Page 13 of The NemeSis
The concierge looks up when he sees me approaching, and I smile at him.
“Back again?” He laughs.
“It’s spring break, I’ll be here a lot this week.”
“I do hope you’re enjoying your time being back in Saint Bipal, Ms. Kyra.”
I smile and nod. “Always.”
Once I’m in the room, the site of the roaring fireplace and bookshelves puts my mind at ease. I move to the bar and wait for the server to walk up to me.
“Club soda with grenadine, on the Storey account please.”
“You’ve got it. How many more days?” She makes my drink.
I was just here with Beth yesterday and we were talking to this same server about how my twenty-first birthday was this week.
“Two, we’re having a party in the garden room.”
She places a napkin down, then my glass. “That rooms my favorite.” She types something into the screen and then hands me a receipt.
“Mine too.” I sign it and slide it back across the counter. “Thank you.”
I sip my drink as I peruse the bookshelf. Admiring everything from the local history books to the ones that promise stories of lore with sea monsters. I move to one of the comfortable armchairs facing the ocean and let my mind drift.
My phone buzzes in my bag, and I pull it out.
Ryan: I’m checking in now.
Me: I’m up in the lounge.
I tuckmy phone back in my bag and place it next to me on the mahogany side table. My gaze lands on the leather-bound book left on the table. I pick it up and read the spine,The Lovibond Duet. I flip through it for a moment before a throat clears.
My eyes shoot up to see Ryan smiling down. “Hey, babe.”
I place the book down and stand to greet him. He pulls me into his arms and places a quick kiss on my lips.
“Hi. How was your flight?” I reach down to grab my glass. “Do you want to grab a drink?”
“It was a little bumpy, but it’s windy today. They said a storm was rolling in, the airport was a madhouse. People were trying to leave.” He takes a small step back. “Let me grab a drink from the bar and I’ll come back and sit with you.”
My eyes move to the large windows. Gray storm clouds rolling in faster than they were moving earlier.
Chapter Six
ARES
“Let’s lock everything down, boys.” Arthur stands up.
“Is it going to get bad?” Daphne swallows.
I can tell she’s trying to stay relaxed, so she doesn’t scare Elena. It’s probably nothing but a category one hurricane. There’s a chance it will die down more before it reaches us. We’ve all gone through this before. This house has stood its ground for long before we bought it, I’m honestly not too worried.
“Precautionary, because of the wind.” I reassure her.
She smiles, but her eyes are wary as she nods.
“It’s windy, Opa.” Elena stands near the window with her hands on her hips, copying how Arthur is standing.
