To Ocean's End (18 page)

I began spinning the water in the pipe and frequently tugging it to me like an oarsmen rowing with one oar. Sauna and Scully were in a heated argument with the authorities. I tuned them out. This was a lot of water I was trying to move, an amount my demon form was far better equipped to handle. I was already sweating. Moving metric tons of water, to put it simply, was hard as hell. As much as I wanted the boosted strength of my demon form, there was no way I’d make today the first time I ever transformed on purpose.

The water was slowly eating away at the rusted welding. Every jerk made the pipe vibrate and more metal chips break off. Water began leaking down the side, slowly at first, and then like a faucet once half the welding had broken off. And then the pipe let out a teeth clenching screech as the metal snapped and bent towards me. The arguing lulled. I called the water to me and it roped out and arced for the ground like a dolphin dive. I pulled as much as I could control towards train’s entrance and people began voicing their alarm. The train filled with screams as I filled it with water. I did my best not to pour too much in there. I didn’t want anyone to drown, child or adult; just needed my avatar back.

I filled the train level to the seat cushions and let more stream onto the platform and collect at my feet. Tons of water poured out of the tower but there was no way I could hold every last drop in place. At least now Revivre had plenty initiative to replace their water tower. I collected enough water to fill a swimming pool and let it whirl around me no higher than my waist as I watch the stupefied looks on the security guards faces. They gaped in horror.

Passengers sloshed off the train, and Sauna and Scully waited by the door. The guards regained enough composure to tell people to head back to the ticket station as they helped people off. They tried to apprehend Mido, who was holding Jessie’s hand, but I knock them over with water. By then my skin began to tingle and my body ached from the mental strain. The smell of drinking water flooded my nose.

My four crew members--well three and a tentative bodyguard--approached me and my swirling water. Jessie gasped and took a step back, and my three men gaped. Scully pointed at me.

“Captain, look!”

I looked down at myself and lost concentration on the water. My skin had turned an ocean blue. The water rolled away in all directions, soaking my crew’s boots. The other portion of water poured off the train. I wrapped my arms around my stomach and fought back the transformation. No wonder my skin felt all tingly. I held my breath and concentrated on what I look like as a human and willed myself to revert to that. The tingling reached a fever pitch, then that and the full body ache left me. I looked at my arms, which were back to their hairy human pastiness. I sank to my knees with relief and began gasping for breath. Sauna and Scully ran to me. I barely held up a finger. “Gimme a minute. That was too close.” I let my arms hang limp at my sides.

Mido’s arm around Jessie’s waist, he guided her to stand before me. She resisted every step and looked ready to cry.

I, quite honestly, had little energy to argue. “Don’t do that again.” I took a deep breath, gathered my food and coat, then groaned as I stood. I looked at all of them, then back at Jessie. “See you in two days.” I walked past them. Sauna and Scully joined my departure.

Jessie said, “Why did you come for me?”

I turned and gave her a flat glare. “Don’t ask stupid questions.” That said, I headed back to Milud’s to finish my lunch and beer. After that, I’d need a brothel. The guards looked at me like they wanted to handcuff  me. I gave them a hard glare, until they glanced at the sodden train, then eased their hands away from their stun guns.

Chapter 17

Pampering

Jessie watched Dyne, Scully and Sauna leave, then she looked at the sodden train. It was completely empty and water still dribbled off the bottom step. One security guard stayed with a distraught stewardess, and the other escorted the throng of soaked passengers to the ticketing station. Jessie and Mido were soaked to the waist and stayed put.

Seeing all that water rush up to the nose of the train had been terrifying, but hadn’t taken long to figure out what was happening. At first, she thought Dyne was drowning her for leaving, but when the water stopped rising and everyone gathered enough wit to start disembarking, she had a feeling he was just flushing her out and foiling her escape. As to why he did that, she still didn’t get it. Stupid question? Not from her perspective.

Mido looked her over with those blue eyes she was so glad to see again. Sad to see them, too. But her happiness and relief far outweighed her sadness. She felt so much better being reunited with him.

She looked at his feet. “I’m sorry I put all of you through this.”

Mido pulled her into a hug. “Shh... You don’t need to apologize. I understand why you ran off.”

Jessie pressed herself to his half-soaked body. She shouldn’t have given in to her desire to stay with him but she couldn’t resist him any more than breathing, broad sweaty shoulders and all. “Do you really understand?”

“Probably not a hundred percent, but don’t worry about it. No one’s mad at you.”

“Dyne looked pretty mad.”

“That’s just his disposition. Don’t take it personal.”

“What about Sauna and Scully?”

“What about them?”

“Are they just better at hiding their anger?”

He rubbed her back. “Sauna’s a softy. He likes you anyway. Scully just goes with the flow and, if anything, he enjoyed the excitement.”

“What?”

Mido straightened up and smiled at her. “Long story. He’s tested Captain’s patience many a time. Today was nothing extreme--well minus the close call with his transformation. That was an interesting sight.” He turned for the ticketing station. Jessie reluctantly peeled away and they began walking hand-in-hand. Mido wiped his glistening brow. “Now, we’re going to head to the ship and get our things, then book a hotel for two nights and take a much-needed vacation.”

“A hotel?” The idea both scared and thrilled her. She shouldn’t want it but she did.

“Don’t you want a break from the ship while we’re at port?”

“Oh, yes,” she said fervently. “After Tethys, I could use a nice long break from ships in general.”

“I bet. I’ll let you pick the hotel, okay?”

Jessie nodded, not sure what to think of it all. Ultimately, where else would they board up for two nights, besides under a tree or something? Maybe she should get Ed and Ted to share a room with them, to make sure she and Mido behaved. But... maybe the two techies wanted their own private time.

That ruled that idea out.

They hopped in line for Jessie’s refund without rescheduling her trip, then exited the station without a single guard accosting them. The other soaked passengers spoke in terrified whispers and pointed at Dyne as they all headed for the ticketing station, but otherwise they stayed way behind him. Who knew what tales they were weaving after seeing Dyne command water and turn blue? When Mido and Jessie got back on the sidewalk, Jessie turned one way as Mido tugged her towards the curb.

“We’re taking a cart. There’s no way I’m walking all the way back to the ship after running all the way from where we kissed, to a bar, then to Captain, and then to you. I’m beat.” His eyes darted downward. “And a little sore.”

“Sorry.”

“No more apologizing.” He squeezed her hand.

They flagged down a canopied cart powered by a cyclist and cuddled together once seated. The cyclist didn’t give them any grief after Mido explained how the water tower broke and flooded their train. They all agreed that the strong sun would dry off everything soon enough. The cart zipped along the busy streets with ease, and they rode in silence as they took in Revivre’s sights and sounds. They were just two of the crowd, a pleasant change of pace. Jessie consciously took in as much sensory information as she could, determined to use it all to recondition herself whenever she backslid.

The cart cyclist waited for them while they collected extra clothes and toiletries, then carted them to the hotel strip on the shore. By then their pants were damp, as if they’d been soaked through only with sweat. Yeah, she would want a shower as soon as possible, along with some fresh clothes. Mido paid the cyclist, then guided Jessie along the strip. There were hotels on both sides, but she kept her eye on the shore ones. For some reason she wanted one right on the beach. Maybe the location reminded her a bit of home. They walked hand-in-hand and slower than most pedestrians. People went around if they wanted to go faster. And when they came upon an elegant hotel named Nautilus Spa & Resort, Jessie stopped.

“That one.”

Everything about the hotel’s appearance radiated relaxation and pampering, from the stonework, the name’s script, to the plants and flowers accenting the exterior. She just needed a bikini, bathing suit skirt, and flip flops, and she’d fit right in.

“You sure?” Mido said with a charming smile. He sounded like he approved of her choice.

“You bet.”

They headed inside and were greeted with a smooth stone floor with a red carpet leading up to the reception desk, lots of lush green plants giving life to the interior, a small waterfall that spilled into a goldfish pond, and one big shop full of clothes, necessities, and souvenirs. Mido and Jessie waited their turn in line as they took in the hotel’s splendor, then were helped by a tanned lady with a big smile. She greeted them with her spiel like it was fantastic news, letting them know about all sorts events and special accommodations, like their twenty four hour spa and music performances throughout the day and evening, and once she went through her list, she asked the usual questions. When she got to the bed question, Mido turned to Jessie for an answer.

“One bed or two?”

Jessie wanted to blurt “one” but she thought a moment. She didn’t want to give the wrong  signals in case things came to that and she found herself unable to go through with it. “Two. Just in case.”

Mido showed a twinge of disappointment in his soft smile, but it lasted only a moment. He turned to the receptionist. “Two, please.” He paid for the room, booked a massage session that was mentioned earlier, and once all their information was was stored on their biochips, Mido led Jessie towards the shop. “Want some different clothes or anything while we’re here?”

Jessie took in her bodyguard attire. “Please.” It’d be real nice to dress ladylike and feel like a woman, one who wasn’t abused and disrespected; just beautiful and desirous. They joined the throng of shoppers without any fear hindering her movements. Jessie picked out a bikini, and Mido some swimming trunks. She wanted a one-piece but they seemed to not exist in the store, so, if they swam at all, it would have to be privately. She added some cheap panties and girl’s socks (since she wasn’t fond of the tube socks supplied by Sam), a pair of flip flops, and a t-shirt and capris. Mido picked out some sandals and a matching t-shirt, and paid for everything. When she asked if he was still comfortable paying, he said, “Of course.” Hands full, they headed for their hotel room.

The two-bed room had all the amenities but wasn’t particularly spacious. However, the coziness was compensated by a huge patio leading directly to the beach. A beautiful ocean view greeted them on the other side of the glass doors. Jessie dropped her bags on the first bed and took in the sparkling panorama.

Mido stood behind her, put his hands on her shoulders, and face beside hers. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

Jessie put a hand on top of his and leaned against him. Once again, she found herself convinced that he was working magic on her. He felt so good to be with.

“Our appointment is in an hour-ish. Ladies first in the shower?”

Her heart began racing at the thought of being naked around Mido, and not in a good way. As much as she wanted him, she wasn’t ready to go farther. The realization made her heart sink and took away from the magic. “How do I know you won’t try anything funny?”

He laughed. “I’m not that kind of guy, Jessie. Besides you’re the one who kissed me earlier and put me out of commission for a bit. You got me good with your steel toe boot. And your lips.”

Jessie said nothing. What could she say, except another apology? He’d told her to stop with the apologies. His lips were near her cheek. She could feel his breath and wouldn’t be surprised if he kissed her.

“So... the shower’s all yours.” He released her shoulders and made room for her to pass.

Jessie faced him, her gaze serious to hide the disappointment that he hadn’t kissed her. “I’ll need to know where you are at all times. I’m still not a hundred percent comfortable.”

“That’s fine. I can talk to you from the other side of the door if you want.”

“Sounds good.” She collected her new clothes and took them into the bathroom, then left the door ajar. Mido pulled up the desk chair and set it next to the doorframe. “Put your back to the door.”

Mido rotated the chair, then plopped in it. “This good?”

“A little more to the side so I can see the back of your head.” He scooted over. “Perfect. Make yourself comfortable.” He propped an ankle on a knee and folded his arms. Jessie took a moment to admire his muscles without being caught looking, then left the door open a whole two inches and backed away, keeping a close watch on the back of his head. Once she reached the curtain, she got the shower running and used its noise to hide the sound of her stripping to her birthday suit, then looked in the mirror big enough for two people to share.

She still had a generous amount of purple and blue bruising on her hips, waistline, and biceps. Hopefully, once they faded and her limbs got more meat on them, it would be easier to forget that chapter in her life. She’d done her best to avoid mirrors on Dyne’s ship, but every now and then, her bruising was too morbidly fascinating to not look at. She glanced through the gap in the doorway. Mido still hand’t moved. She envisioned herself standing behind him and pressing his head between her breasts, feel his hair tickle her sensitive skin, and then his hands could--

She stepped into the shower and pulled the curtain closed as she sighed at herself. She’d kicked him. She had no right to daydream like that. “It’s safe for you to turn around now. And... thank you for putting up with my quirks.”

“You’re welcome and you’re worth it. I really want to help you feel comfortable around men again.”

“I feel safe around you.” Jessie began washing up, starting with her hair.

“That’s... that’s great! Thank you. You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear that.”

“You have no idea how relieved I am to not be suffering from nightmares and feel scared all the time anymore.”

“I never want to know what that feels like. I hope your nightmares never come back.”

“Me, too.” Jessie took a short shower as she went on to describe some of the odd dreams she’d had since they’d met, even the one Amphitrite had shown up in. Since she and the rest of the crew had cleaned up before docking, she just needed a good soap-down to feel refreshed. She also spruced up her bikini line now that she had a reason to perform maintenance on it, then made sure the tub was spotless. Once she was done, she told Mido to turn back around, then hopped out, toweled off, and got dressed. The fresh, dry cotton against her skin was such a pleasant relief after spending a while in soaked clothes under a sweltering sun.

She opened the door wide and stopped. Mido was sitting there without a shirt or boots on. It was his bare chest that made her do a double-take and catch her breath. Her hands ached to explore his amazing physique and she wanted to inhale his scent.

“I can take off my pants, too, if you’d like,” Mido said.

Jessie tore her eyes from his pecs. He was smirking. She spun to face the mirror and began brushing her hair, her face burning. Mido just laughed. She brushed her teeth as well, moisturized her face, and exited the bathroom without saying a thing. She feared opening her mouth would betray her unchaste thoughts.

Mido returned the chair to the desk and collected Jessie’s boots and his own change of clothes. “Just in case you still feel a need to run off.”

“I don’t,” she said. Well, a tiny part of her still did but she doubted she’d listen to it ever again. That part might also never stop feeling a need to stay away from the rest of the world.

“I believe you but I’ll feel better if I hold onto these while showering.”

“Fair enough.” Eyes on her to the last second, Mido gently shut and locked the door. Jessie stared at the doorknob a moment, then decided against testing to see if it was really locked. It’s not like she needed her boots at the moment anyway. She sat on a chair near the patio doors and admired the scenery and the soothing sound of crashing waves. Yeah, this place reminded her of home in a roundabout way. Maybe she should consider convincing Mido to settle down in Paphos with her... Now there was a thought.

A while later, she heard the shower turn back off. She watched a few more waves roll in, then meandered back to the bathroom. Before she could lean against the wall, the bathroom door opened. Mido was wearing nothing but his boxers. He set her boots back inside the room as he brushed his teeth. He flashed a foamy smile. Jessie just stared in open awe at the results of years of weightlifting as he turned back to the sink. She licked her lips, consciously realized she’d just done that, then blushed again. Thankfully Mido was too busy brushing his teeth to have noticed. She covertly watched him brush his hair, examine his shaved jawline, and don his shorts and t-shirt, then together they slipped on their sandals and headed out, her arm threaded through his.