by Munt, S. K
‘Symbolic for what?’
Tristan smirked at him. ‘Stallion, probably.’
Lincoln’s face tightened into a look of disapproval. ‘It must be exhausting, lugging that ego around with you everywhere you go.’
‘Nah.’ Tristan said easily, slapping his chiseled abdomen. ‘I’m in pretty good shape.’
‘Careful about relying too much on your looks, Tristan.’ The facade of friendliness had leeched out of Links’ voice. ‘No one stays in their twenties forever.’
‘Maybe not.’ Tristan slung the towel over his shoulders. ‘I better get serious about marrying a young honey while I can still get one, hey?’ He squinted up towards the restaurant. ‘Speaking of which, when does Ivyanne get off?’
From the darkening look on Lincoln’s face, Tristan knew he’d struck a nerve. I knew it! Tristan thought triumphantly. He’s got his eye on her, and if he’s down here to give me a hard time, he clearly thinks he’s in with a shot! Tristan wanted to laugh out loud. The human was delusional, mistaking Ivyanne’s kindness for something more.
‘Ivyanne told me about your parents little arrangement,’ Lincoln said, his voice arctic. ‘Don’t you feel like a bit of a creep, using a girls parents influence to marry into her money? Especially given your womanizing ways?’
Tristan’s eyebrows shot up so fast that they almost pushed the wet curls out of his eyes. He’d expected a ribbing from Adele-but Ivyanne had actually discussed him with her boss? In a negative way? His frown was rare, and genuine. ‘She told you what exactly?’
‘Nothing as interesting as what Adele told me.’ Lincoln smirked at him. ‘Small world, isn’t it? I can’t help but wonder if Ivyanne’s aware of just how much we have in common though? She probably won’t be too happy about it when she finds out.’
Tristan hadn’t missed the use of the word ‘when’ instead of ‘if’. He’d promised Ivyanne that his past wouldn’t come back to bite her, and he was going to let her down. Oh well, if he was going down, then Lincoln was going down with him.
‘Well, you’ve got me there, bud. No woman wants to know that the man she’s seeing gave someone else she knows multiple orgasms.’ He grinned as Lincoln’s face paled. ‘Just like no girlfriend wants to hear that her boyfriend is concerned about another girl’s virtue.’ He leaned in close to Lincoln. ‘So go on and tell her-you might very well ruin my chance with Ivyanne. But bear in mind-that you don’t actually have one. So take me out, but I’ll return the favor so that you find yourself two waitresses down and very lonely.’ He paused, needing to add: ‘And for the record, I’m not after her money. I do just fine by myself.’
Lincoln’s chin lifted slightly. ‘Bragging? To a guy who’s oceanfront property you’re standing on?’
Tristan snorted. ‘Are we going to whip them out Link? Because I could buy and sell three places like this if I wanted to.’ He stepped closer to the other man. A sandstorm was whipping up behind him and to his right, steadily moving down the beach. The day had gone from merely overcast to hostile-kind of like the managers disposition. ‘But I’d employ a manager who knows something about hospitality...which you’re seriously lacking.’
Lincoln crossed his arms across his chest, and his eyes narrowed. ‘What can I say? I’m protective of my staff.’
‘Yeah-real protective.’ Tristan shook his head sadly. ‘Of the pretty blonde ones anyway. I know that you like to make girlfriends out of your employees, but you should stick to the one you’ve already got-because she’s the only one you have a viable future with.’
Lincoln set his jaw. ‘What’s that supposed to mean? Ivyanne notices me back, mate. It ain’t in my head.’
‘But she’s not in your arms either. And there’s a reason why.’ Tristan smiled. ‘Ever heard the story, Twenty Thousand Leagues? Because that’s what separating you too-and you’re not the one with the upper hand.’
Lincoln stepped closer so that they were practically nose to nose. ‘You don’t know a thing about me mate or what league I’m in,’ he said coldly. ‘Don’t delude yourself into thinking you do.’
‘Don’t delude yourself into thinking you have a chance with Ivyanne.’ Tristan shot back. ‘So she told you her reservations about her and I, then fine. But that was days ago, wasn’t it? Things have changed since then.’
Lincoln smiled. ‘Yeah, I saw the hand holding going down last night at the party.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Girls are affectionate when they’re intoxicated, aren’t they?’
‘Nice observation,’ Tristan said smoothly, tying his towel around his waist. ‘I’ll have to tell Ivyanne what a drunken flirt you think she is when she comes over later.’
Lincoln stiffened. ‘What do you mean later? She’s rostered on until late.’
‘Well she knows my door is open until she locks it behind her,’ Tristan said blithely, brushing his shoulder up against Link’s as he sauntered past. ‘Think about that when you’re jerking off next to your woman.’
There was no response from Link. Tristan didn’t have to look back to know that the boss was fuming. Usually Tristan would feel bad-but Lincoln had created the rivalry-now it was up to Tristan to end it.
Tristan reached the halfway point of the beach before he halted, worry breaking through his smugness. Lincoln really could ruin things with Ivyanne if he ran his mouth about Adele, and the fact that Lincoln had approached him at all meant that the guy was shoving his nose way too far into where it didn’t belong. And mers did not allow humans to breach their borders. Ever. There was was a way he could handle Lincoln Grey now, and permanently. He turned to walk back to the uppity bartender, his brain searching for an appropriate song, when a large, deeply bronzed hand on his arm halted him a second time.
‘We don’t siren the Grey men.’ Marcus’s grey eyes were narrowed, his tone low.
Tristan returned Marcus’s frown. ‘Grey’s a human and he’s getting too close. I know you trained him, and he’s your boss now, but don’t let sentimentality cloud your judgement.’
But Marcus shook his head. ‘He and his father are exposed to us on a daily basis, and have been for ten years. If our people tried to cover their tracks with song every time they made an error in the Grey’s presences, the men would be lobotomized by now, for all the stolen memories.’ He released Tristan. ‘I heard the conversation, and as much as you might want to take the easy way out, you’re better then that. Or at least, you need to be, to be a worthy king.’ He motioned towards the resort. ‘Take the girl, but leave the man his mind. We all owe him that much.’
Tristan swallowed, humbled. ‘Fine.’
‘Thank you.’ With that, Marcus sauntered a way, a vision of bright yellow and red against the stormy seascape.
Fat drops of rain began to fall on Tristan’s shoulders and he turned back for the resort, thinking of what a great, stormy night it could be if he’d played his cards right-like a king.
If Ivyanne wasn’t ready to make up her mind-then he’d simply drive her out of it. Preferably before Lincoln ran his mouth, and maimed Tristan’s chances of doing so.
⁓
‘Pintang, as much fun as it is watching the girl who used to bend my fishhooks for fun repeatedly slam her head into a fridge...don’t you think there’s something more constructive you could be doing to you know, actually help me?’
Pintang halted her head-bashing, but remained draped over the corner of her refrigerator, eyes closed. ‘Because you’re a froth of wisdom right now? I hate to break it to you, but if I don’t knock myself senseless, I’m gonna want to do it to you.’ She turned to face him, her pretty face distorted by a scowl. ‘I can’t believe you hid being a mystic from everyone, especially me! I mean, this should be a wonderful thing. You should have taken Ivyanne out surfing, and pulled up a perfect wave for her-a romantic gesture of some kind! But to jump out of the shadows, scream at her, drain her, then use the harnessed power to damn near burn down the resort? It’s insane!’
Ardhi knew that. ‘That wasn’t my intention,
okay? It’s not my fault that the princess has been tramping about with your boss! You would have flipped out if you’d seen it too!’
‘Don’t tell me how I’d react.’ Pintang snapped. ‘I actually have a pretty good grip on my temper. It’s just so like you Ardhi! Ever since we were little, you’d handle someone else’s wrong-doing by handling it so badly that your reaction dwarfed whatever you’d been upset about!’
Ardhi crossed his arms. ‘Excuse you?’
Pintang rolled her eyes. ‘Remember that time you caught that tiny little fish, and I was jealous so I took it from you? And what did you do? Stabbed it with a stick! And who did mum and dad yell at, huh?’
Ardhi scowled at her. ‘Okay so I’m guilty of once having been a six year old. What’s your point?’
‘Six?!’ Pintang glowered at him. ‘Just last year, I made myself that smoothie, testing a recipe I wanted to make for Christmas lunch. When I told you you couldn’t have more than a sip, because I wanted everyone to try it as well, you threw it across the room!’
Ardhi felt a twinge of guilt. Put that way, he did sound like a bit of a jack-ass. ‘Well, seeing the virgin princess trembling at the knees of a human is slightly worse than breaking a glass, Pintang.’
‘But not worse than channelling your rage through the weather!’ Pintang countered. She moved across the room, and collapsed onto the foot of her bed. ‘And I can’t work up a healthy anger at Ivyanne either. She’s a siren-he’s a good-looking human. This happens all the time. I’m not going to fry her for having a crush, and if she said she’s not going to take him up on his offer, then I believe her. I don’t think she’s sacrificed twenty-eight years of free will to blow it on a bartender now.’
‘You can’t even feel betrayed on my behalf?’ Ardhi demanded. ‘She’s giving Link and Tristan more time than me! You’re the one who ordered me to intervene!’
Pintang pursed her lips. ‘I told you to come back-not to skulk in the shadows. And she was going to remedy neglecting you.’ She rubbed her eyes. ‘I just don’t know that I’ve got any advice that’s going to be useful here, Ardhi. You’re swimming against a current you created.’
Ardhi swooped to her side. ‘That’s where you’re wrong, Pintang. You can help me. Okay so I acted like a moron, and that’s made Tristan look better by comparison….but I’m not going to let one tantrum wreck the chances with the girl I love, not when my rival is a much bigger jerk!’
Pintang frowned. ‘Come on Ardhi, lay-off Tristan, okay? Talking trash about your rival makes you look worse, not him. He’s actually a very lovely guy.’
Ardhi smiled at her. ‘See? That’s how you can help. By being head over heels for the scumbag.’ He leaned closer to his sister, his eyes imploring her. ‘I know you want him. I think you’re nuts, but that aside...if you want to help me Pintang, you can-by pursuing him.’
Pintang rolled her beautiful blue eyes again. ‘Tried it. I got a vague promise to consider me in the future if Ivyanne rejects him for my effort.’
Ardhi grinned. ‘Then try again. In something skimpy. You’re a beautiful girl, Pintang, and Ivyanne’s got him in a holding pattern. Given his libido-he must be going nuts! Offer him what she’s not willing to give, and his nature will prevail. I know it.’
Pintang’s mouth fell open. ‘You can’t be serious?! You want to pimp me out to a Marked Son behind the princess’s back? Do you have any idea how much heat I’d cop over that?!’
Ardhi shrugged. ‘So? If he slips-he’ll have to marry you. You get what you want-and I’ll get what I deserve.’
Pintang got up and walked away, shaking her head. ‘You need to swim Ardhi, because the mainland is making you crazy! Ivyanne is my friend-I can’t hurt her like that! And our family’s reputation is sketchy enough as it is!’ She whirled around to face him, face flushed. ‘And what if he turns me down? I could end up really embarrassed as a result!’
‘Or, you could end up happily married to your heart’s desire.’ Ardhi said, wiggling the bait in front of the flustered fish. ‘This Marked system is a rip-off, and it’s keeping most of us from getting what we want.’ He stepped closer to her. ‘Aren’t you sick of being such a goody-two shoes and getting a slap in the face for our efforts? Because I am.’
Pintang glared at him. ‘You have no idea what you’re asking of me little brother.’
But Ardhi did know. ‘Tristan’s insatiable Pintang. He may be depriving himself of his base needs now-but do you think that’s gonna last? What if it takes Ivyanne six months to decide? He’ll slip, I know he will.’ He said. ‘You’ll be doing the kingdom a favor, by tripping him up before Ivyanne is married to him. She’ll thank you in the long run too.’
His sister scowled at him. ‘So he’s not worthy of her, but you’re quite happy for me to marry him?’
Ardhi shrugged. ‘Hey, you’re the one who likes him. I’m just pointing you in the direction of opportunity.’
Pintang looked away, saying nothing. And that was all Ardhi needed to hear. He got to his feet.
‘I’m going to go for a swim to fortify myself, and then I’m off to find Ivyanne, and apologize.’ He said, reaching for his leather tote bag. ‘You can stay here, alone, wishing for what you think you can’t have...or you could go to Tristan, and make your wish come true.’ Leaving her to ponder that, Ardhi exited the bungalow, and set out into the rain.
18.
When the skies finally opened up and dumped their contents on the Seaview, the deluge was so intense that it seemed like it would be unable to sustain itself for longer than a few minutes.
But the rain only increased as the hands on the clock sluggishly turned, drenching everything and everyone unlucky enough to be caught in it. The inside of the Barefoot Bar was loud and full of puddles which the staff were forever mopping up, the noise of seventy dinner guests creating a din which battled the downpour for supremacy.
Lincoln was in a foul mood from the exchange he’d suffered with Tristan Loveridge earlier, so the weather suited him just fine. And Ivyanne had been sort of twitchy and distracted all afternoon, like she was keeping herself, and her thoughts-way out of his reach. Was she stressed about her feelings for him and avoiding him for her self-control? Was something else bothering her? Or was it just how busy they were, affecting her mood? He was at the register, checking the change-the only pause he’d had all evening.
Lincoln glanced across the room to where his dad was sliding a bucket under a leak in the roof, looking flustered. A hand-drawn ‘Wet Floor’ sign was sticky-taped to the back of a chair. They’d run out of the bright yellow hazard signs two hours before. Clearly-it as time to repair the roof.
His father’s grey streaked hair was in disarray and his glasses fogging from the trapped humidity. He’d been unnerved by the lightning strike and rushing about in crazy circles since. Lincoln really didn’t want to go near him. He’d learned long ago that when his father was worked up, it was best to avoid him.
Lincoln leaned over the till and sighed, glumly following Ivyanne’s movements across the floor. He hadn’t meant to lose it at Tristan that day-but seeing the tattoo behind Tristan’s ear had made something inside Lincoln snap-as though the mysterious marking was a passport into a world Lincoln wasn’t allowed to enter. And sub-consciously, he’d gone down there expecting to find it. So what were his instincts telling him that his mind was missing?
Consciously or not though, he was in too deep now to extricate himself from the situation unscathed. He’d propositioned Ivyanne, and it was possible that she was freezing him out as a result. And if Adele picked up on his feelings for Ivyanne, they’d be through. He could lose everything, for nothing.
Lincoln knew Ivyanne was attracted to him-she’d even admitted it. But if she was anything like her sister-then ‘no future’ meant exactly that. So why was he doing this to himself again?
Because you think her secret is the only thing keeping her from your arms. His sub-conscience whispered. And you think if you work out the mystery, t
hen you’ll be welcomed into her world.
Lincoln scratched his head with frustration. He’d known that Ivyanne and Tristan had some history, so sharing a tattoo could be plausible. But for those two to have a variation of the same design which Pintang had explained to be a family tradition didn’t make sense-unless part two of that tradition was inbreeding. And as disturbing as that was, he had to consider the fact that Ivyanne’s world might be a very dark place. She had mentioned that they’d picked up some quirky, culture-related customs over time, to keep old money in the family. If he was going to glean the truth, he had two look down every six-fingered avenue.
And though he judged himself severely for it, possibility of inbreeding was the least troubling part. Lincoln recalled what Pintang had said about her markings-that she was one of three children, so she had three dots.
Tristan, who had mentioned that he’d lost an older brother in the Iraq war at the BBQ the night before, and had a sister in Hawaii, had three dots.
So why did Ivyanne’s design bear only one? Where was Ivanna’s representation?
God….Ivanna. Link rubbed his temples, feeling a tension-migraine coming on. He hadn’t suffered from one since Adele had broken up with him the year before. Why did you leave me?And how could you send your likeness here, to mess with my head a second time? Didn’t you hurt me enough?
‘Lincoln-we need more towels!’ His father exclaimed as he hurried past, lugging a bucket.
‘When you go and get towels, can you grab another carton of coke? We’re running out of cold ones.’ Remi said, jostling him with her hip as she cruised by him holding a seafood platter. She had to shout-a trio of identical babies at table three were wailing their heads off.
Lincoln grit his teeth and pushed off the register. His two minute reprieve was over. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so irritable. In fact, he was probably looking as strung-out as his father. He needed a run. Or a rum.
‘Link, can we talk for a second? I was just fishing a mud crab out of the tank when I noticed that you have two jenny’s in there and it’s against the law-not to mention bad for their breeding.’
