𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐀 -: 𝓐 𝓣𝓪𝓵𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓢𝓮𝓭𝓾𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓼

|3.|

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An exceptionally tall figure stood by the pool, clad only in swimming trunks that accentuated his impressive physique. He had sun-kissed skin, and every muscle—his pectorals, his abs—was sculpted and defined, glistening with droplets of water that caught the light. The droplets trickled down, following the contours of his deep V-line.

Reva felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, and a strange ringing filled her ears as she tried to look away, feeling a sudden wave of embarrassment. She hurried up the stairs, her head bowed as she murmured, “I’m sorry, I didn’t do it on purpose… Ah!”

In her flustered state, her foot slipped, and she stumbled forward. Acting quickly, she braced herself with her hands, narrowly avoiding a face-first fall. But as she tried to regain her balance, her nose collided with something warm and unexpectedly soft.

Her heart raced as she realized the proximity of their bodies. A hot flush spread across her face, making her feel as if she were being scalded. Peering closer, she noticed the navy blue fabric in front of her, and to her surprise, it seemed to expand in her line of sight. The brand was unmistakably high-end—French luxury.

Sensing the weight of Krishiv’s cold gaze from above, she instinctively recoiled, only to hit her head against the railing with a dull thud. The impact sent her tumbling back into the pool, and the cool water engulfed her, muffling the world around her.

She flailed in the deep end, panic rising as she struggled to find her footing. The water rushed into her nostrils, and in a frantic attempt to breathe, she surfaced momentarily before sinking again, disoriented and helpless.

“Help…” she gasped, her voice barely breaking through the splashes around her.

Suddenly, a firm grip seized her arm, pulling her upwards with a force that felt both rough and urgent. She was tossed onto the poolside, the sound of splashing water echoing in her ears.

Krishiv had been unyielding in his rescue, showing no concern for her vulnerability. As he scrutinized her, she felt like a child caught in a game too big for her. Her long, damp hair clung to her back, and the translucent shirt she wore clung to her form, revealing more than she intended. The sunlight illuminated her fair skin, making her appear almost ethereal, yet undeniably youthful.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she coughed, trying to regain her breath. She sensed his gaze lingering on her, noting the way her shirt accentuated her figure, and despite the situation, she felt a strange mix of vulnerability and intrigue.

Finally, she managed to stop coughing, her eyes darting to the side only to meet Krishiv’s piercing gaze. He was looking down at her, his features obscured by the bright sun, but the intensity of his eyes felt like a weight pressing against her. They were sharp and cold, cutting through the moment, leaving her feeling exposed and oddly captivated.

Reva couldn’t shake the feeling that he was scrutinizing her every flaw, his sharp, piercing gaze making her feel utterly exposed.

Wait, it was as if she had been stripped bare…

Her eyes darted down, and she realized her outfit was more revealing than she had ever intended. Heat surged through her cheeks, and she felt the embarrassment wash over her like a tidal wave.

In a flurry, she clutched her chest, her damp hair plastered against her flushed face, amplifying her vulnerability.

The chill of his gaze made her feel small and ashamed.

“Why don’t you come back when you’ve matured a bit? Right now, you’re…” he said, his voice low and smooth, laced with a hint of disdain.

He looked her over, his eyes scanning her like a hawk sizing up its prey.