Page 58 of His Godsent Duchess
Victor brought his horse to a stop beside hers, watching her reaction with quiet interest. "I'm glad you like it."
Christina dismounted from her horse, feeling the ground beneath her feet, but before she could steady herself, Victor was at her side. He reached out, his hands gently gripping her waist as he helped her down. For a moment, she felt the warmth of his hands through her gown, the firmness of his touch sending a rush of heat to her cheeks.
They stood there, close—too close—and for the briefest moment, neither of them moved. The air between them seemed to thicken, charged with an anticipation Christina hadn't expected. She could feel her heart racing, her breath catching in her throat as she met his gaze.
Victor didn't step back right away, his hands lingering for just a second longer than necessary. His eyes held hers, and she could feel the tension humming in the space between them. It was the kind of tension that made her chest tighten, that made her pulse race, and for a moment, she thought he might close the distance between them entirely.
But then, just as quickly as the moment had come, it passed. Victor stepped back, his expression shifting into something more neutral as he tied the horses to a nearby tree. Christina exhaled softly, trying to steady herself, but the flutters in her stomach refused to calm.
"It really is a lovely spot," she said, her voice a little higher than usual as she rambled again, trying to fill the sudden tension. "So calm and quiet. I can see why you might come here. Not that you're avoiding people, of course, but everyone needs some solitude now and then…"
Victor turned back to her, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "You're rambling again, Christina."
She let out a nervous laugh. "I am, aren't I? It's a terrible habit, but I can't seem to stop when I'm—well, you know."
"Nervous," he finished, stepping closer to her again, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I can tell."
Christina's heart fluttered again, her breath catching as he approached. "I suppose I should try to stop."
"Or," Victor said, his voice low, "you could just let me teach you how to swim, and I promise you'll forget all about your nerves."
She smiled despite herself. "You make it sound so simple."
Victor's grin widened. "It is simple. You just have to trust me."
Christina hesitated for a moment, but when she saw the warmth in his eyes, the reassurance in his voice, she nodded. "I do."
He led her to the edge of the lake, where the water lapped gently at the shore. His hand lingered on her arm for a moment longer than necessary, his touch light but grounding. Christina followed his lead, stepping gingerly into the cool water. It was refreshing, and soon she found herself wading in deeper until the water was at her waist.
"Now," Victor said, positioning himself in front of her, "I want you to lean back, let the water support you. I'll keep hold of you."
Christina bit her lip, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "You'll keep hold of me?"
His eyes gleamed with amusement. "I already told you, Christina. I won't let you sink."
With a deep breath, she nodded and leaned back, her heart pounding as she felt the water beneath her and the firm grip of Victor's hands at her waist, guiding her. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to relax, and to her surprise, she felt herself floating.
"You're doing it," Victor said softly. "You see? There's nothing to fear."
Christina opened her eyes and glanced up at him, her nerves finally beginning to ease. "I suppose not. But you're the one keeping me afloat."
He smiled, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer. "You don't need me for that, but I don't mind helping."
The lesson continued, with Victor guiding her through each step, his hands sometimes brushing against her arms, her back, her waist. Each touch sent little shivers through her, but there was something about the way he encouraged her, the way he patiently instructed her, that made her feel… safe. The more they worked together, the more the tension between them shifted from nervousness to something more playful.
At one point, as she attempted a stroke he'd demonstrated, Christina accidentally splashed water directly into his face. She gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
"Oh! I didn't mean to?—"
Victor wiped the water from his face, his expression one of mock indignation. "You did that on purpose."
"I didn't!" she protested, laughing despite herself.
"Well then," he said, moving toward her with a grin, "I'll just have to return the favor."
Before she could react, Victor scooped her up in one swift motion, water splashing around them as Christina shrieked with laughter. "Victor, no!"
But it was too late—he had already carried her into deeper water and tossed her in.
