Page 42 of Covert Desires

The realization is both unsettling and liberating.

Before the old doubts can creep in, I strip down completely. The cool night air caresses my bare skin, and I feel a flicker of my old confidence.

Without looking back, I sprint towards the water.

The sand shifts beneath my feet, and I plunge into the waves without hesitation, letting the ocean wash away my troubles.

I lose myself in the rhythm of the swim.

Dive. Glide. Surface. Breathe.

Invigorating doesn't begin to describe it.

Each time I break the surface, my eyes seek out Nico. He's a dark silhouette against the moonlit sky, motionless on the blanket. Still there. Still waiting. (Much to my relief.)

Despite my threats, I don’t actually want to be forced to blow up the pretty brat with the moody eyes. I’ve gotten used to having him around, to who I am when he’s around. I like this version of myself.

Salt clings to my skin as I make my way back to shore with slow, deliberate strokes.

I can’t see Nico’s eyes in the dark as I approach, but I know they are glued to me, to my naked body, my muscular legs, my wide hips…probably my breasts.

But I feel no shame, no insecurity as I imagine his eyes on me. Instead, I straighten out my shoulders and walk proudly, decked out in nothing but salty water and semi-darkness.

Nico says nothing when I reach him; he just hands me the extra towel to dry myself.

“Thank you.” I smile, flopping down beside him with the towel around my hair.

Nico’s eyes are glued to my chest, just as I’ve predicted. He doesn’t even notice my scars, and if he does, he doesn’t let it show.

The poor man is virtually drooling. His hands are clenching and unclenching at his sides, his knees clamped firmly shut. I’m pretty sure he’s hard as fuck again.

Like a dormant volcano awakening, I feel power stirring deep within me with every second of Nico's attention. Each reaction from him sends the magma rising, heating my core and fueling my confidence.

“You didn’t run,” I remark, daringly seeking his gaze as I bask in the moonlight, digging my toes into the sand.

“I said I wouldn’t,” Nico says simply, not meeting my eyes.

“Well, good behavior needs to be rewarded too.” Much to both our surprise, I take the chain off my neck and push Nico’s knees apart slowly, his flimsily-tied towel flailing open.

His sharp intake of breath is loud as his skin instantly dots in shivers under my touch.

What are you doing, Kiah?

He’s my captive, I shouldn’t be seducing him.

This is highly unethical and incredibly stupid.

But I do it anyway.

Because I want to.

I wanthim.

So badly.

And out here, in the dark, with us both already virtually-naked, that need seems less insurmountable than inside the controlled environment of the inn.

“You’re unlocking me?” Nico asks in disbelief as I do just that, slipping the little key into the lock to wriggle the cage apart.

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