Ruffle My Feathers (The Seven - Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

Nervous but honored. Are they staying here?"
    "No, they didn't want to stay here so we rented them a house down the road."
    "So you and Augustus are the only ones I do tonight?"
    "Actually, I'm think I'll just do it myself and Augustus still hasn't agreed. The press won't be here tonight so I don't have to look perfect."
    "Oh, well I don't mind but if you're sure that's fine. I'll see you tomorrow."
    "You'll see me tonight, girl. You're coming to the dinner and party afterwards."
    "Oh I can't. I only brought one dress and if I wear it tonight—"
    "Have you forgotten all those clothes?"Layla pointed in the direction of the door that led to the dressing area.
    "I can't just take-"
    "Oh hell yes you can. So take your time and pick out something splendid. The rehearsal is over at eight, so meet me on the patio at a quarter past. You can sit with Augustus and me. Gabriel will be sitting with us.
    "Are you sure?"
    Layla hurried over to her and took her hand. "Nev, I know we just met, but I feel like we're friends already and if you'd gotten a glimpse of who's here, you know friends are in short supply. We're two humans on an estate populated by Preterhumans. I don't know about you, but having another human next to me feels pretty damn good."
    "It is a little intimidating. Well, except for Gabriel. And Augustus. He's really nice but Gabriel…"
    "Is hot as a fourth of July firecracker. I know. And by the way, just in case you're interested, he said he was going to try and round up people for beach volleyball."
    "Really?" Nevaeh had gotten a scholarship to college for volleyball. She hadn't graduated and regretted that more than she'd care to admit. She had to drop out to work and help pay for extra help to care for her father before he had to be institutionalized.
    "Yeah. Why don't you grab a suit and head down to the beach?"
    "Thanks, Layla. I just might."
    Layla gave her a hug and turned away. "I'll see you at eight-fifteen sharp. Have fun!"
    Nevaeh wandered into the dressing room and flipped through the rack of swimsuits. A white two-piece caught her eye and on impulse, she pulled it from the rack.
    Five minutes later, armed with several bottles of water, a towel, sunglasses and flip-flops she'd found in the dressing room she headed out to the beach.
    A volleyball net was erected and there were people sitting on beach chairs and on towels spread on the sand watching as two groups of people stood on opposite sides of the net, talking.
    It wasn't hard to spot Gabriel although she was shocked that there was no sign of his wings. Even without them he stood out, that tall frame, warm tanned skin, long lean muscles, and blond hair blowing in the wind around his head like a golden halo.
    Aside from Gabriel, there were four other people on his side of the net. Yes! She grinned and tossed her things down on the sand.
    "Got room for one more?" She walked up behind Gabriel.
    He turned with a smile and she felt a shiver dance over her skin despite the heat as his gaze raked over her. "Oh yes we do. Ever played?"
    "In college."
    "Good enough for me."
    The teams set up and got the game underway. Nevaeh was shy in a lot of settings but never on the volleyball court. Aside from her, there was one other female on her team and she was worth more as decoration than athlete.
    The other team had two women as well but they were fit and from their level of play, serious about competition. Nevaeh loved it. Her team, aside from the decoration, fell into sync pretty quick, led by Gabriel who had amazing moves.
    It was hard not to admire him in action. It made the game more exciting and on an entirely different level.
    Nevaeh cheered, bumped fists, and hugged teammates when they scored the winning point. Just as a guy, Mike, released her, Gabriel swept her up in his arms and swung her around.
    Nevaeh laughed, looped her legs around his torso, and threw her arms out as he spun her around. When he slowed, her hands moved to the top of his shoulders and her