He looked over his shoulder at me. “Do you mind?”
“Hate to burst your bubble, but not everyone’s lining up to ogle you,” I spat, my cheeks heating as I turned away.
I kept my gaze averted until the sound of Finn’s bare feet slapping on the slick stone plateau faded, suggesting he’d climbed the narrow staircase winding up through the cliff.
I glanced around the ocean cave as I waited for him to return, wishing that my Selkie ancestors had blessed me with the same invisibility from humans the Mer had. The doorway to the sea had sealed behind us, but faint light filtered down from the steps above, illuminating faded cave paintings of sea creatures and runes etched into the stone walls.
Finn soon reemerged on the slimy rock ledge. “Here you go.” His nakedness had now been covered up by his usual attire: a white T-shirt, dark jeans, and boots. He had a leather cuff fastened on his right wrist.
I caught the package he tossed me, but his gaze stayed fixed on me as I trod water.
“Doyoumind?” I raised a brow in his direction.
The corners of his mouth twitched upward, but he turned around.
I scrambled out of the water, shedding my fur coat as quickly as possible, and slipped into the clothes he had bought me. “Are you serious?” I eyed my outfit with disbelief.
Finn turned, took one look at me, and let out a snort of laughter.
The T-shirt said, “I heart Santorini,” and in the heart was the face of one of those iconic donkeys. The pants were painted with paisleys and swirling designs, and they ballooned out like something a genie (or, in this case, an unfashionable tourist) would wear.
“You need one more thing.” Finn tossed me a fanny pack and Velcro sandals from under his arm.
I shot him a smile laced with vitriol as I strapped them on. “Fanny packs are making a comeback.”
“Consider this payback for your granddad’s nightgown,” he said, still chuckling.
I followed him up the winding shaft carved organically into the cliffside, drawn toward the sliver of light above. We ascended in silence, spiraling higher along the weathered stairs. They opened onto a plateau, and beyond that, another set of stone steps led up toward the villa, perched high above the sea.
The villa was nestled into a dark stone terrace framed by whitewashed walls, where a turquoise pool glistened.
I turned in awe. Below us, a trail of chalky houses and pools tumbled down the cliff all the way to the glittering ocean, which was speckled with luxury yachts and cruise ships.
I followed Finn inside. The space had low ceilings and was fluid in its design, the arched doorways and smooth contours evoking a sunlit sea cave. Its decor was a mix of whites, beiges, and warm woods.
I scrunched my nose as Finn poured two glasses of wine. “Really, in the morning?”
“What’s that saying... when in Rome?” He swilled his glass and took a sip. The corner of his mouth quirked as he surveyed me. His eyes danced with something almost hopeful.
“My mother owns a club here.” He sipped with feigned nonchalance, eyes watching me over the rim. “Well, she owned one—it’s my father’s now. Do you want to see it?”
“The club?” I left my wine untouched and surveyed the views, lips pursed in displeasure.
“Yes, it’s called The Aegean, after yours truly, but she used the Greek spelling, of course.”
I turned back to Finn and found the shadows had lifted from his face. His features had softened, and the silver flecks in his eyes were pronounced. It was as if he were truly happy to be here on this island with me.
This prodded something inside me, and my rage flared in response. I folded my arms across my chest. “We are not here to go clubbing and drink. We are here to find the prophecy, so if you don’t mind, I’d rather do that.”
Finn’s face fell, the hopeful look disintegrating, then he masked it with an arrogant smirk and shrugged. “Suit yourself. You aren’t dressed for clubbing anyway.”
“You can talk. What’s with the leather cuff?”
He ignored my question and moved to open the far door of the villa for me. “After you, shifter.”
I followed him up another flight of stairs, which opened onto a path carved into the cliffside. On our right, houses spilled down toward the ocean, and to our left, shops stretched into the distance.
“Welcome to Oia,” Finn said, sweeping his hand toward the view.
