Page 9 of My Summer Girl

Why is that last thought so maddening?

I sneak closer, going toward a set of boulders lining the water as she swims. Her arms rise above the water as she backstrokes. Her breasts peek through the surface, her pert nipples with tiny barbells floating. And fuck, my body isn’t prepared for the desire consuming me. This is so wrong; it’s not consensual.

Yet, I can’t find the willpower to walk away.

I grip the necklace around my throat, acting like more of a collar, something that grounds me. It guides me, telling me to look away. Sure, it’s not really doing that, but it’s always kept me on the straight and narrow. Especially when my body heated for my queen.

Someone else I could never, ever have.

Now, it’s for a random stranger that has my heart doing all sorts of extreme sports in my chest. Unable to behave, I chance one more look at her.

She’s nowhere in sight, and I just know it’s the perfect time to leave. Cin didn’t mention she liked to swim naked, and that asshole will pay for watching her.

Like you just did?

Shaking my head with the disappointment fueling me, I crouch and decide to leave. I’m just like a stalker, unseen and wandering. I watch the view line, searching for her. She isn’t visible, and I rush to her discarded clothes, hoping tonight is a night she’ll go to this place.

Vex’s.

If not, I’ll simply have to try again tomorrow.

Near her discarded clothes sit solenas. Bright as the ones Solera has. The scent draws me near, and like the hedonist I am, I pluck one.

Inhaling deeply, I swear Vera’s scent is somehow rooted here too. Unable to deny myself the little indulgence, I set the flower on Dulce’s clothes, and clip the port-path onto her dress before rushing out of there. As I hit the tree line, I hear a loud gasp. Fear sinks inside me, wondering if I’ve been caught. However, when I’m peering over at her, I see that this entire time, she’d been underwater.

For whatever reason, I’m unsure, but I spare her one last longing glance and pull on my hair, forcing myself far away from her.

Vera would be so angry that I’ve already sullied my mission. Distracted by the first woman I’ve seen, and that’s not even the worst of it. The worst is the fact that I want to turn around and convince this divine creature to come back with me.

But not for my queen.

For me.

Chapter Five

Dulce

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