Chapter 3
1115 Words
He shrugs, grabbing a towel from the nearby rack.
"You weren't supposed to be back till Sunday," Maria replies, clearly flustered.
“Plans changed.”
He casually flexes his biceps, showing off rippling muscles and tattoos that seem to worship the beauty of his body. Sunlight dances across his skin, casting a glow that makes him look almost unreal. His dark hair glistens, and the mansion’s ambient lighting only adds to his allure.
Then his eyes settle on me again.
A grin spreads across his face “You're Stephanie, right? Nice to finally meet you.”
And just like that, he dives back into the pool.
My heart thuds. Finally? He knew about me?
Maria shoots me a look, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
I glance down at my thin bikini, suddenly hyper-aware of every inch of exposed skin and how little it covers. My chest feels too present. I shift my weight and nearly lose my footing.
"You alright?" Maria asks, concern laced in her voice as she resumed swimming leisurely.
"Yeah" I reply, regaining my balance. Why did I even bother with the pool today. It wasn't like I could swim. Maria was far too persuasive for her good.
I hadn’t expected Damien to have this much effect on me.
"Steph! Earth to Stephanie. You've got that spaced out look."
Sorry I-“
“Are you just going to stay there? It would be a shame if you didn’t enjoy the pool. Try as we practiced, throw in those strokes.”
My body flushed warm and cold all at once. I was painfully aware of the third presence; distant, yet somehow overwhelming. The pool was large, and Damien wasn’t near us, but his presence wrapped around me like a second skin. I panicked. My arms flailed, unsure of where to go or what to do. My face dipped beneath the surface, releasing bubbles as water rushed into my lungs.
Maria swam toward me just as my head shot up, I coughed violently. Spluttering like a drowned rat.
“Take it easy girl.”
Warm strong arms encircled my body, rubbing my back as i coughed out the water.
“I’ll get her out”
“Thanks Damien” Maria replied gratefully
“Dam-ien” I spluttered his name, stunned. He’d been so far away moments ago. How did he get here so fast?
He laid me gently on the poolside tiles. My nose stung, and heat spread across my cheeks as I sat up quickly, trying to regain composure.
Maria’s worried eyes met mine.
“I’m fine. Believe me,”I said, forcing a smile.
“I won’t push you about swimming again”
I coughed again, breath catching in my throat.
“Thanks,” I muttered, though my voice cracked. His hand was still around my waist, and I could feel heat pooling in my stomach.
Maria noticing my discomfort “Damien release her”
“I was only trying to help” raised hands in surrender as he stood up, creating distance between us.
I struggled not to look at him, but I’d already caught a glimpse while he knelt beside me, and now my body felt like it was on fire.
Maria lowered her 5’8 frame, hands outstretched to assist me to my feet.
“Just a little cold,” I said sheepishly, taking her hand.
“You should be warming up in the sun. Let’s get you a towel anyway.”
I nodded, then noticed her bikini bottoms slipping slightly.
“Your pants, tie them. The rope’s loose.”
“Oh this?” she smiled casually fixing her pink bikini pants.
The side porch came into view as I hurried behind Maria, who was already bounding up the stairs two at a time.
“Wait up! You know my legs aren’t that long,”I called, breathless.
“I’m trying to be quick with that towel,” she tossed back.
“Don’t bother. I’ll just use the shower in your bedroom,” I said, cutting through the wide kitchen.
She paused mid-step and turned to face me. “I could whip something up while you shower.”
I glanced at her, water dripping from her hair, leaving a trail behind her.
“Your mom’s going to flip if she sees this.”
Right. Let’s hurry.”
As we passed the hallway, the door to Damien’s room stood slightly ajar. Dark mahogany furnishings peeked through, stark against the pale walls of the house. His room felt like a secret. Quiet, and tempting. It pulled at my curiosity like a thread.
But Maria would notice if I wandered.
“So… your brother. Are you two close?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
She gave me a look.
“Weird question. You know he’s rarely home long enough.”
“Right.”
“His presence doesn’t bother you, does it? He can be intimidating sometimes, but he’s cool. At least, I think he is…”
Her voice trailed off as she disappeared into the bathroom. Moments later, her blonde curls emerged wrapped in a towel, which she tossed into the wicker basket.
“Drawer to your left for spare towels.”
“Thanks,” I said to the closed door, my eyes flicking from the drawer to the door.
Maria’s room was soft and girlish. Lilac walls dotted with Disney princess stickers. I grabbed a towel, but the sudden ring of her phone pulled my attention to the queen-sized bed.
“Probably important,” I thought, heading toward the kitchen with the phone in hand.
Then I saw him.
A silhouette - tall, still, commanding.
I tried to look away, but his gaze locked onto mine, holding me in place. He stepped forward, and I saw it, the sculpted chest, the effortless strength. I swallowed hard.
His fingers beckoned. His eyes pulled me in. My feet moved before I could think.
“That’s right, come to me, little wynx,” he whispered.
His finger pressed to his lips, a silent command.
I nodded too quickly, too eagerly.
“Obedient. I like that.”
He moved with grace, took my hands in his. His smile was brief, but it lingered.
“You are beautiful.”
“Yes,” I breathed, barely recognizing my own voice.
Damien closed the door behind him with quiet, deliberate grace, like a predator circling its prey. He moved toward me, and I felt the wall press against my back. My skin prickled with awareness, every nerve suddenly alive.
He leaned in, his face close to my neck. I could feel his breath, warm and slow.
“Delicious,” he murmured. “I could eat you up.”
- Writer
