Page 80 of Lovers' Dance

“Poppet.” Matt was by the edge of the pool holding a hand out. “God. Are you all right?”

With shaking limbs, I swam over and grabbed his hand. “No. Do I look all right to you? I was almost eaten by those monsters.”

I planted my free hand against the edge and, with Matt’s help, hoisted myself out the pool. Only then did I notice the others, all staring at me in shock. I saw Adam, quietly chortling to himself, next to a man who looked like an older version of Matt and Adam. The woman clutching his arm was an immaculately dressed blonde woman, with icy reserve on her face. Behind her were twin girls, Matt’s nieces obviously, and I assume their mother, Matt’s sister, who was shushing their snickers. There was another man who kept opening and closing his mouth while shaking his head.

“Kill me now,” I murmured. The water pooled beneath my shoes.

Matt was too busy checking me over to pay heed to my embarrassment. “Did they bite you? Are you hurt?”

Dripping wet and shivering, I glared at Matt. He leaned back warily.

“Only my pride,” I whispered and straightened my shoulders. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your family?”

Matt’s mouth tightened, and his face started to go pink.The bastard was trying not to laugh.

“Ah, yes, of course.” He gingerly took my elbow and walked me towards the others. My feet were making squishy sounds in the heels and there was a trail of water behind me.

“Everyone, this is Madison.” He edged me forward, then began the introductions. “This is my father, William.”

“Hello,” I murmured politely, wet hand outstretched. I could feel the pins coming loose from my soaked curls. Matt’s dad eyed my hand. I smiled brightly and he shook it briefly.

“My mother, Portia.”

“Pleased to meet you.” My smile wavered at the look of distaste in her eyes, but I offered her my wet hand. She barely touched me before pulling away. Matt motioned to the chestnut-haired woman. “Hannah, my sister.”

“Hi,” I said, trying to fight back the tears. Could this night be any worse? Hannah took my hand and squeezed it lightly. I felt a bit better.

“Those are the twins, Terror and Trouble.”

“Uncle Matt.” They groaned in unison. I sent them a small wave, conscious of the water dripping from my dress.

“That’s Stuart, Hannah’s husband.” Matt pointed out the brown-haired gentleman. I managed a weak smile in his direction.

“And you already know Adam,” Matt said. His cheeks were stained red and he had a wide grin on his face.

“Hey, Adam.”

“Hello, Madi. You look quite fetching,” His eyes twinkled mischievously. “I heard the drenched look was all the rage this season. It suits you.”

I narrowed my eyes and Adam burst out laughing, making no effort to act with a respectable level of decorum. “Payback seems swift, does it not?”

Matt chuckled. I twisted my head up to glower at him. He pressed his lips together, choking back laughter. The twins peered over Hannah’s shoulders, giggling softly.

Matt finally gave in to his amusement, joining Adam in his boisterous laughter.

“Adam, Matthew,” his mother said coolly, “such childish behaviour I expect from the girls, not grown men. You’re embarrassing the young lady.”

I flashed her a grateful smile. She didn’t return it.Okay then.

“Uncle Matt,” one of the twins said. “She’s soaked. Natty and I will get her a change of clothes. We always have stuff here.”

“I knew there was a reason you two were my favourite nieces.” Matt took my elbow again and ushered me forward.

“We’re your only nieces,” the other one said softly.

The girls beckoned me over, and I glanced quickly at Matt. He nodded and pushed me forward, so with squishy steps I went over to the identical twins.

“I’m Natalia,” one said. “She’s Nicole, but everyone calls us Natty and Nikki.”

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