Page 12 of Dario

"New players? When did that happen?" I've really been out of it to miss this news.

"They may be part of the team. The away game is a chance for them to meet you and see if they're a good fit.” Gemma adds. "Wyatt wants to bring in four more players. I don't have any other information though."

"Names?" Madden asks.

"That I know. Nash Richardson and Dover Hilton—no relation to the hotel group. I also know that a female player has caught Wyatt's eye, but that's not allowed." She grins, and her face lights up.

Madden boots me under the table and wiggles his brows when I meet his gaze. I shoot him the finger. He smirks.

Ignorant, Gemma continues, "I wouldn't be surprised if the boss starts a female team."

I burst out laughing at the hopeful look on Madden's face. "I'm all for that." He rubs his hands together.

Rhodes snorts, "You'll get your ass kicked if you mess with anyone under the 'Viking' umbrella."

I feel Gemma's immediate withdrawal from the conversation. I focus on the girl who has my attention while Madden and Rhodes shoot the shit. Her sad eyes meet mine as she swallows hard. "I have to get back." Pushing away from the table, she stands and grabs her reader, phone, and purse.

"Gemma," I say, wanting to keep her with me, "you don't have to go."

"I do," she whispers.

I watch her leave with my heart in my eyes, I'm sure. They harden as I notice Davy watching her leave as well. The man turns to meet my gaze. His eyes narrow with a knowing look.

What the hell is his problem?

I snap at Rhodes, "What the hell happened at the grocery store?"

He frowns, caught in the middle of a conversation with Madden. His eyes dart to where Gemma disappears and back to me. "Are you two..."

"No!"

He raises a brow.

"Just tell him," Madden interjects.

Rhodes thinks for a moment, then tells me about the guy at the grocery store. By the time he's finished, I decide there's no sitting back. First the note, then the guy showing up in the grocery store. Something is going on.

CHAPTER EIGHT

GEMMA

The water begsfor my touch as I enter the pool area. I love this time of day when I have the place to myself. I can think as loud as I want in the water.

My red one-piece swimsuit is new and more daring than I usually wear, with mesh panels in places that show skin. I like pretty things and when I chose this, I had Dario in mind. Ever since I met him, I've wanted to have more of a life than I currently have. The thing is, I want something with him. It took me a while to get used to the idea that he likes me. Well, more than likes me.

I let out a sigh as I sit on the edge of the pool and slide into the water. I duck under the surface and smile to myself as I head out for my first lap.

The breaststroke is one of my favorites and the most relaxing for me.

About half a length in, I feel like I'm not alone. I look around but don't see anyone. Treading water, I slowly turn around and find nothing.Strange. Shaking my head, I'm about to start swimming when I suddenly feel something brush against my ankle.

Panic hits me as I quickly try to kick out to get away. Then my ankle is grabbed, and I’m pulled under. I kick, trying to get to the surface. The grip loosens. I kick up, catch my breath, and then I'm pulled under again. My heart races as I struggle to break free, and my lungs burn for air. In one last burst of energy, I manage to break the surface and scream for help before being pulled under again. Did I mention that the pool is nine feet deep?

I have seconds to breathe. A splash from above gives me hope, and then I find myself free. My energy is at its lowest as arms come around my waist and pull me to the surface. The second my face is free, I gulp air. I cling to the person who saved me, my body shaking from the near-death experience.

When I finally focus on my rescuer, I'm surprised to see Dario staring back at me. Without thinking twice, I wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. I whisper a heartfelt "Thank you" as tears stream down my face, overwhelmed with gratitude. Dario reassures me that everything will be okay, and I feel a sense of safety in his embrace.

"Someone tried to drown me," I whimper.

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