Read Online The Sea Taketh (Alex Singer) by Teresa Rae - Free Book Online Page B

that we need to spend more time in the library?” Christian quickly says as he raises his eyebrows to his cousins.
                  They frown but nod.
                  “Then it’s settled.” Christian retakes his seat next to me.
                  “But I like riding with Jen,” I try to argue, sliding my chair away from him.
                  “It would save the Marshes a lot of money on gasoline,” Gramps says.
                  “If money is an issue, I’ll just walk to school,” I say. I don’t want Christian to feel any ownership of me.
                  “No, you won’t. You will ride with the Pedersens, and that’s the end of it,” Gramps puts his foot down.
                  Christian smiles victoriously.
    I know I’ve lost the argument. I fill my mouth with berries, chomping away. I can’t wait for the evening to end.
                  When the torture is finally over, I stomp my feet all the way home.
                  “I know you’re not happy,” Gramps says. “But maybe Jackson will leave you alone if you spend time with the Pedersens.”
                  “I don’t want Christian to get the wrong idea,” I reply.
                  “I would rather he get the wrong idea than Jackson. Christian and his cousins seem like nice guys, and Marjory thinks the world of them. We both know that she doesn’t give her good opinion lightly.”
                  “I don’t like it!”
                  “And I do. I’ll call Maggie and let her know that Jen doesn’t need to pick you up anymore.”
                  Gramps is true to his word. Next morning, I find him gone, having left me a note to remind me that the Pedersens are picking me up. I grab my backpack and head into the morning.
                  “There you are,” Christian meets me outside the door. Although the sun isn’t up, he’s wearing sunglasses. Even so, he looks like some kind of Norse god with his blond hair and thick shoulders.
                  “Let’s get this over with,” I answer, averting my eyes.
                  He just laughs with amusement as he opens the back door of the convertible. I get in and put on my seatbelt.  Sven and Henrik nod grimly behind more sunglasses. As soon as Christian gets in, Sven guns it.
                  “Is Jackson a good swimmer?” Christian asks as we ride.
                  “He might be if his head wasn’t so big,” I answer.
                  All three surprise me with a laugh.
                  “And do you like swimmers?” he questions.
                  “I told you that I don’t like anyone.” I cross my arms.
                  He changes the subject, “Have you always liked water?”
                  I turn and glower at him. “What is this, twenty-questions? We both know that the only reason I’m in this car is because Gramps insists that I ride with you. You have a whole school of girls who kiss the ground you walk on. Go find a group of them to date and leave me alone!”
                  I turn my head forward to keep from looking at him. Henrik and Sven brows are furrowed behind their sunglasses. It’s apparent that I’m on the Pedersens’ hit list.
                  I watch the village as we drive. More than one villager takes a double take to see me with the Pedersens. Just being in the car gives them plenty to gossip about. I sigh and wish for invisibility. It really is the best superpower.
                  Only a few cars are in the parking lot when we arrive at the school. Sven parks close to the main door. I grab my swim bag and head for the school. Christian catches pace with me.
                  “I don’t need an escort,” I tell