I’m ready for him.My hair is brushed out and falling around my face like a dark halo.Surprise: I’m wearing my cutest strappy summer dress, form-fitting and pale yellow, which is the best color for showing off my tan.
No makeup, just a slick of rose-scented face cream, because I’m hoping he is going to lick me all over.The thought of his rough tongue lapping my cheek is extremely lovely.My freshly painted pink toenails curl as I try to rein in my excitement.
When I glance at the time on my phone, I am forced to look around the room.
Could I be any more obvious?Where is he?
Of course, Luna sees what I am doing.After lifting up her hand and waving at me casually, she comes over.“Hi, Aila.I thought you should know that we can still swing a discount on your accommodation costs if you help me with cleaning over the next two days.”Pointing at the bench opposite me, she wants to know if she can sit.
No!Don’t sit.I’m waiting for someone.
I’m too much of a coward to say it out loud, so all I do is nod politely.Luna sits.I can’t help but admire the way the dim pub lights reflect on her skin like topaz.
“I didn’t think you were happy here.In fact, I didn’t think you would come by tonight.”
Great.If that’s what Theron thinks, then he’s probably fucked off straight to bed.
“I was—I am happy.And I’d be happy to help you get the rest of the rooms ready for the guests.I’m not in a position to turn down a discount.”
I laugh, but it always hurts my pride to admit how strapped for cash I am.
Tapping the table, Luna wants to know.“Are you waiting for your mother and Ben?”
Shit!Shit!This is so embarrassing.
“Um…” What the heck, I don’t care if she thinks I’m a thirsty kitty-cat.“Theron told me he quits work at dusk.He didn’t give me an exact time.”
No reply.No expression on Luna’s beautiful face, either.
Does she want me to grovel?
Looking up, I give Luna my best one-yard stare.Bold.“I know you think Theron and me were arguing—because of the whole smash-shout fest we were having in the kitchen—but I come with baggage…”
“Sure.I get it.”
Finally!A glimpse of understanding from her.
So I continue.“I have a couple of days to kill before the ferry comes.A couple of nights…”
Luna stares right back at me, her expression unreadable.“Don’t break off more than you can chew, Aila.Theron is not exactly user-friendly.”
What does she mean by that?“How so?”
“Even the other Riders call him ‘Hunter.’And you, Aila, you give me the impression that you are tired of being hunted.”
Before I can answer, Theron is here.
“Want a drink?”
Glancing up at him and then back at Luna, it feels as if Theron saved me from the worst shrink session of my life!“Yes, thanks.Beer.”
Theron doesn’t move.“You heard the lady, Luna.One beer please.”
He says the words politely, but the territorial threat that goes with it is tangible.Pushing herself up from the table, Luna smirks.“Sure thing,Hunter.One beer coming right up.”
He takes her place across the table from me.“Where are you going with this, Aila?”
He’s going to make me spell it out for him.But I won’t.He must see it in my eyes or not at all.
