Page 10 of Deceit

Giving him a soft smile, I shake my head.

“Thank you,” I say before I move past him, slipping on my socks and shoes and grabbing my purse.

I could just head out the door, it’s right in front of me. Instead, I turn to face him and give him the barest of smiles as I speak softly.

“Thanks for letting me stay for a bit. I…I needed it.”

He dips his head in acknowledgement but doesn’t say anything, so with a small wave, I slip out the door. I head in the direction of my next class, wherever it actually is, all the while thinking of two bright blue eyes the entire way.

Chapter Four

Skyla

The rest of my day went by surprisingly well. Maggie and I met for lunch. She ended up taking us to this really cool hole in the wall sandwich shop that had to die for chili cheese fries. I had never tried them before. Carbs were practically banned at my school in London, which is a disgusting rule, I know. Oh my god, though. Change my freaking life– delicious. I could gain twenty pounds for all I care, as long as I can have an infinite supply of those fries.

Once I was in for the night, I called Steph and we talked for a few hours. I told her about my ‘lovely’ fiancé as well as Maggie. I even mentioned the pool that I had found on campus. Conveniently, I did leave out the whole sexy swim coach part. I’m not sure why I didn’t tell her, we tell each other everything. Maybe I didn’t tell her because honestly, there was nothing to tell. God, he was so hot though.

I set my alarm for a few hours before my first class today, because ever since yesterday I’ve only had one thing on my mind. I slip into my swimsuit, grabbing my cap and goggles before throwing on a t-shirt and baggy sweatpants. If my fathersaw me looking like this, out in public no less, I think he would die of a heart attack. I refuse to get all done up only to submerge myself under water, though.

The way to the pool from my dorm is actually pretty straightforward, and I get there in minutes. The sun still hasn’t risen, and the courtyard is quiet as I sneak inside the building. Crossing my fingers that the door is unlocked, my heart does a happy little flip when I pull the door and it gives way to my hand.

I make my way through the hall before pulling open the door to the pool. I’m smiling to myself, excited to have the pool to myself, except I’m not the only one here. There is somebody already in the pool. I can’t tell who it is, not like I really know anyone here anyways. All I can see is a back covered in what looks like tattoos. They stretch down the length of both of his arms and his back, stopping just above his swimsuit.

His moves are so fluid, so graceful. He practically glides through the water like he’s a part of it, as if it was as easy as simply existing. He’s making the breaststroke look that easy at least, as he rises up and down from the water, taking only enough breath to push him one more stroke. I have to admit that he’s incredibly fast as well, I’m dumbstruck just watching him go.

Suddenly he stops, ripping off his goggles as he levels me with a stare that feels capable of incinerating me right here, right now.

“The pool is closed,” he practically snarls.

My head jerks back, as if his words physically struck me before I raise an unimpressed eyebrow at him.

“Doesn’t look closed.”

“It is. You can’t be in here,” he bites out.

God, this man is absolutely infuriated. Like my proximity offends him on a cellular level, and he’s two seconds from decimating everything and everyone near him.

Unfortunately for him, he’s not even close to one of the most intimidating men I’ve ever met, and the worst thing I could do is show weakness in front of someone like him. So, I don’t.

I keep my eyes on him the entire time I set my bag to the floor before taking off my sweatpants and shirt. I don’t even break our stare as I pull my cap out. Somehow, I magically keep my eyes in his direction, as I bend over to tuck every piece of hair inside and slip my goggles on before I stand up again.

His nostrils are flared, and his mouth pulled up into an ugly sneer that doesn’t do anything for how surprisingly good looking he is.

Seriously, what is it about this college? I don’t think I’ve seen a single bad looking man or woman since I’ve gotten here. Genetic lottery or something? I’m definitely not complaining, I just wish some, or most, of them had better attitudes to compliment those good looks.

I walk past him, keeping my head high and not having a care in the world that he’s watching me as I do a perfect dive into the opposite side of the pool. Instead of doing a warm-up lap or jumping straight into a workout, I dive down until my belly scrapes against the bottom before I cross my legs and sit.

It doesn’t matter that I can’t physically breathe down here, metaphorically, emotionally, spiritually, whatever you want to call it, I finally have breath poured into my lungs. A soft peace falls over me, and the stillness of the water heals something inside me that I’m not sure is even broken.

I’ve missed this. So much.

Sadly, my lungs begin to burn, and I feel the warning signs that I need to return to the surface for air, but I’m so desperate for this peace that I want just another second or two.

Unfortunately the next thing I know, two strong arms are wrapping around me, hauling me to the surface. When we breakthrough, I inhale a greedy breath, allowing my chest to heave as my breathing begins to normalize.

Once it does, I’m furious. I spin around to face my ‘savior’ splashing a large amount of water into his face. His goggles are still off and I get him right in the eye. I wish I could be sorry, but I’m not.

He winces, rubbing at his eyes, before he levels me with a murderous look.

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