Free Salvage by Jason Nahrung Page B

Helena’s, but the timbre rich, seeming to vibrate in her lungs. His eyes were dark under black brows, the lashes long and feminine, teeth bright in his smile.
    ‘Helena has been very kind to me,’ Melanie said, aware of a shake in her voice.
    ‘I wanted to thank you and your husband for looking after her in the storm. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you last night.’
    ‘No worries,’ Richard said, at the same time as Melanie answered, ‘Helena was keen to get out of the weather.’ They laughed, and Melanie finished, ‘I guess we were, too.’
    ‘Scary, wasn’t it?’ Paul asked. ‘The lightning and the thunder, and that wind!’
    ‘I guess,’ Melanie said.
    ‘Richard, you have a very beautiful wife. The sun loves her.’
    Melanie blushed again. ‘It’s not much of a tan. I don’t tan well.’
    Richard took her hand. ‘I agree with Paul. I do have a beautiful wife.’
    ‘If you keep saying that I’ll start to think you mean it,’ she said, head down, making Richard laugh. ‘I’ll go change.’
    ‘Please, not on my account,’ Paul said.
    ‘I’m all sandy.’
    Richard patted her bum as she headed for the door. ‘Bring us back a beer, hon. Up for another, Paul?’
    ‘Please, if it’s no trouble.’
    She darted inside, thankful to be out of their scrutiny, feeling giddy from the unexpected praise.
    ‘Melanie.’
    Startled, she almost dropped her book. Helena lay on the bed, her hat beside her. ‘It’s good to see you again, Melanie.’
    ‘Helena, hi, I’m sorry. They didn’t tell me you were here.’
    ‘Men,’ she said with a pout, as though trying to blow something from her lips. ‘So caught up in their business, they forget about us.’ Helena’s eyes roved over her. ‘You look well. Healthy. Brown.’
    Melanie put down her towel and book, her hat, feeling flustered. ‘I don’t know how. I’ve hardly been in the sun.’
    Helena smoothed a spot on the bed. ‘I think maybe it is because you fucked last night.’
    ‘What?’
    ‘I can smell it. It has put the colour in your face.’
    ‘Helena!’
    ‘It is nothing to be ashamed of.’ She licked her lips, looking cheeky.
    ‘I’m not … I wasn’t … I was going to have a rinse-off.’
    Helena smiled flirtatiously as she gestured to the bathroom.
    Melanie grabbed clothes and hurried into the bathroom, hitting the lock behind her. She quickly washed her feet and face, dressed in a blouse and slacks and pulled her hair back into a short ponytail. With a deep breath, she returned to the lounge room. Helena rose fluidly from the bed to meet her.
    ‘What is this mark?’ she asked, pointing to Melanie’s throat. ‘Did you get hurt the other night?’
    Melanie touched the fly bite. ‘It’s nothing.’
    Helena leaned closer. ‘Do you remember the thing that happened? You, me and the storm?’
    ‘I … it was all very strange, wasn’t it?’ She glanced towards the door where she could hear the murmur of the men talking. ‘I have to get Richard a beer.’
    Helena grabbed her hand and whispered, ‘Did you like it? Having him inside you? Spilling your blood?’
    Melanie pulled against the woman’s grip but found it too strong.
    Paul stepped through the doorway. ‘Helena!’
    She released her hold, but her gaze stayed locked on Melanie.
    ‘I think it is time we went back to the cabin,’ Paul said. ‘You should be resting.’
    ‘We are joined, you and I,’ Helena whispered. ‘They cannot understand. I like you, Melanie. I need you.’
    Melanie stepped back, bumping a chair.
    Paul crossed to Helena’s side, an arm around her shoulders. ‘Sorry, she can be … intense … sometimes. Alone here, you understand?’
    Melanie shrugged, aware of Helena’s stare boring into her, sending her pulse hammering.
    Paul led Helena to the door. ‘Her hat, would you please?’
    Melanie retrieved Helena’s hat and handed it to her. A shock leapt between them as their fingers touched.
    ‘Into the shade once more, into the dark,’