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“Truthfully, there’s so much I need to process about my current life. Just two weeks ago, I was fightingstrigoiwith Anca, Solomonarul, and Marius. And now I’m living a dream life on an island named after me. As much as I enjoy everything you gift me, I still need time to process it all. But there is something I’ve been itching to do since we got in the water,” I said.
“What is it?” Gabriel said curiously.
“Come closer,” I said.
Gabriel swam closer.
“Even closer,” I said.
His curiosity reached a peak. Gabriel most likely assumed I wanted to kiss him, but I had other plans. At mere inches apart, I splashed him as hard as I could. The initial shock turned into laughter, then slowly molded into vengeance. Giggling, I swam as far as possible, hoping I could manage some distance between us. But I also forgot he wasn’t the same Gabriel as in the past. In a matter of seconds, he grabbed me from behind and whispered in my ear, “I might swim faster than a shark, but my bites only incite pleasure.” His words sent ambiguous shivers down my spine.
“Can we at least pretend I have a chance at beating you?”
Upon hearing my words, he released me. I took advantage of my short-lived freedom and splashed the daylights out of Gabriel again. Then dove into the water to mislead him. At first, the underwater swim felt easy, though my lack of stamina began to show. Suddenly, I felt a cramp in my leg. The excruciating pain forced me to open my mouth, which let a massive amount of water flood my lungs. I’ve spent many nights thinking of the ways I could die, but drowning was never on my list. My ears clogged, and suddenly, a serene silence enveloped me. The deeper I submerged into the dark depths of the ocean, the clearer was my view of the sun's rays protruding through the water above my head. I closed my eyes, ready to succumb to the ocean’s power. Except a current of bubbles, followed by a strong embrace,changed my descending trajectory.
Chapter 19
When I opened my eyes, I saw Gabriel’s terrified gaze. He plunged his mouth into mine, and with the same unusual sucking power, he drained my lungs of water. Unfortunately, I didn’t have air to take in, so I was still dying, this time due to lack of oxygen. I guess our practice in the bathtub didn’t help much. Gabriel went supersonic toward the surface of the water, and once above it, I could finally take the much-needed breath of fresh air. Gabriel spat the water he had removed from my body and began breathing as well, in a much less agitated state than me. What was new?
“Are you okay? How are you feeling? Can you breathe?” Gabriel searched for answers on my face.
“I thought I was a goner,” I said, surprised I regained my voice.
“Your death will never be an option,” Gabriel said.
Everyone on the shore cheered, thinking we were kissing. Only Mom noticed my frazzled demeanor and ran to the water. Gabriel helped me swim to the shore and then carried me to the lounger. Mom followed Gabriel and sat next to me. “What happened, honey?” Mom asked.
“I got a cramp in my leg. It hurt so bad I couldn’t swim and began drowning. Gabriel saved me,” I said, trying to keep my breath stable.
“I’ve never heard you complain about cramps before. Have you been eating well? It seems you’re lacking certain nutrients.” Mom checked my forehead for a fever.
Two years of dairy and grains could do that to you. But I couldn’t say that to my mom.
“It’s probably stress, Mom,” I said.
Teary-eyed, Dad went and hugged Gabriel, “Thank you, Son. Petra is such a good swimmer. It never even crossed my mind she might be drowning.”
“Do you need anything?” asked Aunt Sue. “I’ll send Kimberleigh to fetch it.”
“No, I’m good,” I said. “I want to rest.”
Gabriel made his way through my relatives and lifted me in his arms. “Please continue. This week is a time for celebration and enjoyment. We hope to see you at dinner,” Gabriel said and left for the cabana.
Like a sloth, I hooked both arms around him and nuzzled in the nook between his neck and shoulders. The place I felt the safest. Gabriel carried me to our cabana and laid me on the bed.
“Why did you choose to build so many cabanas on the island?” I asked.
“It was done specifically for the wedding,” Gabriel said as he sat on the edge of the bed.
“So, you were so confident I would say yes the second time, you even prepared a whole island venue?”
He nodded and caressed my face.
“What if I said no?” I asked.
“Then I would’ve sold everything and returned to my castle. I have no need for an island in The Ordinary Realm except to spend time with you on its beaches and occasionally save you from drowning.”
“That was a one-off. It will never happen again,” I said.
