“Tasha didn’t bring a suit,” Johnny says quickly.
“She can borrow one of mine,” I offer. We’re close in size, and the words are out before I can stop them. I mean it to be helpful, but from the glare Johnny levels at me, I may as well have invited her to snort a line.
“That’s a great idea, beautiful,” Nik says, trailing his finger lightly along my bare shoulder. I smile at him, grateful for the support.
“Swimming sounds fun,” Tasha agrees easily. “I’ll take you up on that suit.”
“Awesome. Let’s go.”
As Tasha and I head up the stairs, I hear murmured voices in the kitchen. Low and angry and definitely male. I don’t need to guess what the problem is.
I lead her into my room and dig through my drawer for options. I hand her the one she picks out. It’s a sleek, white one-piece with sheer paneling around the waist and tiny straps. It’s sexy but tasteful.
I grab my go-to red bikini, the one that makes me feel a little brave, and head into the bathroom to change.
“I’m heading down, Lina! See you out there!” Tasha calls as I finish up.
I touch up under my eyes, fluff my hair, and take one final breath before a few light knocks come from the door to Axel’s room.
“Lina?” he calls softly.
I pop the lock, and he steps in with Nik right behind him.
My brain short-circuits. Both of them are shirtless. Axel’s body is solid muscle, carved from all his gym dedication. Nik is leaner but just as devastating, with that relaxed swagger that makes him seem effortless.
My eyes drift down to the cut of their abs, then lower… Damn those swim trunks.
“Damn,” Nik says under his breath, an exact echo of my own thoughts. His eyes sweep over me. “You’re killing me.”
I grin, heat blooming in my cheeks. I’ve been consistent with my workouts since the attack, and this is the strongest I’ve ever felt, in both my body and maybe even my spirit.
“Thanks,” I say, pleased and flushed and slightly overwhelmed.
“About ready?” Axel asks, eyeing me like he’s trying to memorize the view.
“Yep. Just need to grab a cover up.”
“Don’t bother.” Axel tosses me a towel. “It’s dark out. No one’s gonna see anything you don’t want them to.”
Nik catches a second towel and tosses me with a wink. “Not unless you want us to.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling. With them, this might actually be fun.
I follow them down the stairs and out the back door onto the patio. Someone already turned on the pool lights, casting a soft blue glow across the surface. In the water, Johnny has his arms wrapped around Tasha. I try not to let my face fall at thesight, but it twists something inside me anyway.
Nik sprints forward and cannonballs into the pool. Water explodes around him, and Tasha lets out a surprised squeal as it splashes her.
“Come on in!” Nik calls, grinning.
I pad barefoot to the edge. He holds his arms out. “Jump. I’ll catch you.”
It shouldn’t thrill me as much as it does. But I leap, and true to his word, he catches me. His arms lock around my waist, steady and strong. Instinctively, I wrap my arms and legs around him for warmth. His breath stutters.
“Is this okay?” I ask softly, suddenly worried I’ve crossed a line.
“It’s more than okay.” His voice is low, rough with something I’m not used to hearing from him. “I love how you feel in my arms. You just surprised me.”
The spark that occasionally simmers between us ignites in full. I was drawn to Nik from the start, but he’s always followed my lead, never pushing. Now, with his hands on my body and nothing but heat in his eyes, I can’t remember why I haven’t let myself want more of him.
