Page 18 of Away in a Tentacle Lair
He is my uncle on my mum's side; Dad married into the family and, therefore, doesn't share in our curse. The idea that I'm Nicholas' favourite nephew because I'm the son of his little sister would be a nice perk in this situation.
"You will abide by my decision after he has visited. If I say it is too soon to tell him the secret, then you will listen. Do you understand? If I decide his affiliation with the marine centre is too risky, you will walk away from him."
"Of course." I nod frantically. "If he accepts a job at the centre, then I know I have to cut all ties with him, and that's why I'm worried to take it slowly. I need to know I've tried to talk him around."
"I understand, Kai. I do." Nicholas smiles at me.
When my family supports me in this way, I am sure I can do anything. Of course, I will win Leo around and make him pick me over the centre of his own free will. But a Christmas of gentle persuasion will do a lot in my favour.
Chapter thirteen
Leo
My breakfast walk has brought me to the gate of the Briareus estate. It is a huge mass of rolling green hills behind a concrete barrier. Okay, the barrier is hidden behind trees on both sides, and a diverse range of plants grows freely in the space under the trees. It's a wildlife haven in this tropical paradise. There are so many species of plants, many I haven't had a chance to enjoy because of my obsession with the bay. Luckily, I made my mind up last night. Without the marine centre job, I have no reason to be here, so far from home, but I want to explore the land as well as the sea, and I want to do it with him.
The metal bar gates cut through the concrete wall, posing just as much of an imposing barrier.
If it was locked.
It's not locked.
Does that mean the great Briareus family doesn't mind visitors?
"Come on, Leo," I mutter, my hand hovering over the latch. "You've dived into shipwrecks less intimidating than this."
But this isn't just any shipwreck; this is Kai's world, and my stomach is doing backflips at the thought of being so close to him yet so out of my depth.
My feelings for Kai have been brewing like a coastal storm since I saw him swimming across the bay with the grace of a dolphin. He haunted my restless sleep last night, and I'm not sure I can walk away from him, even if it costs me this job opportunity.
"Alright, deep breath," I coach myself, inhaling the salty air that hangs around the estate. "You're just here to say hi. And maybe... figure out what makes the Briareus family tick."
The gate opens on well-oiled hinges, scraping across the gravel. Despite the bright sun, the house is large and dark and only a short walk from the drive. It would be foolish to come this close and not say hello to the man who has turned my world upside down.
The front door swings open, and a young woman stands there, looking like a feminine version of Kai. She isn't identical, but the family resemblance is more evident with her than the other cousins I've met.
“Hello,” I greet. “Is Kai home?”
"You must be Leo," she says, her tone warm but cautious.
“Yes. I must.” I'm not sure if being recognised at the door is a good thing or not.
"Please, come in. My brother has been talking about you nonstop, and it's good to see he's not exaggerating.”
I won't deny that comment is good for a man's ego. I used to flirt with women without a second thought, just for those few seconds of attention, but with this woman, I'd rather slip past unnoticed. Maybe it's because she is Kai's sister or because I'm a better man for having met Kai.
Either way, I am gawking on the doorstep instead of entering the family home.
“Leo?” Kai calls out from further down the dark hallway.
“I was passing, and I wondered if you'd like to join me for a walk or a swim.” I smile broadly as I remember this guy has a job to do. “Or I can help you clean the beach.”
“Come in while I grab my stuff,” Kai urges, heading up the stairs.
"Wow," I exhale, and I mean it. "This place is... something else."
The house is old, and the family is obviously wealthy, but the decoration is subdued and tasteful, if not too oceanic. There are shells everywhere, on every surface, in little photo frames, and even across the top of the doors.
“I don't know who started the shell thing; they were here before my great-grandmother could remember, but what kid doesn't want to add to it? So we've been bringing shells up from the beach for years.”
