12
I had noticed William and his entourage long before they reached the docks. But I didn’t have time to deal with them. This crowd was used to excl- usive clubs and yacht parties. They only came to a place like our little fishing village when they were bored and looking for a new form of entertai-
nment.
I used to be part of their world because of William. But now, they were all strangers to me.
I had just stepped off the boat, gaff in hand, when William called out to me. I didn’t try to hide. This was my turf; I wasn’t afraid of them here. I wal-
ked straight over.
“Need something?”
William’s eyes flickered from my face to the fishing gaff in my hand, which was taller than he was. “Put that thing down.”
I gripped it tighter. “It’s for fishing. You scared?”
His face tensed. He changed the subject.
“You want to rent our boat?” I asked, getting straight to the point.
shook my head. “Can’t. My dad needs it to go out.”
Chapter 2
William coolly named a price.
I hesitated. That was a lot of money. But I shook my head again. “No can do. There’s a whole crew waiting to work.”
William doubled the number.
My head–shaking slowed. “I still have to earn my tuition, you know.”
He doubled it again.
A huge smile spread across my face. “Deal.”
08:48
“Seraphina, you’re coming with us,” William added. “It’s your family’s boat, you know it best. And when we catch some fish, we’ll need you to cook
for us.”
Before I could protest, he added, “Don’t worry. You’ll be tipped generously.”
