An Angel Amongst Devils (An enemies to lovers, slow burn romance)

Chapter 18

After growing more confident in the water. I start to lie on my back, floating on the surface of the water. I feel so relaxed and content. Like being here, right here. Nothing matters. I am in a complete daze from the world. I slowly drift out of it when my head hits the hard stomach of Arlo. I open my eyes and put a hand on the rock, putting me in a better position.

"It's almost dawn. I hate to interrupt you, but I think we should be heading back now." He says.

Wow. It's almost dawn. The day has gone so quickly, I can't believe it. I was so caught up in my state that I didn't realise how much time had passed.

"Okay."

"Tomorrow were going in the ocean."

"In the waves?"

"Yup."

"Good luck getting me in there."

"Is that a challenge?"

"No, just swimming is one thing, but maintaining it whilst in... that. A little more complicated."

"Challenge accepted." Arlo walks up the rocks, the water dripping off him like a waterfall and plummeting down on the rocks. He leans down and grabs one of the towels. I think he was going to wrap it around himself, but he held it open with two wide arms for me.

I walk up the stairs and stand in front of Arlo.

"Turn around." He says.

I turn around and then I feel the towel wrap around me along with those strong arms of Arlo's. I grab the ends of the towel and hug them tighter to me, savouring the warmth of them, the air is cold now, with the sun gone. The pressure of Arlos arms are removed and I immediately miss the warmth that was left with them.

Arlo wipes the towel on his stomach and slightly on his back and arms, but then flings the towel around his neck.

After drying myself, I wrapped the towel around my waist.

We start making our way back across the rocks, the sun sitting on the end of the ocean, the light glowing amongst the horizon. Making the water look like gold.

The village consuming the hill in front of the bridge looks a lot different now than during the day. Lights are on in the streets and it makes the whole village look magical. It's not night yet, but I imagine how amazing it would look once the sun has finally set.

My skin feels salty, but not in an uncomfortable way. I feel refreshed. More awake.

After walking across the sand and making our way to the start of the village, we passed back in front of the sabrinas swimmer shop. We continue to walk up the hill.

"Are we going back to the cottage?" I ask.

"No."

I look down at what I am wearing, nothing but my swimmer top and a towel wrapped around my waist. I don't feel insecure or uncomfortable with the amount of skin showing, but surely it can't be appropriate walking around like in the middle of the street.

"I'm only wearing swimmers Arlo."

"Look around angel, it's more common than not to be walking around wearing swimmers."

I look around at everyone, people sitting on benches, people walking around in groups. Arlo Is right almost everyone is wearing their swimmers, almost all the men are shirtless (Arlo included still) and all the women wearing bikinis, though there are a lot more skimpy than mine. I guess that's what they do here. I am not complaining though, because even though it's almost night time, and the breeze has increased, the wind is still very, very hot. I'm glad that I can open my skin up and not suffocate it inside the dress. I don't think I would be able to survive with it on.