Flock (The Ravenhood)

“Blue Madonna” by BØRNS croons from my cell phone on the lounger as I wade through the water at the deep end. Sean stands propped against the wall on the opposite end. His powerful arms stretched along the concrete behind him, his eyes trained on me as mine drift to the midnight ink on his arm.

“So, what’s the deal with the tattoo?”

“Deal?”

I roll my eyes. “Some of your friends have it too, a lot of them. What does it mean?”

“It’s a raven.”

“I’m aware of that,” I say, my thighs and calves starting to burn from lack of exercise. “But what does it symbolize? Is it like a…best friend thing?” A giggle escapes me.

“You makin’ fun of me, Pup?”

“No, but you don’t think it’s a little weird you share a tattoo with that many grown men?”

“Nope,” he pops the ‘p’ sound. “Think of it as a promise.”

“A promise of what?”

He shrugs. “Whatever promise it needs to be.”

“Do you always answer questions in riddles?”

“It’s the truth.”

His eyes dip as I swim to the middle of the pool, my chest inches above the waterline, before lifting back to mine, the look in them enough to have me taking a mental picture.

“You want to tell me what you’re thinking all the way over there?” His question dries my tongue.

“I’m thinking I don’t know a lot about you.”

“Not much to tell. I told you I moved here when I was young. It’s a small town. As you can imagine, we came up with creative ways to occupy our time.”

“That’s when you met Dominic? When you were kids?”

He grins. “I was wondering when you’d bring him up again.”

“Is he always like that?”

“Like what?”

I wrinkle my nose. “Abrasive?”

This earns me a chuckle. “I think you know the answer.”

“So, what’s his problem? Mom didn’t hug him enough?”

“Probably not. She died when he was young.”

I wince. “Shit, I’m an asshole.”

“So is he. And he doesn’t apologize for it, so you shouldn’t either.”

“So, you’re all just friends with a promise? Why a raven?”

“Why not?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m getting nowhere with you.”

His smooth voice clouds my vision. “Why don’t you stop hiding behind the water and come a little closer, then I can get a better look at you.”

“I’m not hiding,” I hear the squeak in my voice and want to drown myself.

He lifts his chin in silent order, and I slowly inch my way closer. His posture stays relaxed as he sinks into the water so that his lips crest just above the smooth surface.

He’s still feet away, but his effect is lethal, my arms feel like lead now as I swim toward him. Predatory hazel eyes roam over me as if he’s deciding where to sink his teeth in first. I love it, the draw, the sizzle growing in the chlorine perfumed air. I’m in way over my head with this one, and we both know it.

“Penny for your thoughts?” My voice is shaking. The tension is too much. When I’m within reach, he strikes, capturing me by the waist and pulling me to stand before him. I yelp and then giggle as his eyes glitter over my chest, his breath hot on the triangle between my thighs skimming the surface. My nipples draw tight as his fingers ghost along my hip. He’s still crouched in the shallow end, while I stand above him, his every exhale hitting the thin material at the apex between my legs, whispering over my clit. I fight a moan.

“You want my thoughts?” He whispers roughly, “Is that what you want?”

I slowly dip my chin.

The rumbling of an approaching car snaps me out of my stupor, but Sean drags me right back in when his knuckles drift in a light dance along my stomach.

“I’m thinking we don’t have enough time for this discussion.” His voice is jagged as he tilts his head, his hand pushing the soaked hair away from my chest as he slowly stands to tower above me. He’s so close, the droplets of water like diamonds on his skin. My eyes trace a few scars on his pecs and biceps as I run my tongue along my lower lip, my core tightening in anticipation.

He leans in and presses a kiss to my temple, his fingers sliding down my shoulder with his whisper. “Thanks for the swim.”

Drawing my brows, I hear the repetitive roar of an engine out front.

“Wait…what about my car?”

“Parked out front.”

“You drove my car here? But you don’t have a key.”

“Worked at a garage, remember?”

“So, you’re a locksmith too?”

His mouth hitches in a smirk. “Sure.”

“Well then, thanks, I guess.”

“You’re welcome, I guess,” he mimics me perfectly, including the disappointment in my tone. I’d wanted him to kiss me, and the arrogant bastard knew it. I can sense his high from my frustration. He’s playing games. It should anger me, but I like this game too much already. He lifts himself from the pool, grabs his T-shirt and pulls it on. Disappointment thrums through me as he slips on his glasses, pulls a cigarette from his pack, tilts his head, and flicks his Zippo to light it. Glancing down at me, he lets out a plume of smoke. “See you at work.”