“I guess we’re all destined to serve in one way or another,” he said quietly. “That doesn’t mean we don’t get to choose what we make of it. The world will try to write your story for you, mark you with its cruelty. It’s in the quiet, when it’s only you and the choices you’ve made, that you have to face yourself. In the end, the only one you really answer to is…you.”
His words washed over me, touching places only a handful of others had ever reached. Who was the stranger sitting before me?
“Thorne,” I whispered, setting my hand on his knee.
He shook his head, casting off the sincerity like he cast off his shirts. “What you need is to take a piece of your power back. Do something for yourself of your own volition. What you need is a win.”
“And how exactly am I to do that?”
He fell silent, pondering the question. “Let me teach you to swim.”
I stiffened. “Learning to swim will not fix my problems.”
“Nor will it hurt.”
“This is crazy.”
“Come.” He pushed to his feet and then helped me up—and immediately began unbuttoning his pants.
“Hold on a minute.” I caught his hand, ignoring the jolt that shot up my arm. “You didn’t say anything about undressing.”
His heavy-lidded gaze turned sultry. “We can’t very well swim in our clothing.”
I poked my finger into his bare chest. “Thorne Blackwing. Is this some trick to get me naked with you?”
He held up his hands, his expression innocent while those blue eyes of his continued to gleam. “I solemnly swear to be on my best behavior.”
“That oath, coming from your lips, is not reassuring.”
“Afraid you’ll find me irresistible, Princess?” He unfastened his pants and shoved them down his legs.
“Not at all,” I scoffed.Don’t look down. Don’t you dare—Goddess, too late.
He was gloriously, infuriatingly naked as he hopped into the pool. “I’m waiting,” he sang, gliding onto his back, kicking.
I bit my lip, watching him float away. Was I actually going to do this? My lack of skills in the water had almost killed me twice. First, when I could run no further because of the lake. Second, when my eager instructor tossed me in.
I stiffened at the memory—sinking, lungs screaming. HowpowerlessI’d felt. Well, I’d been powerless for far too long.
Yes. Yes, I was doing this. With Thorne, of all people.
With my back to the water, I quickly undressed, casting nervous glances over my shoulder to make sure he didn’t watch. In only a camisole and briefs, I perched on the edge and slid into the shallow end.
A sharp breath hissed through my teeth at the chill. I peered out into the pool—only to find I was alone.
“Thorne?” Worry seeped into my gut. Surely my swimming instructor hadn’t drowned. “Where are—”
Directly before me, a dark head surfaced. I shrieked as gleaming blue eyes appeared, mirth in their depths.
“Got you.” He grinned, water dripping from his nose.
I splashed him in the face, and he flinched with a bark of laughter.
“Ha. Ha.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Can we get on with the lesson?”
“Certainly. First, you need to learn how to float. On your back now.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.” I floated as instructed, gently moving my arms and legs. Easy enough. “Who taught you how to swim?” I asked, forgetting my ears were underwater.
