Page 18 of Pleasure and Mane
Before either of them could say more, high-pitched squeals erupted from the pool. Three children had lined up like tiny soldiers, their faces scrunched with determination.
"Attack formation!" seven-year-old Zoe shouted, and they launched themselves at Caius in a coordinated splash assault.
Water exploded everywhere, soaking both Quinn and Caius. Instead of scolding them, Caius threw back his head and laughed—a rich, uninhibited sound that transformed his entire demeanor.
"Oh, you think you can take down the Alpha?" he growled playfully.
Without warning, he launched himself into the pool fully clothed, creating a massive splash that sent the children shrieking with delight. Within seconds, he was engaged in anepic water battle, hoisting kids onto his shoulders and tossing them into the deeper end while they giggled uncontrollably.
Quinn watched in fascination as this completely different side of Caius emerged. Gone was the controlled, intense Alpha she'd met yesterday. This man was relaxed and joyful, completely at ease with the chaos swirling around him. His wet t-shirt clung to his muscular torso, and droplets of water caught in his brown hair like diamonds.
This is who he really is,she realized, warmth spreading through her chest.Not the uptight control freak, but this happy and free man.
The sight of him playing with such genuine affection made her want him even more, and that terrified her. Because the man laughing in that pool wasn't just devastatingly attractive—he was dangerous to every wall she'd built around her heart.
"Caius! What do you think you're doing?" Lavinia's voice cut through the children's laughter as she and Bertram appeared at the pool's edge, both wearing matching expressions of amused bewilderment.
Water dripped from Quinn's green sundress as she sat on the pool's stone ledge, watching Caius emerge from another round of battle with the giggling kids. His wet black t-shirt clung to his chest and shoulders, and droplets of water cascaded from his hair down his stubbled jaw.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" Caius grinned, hoisting six-year-old Tommy onto his shoulders for one final victory lap around the shallow end. "I'm having fun."
Lavinia's blue eyes widened in genuine surprise. "That seems very unlike you lately. But I'm happy to see my brother so carefree for a change." She glanced between Quinn and Caius with obvious speculation. "You should probably take Quinn back inside so you can both dry off and change before the big bonfire."
"Fine," Caius conceded, though his tone suggested he'd rather stay in the pool indefinitely.
He waded to the edge where Quinn sat, water streaming from his powerful frame as he pulled himself out with effortless grace. The sight of him rising from the pool like some ancient god of the sea made Quinn's pulse stutter.
"Come on," he said, extending his hand to her with that devastating smile that could melt glaciers. "Let's get you dried off."
The moment Quinn placed her palm against his, electricity shot up her arm. His fingers were warm and strong, completely enveloping her smaller hand as he helped her stand. Water dripped off the bottom of her sundress as she rose, and she was acutely aware of how the wet fabric clung to her curves.
Caius's eyes darkened as they traveled over her damp form, lingering on the way the green fabric molded to her body. Heat flooded Quinn's cheeks under his intense scrutiny, and she fought the urge to cross her arms over her chest.
"This way," he murmured, his voice rougher than before.
As they walked toward the mansion, Caius instinctively placed his hand on her lower back, his palm burning through the thin, wet cotton. The possessive gesture sent shivers racing through her body.
Around them, party guests watched their progress with raised eyebrows and barely concealed grins. Quinn caught fragments of whispered conversations as they passed.
"Did you see the way he?—"
"—never seen him act like that with anyone?—"
"—his mate, I'm telling you?—"
Mate?Quinn's brow furrowed at the repeated word. She had no idea what it meant in lion shifter terminology, but the way people said it suggested something significant.
Caius guided her through the mansion's French doors and down the familiar corridors to her guest suite, his hand never leaving her back. The proprietary touch made her hyperaware of every point of contact between them—his fingers splayed across her spine and the heat of his body so close she could smell his intoxicating scent.
"I'll meet you back here in five minutes," he said when they reached her door, his blue eyes burning with fierce intensity. "Then we can head back out for the bonfire. It's the highlight of these parties every month."
Quinn nodded mutely, not trusting her voice. As promised, she heard his footsteps returning exactly five minutes later as she finished pulling on a fitted white t-shirt and cut-off jean shorts. Now that she understood the party's casual atmosphere, she felt much more comfortable in the relaxed outfit.
When she opened the door, her breath caught. Caius stood in the hallway wearing a fitted white t-shirt that showcased his broad shoulders and swim trunks that highlighted his muscular thighs.
"Prepared for another pool splashing incident?" Quinn asked, managing a teasing smile despite the way her pulse hammered.
His answering grin transformed his face. "I'm always prepared. But I've learned my lesson now about underestimating the tactical abilities of seven-year-olds."
