by Blue,Marina
He ran towards her, and scooped her up in both arms. “I have great news, I know where the Grouse sank!”
Melody's heart dropped. “What?”
“The Foundering Grouse… I know where it is. I know where to find it.”
Melody perked up. “That’s incredible! But how?”
Knox was actually giddy. He was smiling ear-to-ear. “When I brought the painting in for repairs, Mr. Roosevelt found another canvas sealed behind it that reveals where the Grouse went down. It was written by the surviving crewman who painted it, and even though he didn’t have the exact coordinates, he was a smart sailor. He saw and remembered a ton of information about their course, and the markers on land as well as tides, ocean currents, and the stars. And I’ve taken it all and plotted out the exact spot she went down. It’s in a really, really deep patch of water, but… Do you know what this means?”
“You’re going to be rich!” Melody said.
“What?” Knox shook the idea from his head. “Yeah. I mean, sure. But this sort of find, a bit of Americana, this puts towns on the map. It’ll get a lot of attention. The number of scavengers that’ll come to search for bits they think we’ll miss should be enough to salvage this season and maybe actually save the cove.” Knox scooped her up in his arms. “This could solve all of our problems!”
Melody laughed and kissed Knox. Then he put her down. “But wait,” she said. “Is it safe to go out, I thought hurricane season is-”
“You sound like Gunner,” Knox said. “It’s summer, there’s always a hurricane warning. Anyway, it’s only a day’s sail, so I’ll be out and back in less than twenty-four hours.”
And Melody’s smile drooped. “So you won’t be at Rick’s tonight?” She looked down at the floor.
But Knox tucked a strong finger beneath Melody’s chin, and lifted her up until she stared in his eyes. “Of course I’ll be there tonight. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Really?” Melody said. “But the Grouse is your lifelong dream.”
Knox shook his head. “No. It’s just one of them. And the less important one, the less valuable one. If I had to choose, I’d take the precious treasure in front of me over the one in the sea every day of the week.”
Melody was still captured by Knox’s grasp. She slipped her hands up under his arms, and ran all ten fingers over his wide back. Then she looked up at him. His black beard was trimmed tight, and his blue eyes had the deep laugh lines etched into him thanks to the wide smile he wore. And his lips, they were so thick… Melody reached up, wrapped a hand around his neck, and pulled him down.
Knox went willingly.
Their mouths met. His tongue parted Melody’s lips, bringing with it his hot sweetness, and Melody inhaled it like it was air. It filled her deeply. Knox slid both hands around her waist. And pulled her close. Melody folded inwards, contouring herself to his might.
But Melody said, “Wait.”
Knox paused. “What is it?”
“I don’t know if I can. I’m sorry.”
Knox smiled. “It’s ok, I understand.”
“No, it’s not that I don’t want to, it’s with everything that’s going on…”
“I get it.”
Melody sighed. Knox was so amazing. So incredibly supportive. And patient. Her mind was everywhere at once, but she focused and put it on the man in front of her. “You’re incredible.”
“So are you,” he said.
“Yeah, but I think you should be at least rewarded for everything.”
“What do you mean?”
#
Knox leaned back against the kitchen counter as Melody dropped to her knees. He inhaled sharply, and smiled.
Melody undid his jeans, and pulled them down. His already hard cock sprung up like a catapult, and she couldn’t help but gasp.
“You saw it last night,” Knox said.
Melody gazed at it. “Yeah, but not this close.” It was smooth, and perfectly shaped, with a rigid shaft, and round head. It was cleanly kempt, too, and seemed like a natural extension of his muscular thighs.
Grabbing its base, Melody licked her lips, leaned forward, and swallowed his head. It was so smooth. And hot. Sweet, but salty. It was like sucking on some exotic fruit or a rare confection. Melody could’ve done it for hours. She ran her tongue around and around his head, licking every part. Then, in one smooth motion, she swallowed every bit of him she could.
He filled her entire mouth easily.
“Holy shit,” Knox said. “Whatever you do, don’t stop.”
Melody moaned, “Mmm-hmmm,” around the warm cock in her mouth. She had no intention of stopping before he was satisfied. And so she began to work.
Sucking him in as much as she could, and pulling back slowly.
Knox loved the warm wetness of her mouth. He arched his back, and tried to push in deeper. Grabbing the counter behind him, he squeezed hard.
Melody kept sucking him. Licking him. Her head began to twist this way and that.
The passion drove him wild. He wanted to grab her hair, and ride her face with nothing but lustful passion, but instead, he held himself in check. He let her administer to him as she would. And he stared down at her the entire time.
Melody was focused on the task at hand, though. And she began to pick up speed.
Knox watched it all. His legs, normally so powerful, were beginning to lose their strength. He could feel the orgasm already building inside. It began at the tip of his cock and the back of his neck simultaneously. His spinal cord began to burn. And the smooth skin that covered his tight muscles was tingling.
Melody, without breaking her quick rhythm, looked up at him.
And that’s all he needed. Knox could take no more.
Releasing the counter, he grabbed two handfuls of hair, and thrust forward. Over and over, with total abandon, he fucked Melody’s mouth.
The passion in her eyes burned bright as he claimed her mouth. All she could do as Knox thrust was lick and suck. And she loved it! The feel of this man, fucking her mouth, was incredible. And the animal lust she inspired in him was exciting her.
Melody reached down, and began to play with her clit in round, rhythmic motions. It took no time at all, and she was moaning around the cock in her mouth. Louder and louder she moaned. Then she began to scream as her orgasm crested and exploded.
Knox gazed at her eyes. Their expression was one of total dominance and submission at the same time. He knew that she was cumming, while he was in her mouth. And that was more than he could take. With one final thrust he exploded.
Melody immediately pulled back, so that only his head was still in her mouth. And with one hand, began to massage the top of his shaft, right below the back of his round, smooth head.
Waves of fire, like a forge, raged through Knox’s body. For a moment, every muscle he had seized. And every bit of cum inside him flowed out.
Melody swallowed it all. He tasted so sweet. And after a few moments she’d gotten it all. She pulled her mouth off his cock, and swallowed one last time.
Knox was panting. And he practically collapsed against the counter behind him. “Holy shit, your mouth is amazing… I’ve never felt like this before. Thank you.”
Melody stared into Knox’s deep blue eyes, and smiled. “You don’t have to thank me.”
Chapter 30
Afterwards, Knox and Melody sat on the couch, in post orgasmic glow. Seconds turned into minutes, as they enjoyed the feel of each other. But Melody ended the moment they shared with a question. “So when are you leaving to search for the Grouse?”
“Trying to get rid of me so soon?”
“No!” Melody held him tighter. “I just know that you’re sacrificing a lot to support me tonight.”
“It’s nothing. But to answer your question, tomorrow morning. I’ll set sail early, and still get back at night. That way I’ll avoid any rough weather, and I’ll get to hear you sing.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Hey.” Knox turned her head so they were looking at each other. “I promise that every time you take the stage, I’ll be there to watch. You have my word.”
And she melted some more. “Wow.”
“Wow. That’s the perfect word. Wow is how you make me feel.” He kissed her again. Long and warm. When they stopped he said, “But that means I got to go get my ship ready. First I’ll fix the engine, then I’ll alert my crew.” Then it hit him. “They’re not going to be pleased that there’s no cobbler.”
“I can make some,” Melody said. “I remember Pearl’s recipe.”
“I’m not surprised. But no thanks. I don’t think it would be right.”
Melody smiled inside. She loved Knox for his loyalty to Pearl.
Knox noticed, but said, “So what will you do now?”
“Nothing much. Probably just get ready for tonight, I suppose.”
“You were born ready. Now knock me a kiss, I got to get to work.”
The two kissed one last time. And Knox walked back to his bike.
Melody watched him go. His tight ass was round, and it shifted back and forth behind his jeans like a pair of panther cubs playing under a sheet. But then they stopped their back and forth. Melody looked up. Knox was staring back at her. “Are you checking out my ass?”
Melody smiled. “Definitely.”
“Well, it’ll be at Rick’s tonight for more ogling. And I almost forgot, when you get there I’ll have a surprise for you.”
“You mentioned in your note,” Melody said. “What is it?”
The black eyebrow over Knox’s left eye lifted an inch. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.
“Well I can’t wait.”
“Good. I’d hate to see you run off again without saying goodbye.”
“That’ll never happen again, I promise!”
“I believe it.” Knox walked to his bike, threw a leg over it, and started it up. He blew a kiss to Melody.
She caught it, and returned one of her own.
Then Knox revved his engine, and took off down the street.
Chapter 31
As the sun was setting that night, Melody thought about the day, and her time with Knox. She’d re-pledged herself to him. Sort of. And was happy about that. Things were moving fast though. Maybe too fast. Behind that lighthearted banter they shared earlier were deep emotions like lust, longing, and though Melody hated to admit it, betrayal. But Knox seemed willing to forgive her. Maybe it was because so much time had passed. It could’ve dulled his anger. But not his longing. A fact that only made him more appetizing.
But despite her happiness, Melody couldn’t stop thinking about Pearl, too. And those thoughts were filled with anger, sorrow, and rage. She vowed to get Sparrow, if she could, or help Jerry catch him. Either way, she wanted justice. For Pearl, and her town.
Those thoughts, though, they wouldn’t help her in the meantime. So she put them all aside, and prepared for the night’s performance by putting on some makeup and doing her hair. And when she finished she surveyed herself in the mirror.
Melody was in a black sequined gown, similar to the one she had on the night before, only this one was longer and slinkier. She walked downstairs, grabbed her purse, and opened the front door, ready for her first night as a professional singer.
But before she got out, she encountered a sight she didn’t expect.
Standing on the porch outside, was a very serious man in a black suit, and in his hand was a yellow envelope. “Good evening, Ms. Song. I’m here to deliver a notice of eviction.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said.
“No, Ms. Song,” the man said. “I’m afraid it’s true.”
Melody snatched the eviction notice from his hands and opened it. “But how? My bank said-”
“Your bank can say that water is dry, but that doesn’t make it so,” the man said. “Because the fact remains, your local bank no longer owns the mortgage on this house. Coldwater does. And they want you out of here. Immediately.”
Melody read the contract carefully. She was quick. And smart. And when she got to the second page she brightened right up. “Wait, this says I have until midnight to transfer the funds into your account.”
The man shifted back and forth uncomfortably. “Um, I think that wording’s too complex for a woman dressed like you are to fully understand. After all, contract language is a difficult matter for laymen to grasp.”
“Really?” Melody said.
“Yes, really. You’re just a housewife, after all,” he said. “An unemployed housewife, actually.”
Melody nodded ruefully. “Not unemployed. Former. I’m a former housewife. I quit that job because it turned out that my ‘employer’ wasn’t as trustworthy as he claimed to be. But I’m currently a full time, professional singer. Now granted, none of that makes me versed in contract law, which is something I’ll readily admit, but… And correct me if I’m wrong, because after all, I’m just a girl… But this contract language you speak of, it’s English, right?”
The man nodded. “That’s correct. But-”
“Whew!” Melody sighed in relief. “For a second there I was nervous. Fortunately for me, I’ve been speaking English for years, and understanding it for almost as long. And from what I understand, in section R, subsection two-point-three, it clearly states that this house will remain in the current owner’s possession up to midnight of today’s date.”
The man wiped a bit of sweat off his brow. “Yes. That’s technically correct.”
“And since the payment’s five thousand dollars,” Melody said. “Why don’t you just take my car and call it even. It’s worth way more, but you’re so charming I feel like tipping.”
He said, “We don’t accept trade-ins, I’m afraid. And besides, it’s not five thousand that’s outstanding. It’s forty.”
Melody's blood ran cold. “Forty?”
“Yes.”
“No,” Melody said, “Harrison Talbot informed me it was only five.”
“Oh,” he said with a smile. “Yes. That’s what’s on the loan. But you’re forgetting the penalties for late payment. Which have been compounding for months. It’s all in the loan agreement your aunt signed. As you so eloquently pointed out, I’m sure you can read through it and find it well enough.” The man on Melody’s porch looked extremely pleased with himself.
Melody was furious. She raged internally. But she knew what a lying man looked like. She’d seen enough of that over the past few days. And the one standing in front of her wasn’t being untruthful. She wanted to knock his teeth down his throat, and rip out his eyes, but instead of giving him the satisfaction of losing her temper, she said, “Fair enough. But that means the house is still ours. And up until it isn’t, I can call the police and have you arrested for trespassing.” Melody leaned forward. “Or shoot you, if I feel threatened.”
“Trespassing?” the man said, “But I’m not-”
“Yes. Trespassing. It’s a big word for a little woman like me, but again, fortunately I don’t need to spell it, just say it. To the judge. As to why I shot you.” Melody grabbed Pearl’s shotgun from where it sat in the corner, and pointed it. “Is this girl making herself clear?”
The severe man stepped back without his smile. “Crystal, Ma’am. You have a pleasant day.” Then he ran down the steps, jumped into his black car, and drove away fast.
Melody watched him go and cried, “I prefer Miss to Ma’am!” Then she replaced the gun and shut the door.
That felt good. But still, the Coeur de Mer was about to be seized by Coldwater. And she remembered Pearl lying in the hospital. She also remembered the promise she made that nobody but that sweet, old woman would own her home. But in order to make good on her vow she needed forty grand. Immediately. But how could she get it?
She had a job. And that job was singing. But it wouldn’t be enough. She needed cash, fast. She needed help. And she remembered that Knox would be there. Maybe he could find the Grou
se fast enough to… No. That was hopeless. Even if her sailor found the sunken ship tonight, Melody needed liquid funds. There wasn’t enough time.
If the Coeur de Mer was going to be saved, it would have to be by Melody’s own hand. But maybe Knox or Rick might have an idea. At this point she’d even welcome help from Tara, the owner of The Perfect Sundae.
So Melody headed out towards the garage.
But pulling up to the curb was Harry Talbot, her friend from the bank. He got out of his car looking sheepish. “Hi, Melody.”
“Hey, jackass,” Melody said. “Thanks for warning me about the foreclosure.”
“I would’ve, but I just heard myself. I wanted to head down here, and apologize face-to-face.”
“Don’t be sorry, lend me forty thousand dollars.”
“I can’t. I’m in partnership with these guys. They have a lot of my debt held, too, and if I help in any way then it’s curtains.”
“I prefer drapes,” Melody said.
“Anyway, I just wanted to apologize in person. I wish I could help.”
“Me too,” Melody said icily, and walked towards her car. “If I figure out something I’ll let you know.” She got into her red sedan and started the engine.
Behind her, Harry Talbot’s shoulders drooped low to the ground, and he got in his own car and drove away.
Melody pulled out of the garage, and pointed her car towards Rick’s. But before she could drive, her cellphone rang. She paused, and pulled it out of her purse. The number belonged to Celia Banks, her former lawyer. She hit the accept button and said, “Hello?”
“Hello,” Celia said. “I’ve got some great news.”
“Great news?” Melody asked. “I thought you weren’t my lawyer anymore?”
“I wasn’t. But when Kat heard I dropped you she pleaded with me to take a few more looks into William’s finances, and…”
Melody’s heart stopped. “Please tell me that you have good news.”
“I do,” Celia said. “Great news, in fact!”
Melody said. “What is it?”
“I just got word from one of my investigators that they found some money your husband was trying to hide. Fifty-five thousand dollars!”