Mr. Grey-Book I

30

Emilia

The weather was gorgeous today - a perfect high-pressure front bringing blue skies, still air, and pleasant temperatures. It felt more like an absence of weather, really. Ideal for my long-anticipated visit to the beach house.

I slipped into my bikini and shorts, grateful I'd packed them, and made my way to the pool house behind the main building. The sight took my breath away.

Scanning the area and finding it deserted, I briefly entertained the idea of skinny dipping - one of my favorite indulgences. But I decided to play it safe. I quickly shed my shorts and dashed into the water, relishing the cool embrace against my skin. I swam out to where it deepened, savoring the weightlessness.

After a few laps, I floated on my back, letting my limbs drift lazily. The water was so refreshing, seeming to wash away all my worries. I stretched out my arms, opened my palms, and released all bodily tension.

Suddenly, voices broke through my reverie. Dropping below the surface, I spotted Lucas and Damien approaching the pool.

Great. Just what I needed - to be half-naked in a pool around two grown men, one of whom I'd been deliberately avoiding. I dove deeper, hoping they hadn't noticed me.

"Having fun?" Lucas called out, dashing my hopes of invisibility.

I sighed and swam over to the edge. "Hey," I smiled at Lucas, trying to sound casual. "I didn't see you there."

He returned the smile. "Neither did I, to be honest." His sarcasm elicited a small chuckle from me.

"I like your bikini," he added, his eyes lingering. "You look great...."

I glanced at Damien, who appeared outwardly unmoved by our exchange. But I noticed the tension in his jaw, his hands clenching and unclenching as he struggled to maintain composure.

Deciding I'd had enough swimming for one day, I climbed out of the pool. To my dismay, I realized I'd forgotten to bring a towel.

As if reading my mind, Lucas offered, "I'll go grab you a towel." He headed off, leaving Damien and me in an uncomfortable silence.

Could this day get any more awkward?

I let my gaze wander anywhere but towards Damien. After what felt like an eternity, he broke the silence. "You've been avoiding me."

"What makes you think that?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

"Why? Is it because of what happened last time?"

I scoffed, "Not everything revolves around you, Mr. Grey." The formality in my tone was deliberate and biting.

He moved closer, and I tensed, worried he might lose his balance near the pool's edge. "Why are you angry?" he demanded, his voice low and intense. "If I recall correctly, you kissed me first, fully aware of my engagement. So why does it suddenly bother you now?"

His words stung, and I gasped at their harshness. "Well, you needn't worry about that anymore. It won't happen again," I shot back, my voice trembling slightly with hurt and anger.

"Emilia-" he began through gritted teeth, but Lucas's return cut him off.

"This is all I could find," Lucas said, handing me a white robe.

"Thanks, this will do just fine," I replied, forcing a smile.

"So, what were you two whispering about?" Lucas asked as I slipped on the robe.

"Nothing," Damien answered abruptly. "Take me inside," he ordered Lucas.

"Okay..." Lucas said, drawing out the word as he took Damien's arm to guide him back to the main house. I followed behind, lost in my thoughts.

As soon as we got inside, I retreated to my room to change and dry my hair. The nerve of him, throwing that kiss back in my face as if I'd seduced him or something. Asshole!

"Emilia?" Lucas called from outside my door, snapping me out of my angry reverie.

"Just a minute!" I called back.

I switched off the hair dryer and tied my hair into a ponytail. "Glad that's over," I muttered to my reflection before grabbing my phone and heading out.

In the living room, I found Lucas engrossed in a video game. "Where's Damien?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"In his room. Said something about wanting to lie down," Lucas replied, eyes still glued to the screen.

"Ah," was all I could manage as I plopped onto the sofa, drawing my knees up. "What are you playing?"

Lucas chuckled. "I have no idea, to be honest. Want to join?"

I shrugged. "Sure." Years of weekend gaming sessions with my brother Jason had left me reasonably skilled. I moved to Lucas's side, and he handed me a spare controller.

We played in companionable silence for a while before Lucas spoke up. "So, what was that all about earlier?"

"What do you mean?"

"You and Damien. I could've sworn I heard you two arguing by the pool."

"It's nothing," I said, hoping to close the subject.

Lucas turned to me, his expression serious. "Is he being mean to you? I know he can be... difficult sometimes."

You have no idea, I thought. But aloud, I said, "Damien is fine. How's Lily?" I asked, desperate to change the topic.

Lucas's face brightened at the mention of his daughter. "She's good, staying with my parents for a while," he said with a smile. "Which means I can hang out here tonight if you'd like some company."

"Er nice," I stuttered, unsure how to respond to his subtle invitation.

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