Chapter 0082

They had nodded their confirmation and then we had left.

Now, we’re forty-five minutes out of the city, heading away from the stables and towards the beach. I

can already smell the salt on the air. I love the beach – I always have, despite my lily-white skin and my

tendency to burn as red as a lobster. There’s just something about the beach that just calls to me.

We pull up to the indicated spot and Daniel puts a hand on my arm when I eagerly reach for the door,

indicating that I should wait a moment before getting out of the car. I pause, then, watching the guards

climb out of the front seat and the car behind us, sweeping the area in order to make sure that we’re

secure.

When we get the nod from them, Daniel and I climb out and I look around, studying the scene.

I had expected, really, to be taken to a beach house – my father, I’ve heard, owns several. But, instead,

we’re at a private beach far away from any buildings. It’s just us and the sea, and it’s really very, very

beautiful.

There are plenty of people milling around – some I recognize as family members whom I had met at

the party. Others, though, are completely foreign to me.

One man in particular catches my eye. He’s young – perhaps my age, or just a little older than me. He

has tanned skin and bleach-blonde hair, but what is really eye-catching about him is that he’s covered

in tattoos – almost from head to foot. They’re all black and white, matching his casual, sporty attire, and

I can tell – even from a distance – that each tattoo was carefully considered and finely done.

As I stare at him, he turns and looks directly at me. He doesn’t flinch at all, but instead looks almost…

unsurprised. That I might stare at him. As I continue to look, he smirks a little and raises his beer to me.

Which, of course, makes me realize that I am just standing here staring at this guy.

Which, of course, makes me blush.

I turn to Daniel, then, trying to cover up my discomfort by remembering the security of him at my side.

“Ready?” I ask.

Daniel shrugs and sighs. “Into the lion’s den we go,” he says, and we walk forward onto the beach.

“Fay!” My father says, coming forward. He’s dressed in swim trunks and a Hawaiian-print shirt, which

surprises and startles me, just a little. This is a big, Italian man – I haven’t seen him in anything less

than an Armani suit yet, so such an abrupt change is…well, it’s abrupt.

He comes forward and gives me a kiss, shaking Daniel’s hand without a word about the uninvited

guest. “Welcome,” he says, “have a drink! Make yourself at home!”

A waiter comes forward, then, offering a tray of soft and hard drinks. I select a can of spiked lemonade

while Daniel takes a coke.

Alden opens his mouth to say more when Romulus runs up to us. “Hi Fay!” he says, waving to me,

apparently genuinely excited to see me. I lean down to greet him, excited as well.

“Hey, Rom,” I say, reaching out to ruffle his hair. “Are you having fun?”

“Yes!” he says, excited, but then he turns his attention to Daniel. “But we’re one short for volleyball, do

you know how to play?”

“Sure, kid,” he says, smiling at Romulus and handing me his drink. “Lead the way.”