Page 15 of Impossible Thrills

The teasing was on after that. The men joked, took verbal shots at each other, and they all laughed a lot through breakfast. They were kind to her. Almost too kind. She wished she hadn’t broken down last night. Thankfully, none of them brought it up. She picked at her breakfast as Nick quietly offered her different food options.

Finally, she pushed the plate away. “I can’t eat any more.”

“How’s your stomach feeling?” he asked, his deep-brown eyes searching hers.

“I might throw up in that breathing under water thingy.”

His eyes widened.

“I’m kidding.” She wasn’t. “What if I do throw up?”

“I have before,” Hays offered. “The stomach flu, and no choice but to dive on a mission we’d committed to.” He shrugged as if that was no big deal. “You just blow it out of the regulator and keep breathing. It tastes awful. A lot of fish come to say hi. No big deal.”

“Oh, wow. I am among machines, not men. Just throw up and keep moving, complete the mission. I’m in awe of you.”

“As you should be.” Hays pushed out his chest, and she laughed. Hays was a lot more humble than the other two, but still an accomplished SEAL and definitely a macho man.

The boat slowed and then stopped. They all focused out the windows. A green island with sandy beaches was within view, maybe a half mile away, and a smaller boat was motoring in their direction.

“Let’s do this,” Jagger said, standing. He glanced down at Darcy. “Hey, just so you know. My honor and devotion to Shawn and Mercedes has me committed to winning, but it’s nothing against you. I wish I wasn’t fighting against a million dollars for the children.”

“I don’t blame you.” She stood, Nick at her side. “My babies mean everything to me, but I know you’re just doing your job.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He lowered his voice. “When I win, Mercedes will give me a bonus. I’ll donate what I can to your cause.”

“That’s really kind.” She grinned. “But sadly, you won’t win.”

Nick chuckled.

Jagger cracked his knuckles and looked at Hays. “Let’s get to work.”

Hays saluted mockingly.

They filed out of the dining room and to the back deck. The yacht was settled in the water. They must’ve dropped anchors or something. The smaller boat they’d seen was tying off and two brown-skinned young men climbed out.

“Hola,” the one called. “Bienvenido a Cozumel. I am Paul. This is mi amigo Raoul.”

“Hola,” they all responded.

“Paul and Raoul?” Nick smiled. “Easy to keep you two straight.”

Paul grinned. “Good luck. Today for your challenge, you will free dive north of the famous Palancar Reef.” His English was heavily accented, but very good. “I will be helping Lieutenant West with Miss Saint at a depth of eighteen meters, or about sixty feet for you Americans.” He grinned. “Raoul will be making sure these two don’t cheat or kill each other in the race to get to you.”

“Hey,” Jagger protested. “We’d never cheat, but yeah, we might kill each other.”

Nick nodded, smirking.

“Miss Belle said the competitive was strong in you two.” He rubbed his hands together. “First man to reach Miss Saint and cut her free win. Fight is over. No tug of war with pretty lady.” He winked at Darcy and nodded to both of them.

They each nodded back.

“But you no share oxygen with Miss Saint or you lose. After you ascend, challenge compete. Clear?”

“Yes,” Nick said.

Jagger nodded again.

“No, that’s not clear,” Darcy said. “They have to swim down sixty feet and go back up with no tanks or masks?”

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