Page 44 of Orc's Mate

“Iama tease, but I’m also determined,” I said. “We’re surrounded by water. While you don’t have to swim regularly unless you wish, you should know how to do it. One day, the lessons I give you could prove vital for your survival.”

“You’re right.” She sent me a rueful look. “What’s next?”

“I want you to let go of me and hold onto those rocks on the side. They'll help you feel secure as you learn to swim.”

“I could cling to you.”

And mess with my fragile self-control? It was all I could do to remember why we were here and not focus on her delectable body.

“Always,” I said gruffly. I shook my head and made myself focus. “There may be times you want to swim alone, though please don’t do that until we’re both confident in your swimming abilities.”

“All right.” She released her hold on my shoulders, reaching out for the edge of the rocks. Her fingers gripped them tightly, her knuckles turning white with her effort.

“You’re doing great.” I followed, staying an arm’s length away from her, ready to grab onto her if anything went wrong. I wanted her first lesson to be fun. If I could show her how to control her body’s movement in the water rather than let the water control her, she could build from there. “It’s healthy to fear the water, but you’re going to show it you’re the boss.”

She slapped the surface. “Get it, water? I’m in charge here.”

“That’s right.”

With each wave, water glided over the rocks and drained into the pool, only to be sucked back with the current through channels between the enormous boulders.

I placed a hand on her back, lightly rubbing small circles between her shoulder blades.

Her muscles relaxed, and she leaned into my hand.

“I’m here for you. I won’t let anything bad happen.”

“What do I do now?”

Closing the distance between us, I slid my arm around her waist, my body pressed against hers. “First, you need to lean forward slightly, trusting the water to support you. Like this.” I demonstrated, tilting my body to show her the position.

She followed suit, mimicking my movements tentatively. Her hair glistened with droplets of water, framing her face like dark tendrils. I resisted the urge to brush them away, focusing instead on teaching her.

“Kick your legs in a back-and-forth motion. You can also use your arms by spreading them wide and swirling them through the water. Both will keep you above the surface.” I showed her by kicking my feet and moving the arm not around her, creating ripples in the pool.

She copied me, her legs flailing awkwardly at first but gradually finding a rhythm. Water splashed about as she gained confidence, her laughter mixing with the sound.

“That's it.” I tightened my hold around her waist. “You're doing amazing.”

We continued to practice, her embracing the water's buoyancy as I guided her movements. Each time she struggled or faltered, I offered words of encouragement and gentle adjustments. My hands trailed along her sides, providing both a steady presence and a subtle reassurance.

Her movements became more confident, as if she were born for this element.

“This is amazing.” She tipped her head back and lifted her voice. “I love the water!” She splashed playfully, kicking up droplets that caught the muted light like falling stars. The crisp scent of the sea filled the air, and I couldn’t stop grinning.

“You’re advancing through this lesson faster than I expected,” I said.

She huffed. “Did you think I couldn’t do it?”

“I don’t believe there’s anything you can’t do if you set your mind to it, Eleri.” There was something undeniably beautiful about watching her conquer her worries and embrace this new experience. I grinned proudly, my heart swelling with love for this woman who’d become my everything.

I showed her a simple stroke she could use to propel herself through the water, and she floundered at first, quickly gaining competence as she glided from one end of the pool to the other.

Eventually, fatigue settled in. Sensing her muscles must feel heavy, I eased her back toward me. “Well done, mate. Hold on to me. It's time for you to rest.”

Leaning back in my embrace, she sighed contentedly, her chest rising and falling in sync with mine.

“Thank you for teaching me,” she murmured, her voice soft and tired.

---