Reaper's Pet

Chapter 11

Walking to her room after lunch she found Jack waiting for her outside her room with two bags in hand. Coming closer she saw one of them was her backpack and raised a brow as he reached a hand towards her while pushing himself away from the door.

"There is a place I want to show you," he stated, a hint of anticipation in his expression. She stared at his hand before looking back up, narrowing her eyes. "It's part of my apology, trust me, you will like it." Jack sighed, lightly bouncing his hand, signaling for her to take it.

"I thought the cupcakes yesterday was my apology?" She arched a brow but took his hand.

Furrowing her brows she looked around at the scenery around them. He had teleported them to a cliff by the coast and the waves crashing into the rugged stones below them thundered in her ears.

"Don't tell me you took me here to drown me and get rid of the evidence." She said jokingly, taking a step back from the edge.

He rolled his eyes as he pointed further down the cliff. Following his finger her eyes landed on what was a small cove nestled between towering cliffs with calm waters and almost white sand. Her mouth gaped open in wonder as she allowed him to lead her towards the edge, only realizing what he was doing seconds before she was lifted into the air bridal style.

Jack, with a confident yet playful demeanor, threw himself off the cliff. A scream got caught in her throat as she instinctively hid her head in his chest, clinging to his neck as the scent of peppermint overtook her senses for a second.

"It's okay, you can release your death grip now before you actually find a way to strangle me," he chuckled, his voice close to her ear, coaxing her to unclench her tightly shut eyes. Slowly, she opened her eyes. He strolled past the mounding of a cave that hadn't been visible before, eventually placing the bags and her down on the smooth sand.

"Don't ever do again without giving me a heads up," she gasped, clutching at the sand beneath her with trembling fingers. She suppressed the exhilarating rush that tingled beneath the shock, focusing instead on grounding herself. As she looked up at him, her eyes widened at the sight of him starting to undress. "What the fuck" she drawled until she saw the grey swimming trunks as he took off his dark jeans.

"Instead of drilling a hole into my back with your lusty gaze, find your own Jane packed and join me," he chuckled, pointing at her backpack. Before she could stammer a reply, telling him she wasn't while blushing fiercely, he sprinted towards the water.

Pulling the bag towards her she dug out a pair of grey short low-slung board shorts and a light blue high-neck cropped halter bikini top as she walked towards the cave, pulling at her top to find a secluded place. Quickly changing, she hurried after Jack who was already waist deep looking out towards the sea with the sun-rays playing across his glistening skin from the water. The low waves broke around him, as she for a second couldn't help but observe him. He turned to look at her and a lazy smile played in the corners of his lips before turning into a broad one as he waves for her to join him. Walking to the waters edge, she stood for a second, composing herself before stepping in. The sand continued smoothly, no sharp rocks as she waded towards him while the light from the sun played across the water.

"This place is beautiful," she breathed amazed as she stopped beside him.

"I know right? If it wasn't for Ian, I wouldn't even know this place existed." He said, his eyes sparkling as he turned to look at her, sliding his hand through his wet hair. "I knew you would like it." The waves brushed against their waist as they looked at each other before both snapping their head away.

"Any animals I should be afraid off?" She mumbled, clearing her throat, stepping away from Jack as she looked around, sliding her hands across the surface.

"Not anyone with me no," he grinned as he swam backwards, away from her. "Just don't drown on me, it's been a while since I last took CPR."

Rolling her eyes, she floated in the water, before swimming closer.

"Wanna race?" Her eyes glistened with eagerness.

"Please, I could win with my hands tied behind my back," he gloated, swimming around her. The fluidity of his strokes revealed his proficiency, prompting her to ask,

"You swim a lot?"

"Not much anymore," he shrugged, treading water as she swam around in front of him, enjoying being able to feel somewhat normal again. " I was a lifeguard for two summers though before I died." He smiled, leaning backwards to float on his back.

That would explain his good physique, she thought, still wanting to race him. She swam closer, feeling the sand underneath her feet as he had floated closer to the shore.

Suddenly, he propelled himself forward, clasping her waist and lifting her into the air.

Before she could fully process what was happening, she found herself airborne, hurtling towards the deeper part of the water. With a gasp, she broke the surface and shot him a playful glare as he laughed.

"You ass!" She giggled swimming back towards him, making sure to keep out of reach until he got a hold. He caught her wrist, his eyes gleaming mischievously as he pulled her nearer. She knew his intention and without hesitation, she wrapped her legs around his waist, securing her hold by hooking her arms around his neck. There was a soft, surprised gasp, and she leaned back slightly, meeting his wide-eyed gaze as his grip on her tightened. Just as quickly, she released herself from his embrace. But before either of them could say a word, droplets of water began to descend around them. She glanced upward, her gaze drawn to the once-clear sky now shrouded in dark clouds advancing towards them, as she felt something brush her upper arm.

"Let's get to shore, it's dangerous to swim in bad weather." he stated with an irritated tone, tugging her along with him. As they stepped onto the beach, Jack swiftly grabbed the bags and dashed towards the cave, Willow closely following suit. Seated at the entrance, they observed the rain falling atop the waves. Willow retrieved a towel from her bag, securing her hair within it, then offered another to Jack. He shook his head. "Use it, I don't need it."

"Don't be stupid, you might not get sick but it will be uncomfortable to walk around with wet hair." She sighed, throwing it over his head and ruffle it like she did with her brother when he was little. He allowed her to gently dry his hair, looking up at her as she rested on the ball of her feet and knees between his legs, focused on the task at hand. "Thank you for taking me, you where right, it was fun. Consider yourself forgiven."

A little smile spread on his lips as he looked down avoiding her eyes.

"Anytime."

Sitting beside him, Willow draped the towel around her neck as she rummaged through her bag, searching for a hair tie. Just then, Jack nudged her arm and handed her a small bag, revealing that he had brought food.

"You really thought of everything," she chuckled, opening the bag to find a couple of sandwiches and took one with tuna and salad.

"I even made it," he said proudly, taking one himself. "With a Bustyría's help. But to my defense it's been years since I had to make my own food. I didn't wanna accidentally poison you."

She took a bite and gave him a smile.

"It's delicious."

A small smile tugged at his lips, but he averted his gaze, his focus shifting to his own sandwich. The two of them remained in silence, observing the rain forming circles on the water's surface as they ate.