Alessio’s dark eyes locked onto mine for a moment, his expression unreadable. My chest tightened, waiting for his response, but instead of answering, his lips curled into a wicked grin.
“What—” I began, but before I could finish, his hands moved under the water, grabbing my sides.
“Alessio!” I gasped as he tickled me mercilessly, his fingers dancing along my ribs. I tried to squirm away, but the water made it impossible.
“Stop it!” I squealed, laughing despite myself as I twisted and turned, trying to escape his grip.
He chuckled, the sound deep and amused as he leaned closer. “Avoiding the question? Me? Never.”
“You’re impossible!” I managed to say between fits of laughter. “You’re a coward!”
“Coward?” he repeated, his tone mock-offended. “I’ll show you a coward.” His hands moved lo
