Blackwater Islands take me into your loving arms

This would not be as easy as last time, Whip thought.

She was his mirror. For every step he took, Kalika took a step back. For a moment, Whip was confused confused by her actions. Did she not want to do it again? Her backstep said no, but her words said otherwise. Was she playing some sort of game? He thought that was the most likely probability; that she had just found another way to toy with him. Either way, Whip didn't mind. The hesitation born of his confusion was only brief, so he quickened his step toward her.

If she wanted him to chase her down the beach, so be it -- however, he hoped that it wouldn't come to that. Perhaps she was just testing him, and she would stop after a few paces. But if she didn't, Whip would do everything within his power to stay hot on Kalika's heels.