The river hurled them downstream like rag dolls. The icy water clawed at Elena’s clothes, dragging her under before she fought to the surface again. Her teeth chattered, lungs burning. She kicked wildly, trying to keep up with Adrian’s powerful strokes.
“Almost there!” he shouted over the rush of current. “Stay with me!”
The shore blurred past — dark trees, flickering streetlamps far above. The current twisted, spinning her sideways. Her fingers grazed something solid — a low concrete pillar jutting from the water.
Adrian caught her arm and hauled her against the pillar. “Here!” he gasped, voice raw. “There’s a landing ahead — old ferry dock!”
She clung to the slick concrete, shivering violently. “I can’t—”
“Yes, you can.” He locked his hands around her waist, kicking hard, propelling
