Blade

Chapter 42: Sweet Spot

Blade

I don’t wait for her to respond before pulling my shirt over my head and diving into the pool. The cool water crashes around me, flooding my ears and rushing past my skin, until I break through the surface again. I push my wet hair and the water clinging to my face back, my gaze snapping to Sienna. She’s still standing there, hesitant, a sheepish look softening her features.

“Are you going to keep standing there, or should I come over and throw you in myself?” I ask with a smirk, raising one brow.

Her lips curve into a small scowl, eyes narrowing in mock defiance, but she takes a couple of steps closer to the pool’s edge.

For a moment, her stare holds mine with a pull that makes the air between us feel electric. Then she peels off her top and shorts, revealing a matching underwear set that makes my blood pound in my veins. Without giving me time to process the sight, she dives into the pool.

"Wow, that's cold," she gasps softly as she breaks the surface, water sliding off her shoulders while her hair clings in blonde strands across her face, framing it in a way that makes her look even more breathtaking.

"It's not that cold... it's actually the perfect temperature," I reply, swimming lazily through the dark water, even though a faint chill prickles my skin. The coolness blends perfectly with the stillness of the night.

"Yeah, sure," she teases, splashing at the water before falling quiet. She dips beneath the surface again, her silhouette blurring in the darkness before she rises slowly, droplets trailing down her skin. My tongue brushes over my lips as my eyes lock on her.

"What's on your mind?" I ask, my voice breaking the quiet between us.

She lets out a quiet sigh before finally speaking. "It's Camilla," she says, her voice careful, almost hesitant. "She told me about the incident that happened back in New York."

The mention of it twists something inside me, and a rush of anger mixed with grief burns through my chest. The memory is one I try not to linger on, because every time I think about it I want to drag those bastards back from the grave just so I can tear them apart all over again for ever laying a hand on her.

"I understand why you're protective of her," she continues, chewing softly on her bottom lip as if choosing her words with care. "But don’t you think she deserves a little bit of freedom? She’s been sad, thinking she upset you by going to the club without asking first."

I swim toward her and stop at the edge of the pool, keeping close by, my jaw tightening as I settle beside her. "It wasn't my intention to make her feel that way, Sienna. I was never angry with her. I just don’t want a repeat of that blasted incident because I won’t be able to control myself, and that would only bring destruction. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her."

Turning my head, I find her already watching me, water droplets sliding down her smooth skin, catching the faint light and making her seem almost unreal. "I know, Blade. She knows too."

A sharp breath escapes me and I press my eyes shut, frustration and doubt knotting in my chest. Maybe I’m overdoing it, maybe I’m too much, but my concerns are fucking valid. Tilting my head, I run my tongue against the inside of my cheek before forcing out, "Fine. I’ll speak to her about it soon."

A grin spreads across her face. "That was easy. I thought I'd have to threaten you into admitting you were wrong, but I'm also perfectly comfortable with my backup option: murdering you in this pool and hiding your body."