Page 53 of Rescuing Mia

“It sounds incredible.” Her eyes widen with wonder. “But aren’t you afraid of sharks?”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Sharks are quite misunderstood. They’re not the mindless killers people think they are.”

Mia shudders, hugging her knees to her chest. “Still, the idea of being in the open water with them... It’s terrifying.”

I drape an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “I promise, it’s safer than you think. And the beauty of the underwater world... It’s worth it.”

In the evenings, we retreat to the dive platform at the stern and watch the sunset and the sky painted in a breathtaking array of oranges, pinks, and purples. Mia leans her head on my shoulder, her hair tickling my cheek, and I wrap my arm around her, holding her close.

“I wish we could stay like this forever.” Her voice is soft and wistful.

“We have now. That’s all that matters.” I press a kiss to her temple.

“Do you think you’ll ever get tired of this view?” Her voice is soft and dreamy.

“Never. Especially not with you by my side.” I press a kiss to her temple.

At night, we dine under the stars, the twinkling lights above mirrored in the depths of Mia’s eyes. We talk for hours, sharing stories of our pasts, our hopes for the future, and the fears that have shaped us.

I open up to her in ways I never have before, sharing memories of my childhood, my time in the Navy, and the adventures that have defined my life.

For all her warmth and attentiveness, Mia remains guarded about her own past. She listens intently to my stories, asking questions and offering comfort, but when the conversation turns to her, she deftly steers it back to safer waters.

“Tell me something no one else knows about you.” She rests her chin on her hand, her gaze intense.

I pause, considering. “I’m afraid of clowns.”

She blinks, then bursts out laughing. “Clowns? Really?”

“Terrified. Ever since I was a kid.” I grin, enjoying the sound of her laughter.

“Your secret’s safe with me.” She reaches across the table, her hand finding mine.

“What’s your biggest fear?” I ask, my fingers tracing patterns on the back of her hand.

Mia stiffens, her eyes darting away from mine. For a moment, I think she’s going to dodge the question and change the subject like she has so many times before, but then she takes a deep breath, her gaze meeting mine once more.

There’s a haunted look in her eyes, a shadow of something deeper and darker, but then the moment passes, and she shakes her head slightly as if banishing the thought.

“Drowning,” she says finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “The thought of being trapped underwater, unable to breathe…”

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” I squeeze her hand, my heart aching for her.

She shakes her head, forcing a smile. “It’s okay. It’s just… It’s hard for me, being surrounded by all this water and the idea of sharks lurking beneath the surface… It’s terrifying.”

I lean in, my forehead touching hers. “I’m here for you. Always. And if you ever want to face that fear… I’ll be right there with you.”

She nods, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Thank you. That means more than you know.”

But even as she leans into my embrace, I can’t shake the feeling there’s something she’s not telling me. Something that haunts her and keeps her up at night.

I think back to the moment of hesitation, the flicker of fear in her eyes that seemed to go beyond a simple phobia. It’s as if she was on the verge of confessing something truly terrifying, something that she’s been running from for a long time.

I want to ask, to press her for the truth. Fear, that deep-seated terror that comes from a past you can’t escape, can be terrifying. I’ve seen it in the eyes of my fellow SEALs, in the trembling hands of civilians caught in the crossfire of war.

So I hold her close, offering her the comfort and safety of my embrace. I silently vow whatever demons Mia is running from, whatever secrets she’s hiding, I’ll be there to protect her.

Because in the short time I’ve known her, she’s become more than just a passing romance. She’s become someone I care about deeply; someone I would risk everything to keep safe. With each passing day, I fall deeper, our connection grows stronger and more unbreakable.

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