Page 43 of Tainted Romance

“It’s FR…EE…ZZINGGG…” I stuttered.

Ryder’s arm was still wrapped around me, and he was supporting my full weight in the water.

His hair was wet and clinging to his forehead. “God, you’re like a koala!” He chuckled in my ear while swimming us back to the bank.

Even with his remark, I didn’t make a move to unwrap my body around him; my arms were tight around his neck, and my legs were wrapped around his chest.

“You know, Allie, I think I like this.” He paused, and we floated in the water.

“Whaatt?”

“You wrapped around me.” He winked.

“P..Perv,” I stuttered at him.

Once we hit the bank, he helped push me up on it. Shaking and wearing barely anything, I started to climb up the bank. Ryder was right behind me, and every time I stumbled, he was there to catch me and every time he did, my skin burnt with his touch.

“If I look back and you’re staring at my ass, I will punch you,” I threatened then grinned over my shoulder.

Ryder smirked widely at me and raised his hands. “Wouldn’t dream of it, koala. “

“So, how was the dip, you two?” Jake’s amused smile was beaming. "Bit cold?"

It was Jake's taunting grin that had me wanting to throw him into the darn creek.

“WHAT…THE…FUCK!”

Jake and Cassie spun around, and my eyes landed on a pair of eyes that sent chills through me. Standing behind them was Zane. Zane bloody Harris.

He wasn’t mad, he was furious.

Our deadlock was broken when Ryder stepped in front of me, and now all I could see was his bare back.

“What do you want, little brother?” Ryder handed a towel to me which I was quick to wrap around me.

Zane’s breathing was hard and sure it was quiet, but I knew I was morefocused on it than anyone else would be.

“I came looking for Allie.”

My ears perked up. Ryder stepped out of my way and ran a towel over his head. “Well, here she is.” He shot me a lopsided grin.

My eyes drifted to Zane’s, and the coldness of the water was nothing compared to the ice in his eyes right now.

‘You’re naked with my brother.’His voice filled my mind.

‘Leave me alone.’I tightened the towel around me.‘And I’m not naked.’

“So, are you going to say something, little brother, or just keep staring at her?” Ryder piped up and looked between us.

Zane grunted. “Dad just sent me to make sure she didn’t run away.” Zane’s cold glare locked with mine again. “Clearly she hasn’t.”

“Well, now that your detective career is over, you can piss off now.”

Zane turned around and stormed away. I could feel the anger radiating from him. I knew I could feel it more because of my connection with him, but still, I hoped no one else picked up on it.

“So, how about we warm up, you coming, Allie?” Ryder asked, and the other two were already walking back to the house talking amongst themselves. They didn't seem confused by Zane's appearance or snappy attitude.

“Sure.” I smiled at him and, while it was only half a smile and forced, it was still a smile. Trust Zane to ruin a night that was going so well.

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