which is now smeared with blood and without asking, grabs mine, pressing our palms together. Tua holds out his fire knife and bows his head as Luca and I let go of each other’s hands and grab the part of the fire knife that Tua will light in a few moments to perform a traditional fire dance. Whatever accelerant he uses on the ends burns slightly in the surface cut, but I grit my teeth and grip the end tighter as I murmur a quiet prayer to Pele to bless our marriage with a child.
When Luca and I each let go, Tua smiles a crooked smile as another breeze whips through the crowd. “There’s been a lot of wind for such a clear and calm night. If I had to guess, the gods and our ancestors hear you, but I’ll make sure your message gets delivered to Pele.”
Luca nudges me as Tua walks off with the blood-smeared fire knife in his hand. “How’s smearing our blood on a stick going to get Pele to bless us?”
I smile and
lean over, resting my bloody hand on the side of his face and kiss him gently. As our lips part, I whisper, “Because he’s going to get Pele’s attention the old-fashioned way…”
Luca raises an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”
I motion over to Tua as he holds the end of the fire knife that we didn’t smear blood onto into the flame of a torch and the end bursts into flames. He twirls it several times, passing it between his legs and around his back before he dangles the flaming end over his mouth, transferring a tendril of the flame into his mouth before turning the fire knife over and blowing it back onto the bloodied end in a spray of fire that ignites that end as well.
He glances over in our direction and smiles, then begins to twirl the fire knife in front of him so fast that the dual flames seem to blend together in a circle of fire in front of him. I lean into Luca’s side as I ball my bleeding hand into a fist to staunch the flow of blood and murmur, “He’s going to light it up…”
EIGHTEEN
Despite my reassurance that Tua is my cousin and has no intention of trying to steal me from him, Luca keeps a murderous expression on his face through the first several tricks of Tua’s dance. As Tua launches the fire knife into the air, and rotates his body around a central axis that a man his size shouldn’t be able to do, I can see Luca’s expression morph from ready-to-kill to one of curious apprehension. I giggle softly as Tua continues through the motions of the ceremonial dance, and Luca watches in silence, his eyes glued to my surprisingly nimble cousin. When Tua pulls out a second fire knife and transfers the flames with his bare hand to light both ends of the second one, Luca’s face morphs once again into what I can only describe as awe.
