Page 23 of Guarded By Death

I still feel his lips against mine, but we’re no longer kissing. I touch my lips as he hesitantly pulls away from me.

The electric tension is still thick between us but I'm in perfect harmony as he stares into my eyes while I bob up and down with the soft waves as he holds me.

His breathing is ragged, his chest rising rapidly. "Why did you stop?" I question through my embarrassment.

He inhales a deep breath. "I had to. I wouldn't be able to stop myself with you," he admits, his thumb rubs circles on my legs. I know he can sense my mood. With those words, my heart quickens, and my body grows even warmer.

I grow courage. "Why do you want to stop yourself?" I ask, batting my lashes.

"Not fair,” he shakes his head, a sly smile playing on his lips.

My wide eyes roam his face. "What's not fair?" I question, my voice low and my fingertips trailing along his shoulders.

"Looking at me like that, all innocent and beautiful," he smirks.

I need to break this tension between us, I put my hands through his thick hair, and I can tell it catches him off guard. A half-smile comes up and I take the small advantage I have to push my body weight on his head to push him under the warm water.

"You can't be serious." He mocks me with a deep laugh, his feet planted firmly on the ocean bed.

I push with all my might. "I can put you under!" I grunt, so sure of myself.

"Ready?" he asks, and I tense when I feel his hands move to the soles of my feet and he pushes gently, I know he's holding back his strength.

My body flings out of the ocean, and I fly a few feet above the water. I can't help but let out a little scream before I plunge back in.

The afternoon is spent like this, just enjoying each other. It’s been one of the best days of my life with this beautiful man. I finally get out of the water and send a text to my mom checking in to tell her I’m safe and at Liv’s. I cover myself in a towel and Pierce joins me on the warm sand.

My stomach growls so loudly that I cover it in embarrassment. "Hungry?" he asks, and the tone of his voice is off, he sounds strangely happy about food.

I look around the bag. "Did you bring something?" I ask, remembering he grabbed some water.

He steps towards me, rubbing his hands together. "What are you in the mood for?"

"Umm... I don't know, seafood?" I decide. "I didn't bring any money thou-" He cuts me off with a gentle wave of his hand.

"Please don't worry about that, I saw how much it bothered you at the pier. I want to take care of you, so just let me please," he begs, hope shimmering in his eyes.

I want to say no, but how can I deny him when he looks at me with those pleading green eyes, so I nod to give him the okay.

He brings his large hand to his chin, thinking. "Okay, seafood it is. Get dressed," he tells me as he throws his dry clothes over his damp swimsuit and grabs the bag. I follow his lead and throw on my dress and flip flops.

Suddenly his warm arms are around me, I take in the sweet moment of his tight hug mixing in with the warm air surrounding us. The sounds change, and I immediately know we aren't near the water anymore. "You have to quit doing that Pierce, at least give me some warning!" I playfully shout, slapping his arm. But really, it’s not scary or painful when he does that, just a little jarring.

"I'm sorry," he frowns, but it quickly turns into a charming smile when I send him a grin.

We’re standing in a dark alleyway between two almost ancient looking stone buildings, inviting music plays in the distance. I look to the opening of the narrow alley and he grabs my hand to lead me towards it.

As we walk onto the stone street my eyes adjust to the scenery in front of us, we’re still near a beach. I hear the rolling waves in the distance, so I feel less weird about us both having damp swimsuits on, but the cobblestone streets are lively, filled with people going out for the night.

I aimlessly lead us through the crowded streets. Songs in a different language fill my ears. Street performers line the roads and I stop to look back at Pierce, I'm in awe of the sights and smells around us. The sun still sits high in the sky, but it’s beginning to descend. I can't believe how incredibly fast the day has gone. Then again, what time is it where we are? More importantly, where are we?

Thirteen

Brazil

Leaning into him, I quietly ask, "Where are we now?"

"Not far from where we were, just on the mainland in Brazil," he whispers in my ear, his deep voice drowning out the loud music and making me forget we’re on a crowded street. He squeezes my side, grinning. "I just, I never get to do this with anyone," he tells me, and I realize this is every day for him. But is he normally always alone? That makes me sad for him.

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