“It does nothing for me.”
She licked her lips. “Oh...”
He didn't say anything else and she began to look around, hoping to find something to subdue the tension between them. Her eyes landed on the giant head that bobbed at the back of the ship. It glowed with iridescence from the white light.
“Did Zeph want the trophy to impress my sister?”
“Yes.”
She canted her head. “If he's trying to court her, it won't work.”
“Why not?”
“She's a siren. I don't think there is a man or woman in this universe who could hold Janet's attention for more than a few days. She's been given more than a head of a monster for her affection.” A strangled cry came up from below. Rylie looked away from the head and back toward the interior as the cries began to build. She exhaled the pressure in her chest.
“Does it impress you?”
Netto seemed unfazed by the sounds of sex below them.
“Yes... No... Maybe?” Her thoughts were scattered, punctuated by what was happening between Janet and Zeph. “Yes, because the beast was impressive, no, because it was dangerous to go after it and I would've preferred you here sooner. I was worried. So I guess,” she swallowed when the sounds of banging increased. “So it's a maybe.”
She suddenly wanted to be anywhere else in the universe than sitting across from Netto as the sounds only grew bolder. She didn't think this evening could get any more awkward but it did and it had, and now her foot was tapping and her muscles were tense, ready to choose fight or flight. She peered at the water longingly and wished it was safe enough for her to jump into and swim away.
“I thought so. What happens if you don't follow the rules of truth or dare?”
Rylie frowned, confused. “You lose the game? You make the others upset? I'm not exactly sure.”
Netto leaned forward and grasped her hand. Rylie started but remained in her seat.
“You were dared to sit in my lap all night.” He held her gaze and she didn't know if she heard him correctly. He tugged on her hand and with the last remnants of the alcohol in her system, she allowed him to maneuver her back into his lap. This time, his arms went around her.
“I don't want you to lose the game,” he said softly against the top of her head.
She was pressed up against his muscled chest, her cheek against the velvet rock of his upper torso. Her sister screamed. “I don't want to lose the game either.”
Netto picked her up and walked up the stairs to the top deck, further away from the noises below. The mist churned around them, creating a bubble of their own. The lights were dimmer, giving the space an illusion of privacy. He sat them down at the farthest point possible and tucked a towel around her shoulders.
They sat for some time listening to the waves.
“This is nice,” she said.
“Yes.”
“Netto...”
“Hmm?”
Rylie shifted in his lap, emboldened by the makeshift seclusion around them. “Will you kiss me?” She inhaled his scent and pulled away to look at his lips.
