SELENA'S POV
The cold water swallowed me whole.
My breath seized instantly, panic detonating through every nerve as I kicked wildly beneath the surface. Sound became muffled, lights above the water blurring into smears of color, my lungs tightening with a burn that climbed fast and merciless. My dress dragged at me, pulling me down, and my hands thrashed uselessly against the resistance. I can't swim. I can't…
Then a splash. Strong arms wrapped around my waist warm, familiar, certain and pulled upward with powerful strokes. We broke the surface and air slammed into my chest. I coughed violently, both hands clutching at him without thinking.
Alexander. His jaw was clenched so hard it looked painful, water streaming from his hair, his expensive suit completely destroyed, eyes burning w
