Page 176 of Celestial Combat

Carmen and Kim were floating lazily a few feet away, laughing at what Francesca was saying – or more likeranting aboutwhat Matteo had said earlier, and it kept making Kim laugh so hard she nearly choked on pool water.

Natalia had disappeared a few minutes ago to get some shade. I spotted her in the cabana, next to my brother, a fruity drink in her hand, his hand resting gently on her stomach.

Maria had vanished too, but I didn’t need to wonder where. My eyes flicked to the shaded corner of the cabana where she was perched in Zach’s lap, his hands lazily applying tanning oil to her back before their slow movements devolved into a kiss that didn’t look like it would end anytime soon. Her leg was slung over his, her fingers tangled in his hair, and the heat between them rivalled the tropical sun.

I bit my bottom lip.God, I wish I could do that with Zane.

“What are you doing, loser? Get in!” Trevor called from the shaded cabana.

Natalia, lounging against his shoulder with a half-empty drink, smacked him lightly to shush him – but Trevor just smirked and didn’t flinch.

“Fuck off!” I yelled back.

Trevor’s grin widened. “Don’t tell me you don’t know how to swim.”

My fists clenched. I refused to back down. A beat of silence, as I opened my mouth with a retort.

But it died on my tongue.

Because I got an even better idea…

“I don’t,” –I absolutely can– “But Zane can teach me.”

Zane raised a brow and shared a glance with my brother.

Trevor leaned back. “You can try. If you can get anything past that hard head of hers.”

Mission accomplished.

Zane stood – black trunks, tattoos and muscles flexing fluid and strong. When he reached me, he perched on the edge beside me, our thighs brushing lightly.

“Can’t swim, huh?” he teased, voice smooth as always.

I swam perfectly fine in the private sauna two months ago.

I sighed, dipping my hands into the water only to touch his leg under the surface. “I’m a mess.”

He didn’t laugh, just reached for my hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze, guiding me into the water.

Zane’s eyes were on me, steady and soft. And for the first time in days, I felt brave enough to jump.

The afternoon sun softened into a gentler warmth as Zane guided me through the movements of swimming – slow strokes, body floating, arms gliding through the deep, emerald water. He held me with one hand around my waist, steadying me mid-stroke, the other hand stroking the surface to show the path. Every touch felt electric – his fingers grazing my hip, a firm press on my back, light brush at my shoulder.

We paused between laps to catch our breath. My hair clung wet to my neck, and droplets slid down my eyelashes whenever I blinked.

Our eyes locked – dark, quiet, and yearning.

I felt my lips curve into a grin. “You’re an excellent teacher,” I teased, my voice just above the sound of water lapping against the tiles.

Zane smirked, so close I could lean in and feel his chest stir against mine. “Glad I can help,” he replied, eyes warm.

My smile softened at the feel of his heavy hands on my waist.

I teased, only loud enough for him to hear, “I can think of a couple ways to thank you…”

“Stop flirting with Zane!” Trevor’s voice cracked across the pool deck, destroying the bubble between us. “He doesn’t like you!” His tone was half-joking, half-brotherly.

“Natalia! Get your husband off my dick!” I yelled, and everyone erupted in laughter.

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