The Bad Boy And The Mermaid

Blue

Alec was a funny guy. I realized that he was the only boy I actually liked other than Hunter, but I knew that my liking for Hunter was different. When I was with him, I had butterflies in my stomach taking flight all at once, but with Alec I felt no such thing. I was just very comfortable around him, the way I felt around Hannah too.

“Did I tell you that you look like a mermaid?”

That snapped me out of my thoughts and brought me back what he’d just said. “What?”

Did he say mermaid?!

How did he find out? I was pretty sure I hadn’t said a word about the Underwater world or being a mermaid. I was starting to panic.

“I said you look like a mermaid.” Alec said with a grin.

I was utterly confused. “How did you...how did you know that I was a mermaid?”

Alec burst out laughing. “Nice one. I meant that Blue hair really suits you; I know it doesn’t suit much people. I have seen some girls in college dye their hair blue, you know to try something different but they ended up looking like complete witches. But I can’t believe how natural it looks on you.”

Oh. So he liked my blue hair hence the comment about me being a mermaid. I sighed in relief.

“Thanks, Alec. I like my hair too.”

“You know what? that just made you sound downright conceited.” He said laughing. “But with that face and body of yours, I can’t say I’m really mad. You’re allowed a bit of narcissism.”

“Hey, what you guys talking about?” Phoenix leaned against the bar and pushed an empty glass towards Alec.

“We were just talking about how narcissistic you are, Phoenix Lockhart.”

“I could fire your ass for that comment, Alec Rogers.”

Alec just smiled. “I would love to see you try, bro.”

What was that scent? I brought my nose close to Phoenix, going on my tiptoes, took a long sniff and sighed. “You smell nice.”

His face went red. I had no idea why. “Uh...Okay. Thanks, I guess.”

Alec cleared his throat. “In all seriousness, we were just talking about mermaids. I’m so fascinated by mythical creatures. Did you know that more than eighty percent of the world’s oceans have been undiscovered? Imagine if they did some serious underwater researches, they may come across merfolks. Who knows there are probably some beautiful mermaids down there. Blue could totally look like one.”

Phoenix rolled his eyes. “You should totally stop geeking out like that, dude. Blue looks like she could use a drink for all that nerdy talk.”

Alec passed me a look full of suspicious. “Would you like a drink?”

“What kind of drink?” I asked.

“The type that I’m making.”

I looked between Phoenix and Alec. “I mean Maximus told me not to drink during the shift.”

“Trust me; if your hand or mouth is nowhere near my dick, your position is not in danger. I can guarantee you that. Besides, your shift is almost over.” Phoenix assured me, a cocky smile on his lips.

“A dick?” I asked. “What part of the male anatomy is that?”

Alec grinned. “See. I like Blue and her easy-going personality. She doesn’t even get remotely embarrassed. Lucky boyfriend.”

“I wish my boyfriend knew how lucky he was.”

around my shoulders. “If you have his number, I’ll totally call him up and tell the douchebag how lucky he is to have a

note, I dare you, Blue, to

a dare?” I

warning tone to

and I’ll say you’re just a scaredy little cat.

“You’ll do

“You have

me that red liquid.” I told

game again with the new waitress, he’ll whoop your ass out of planet Earth.” Alec said to

me on any other planet, and

his head in disbelief and filled the three tiny glasses with the drink. I’d seen a lot of other girls’ drink this in one go. I could do the same

three.” Phoenix

on, dude.”

“I said four.”

the glasses suspiciously. Picked one, touched the rim to my lips, I could taste the salt on it. I quickly

like some medicine but Phoenix called this a dare and if I didn’t manage to finish it, he would start calling

after the first two. My head suddenly felt woozy, and then kinda light. Alec seemed worried,

actually.” I said sucking the life out of a lemon. I started to fan myself. “Why is it so hot in

of the air-conditioner.” Alec said,

giggled. I looked at the time; it was already past two a.m. which meant it was the end

hot so I took off the headband holding my hair together and then unbuttoned my blouse and let it fall to the floor. I was wearing my favorite satin maroon bra cami. I didn’t dare take off my jeans. Heads turned in my direction and

Phoenix I

the amusement playing on his lips. “You look nice with

dare you to drink...” I took a pause to create suspense. “I

chuckled. “That’s all?

your top?” Alec asked as he put his arm around my shoulder. The air-conditioner was in full blast and I liked the

own mischievous smile. “I want

sheets. I heard a

fucking way.” Phoenix

a scaredy cat.” I taunted

with the personality change all of

want to see two boys kiss!

straight men.” Phoenix concluded. “I’ll take

know what possessed me when I said,

* * *

Hunter

was letting Hannah take care of Blue. That was really fucking stupid

the Lockharts had over the entire town. When something or someone caught Tyler or his cousins’ eyes, they would snatch it, if they thought the person was useful to them, they made sure to keep a tight leash on them by using things like money, bribe, sex, manipulation, charm. The boys were unstoppable, or at least that’s what the rumors said. Tyler wanted something; Tyler got it even before the word came out of his mouth. He was two years my senior but had garnered immense success in a short time. Maybe some

employment was like walking into a lion’s den and asking the

was the peacemaker, despite his jarring appearance with the silver hair

He knew me as Phoenix’s friend and that gained me free access all the time. They didn’t know we had a fight a few

I saw her. Talking to Alec Rogers and his arm was casually around her. She was laughing at something Phoenix was saying which was pretty ironic because as far as what I’d seen in my past, Phoenix only knew how to make women weep. One week, and that’s all it took for men to flock around her as soon as I stepped out

traditional folklore said mermaids could lure men to their death and I could see why. She obviously had

it some kind of a cropped t-shirt or something that women wore in clubs

later. Holy shit! It

her, I didn’t know what would happen. I was pretty sure I would tear this place down and maybe Phoenix would be

If Blue let him kiss her, that’s

she was still smiling up at him in a flirty way. I could almost sense

I needed to tell her something. If Blue didn’t