Bets, Beds and Treads || 18+

𝒙𝒗𝒊𝒊𝒊.

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ xᴠɪɪɪ
| s ᴇ ʀ ᴇ ɴ ᴇ |
𝐑 𝐄 𝐈 𝐍 𝐀

𝗜 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 a loud gasp, my lungs almost giving out, my body acting on instinct the moment I'm above the waterlines. I'm barely aware of my surroundings when Reign's arms wrap around me before I even know it, yanking me close, his grip firm and, to my surprise, a little shaky. Damn, he's fully clothed. His soaked shirt clings to him, and I bite down on a grin, unable to help my laugh, the sound escaping me in between shallow breaths.

"Are you serious?" he mutters, his voice still full of disbelief, but it's laced with something else now-anger.

I can't stop laughing, trying to hold it back, and I look up at him, still clutching his arms. "I'm so sorry!"

He stares at me, brows drawn tight, his face a mix of fury and frustration. "That was not funny," he says, his tone intense, cutting through the sound of the falls. "I thought-" He cuts himself off as he looks me over, struggling to even finish.

Without thinking, I reach up and gently brush a stray strand of hair from his face. He looks even more magnificent, almost unreal with water streaming down his face, each droplet tracing his skin and catching the light, glittering.

"I just wanted you to get in here with me." I lift my chin, watching him with a shy smile. "You weren't exactly cooperating, so... desperate measures... I am sorry. I really am."

His expression hardens, jaw clenching. He looks furious, "Are you joking right now? Do you think I'm a fool?" His voice drops to a low, menacing calm, and I can tell he's only inches away from snapping.

My smile falters, and I feel the sharp sting of regret. "No, I mean it, Reign. I'm sorry."

"Are you now?" He looks like he's about to say more but stops, clearly deciding I'm not worth the effort of an argument. He's already started pulling away, intent on getting out of the water. "I'm done with this," he mutters, turning toward the bank. His shoulders are tense, his movements clipped.

Without thinking, I reach out, grabbing his arm and not letting go, my grip tight. "No, wait. Don't go."

He pauses, looking back at me, eyes blazing. "No, you seriously have got to be kidding me, right now."

I swallow, my fingers curling around his arm, pulling him closer. "I really am sorry. Stay. Please."

His body stiffens, but I refuse to let go. His glare is burning, but I can't stop myself from pulling him back. He jerks his arm out of my grasp, spinning to face me with such fury in his eyes, I pull myself back a little, intimidated.

"You always do this." His voice is low, dripping with frustration. "Always thinking you can just get your way, always twisting everything until it suits you. You don't stop to think about how it affects anyone else. It's always about you." His jaw clenches as he leans towards me. "I'm fucking tired, alright? Why do you always expect me to listen to you when you never bother to listen to mine!? I get it-no one ever tells you no. Everyone's always doing things your way, giving you exactly what you want. But for once, can you see that this-" he gestures between the two of them, his voice softening.

I don't let him finish, not wanting to hear whatever insults were about to leave his mouth. I know it, it's either 'I have lost my mind' or 'I am a manipulating bitch who forces people into doing everything I want.' Instead, I close the gap between us, wrapping my arms around him and pressing my cheek to his chest. He has no idea but in that moment, not a single word sinked in. Not when he's here floating with me, looking so deadly divine. All I knew was his lips were moving, those words didn't make it to my head.