Page 46 of The Scout

He watched me for another long beat before shaking his head with an amused sigh. “All right. What now?”

I hesitated for only a second before answering.

“I want to go for a swim.”

Marcus blinked. “You—what?”

“A swim,” I repeated. “You guys have a pool, right?”

His brow furrowed. “Yeah, but?—”

“Then I want to use it.”

He looked at me like I had just declared I wanted to fly to the moon, his easy confidence finally cracking just a little. “Izzy, I don’t know if that’s the best?—”

“I just need a distraction, Marcus.” I exhaled, rolling my shoulders like I could shake off the heaviness clinging to my skin. “Something that makes me feel … I don’t know. Normal.”

His jaw ticked, but he sighed again, rubbing a handover his face. “Fine. But I really do need to tell Ryker you’re here.”

“No.” I looked at him sharply, my voice leaving no room for argument. “Not yet.”

He groaned, tipping his head back against the seat. “You’re gonna get me killed.”

I forced a small smile. “Probably.”

“Unbelievable,” he muttered, but he still pushed open the door, leading me inside.

Fifteen minutes later, I stood in the guest bathroom, freshly showered and wrapped in one of Marcus’ oversized white t-shirts.

It smelled like clean soap and something distinctly male, the fabric soft and well-worn. I had changed out of my dress, leaving it crumpled in a heap on the floor, replacing my heels with bare feet. The only thing I had kept on were my black lace panties, the delicate fabric peeking out just slightly beneath the hem of the shirt.

I had no swimsuit.

And something about that made my pulse thrill in my veins.

Grabbing a fresh toothbrush from the counter, I cleaned my teeth quickly, then ran my fingers through my damp hair before making my way toward the pool.

The water was still, the soft rippling of the saltwater surface reflecting the lights on the patio, casting shimmering streaks along the edges of the sleek, stone-lined pool. It was luxurious, like everything in this house—vast, expensive, meant for indulgence.

I was about to indulge.

With a deep breath, I stepped onto the ledge, the cool stone biting at my bare toes, then slowly lowered myself into the pool.

The warm saltwater wrapped around me, easing theache in my muscles, soothing, stretching, welcoming. I sighed as I pushed off the edge, drifting through the water, letting it hold me, ground me, wash me clean.

It wasn’t until I surfaced, brushing the damp strands of hair from my face, that I realized I wasn’t alone.

Three of them.

Marcus.

Noah.

Charlie.

Reclined in lounge chairs, watching me with drinks in hand.

Their eyes flicked over me, slow and unreadable, their postures relaxed but too focused to be casual.

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