Page 80 of Unravel Me

I’m starting to feel glad I painted my toenails green with little rhinestones embedded in the gel, and shaved, because at least he’s getting a pretty smooth view.

When he finally resurfaces, he runs his fingers through his hair, slicking it back. He flashes me the faintest smile before pushing off to swim.

What surprises me, though, is that he starts swimming in circles around me.

One lap.

Then another.

He's doing freestyle while I simply drift on the surface, resting against my inflatable float and trying to relax. It doesn't really work because there's a strange stirring just beneath my skin.

Meanwhile, Silvio continues swimming peacefully along the edge of the pool, occasionally glancing my way with that same knowing smile.

Time passes; I just keep drifting while Mauro keeps circling me.

At some point, I decide to interrupt his little hunting game… because what is this, him swimming around me like I'm his prey? Ha. It's fun, I have to admit, but I'm not going to just stay here and let myself be chased around the pool.

I do it deliberately, steering right into his path. The first time he gracefully curves around me. The second time, though, he obviously realizes I'm doing it on purpose.

Beneath the water, I feel his hands skimming around my waist, sliding gently along my sides before he slips past me and keeps swimming.

But I'm stubborn.

The third time he comes around, I move directly into his path again. This time I face him head-on and spread my legs slightly beneath the water.

Mauro obviously decides he's done pretending to be unaware of what I’m doing.

He catches me by the thighs and draws them around himself until my legs wrap around his hips and my crotch ends up directly against his.

The only thing separating us now is the float I'm still holding against my chest.

Mauro rises from beneath the surface until his face is right in front of mine. Water streams down his cheeks, damp strands frame his face, and droplets cling to his lashes. His lips are glossy, impossibly tempting.

Wow, he's breathtaking. Those dark hazel eyes are mysterious, like forest lakes. The way they're looking at me now is almost provocative, openly daring me.

Even though I know Silvio is watching us, I lift my hand and rest it against the back of Mauro's neck, my fingers delighting in the feel of his smooth skin.

His eyelids drift halfway closed. I answer by gently pulling him to me. Our lips, chilled by the pool water, meet, but… only for a heartbeat.

Then I jerk my head back, let go of the float, and dive beneath the surface.

Mauro has no intention of letting me get away.

He follows immediately.

Now we're both underwater. Through the pale green glow, I see him suspended in the water like some ancient god of the deep, his hair floating around his head like a black crown, teal and turquoise highlights falling in streaks across his sculpted skin. Then he glides toward me with the effortless grace of his powerful body.

We kiss beneath the surface. His hands slide over my back before resting on my ass. With one firm pull, he draws me flush against him until our groins press together.

That's when I feel how hard he is. My pulse surges, but I also desperately need air.

I push myself upward and break the surface…

…only to find Veyron’s face hanging over me!

He’s crouching at the edge of the pool, smiling straight at us.

"Hey, guys. Mind if I join you?"