Page 20 of Love Bites

2…

3…

4…

5…

“It’s Hale’s rule,” the guy finally said.

“Well, hedefinitelydoesn’t understand siren magic,” I murmured.

The elevator dinged as we finally reached the sixth floor.

The guys slipped out without a goodbye, but one of them stuck his hand in the door just before it closed. I flinched at the sudden interruption, and an apologetic look crossed his face.

“I’m not sure if you know this, but one of those rules requires telling him when we can feel your magic so he knows that you’re hungry.”

“Of course it does. I don’t suppose you could keep it to yourself this time?”

He gave me a wry smile. “I would if I could, but I respect Hale too much for that. Enjoy the pool.”

He let the elevator close, and I sighed as I watched the numbers rise again.

7…

8…

9…

10…

The doors opened again as we reached the eleventh floor, and I slipped out.

How long would Hale give me to enjoy swimming before he showed up and demanded that I kiss him?

I wasn’t even sure I wanted to know.

I could smell chlorine down the hall, and my nose itched.

Gross.

Siren magic naturally cleaned and purified water, so we didn’t need chemicals. I’d figure out where their pump room was and make sure to get rid of them while I was there. Or at least write a note to ask someone to get rid of them.

“Why the hell do we need a ten-story pool?” a feminine voice asked, clearly annoyed. “Hale promised us an epic mini-golf course.”

“Someone said it has something to do with the sirens we’re housing,” another woman said.

“Screw the sirens,” the first girl grumbled.

“He probably is.”

“NotmyHale,” she argued. “He doesn’t even drink blood from the vein. He’s not interested in screwing a siren.”

My veins disagreed, but I wasn’t about to say that aloud.

“He’s not yours, Missy.”

I stepped into a wide, open room, and my gaze immediately went to the pool.

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