Page 53 of From the Start

“No,” Blossom agrees. “But now that I’ve decided we’re going to become best friends since you’ll soon be my sister, it makes things difficult.”

“Sister? You are getting way ahead of yourself. Kai and I aren’t dating. He’s too young for me. He’s immature. And he’s a player. He’s not the man for me.”

Dakota studies me. “Who are you trying to convince? Us or you?”

Blossom pats my shoulder. “We’ll start with best friends.”

“Hey,” Dakota says. “I’m your best friend.”

Blossom shrugs. “I can have more than one.”

I open the door and they walk away bickering about best friendships and sisters and I don’t know what. My head is spinning from their visit.

And why did they visit? Because Kai sent them. Was he worried about me? After I ran off with my jeans around my ankles, he didn’t get mad and decide I’m not worth the effort. He sent his sisters after me to make sure I’m okay.

Damnit, Kai. You’re supposed to be easy to resist. You’re not supposed to break through my walls. But I’m afraid breaking through my walls is exactly what he’s doing.

Chapter 16

“Who knew drunken mermaids could be useful?” ~ Kai

Kai

Ipause at the entrance to the alley that leads toRumrunner.Maybe I should give Harper a break. After all, she ran away last night after what happened atBootlegger.

My cock twitches at the reminder of how sexy Harper was when she let go. When she was in the throes of passion and forgot all her worries and her grumpiness, she was the sexiest creature I’ve ever encountered. More bewitching than any mermaid could ever possibly be.

I’m at the door to the speakeasy before I realize my legs have moved. Harper is impossible to resist. And I have no desire to resist her.

Trent opens the door with a smirk on his face. “I was wondering if you’d show up.”

I frown. He must know what happened last night. Crap. Does the whole island know? Harper will lose what little holdshe has over her temper if she finds out everyone on Smuggler’s Hideaway is gossiping about her.

“You better not be giving Harper a hard time.”

He snorts. “She’d have my ass in a sling if I teased her.”

That’s my girl. Keeping everyone in line.

“Good. She’s…” I trail off when I catch sight of Harper. Trent laughs behind me but I ignore him as I make my way to her.

“Hi, Slugger. How is your day going?” I kiss her cheek in greeting.

She tucks her chin into her chest but not before I notice the blush spreading from her cheeks down her neck to her chest. My cock hardens and lengthens at memories of her flushed face when she climaxed.

“I’m fine.”

I nearly chuckle at how cautious she sounds.

“How’s your dad?”

Her head whips up. “My dad?”

“Did you forget you have a dad?” I tease.

“It’s hard to ignore a man who snores loud enough to challenge any earplugs in existence. I don’t know how Mom ever put up with him.”

“Love makes you do crazy things.”