Page 64 of Knot Made to Break: Part One

“It sounds fun.”

“What prize do you want, Angel?”

I bit my lip, thinking through my options. “I’ve never had a massage before. That might be nice.”

“Fuck me.” Tommy scrubbed a hand down his face, all hints of mischief gone. “Now I don’t know if I wanna win or not.”

Marco grinned, not hiding the heat that warmed his eyes. “You’re on,” Marco agreed, moving into position.

“You’ve got this, sweetness,” Gio murmured encouragingly.

“You’re not competing?”

“Nah. Wouldn’t be fair. I’d smoke all of you,” he teased. “Besides,” his tone dropped lower, just for me, “it’s time for me to share.” Gio kissed the top of my head before climbing out, ready to play referee.

I took my place beside the others. Dimitri, still manning the grill, counted down for us, and we all leapt into motion.

Water rushed past my ears as I propelled myself forward, my arms cutting through the pool in smooth arcs. Marco and Tommas quickly pulled ahead, their powerful strokes eating upthe distance. But I was surprised to find myself only a few paces behind.

I reached the far side just after the others, twisting to push off for the return lap. My lungs burned as I surfaced, gulping air before plunging back under. I crossed the pool, and with a final burst of energy, I stretched out my hand to touch the wall.

“Not bad, Butterfly,” Tommas grinned, already lounging against the side, all his rippling, wet muscles on display.

I licked my lips unconsciously, wondering what it would be like to lap the droplets from his skin.

“You’ve got some speed in those little legs.”

I stuck my tongue out at him, still catching my breath. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Best two out of three?” Marco suggested with a competitive glint in his eye.

“Why the hell would I agree to that? I won.” Tommy waggled his eyebrows at me, and I snorted a laugh.

“Did you, though? I was a millisecond behind you, man.” Marco successfully riled his younger brother.

“The fuck?” Tommas was already lining himself up against the wall. “If you wanna be a masochist, fine by me. I’ll kick your ass a second time.”

We raced again and again, pushing ourselves harder with each lap. By the fourth one, my muscles were trembling with exertion, but I felt exhilarated. It had been so long since I’d allowed myself to play and have fun without constantly looking over my shoulder.

As the last race finished, I clung to the edge of the pool, panting heavily. My limbs were jello, but a giddy smile spread across my face. Marco touched the wall just a fraction of a second before his brother, throwing his arms up in victory.

“Yes!” he crowed, splashing water in his excitement. “That’s three out of four, baby! I am the undisputed champion!”

Tommas groaned good-naturedly. “Alright, alright. No need to rub it in.”

I giggled, still short-winded. “Congratulations, Marco. You earned it.”

His eyes locked onto mine, a predatory gleam igniting in their blue depths. “Oh, I intend to claim my prize, Angel.”

My breath caught in my throat as he swam towards me with smooth, powerful strokes. His muscled body cut through the water effortlessly, closing the distance between us in seconds. Before I could react, he’d banded an arm around my waist and pulled me flush.

“Hold on tight,” he murmured, his lips brushing my ear.

I instinctively clung to his neck, my legs hooking around his hips. He hummed approvingly as he swam us to the side of the pool. My back met the cool, tiled wall where the water disappeared over the edge, giving way to the sprawling city that stretched out in all directions. I tensed at being so close to the ledge of the building.

“Don’t worry, Angel. I’ve got you,” Marco promised.

I tried to relax, falling into the magic of being so high up. This place was otherworldly. It felt like we were suspended in our own private bubble, untouched by the world above or below.

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