Only when his pulse finally steadied did Magnus turn toward her. A slow, challenging smile curved his lips, confidence slipping back into place like a familiar mask.
“Let’s race, Mrs. Graves,” he said, voice lazy, a smirk following. “I’ll let you win.”
Sophia arched a brow, her lips curling into a confident smile of her own.
“You don’t need to show mercy to me, Mr. Graves,” she replied lightly. “Whoever finishes last after ten laps loses.”
Something bright flashed in his eyes. His smile widened, pleased.
“Alright,” he said smoothly. “As you wish.”
Off to the side, Harold and Gregory watched.
Harold grabbed Gregory’s arm, shaking it nervously. “Is he seriously going to compete with Sophia? She’s a total badass for agreeing to this.”
He shuddered dramatically. “I’d never dare challenge him. That bastard’s been swimming since he came out of his mother’s womb. He could break a leg and still win.”
“To be honest, I’m waiting for someone to humble his ego,” Gregory chuckled, shaking his head. “I hope it’s his wife.”
Harold’s eyes lit up instantly. “You’re right. This is gonna be fun.” A crooked smirk tugged at his lips, a laugh barely contained at the corner of his mouth.
Sophia lifted both arms and twisted her hair into a tight bun, her gaze flicking toward Magnus as she secured it.
“Come on,” she said coolly. “Stop wasting time. Let’s start.”
Magnus’s eyes never left her. He watched the way her fingers moved, the practiced ease as she tied her hair, completely mesmerized.
Only her voice snapped him out of it.
He set his hands on his hips, glanced away for a brief second as if steadying himself, then looked back at her.
“All right,” he said with a teasing warning, “if your body gives up, don’t cry like a girl.”
She flashed him a stretched, obviously fake smile and raised her hand.
“Three… two… one!”
They leapt into the water.
Magnus entered a split second later on purpose, giving her a narrow head start. The moment he hit the water, they surged forward together, arms slicing through the pool as the sharp splash of water echoed through the silent hall.
Harold winced as Sophia swam with ruthless aggression, her strokes powerful and fast. She reached the wall first, touched it—and instead of turning immediately, paused just long enough to glance back.
She smirked, her eyes flashing with mischief.
Before Magnus could react, she swept both hands through the water, splashing it straight into his face. The splash hit him squarely, droplets spraying everywhere as she twisted sharply and took off again, cutting through the water with quick, powerful strokes.
Magnus stilled, muscles coiling instinctively, water dripping from his lashes as his eyes locked on hers. A slow, dangerous smirk curved his lips at her bold move.
Then he surged forward, cutting through the water with powerful strokes, the pool churning violently around them. The distance closed in an instant.
Halfway through the lap, his hand shot out, fingers curling around her leg. The instant her momentum halted, his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her impossibly close. The heat of their bodies collided beneath the water, skin slick and heavy, pressed together as he dragged her under with him.
Sophia realized what he was doing and shot him a furious glare, eyes blazing even as they went under.
Her hands shot up, gripping his shoulders, then sliding to his neck as she yanked him down with her, refusing to go alone. Their bodies collided fully under the water, close enough to feel each breath, every heartbeat.
They surfaced together, gasping, her chest pressed against his, water streaming down their faces and bodies. Sophia’s laughter burst out, bubbling and raw, eyes sparkling despite the thrill andfrustration. She spun sharply, water spraying around them, hair plastered to her damp skin, lashes heavy with droplets.
