Brutal Bonding

Chapter 4: Swimming Pool (pt. 2)

Wren sat poolside, trying to resist the magnetic pull of the handsome swimmer. His body glistened with water droplets as he effortlessly glided through the pool in her direction. Each time he emerged from the water, Wren couldn't help but steal a quick glance at his muscles and chiseled abs. Her cheeks flushed with a subtle blush.

She tried to maintain her composure, but it was challenging when Warner looked so good with his hair wet and his athletic physique on full display. It was as if he was a work of art in motion, and she found herself mesmerized by his every move. With every stroke he took, he commanded the water with grace and confidence.

Wren hoped that by focusing on his eyes, she could distract herself from the allure of his physical presence. However, his orbs were a striking shade of blue, similar to the glistening pool water that sparkled under the sun. She could easily drown in those eyes.

Warner approached the edge of the pool, water cascading down his toned body. "Hey, birdie. Fancy seeing you here."

"Hi, Warner," she replied, feeling a mixture of nerves and awe. "Mina told me some things about you."

He looked at the brunette, a knowing smile on his face. "Did she now?"

"Yeah," she blushed. "I think we should talk."

"I agree, as long as you join me in the pool. It'll wash away the awkwardness." He smirked. "Plus, it's not fair that I'm the only one shirtless."

Wren hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through her veins. With a hint of bashfulness, she began to slowly peel off her clothing.

As she stepped into the pool, Warner couldn't help but be enchanted by her presence. Every aspect of her was gorgeous, from the way her vibrant swimsuit enhanced her fair skin to the way her hazel eyes held a spark of curiosity and hidden desire.

"I've got you right where I want you," he said, swimming closer until they were toe-to-toe. The water gently rippled around them, mirroring the subtle currents of their emotions. "My God, you're pretty."

"Thank you," she gulped. "I want you to understand that you put me in an uncomfortable position last week. You know how the Sisters of Stygian feel about me, and now I've got to sit with women who hate me for the rest of the school year."

Warner looked taken aback, his brows furrowed in confusion. "Wren, I thought bringing them over would help bridge the gap. I wanted to show them a different side of you, that they were mistaken about who you are. I never meant to make you uncomfortable."

Wren's frustration simmered, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She understood his intentions, but it didn't lessen the unease that washed over her. She took a deep breath, composing herself before responding, "I appreciate your intentions, but those girls have made it clear that they have no interest in me. I hope you can understand why I've been distant with you."

A touch of remorse etched across the swimmer's features. "I didn't think it would turn out this way. I never wanted to put you in a difficult position. Let me talk to them, maybe I can help ease the tension."

Wren nodded. She knew he didn't have complete control over the Sisters of Stygian, but his attempt to make things right offered a glimmer of hope. She couldn't help but wonder. "Why are you helping me?"

His smile faltered for a moment, taken aback by the confrontation. He recovered quickly, then gave her waist a reassuring squeeze. "Because I see something in you that those women overlook. I've been meaning to tell you something from the first day of class," he began.

"We haven't known each other for long, but there's something about you. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's there. I knew it from the moment those girls told me what happened at Open House.