Page 22 of You Kissed Me First

Sharks. There are sharks in here. Barracudas too. That’s why he told me to take off my jewelry. Oh and stingrays. So many things that can eat me.

He peels my goggles up off my face before pulling me in close to his body. I can feel his legs kicking as I wrap my legs around his center.

“We don’t have to do this. We can get back on the boat. I am so incredibly proud of you for even jumping. Hell, for even getting on the boat in the first place. You are so fucking strong.”

The look of adoration on his face is my undoing.

He is proud of me.

I don’t know why, but that makes me feel stronger.

“I needed a second, but I think I can do this. I want to. Don’t leave my side, though.”

He smiles. “My brave baby doll. I’ll be right here the entire time.”

He lets me take a moment before helping me put my goggles back on. Then he helps me lean forward so I’m floating on my stomach. For a moment, I almost freak out, but then his hand is in mine.

I don’t move, letting him lead me by the hand over to the coral reef.

Dominic is patient, letting me jerk and move when something scares me, but he never lets go.

Then I see the fish. They are so beautiful. All of my fear dissipates as I stare in awe.

We get a little closer to the group, and I hear Barrett talking to the guide. He sounds like he’s being his normal jackass self.

Sitting up, I pull my goggles up, looking at Dominic as he does the same.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

I nod, glancing past him.

“Can you tell me what this is? I found it on the bottom over there.” Barrett’s voice is loud.

He’s trying to get attention.

The guide looks at the item before glaring at Barrett.

I squint my eyes, then snort.

“What a child,” I murmur.

“What?” Dominic turns around, finding Barrett holding a butt plug right in the guide’s face while his girlfriend giggles next to him.

“You better not lose that in the ocean or you will be fined. I expect to see it in your hand as you leave my boat.” The guide is stern with him.

“How did they sneak that onto the boat? Neither one brought a bag,” I murmur, curious.

Dominic pulls me closer to him, pressing a kiss on my lips. “Obviously one of them was storing it in their prison purse.”

I tilt my head, not getting it right away.

“You know, up their ass? My bet’s on him. He always seemed to have something stuck up there.”

I burst out laughing. Dominic seems to smile brighter as I laugh.

“You’re probably right.”

After a moment, he looks down. My legs have found their way around him again, his hands resting on my thighs.

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