Chapter 136

The Unwanted Bride Of Atticus Fawn Chapter 136 ~CLARISSA~

“You’re sure no one can see my tattoo?” I ask Autumn for the tenth time. She’d made me ditch the cover-up. Apparently, she had the kind of makeup that was really good at concealing tattoos. I’d checked the mirror several times on my own and didn’t see anything to worry about. However, I was afraid it would come off in the water.

Autumn, however, promised me that I didn’t have to worry. She said that it was waterproof. I had to hope that she knew what she was talking about. But so far, I knew I could trust Autumn. She never lets me down.

But if the water, by some miracle, washes it off, I would be in plenty of trouble. There would be too many people around to hide it from.

I was hoping that this would upset Damon. Since I walked freely without my coverup, he would be convinced that the tattoo was gone. I knew it would take something drastic like this to make Damon snap. I just had to hope that this plan worked, unlike all others.

Willow looked absolutely beautiful in the black bikini Autumn had chosen for her. According to her, it’s the first time she’s ever worn one.

I felt sorry for Willow. She didn’t have a normal life. Her mother and sister locked her up at home most of the time. She didn’t have any friends; at least she had us now. My family was good at making someone like her feel welcomed and protected.

I wanted to see Dante’s reaction to her; I wanted to know if he felt anything at all toward her. However, the second I stepped closer to the ocean, the first person my eyes fell on was Damon.

He was already looking at me; I felt a tingle in my skin at the longing in his gaze.

I still couldn’t believe what he’d said to me earlier. He’s never been that open with me before. He was always good at hiding his true feelings.

Did my scent really have such a strong effect on him? How long has this been happening?

Damon’s eyes travel to my legs, and I know he’s waiting for me to turn around.

I’m not going to make it that easy for him.

“You girls should make a bet,” Griffin tells us as we walk into the water.

“A bet?” Autumn asks him.

“Yes.” He answers her. “Like the one Damon just lost. Now he has to drink ten beers as soon as we get out of this water.”

Ten beers?

“I’m good,” Autumn replies. “I’m just here to enjoy the water with my mate. Everyone else should partner with their husband.”

“Everyone else?” Griffin asks with a chuckle. “That leaves Dante and Willow. What should the rest of us lonely people do?”

“Don’t you have a girlfriend?” Autumn asks him. “You should have brought her.”

Griffin sighs, “Don’t listen to the rumors, sis; I have no girlfriend. Not everyone is lucky like you to find the love of their life.”

Autumn sighs and hugs Atticus, who can’t wait to get his hands around her. I tried not to get caught looking at Damon, but there were times I couldn’t help but glance at him.

He wasn’t looking at me like earlier, but I knew he wasn’t exactly unbothered either. I could tell by his silence and lack of attention to the conversation that his mind was far and it most likely had something to do with me.

“Willow,” Autumn says suddenly. “Why don’t you tell Dante more about yourself? Let him get to know you more.”

We’re all startled by the low growl that follows soon after from Dante. I didn’t expect him to get so upset because of that.

“Willow doesn’t have to do anything she doesn’t want to.” He says. My eyes widen when he storms out of the water.

“Dante!” Atticus calls after him. “We’re all having fun; where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“For another beer!” He shouts back, already close to the house.

Well, that didn’t go as planned.

“I’ll join him for those ten beers,” Damon adds as he follows after him. I was disappointed to see him leave.

I thought he would have stayed longer in the water since I was here. I wasn’t even sure if he’d gotten a good view of my a*s.

“Don’t let my brother’s lack of communication bother you,” Griffin tells Willow, trying to cheer her up.

She smiles, “I won’t.”

It’s the first time she’s said anything since entering the water with us. Willow’s voice was very soft and almost angelic. I loved hearing her speak.

“I think I’m going to head to the shower,” I tell Autumn. “I may join you again, but a little later.”

Autumn doesn’t look happy, but she doesn’t stop me either. I was glad Atticus was keeping her company.

I ran to the side of the house where there was an outdoor shower readily available to help remove the unwanted sand from my body.

I was tempted to walk into the house and taunt Damon some more, but I figured it was probably best to stay out here. Besides, Dante was with him.

If I wanted him to think I was over him, I had to at least pretend that I didn’t want to be near him every second that went by.

I start the shower and position my body under the warm water. It felt good against the cool wind. I spent a few minutes just enjoying the water when something felt strange.

I gasped when I realized someone was standing in front of me.

When I opened my eyes, I was shocked to see that it was Damon with a beer in his hand.

“W-what are you doing here?” I ask him in surprise. I’m not sure how to react to him here. Was he not afraid that someone would come and see us standing this close together under the shower?

The Damon in front of me didn’t seem to care about anything but me right now. This Damon looked fearless and almost reckless.

I’m not sure how to feel about it.

He leans into me and places one finger under my chin, forcing me to look directly into his eyes. I blink against the water as I peer up at him.

“Why did you remove it?”

It was one question, just one question, but it made my heart race like never before.