between us | klaroline (book 1)

Chapter 11: Splashing Around

"Ahh stop!" I screeched, getting a splash of cold water from shirtless prince Charlie as he waited for me to undress and slip into the water with him.

"C'mon! It's not as cold once you get in princess. I promise." He told me seriously, getting up and walking over to me on the sand. I stood there, a bit afraid to go swimming in the freezing water. He stood close to me, I felt his breathe on my face and he locked eyes with me. " Trust me." He insisted, lifting up my sundress and taking it off, revealing me only in my black bikini.

I sharply breathed out, feeling my stomach tighten up when the prince touched my back with his large hands, guiding me to the water with a smug smile on his face. "Come along beautiful."

I loosened up, following him and feeling much more comfortable with his touch on mine. I pressed my toes into the damp sand, waiting for a wave to come splash at my feet. Soon enough, one came and I giggled loudly, watching the prince dive into the water, I sighed and dove in as well. "Oh my goodness!!" I shouted from the shock of the cold water. It felt good to cool down because it was quite hot outside.

"You know how to swim right?" He asked me, swimming over to me protectively. I nodded at him, splashing him suddenly. He looked at me with a surprised face and splashed as well. We got into a splash war soon enough and were laughing at the beach together.

We swam closer again, his hand touching my waist and mine on his broad shoulders. "You're cute." I randomly said. He giggled and immediately kissed me swiftly, our lips touching perfectly.
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"You know, I hate when people say that. Royals don't always have to be serious." Charlie crossed his arms, making a frown. I frowned as well then brought my fingers to his lip, turning it into a smile. He then legitimately smiled and took my hands, kissing them.

"So you told me once that you know Damien's family?" I brought up as the two of us sat on a yacht that I had rented for the week. The driver was driving us out into the water, the sun beaming bright on our faces so we wore sunglasses.

"My family and Damien's family are connected actually but we have different names. He's like a distant cousin of somewhat. His mother and mine are cousins and they both run different kingdoms. His is the O'hare Castle and mine is the Hillington Castle. I come from England originally but Damien's castle is actually somewhere else in Europe. It's in Paris."

I nodded, taking in all the information. "Wow, so are you two close friends or..."

"No, we never talk anymore. Maybe as children. I don't talk to him now although because we're in..." He hesitated, looking at me and holding back the word he wanted to say.

"Competition." I spoke. He nodded, looking down. "I know, I don't like that word either. That you two are competing for my affection. I must inform you though Charlie...I do really like you." I formed a genuine smile. He looked up at my eyes and placed his hand on my face, his fingers behind my ear and his thumb tracing on my cheek. "I really like you too Amanda."

I smiled brighter when he called me by my first name. It felt so normal and so right to be called that by the men I liked. "Champagne?" I suggested, pointing at the bottle on the table before us. "Oh yes please." He said with a head bob. The wind was blowing our hair around, making me twirl it right beside my face. I opened the bottle, pouring champagne into glasses for us both and handed the prince his. We both took a sip and smiled at the delicious taste.

Charlie stood up, placing his glass down and making me stand with him. I gave him a questioning look, making him begin to speak. "I have been practicing for the ball when we get back to the castle, the one you said you all have every year right around the time of your birthday."

"Practicing what?" I stood up, intrigued. "My dancing of course." He told me. I laughed at that because he was already such an incredible dancer and leader. I loved dancing with Charlie.

Suddenly I felt the prince bring me closer with his hands and spin me softly so my glass wouldn't spill in my hand. He then dipped me, making me tilt my head back. I came back up and giggled. "That was unexpected. I agree though, your moves have definitely improved."

"Good, now we can dance all night and day together." He laughed, grabbing his glass and chugging the drink. I sipped mine gently until I was finished, then set it down. Charlie set his glass down and began removing his sunglasses, then reached to remove mine. He placed them on the table and took my hand, gesturing for the captain behind us to stop the boat right where we were. The captain halted the boat, making the prince smile and drag me to the very tip of the boat and he gave me a approving look.

"Woah woah woah, we're jumping?!"

"Yes, don't worry, i've got you." He squeezed my hand assuringly. I bit my lip nervously, looking out at the water. I was really scared to jump into the ocean. "What if there's sharks, whales, fish!" I exclaimed in fear, taking a step back, the prince firmed his grasp and chuckled.

"Then I will throw you up onto the boat again and let them eat me. Save yourself first." He joked. I gave him a shake of the head and breathed in and out.

"He walked closer to me. Come on, you can do it love."

I nodded, coming to the front again and looked behind me. Three guards stood watching us and a lifeguard stood atop the yacht, looking as well.

"Three, two...." Charlie hesitated, looking in my eyes. I smiled and we jumped together simultaneously, holding on for dear life. I screamed as we treaded water together, feeling scared. "Oh lord i'm frightened now myself." Charlie huffed out, grabbing my hand and we swam back to the back of the boat. Charlie helped me get up, steadily holding my back. I thanked him and we laughed together.

"Now we definitely need more champagne..." The prince sighed.