The Thief and The Smuggler

11: Ripples in the Water

A/N: Just a simple note: Can you guys lemme know where y'all are reading from? I can try to include that location in one of the stories!

Enjoy the read!

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Ripples in the Water

The late afternoon sun cast golden rays over the shimmering water of Gabriel's infinity pool, the surface sparkling like a bed of diamonds. Alina stretched lazily on a float, the warm sunlight soaking into her skin as she let the gentle ripples carry her across the pool. It was one of those rare moments of tranquility in her chaotic new life, and she intended to savor it for as long as she could.

Nearby, Gabriel lounged on a cushioned chair under the shade of a large umbrella, a tablet in one hand and a glass of chilled white wine in the other. He appeared focused on whatever document he was reading, but Alina knew better. She could feel his eyes occasionally flicking toward her, a mix of amusement and curiosity in his gaze.

"Working hard or hardly working, boss?" Alina called, raising an eyebrow as she paddled closer to the edge of the pool.

Gabriel glanced up, smirking. "Both, querida. Someone has to make sure this little empire doesn't crumble."

"Sounds exhausting." She feigned a dramatic sigh, reclining further on the float. "Maybe you should take a dip, relax a little. I'm pretty sure even criminal masterminds are allowed to have fun now and then."

Gabriel chuckled, setting the tablet down. "I'll have you know I'm very capable of fun. But I doubt I could match your level of leisure right now."

"Admit it," she teased. "You're just afraid I'll beat you at pool volleyball."

"Ah, yes, because your athletic prowess is legendary," he quipped, raising his glass in mock salute. "Shall I call the Olympic committee and tell them to reserve you a spot?"

Alina laughed, splashing water in his direction. Gabriel leaned back with a grin, deftly avoiding the spray.

"Careful," he warned playfully. "I'd hate to have to retaliate."

"Oh, please. Like you could catch me."

Before she could blink, Gabriel rose from his chair, pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it aside. The sudden move caught her off guard, and she almost tipped off the float as he sauntered toward the pool.

"Think you're safe in there?" he asked, his smirk widening as he reached the edge.

Alina's eyes narrowed, though a hint of a smile played on her lips. "Don't even think about it, DeMarco."

With a practiced dive, Gabriel slipped into the water, surfacing a few feet away from her. His dark hair glistened as he pushed it back from his face, his grin entirely too smug.

"Too late," he said, and with one smooth motion, he flipped her float, sending her splashing into the water.

Alina surfaced, sputtering but laughing. "You're so dead," she declared, lunging toward him.

They splashed and dodged each other in the pool, the tension from their usual lives momentarily forgotten. For a few minutes, it felt almost normal, like they weren't partners in a dangerous game of heists and black-market dealings.

Eventually, they called a truce, leaning against the pool's edge to catch their breath. Gabriel rested his arms on the rim, his expression softening as he glanced at her.

"You know," he said, his tone lighter now, "I'm not used to this. Letting someone else in."

Alina arched an eyebrow. "What, you mean you don't invite every thief you catch into your mansion for pool parties?"