Page 86 of 2 Books in One Bundle

Swallowing thickly, he lowered his voice just a little as he placed his hands on her arms. ‘We’re just going to get you used to a simple movement.’

He felt her shudder but pushed on, moving her arms in slow circles.

‘I’m no expert, but shouldn’t I be doing thisinthe water,’ she teased.

‘You could try, but I don’t think you would enjoy being underwater all that much. I hear breathing is difficult.’

‘Fair enough.’

How was it that she made him smile, laugh so easily, when that was the last thing he wanted to do. Why did she make him feel lighter?

Vasili made her practise the strokes until he was certain that she was doing them perfectly.

‘Now come to the side,’ he instructed. ‘You’re going to hold on to the wall and kick your legs. Don’t worry, I will be holding you,’ he added, when he could see she was about to protest.

He helped her into position, placing his hands on her stomach under the water, holding her up while she learnt how to kick the right way. He could hear himself giving her directions, but all he could think about was that she was exactly as soft as he’d thought. That he wanted to say screw the swimming lesson so he could hold her against his body and show her what that damn bikini was doing to him.

Slowly he moved her away from the wall so she could get used to the feel of the water.

‘Don’t panic. I’ve got you. I’m not letting go.’

He never wanted to, and now he was cursing himself for offering to teach her—because he might not be able to see her beautiful face or her tempting breasts, but he had a constant eyeful of her perfect derriere. Everything about her was perfect. It was driving him mad.

Every time he had her doing a different movement she would clutch onto him as if he was her lifeline, her body rubbing against his. His hands were all over her, and he was going crazy with want. He couldn’t think straight any longer. All he wanted to do was press her against the wall and kiss her. Kiss her until she knew nothing but his name. Hear her scream out for him as he pleasured her in every way he knew for as long as possible.

He drew her back to the shallow end, putting a little distance between them. He had to, or he would have no willpower left.

‘I think that’s enough for one day.’

‘Oh. Um...okay.’ She frowned.

‘It’s been hours. I don’t think you want to exhaust yourself on the first day.’

Excuses. And flimsy ones at that. He was trying to run from her because she made him let down his guard. She made him feel less alone. And he couldn’t give that power to her.

‘Vasili...?’ he heard Helia say.

Maybe it had been a mistake, marrying her. If he had listened to Andreas and married some princess he didn’t care about he wouldn’t be tempted like this. Wouldn’t be so attracted to her that he was in physical pain. He would have loathed her too much ever to get close.

‘Are you okay?’

Helia had started moving closer to him, and all he could do was make his way to the steps.

‘Yes, I’ve just remembered I have some things to take care of. Will you be okay to entertain yourself?’

‘Yes, of course.’

He nodded once and then, without another look at his wife, Vasili grabbed his towel and disappeared into the chalet.

CHAPTER EIGHT

HELIASTOODBEFOREthe large mirror in the bedroom, painting a deep red colour on her lips. She had been told that as Queen she would need to be ready to be photographed at any time. Day or night. If she was in public, she was fair game. And, while she hoped they would have privacy in this secluded, empty resort, there were still boats out on the water. Who knew which of those were equipped with telephoto lenses? Helia couldn’t take any chances.

The sun had gone down, but the air was still warm. Which was a good thing, because the white toga-like dress she wore offered little protection from the elements.

Vasili had left a note saying they would be dining together. She supposed that to the world they were on honeymoon, and it would be highly unusual if they weren’t seen together.

As Helia walked along the path, she couldn’t stop thinking about their time in the pool earlier.