Page 82 of Dirty Damage

I wonder if it’s as dark as mine.

“She was only eight, but she still spent her whole life trying to make up for it. She wanted to protect me from everything. Even when…”

I fall off, not wanting to bring up Drew or any of that mess right now.

Naked vulnerability is one thing.

Emotional vulnerability is another entirely.

He seems to sense my hesitation. His other hand finds my waist, and the heat of his palm brands my skin.

“The ocean isn’t a lake.”

“No?”

“No.” His voice roughens. “The ocean is wild. Untamable. But if you respect its power…” His fingers flex against my hip. “It can give you exactly what you need.”

I’m not sure we’re talking about swimming anymore.

His eyes are intensely focused on mine, and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me. My eyes flutter shut, my lips part, I lean in slightly…

“The trick is to jump.”

My eyes snap open just in time to see him launch himself into the water. A few droplets spray back, icy against my heated skin.

I rush to the railing and gawk down.

He’s treading water below, looking completely at ease as moonlight dances across the surface around him.

“Come on, princess.”

His challenging smile dares me to take the plunge.

Maybe it’s the pre-kiss adrenaline still dumping in my veins.

Maybe it’s the way he’s looking at me.

Or maybe I’m just tired of being afraid.

“Here goes nothing,” I whisper.

Then I jump.

24

SUTTON

“I can’t believe you actually jumped in.” Oleg’s voice carries across the water the moment I break the surface.

I swipe the saltwater from my eyes, gasping from the cold. My limbs feel frozen as I tread in place, trying to keep myself afloat while also hiding my naked body beneath the waves.

“You dared me to. I never back down from a dare.”

“Is that so?” He prowls closer through the gentle current. “You shouldn’t have told me that. I could dare you to do all kinds of dangerous things.”

“Skinny dipping with a scary Russian doesn’t count as dangerous?”

“Not even close.”

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