Page 48 of Backstroke

Remy’s eyes darken, and he pulls me into a fierce embrace. “I’m going to kill him.” It’s not an empty gesture, it’s a promise.

“He’s in prison, Remy. It’s done and over with. Just forget it, please.”

He brushes the hair from my forehead and traces the soft scar from my scalp to my eyebrow. My breath hitches in my chest.

“Did he do this too?” His question is laced with venom.

“N-no. That was…an accident,” I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes, dark and stormy, search mine for the truth.

“An accident?” he repeats, his fingers still lingering on the scar. “You expect me to believe that?”

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. “Yes. It was a long time ago. I was surfing and… I hit my head on a coral reef and I almost drowned.”

His expression softens, the anger in his eyes replaced by concern. “You almost drowned?” he echoes.

I nod, the memory of the waves crashing washing over me. “I was trying to surf, but–” I trail off, the words burning my throat. His grip on my shoulders tightens, urging me to continue, but I don’t think I can. I’ve already revealed so much. I feel like I’ve been flayed open, allowing Remy to see all of my darkness.

He pulls my chin up, forcing my eyes to meet his. I expect to see pity, but instead, he seems almost regretful.

“The pool.” It’s just two words, but holds so much impact. I drop my gaze, needing to look anywhere other than the intensity of his eyes. Now he knowswhyI’m afraid of water. I can see the wheels in his mind turning, like this new piece of information is finally clicking into place.

“So when I threatened to throw you back in…” he trails off, brushing his hand down his handsome face then looks up at the ceiling.

I can see the regret etched on his features, which almost seems comical since he’s been threatening me since day one.

“It’s ironic, isn’t it?” I say, a small, bitter laugh escaping my lips. “You’ve been tormenting me since the moment we met.”

Remy’s eyes soften slightly, but the intensity remains. “I won’t just forget it, Fallon. Knowing what you went through… it makes me want to protect you even more.”

“You want to protect me?” I ask, my voice tinged with disbelief.

Remy’s eyes lock onto mine, unwavering. “Yes, Fallon. I do. More than anything.”

I search his face, looking for any sign of insincerity, but all I see is determination and a hint of vulnerability. “Why?” I whisper. “Why do you care so much?”

He takes a deep breath, his hands gently cupping my face. “Because somewhere along the way, I realized that I don’t hate you. In fact, I think I might be falling for you.” My heart thunders in my chest at his declaration. I still feel like at any moment he’ll tell me it was a joke, and it was just another notch to his bullying.

Remy seems to sense my hesitation. He steps closer, his eyes filled with sincerity and pain. “Fallon, I know I’ve given you every reason to doubt me.” He seems to think for a moment then adds, “Let me show you.”

I’m trembling in Remy’s arms, as he carries me through the bathroom, then sits me on the edge of his bed. At some point, he wrapped a towel around me, which I pull tighter.

Remy drops to his knees in front of me, sliding his warm hands up my thighs. He pulls the towel away, then brings myhair to the side to dry it some before he tosses it over his shoulder.

“Talk to me,” he murmurs, his voice gentle yet insistent.

I look down at him, my heart pounding in my chest. “What do you want me to say?”

“Anything,” he replies, his hands still resting on my thighs. “I just want to know what’s going on in that head of yours.”

I try to find the words, but I don’t even know what I want to say. My mind is a swirl of emotions and memories, and I’m not sure where to start. So, I do the only thing I can. I crush my lips down on his, taking him by surprise, but it doesn’t take him long to take control like I knew he would.

“I don’t want to think. Just feel,” I whisper against his lips, and that’s all the encouragement he needs. He stands and presses me back against his bed.

“Scoot up.” He drops his towel, then crawls on the bed. My mouth waters at the sight of him, like it’s the first time. His perfect body glistens with water from the shower, and his hair is still damp and mussed like he’s been running his hands through it.

My knees fall open, showing him exactly where I want him. I’ve never been brazen, but something about Remy makes me feel empowered. Maybe it’s the way he looks at me like I’m the only one he ever sees.

“Tell me what you want.” His eyes have darkened with hunger, making a shiver run down my spine.

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