Undine -

Chapter 4

Sophie opened her mouth to demand an explanation for Michael's appearance, shut it again as the nature of his stealth sent the hair at her nape rigid. In the second it took her eyes to flicker down then blink up at his face, Sophie took in the broad sweep of his shoulders, the tight musculature and sifting of coarse black hairs on his chest. She was relieved to see he was not completely naked.

For a moment time hung between them. Runnels of silver lake water gilded Michael's hair, and clotted his lashes. He broke the silence. 'I startled you. I'm sorry.'

Sophie gave a small, uncertain smile. 'I was miles away.'

'In that place that scares you.'

Sophie glanced at Michael sharply. He must have been swimming nearby, maybe witness to her disastrous swimming lesson. 'Thomas tried to teach me. I'm afraid it didn't go too well.'

'Thomas swims badly. You need someone confident to help you. Someone who knows what they're doing.'

'I thought I might take tuition. Maybe in the local pool.'

Michael ran both hands over hair that shone slick and dark as seal skin. He glanced over his shoulder, green eyes scanning the lake. The hard line of his jaw flexed as though he battled with some inner turmoil. Sophie watched a vein in his neck throb in time with his heart.

'You don't need a swimming pool. I'll teach you.'

'Oh, I couldn't. I'm a terrible pupil, such a coward...I'll need water wings and rubber rings and-'

'Take my hands,' Michael interjected impatiently, reaching out to her.

Sophie stared at him mutely. She wanted to back away, rush for land and safety, but something in those unsmiling eyes, something dominant and imperative, took her hands and placed them trembling in his.

'I want you to relax,' Michael ordered. 'Just let your body go limp, let the water take you.'

'I can't.'

'Yes, you can.'

Sophie bit her lip. Her hands were shaking.

He must pity me. Feels obliged to help. How embarrassing. Oh, shit...

Michael's hands tightened slightly over hers; a subtle communication of warmth and understanding that brought her eyes to his.

'Trust me,' he said gently.

Allowing her knees to fold, Sophie submerged neck deep into the lake. She didn't dare look up for fear of seeing amusement or mockery on his face. Instead, she stared at his hands; firm, strong hands with long slender fingers.

Still holding her tightly, Michael sank down until his face was level with hers. 'I won't let go of you, I promise.'

Sophie nodded, still avoiding his eyes, thinking frantically, I can't let him see what a chicken I am.

'Now,' Michael commanded. 'I want you stretch your legs out behind you and kick gently.'

Sophie mustered every last ounce of courage she possessed to do Michael's bidding. She gripped his hands until her knuckles stood out in pallid ovals, every muscle taut. But as her body extended and her legs began to kick, she felt herself rise in the water as though the lake itself were lending a hand.

Feeling like a fool for clutching Michael so tightly, Sophie kicked a little harder and tried to relax her grip on his fingers. She bobbed like a cork, sliding forwards in the water.