But her heart stilled as she realized she couldn’t see the lower windows or even her bedroom ones at all because of the drop in the rocks. And weak as he was, she doubted he was going to go snooping up into the tower—though she would not put it past him if he was hale.
“You’re okay,” Kallias beamed, and any and all harsh, chiding words dropped from her lips and she leapt into the water.
“Daria,” he gasped, helping her to the surface.
But she just held him.
“Aren’t you cold?” he asked. “You feel cold.”
She wasn’t sure. She also wasn’t sure she cared. “No one saw you, right?”
“No,” he soothed. “I hid when you said.”
“He said there were others, but I never saw them,” she murmured into his skin.
His hold tightened. “Well, depending on how far out they were, there are a lot of sharks and they’re not per se friendly.”
“Do not tell me that,” she said, her hand instinctually going to his scar.
“I’m fine,” he laughed. “If I’m not trying to fight a few off, there’s no problem. I can easily outsmart a shark.” He smirked knowingly. “Or do you doubt how clever I am?”
“Never,” she murmured.
She knew he was trying to make light of it so she wouldn’t worry, but seeing it wasn’t working, he sighed and stroked her hair. “I’m careful. Don’t worry too much. Should I…should I go look for them?”
She wanted to say no if there were sharks about or even no for the fear they might see him, but how could she just leave people to die? “Only if you’re careful. And don’t let them see you and…and…”
He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be careful, Daria, and as long as they’re not about to die, I’ll come get you.”
“Okay,” she mumbled, hating everything about it—the words, the fear, the danger. But she knew they must.
And she also knew her next words were selfish when lives could be at stake but she couldn’t help herself. “Just hold me for a minute first.”
CHAPTER 61
“Do you often take midnight swims?”
“Do you often question your hosts?”
The man was glaring at her. He was sitting up sort of—it was more of a slouch over one side, propped up by one elbow like a Roman emperor might—and he still looked as pale as the sheets.
“And what are you even doing up?” she asked.
“Do you wish for me to remain unconscious?”
“I wish for you to get some rest.”
They glared at each other. She hated to admit it, but without that scowl on his face, he was probably quite handsome. Dark, curly hair fell just to his shoulders. It looked as well-trimmed and immaculate as hers wasn’t.
But then his eyes fell down to herwetclothes—and no doubt the way they clung to her body—and he averted his eyes. So probably not a pirate, she mused, amused.
“Do you not have a bathing gown, Miss…?” The way he trailed off at the end was clearly an invitation for her to fill in her name.
“Miss Wains. I assure you, had I known you were awake, I would not have—” She stopped. Not what? She hadn’t thought of her inappropriate attire for a single second. It had never even occurred to her. “Well, you can be assured it was not for your viewing pleasure!” she huffed, starting for her bedroom.
“You fell in, didn’t you?” He smiled, and she wanted to punch it off his smug face.
Instead, she gave him what she could manage of a smile and said, “Goodnight,sir. Do call if you need anything else.”
