AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I was going to die without ever experiencing my first kiss.
I sunk to the bottom and white dots flashed before my eyes. I knew I couldn’t hold my breath any longer.
Whooshwent the water above me, and a large figure shot toward me like a bullet. An arm wrapped around my body, and then I was propelled up through the water, higher and higher until we broke the surface.
I gasped for air, desperately coughing as if I were choking. Loud noises echoed around me.
“Natalie!” Axel sounded panicked, keeping my head above water as he propelled us to the side of the pool. He hefted us both over the edge until I was cradled in his lap.
I gasped, trying to catch my breath as I began to shiver.
“Jesus Christ. What happened?” he said hoarsely and frantically ran his hands over my face, gripping my hair in desperation.
I coughed several more times before I could get the words out.
“Can you breathe?” His eyes are filled with panic as he searched my face.
I fight through another bout of coughs and placed a hand over my chest. “Yes. I can breathe.”
Theo hurried over with a towel in her hand. Axel draped it around me, enfolding me in his arms. I peered up at him. “I can’t swim.”
“I know you can’t swim. It was on your list.” He closed his eyes and exhaled unsteadily. In fact, he seemed to be a little shaky, too. “We should probably go to the hospital.”
“No. I’m fine.” I started to pull myself out of his lap, but he held me against him.
“You could have water in your lungs. Let me take you to the hospital.”
I shook my head. “I don’t need to go to the hospital. I swear.” I began to pull myself up to stand, and he got to his feet, holding me as though afraid I couldn’t stand on my own. “I’m okay,” I reassured him, although he looked like he didn’t believe me.
“How did you end up in the pool?” He stroked my hair. I saw Jeanette staring at me with no remorse. She probably would’ve been fine with me drowning, although I’m certain she had no idea I couldn’t swim. What a crazy bitch.
But I guess having a near-death experience made me feel a little crazy, too. I smiled maliciously at her, saying matter-of-factly, “Jeanette pushed me.”
Axel’s face morphed into granite, and his body tensed like a cobra ready to strike. “She’s gonna wish she’d never met me. I’ll destroy her life.”
“No.” I held out my hand, stopping him. “She’s going to wish she never fucked with me.” Feeling an adrenaline rush of survival, I trudged over to her as she crossed her arms and glared. Not caring anymore, I drew my fist back and struck her across the face, and she stumbled back in shock. I hit her again, and she fell to the ground on her ass.
“Get away from me, you psycho!” she screeched with eyes wide, trying to scoot away from me. With my foot, I shoved the bottom of my wedge against her chest, knocking her supine on the ground.
“I’ll press charges for assault,” she cried out, glancing around to see if anyone was going to back her. However, no one came to her defense.
“Assault?” I forced a laugh keeping my foot on her chest. “That’s what we’re calling it? You pushed me in the pool.”
“You’re such a bitch.” She grabbed my ankle intent on pulling me down.
“I wouldn’t if I were you, Jeanette,” Axel warned deathly calm, wrapping his arms securely around me from behind as I kicked out of her grip. “Touch or threaten Natalie again and see what happens. Let me give you a hint… it won’t be pleasant.”
“Axel. I’m sorry. It was an accident. I didn’t know she couldn’t swim.” Her already poofy bottom lip had doubled in size, and blood trailed down her chin.
“There are witnesses here who would say otherwise.” Axel pointed to his friends, who were standing by us in support.
She opened her mouth to speak, and Axel snarled, “Say one more goddamn word, and I swear I’ll make your life a living hell.” He sneered at Joe. “Get her the fuck out of here. I don’teverwant to see her fucking face again.”
Joe walked out with his tail between his legs, taking the campus bitch with him. Axel lifted me up and had one arm under my knees and another around my back as he carried me bridal style across the lawn. He ignored everyone around him as if he were on a mission.
“I can walk.”
His face softened when glanced down at me. “I don’t care. I need to hold you right now, so let me have my caveman moment.” He bent down and his mouth grazed my temple, and he tightened his arms around me. “Besides, anyone can see through your wet clothes, and that’s not working for me.”
