Page 20 of Bratva's Stolen Bride

“There’s no coral here?”

“On the other side of the island,” Feliks says. “If you can learn to equalise your ears, I’ll take you diving.”

“Really?” I say, surprised.

“Of course.”

“But why?” We’re both treading water, perhaps six feet apart now.

“You’re my prisoner to protect you, as I said. Not as punishment or torture.”

I think of what he told me about Ivan, and it’s the first chill I’ve had since we landed. Feliks is floating nearby, and I spin in the water so I’m on my back and take a few lazy strokes, propelling myself from the beach.

It’s picture-perfect as I look up at the afternoon sky and back at the beach house, palm trees, and curve of the sand around the corner.

We’re on the edge of the darker-blue water now, and I begin to paddle away from Feliks. All I can see of him is his head, his shoulders and body all hidden by the water.

“Not too far out, lisichka,” Feliks says.

“Why? Worried I’ll escape?” I turn and look over my shoulder. “Is that another island in the distance?” It’s difficult tomake out from here, but there’s a line of cloud on the horizon that could be land.

“I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble,” he answers gravely.

“Hum.” I make a sing-sonny teasing noise. “I think you just don’t want me to escape.”

I can swim well, but that far? I’m not sure. Maybe enough to get around the island, and find a way to get a message to Hayley. She’ll be freaking out by now. If we can dive on the other side of the island, maybe there’s diving equipment and other stuff there. A boat, for instance.

Casually, I swim away.

“Lisichka,” he says warningly.

“What does that mean?” I ask again, continuing to put distance between us, but his eyes are gleaming, and he’s following.

“Little fox.” I paddle a bit faster, turning to aim around the island rather than straight out to sea. Might I be quicker than Feliks? It’s unlikely, but right now I have the element of surprise. He doesn’t know what I’m going to do.

“Why a little fox?” I’m keeping talking to him to lull him into a false sense of security, not because I want the answer to why he’s given me a cute pet name.

“Because you’re clever, and quick, and beautiful,” he replies.

I glow with the compliment.

“But, little fox, although you can swim very well, you should be aware…” There’s something in his expression. Something feral and dangerous and arrogantly in control.

I bolt, launching my body into an efficient front crawl. My head goes down and I pound my arms through the water, kicking desperately.

He swears, and there’s a splashing sound.

I don’t look back, my heart racing.

I focus on breathing, my face snapping from one side to the other, dragging in air. The sun is hot, and yeah, there’s not much of a chance, but really? I have to take this opportunity, scant as it is.

For a moment I think I might escape. It’s a stupid, fleeting thought, born of blood that’s pounding and legs and arms already screaming at me.

Then something catches at my ankle. Hard.

I know it’s Feliks before my body does, and I flail as I come to a sudden stop and I’m sinking, my head going under, and my foot staying up, my bottom awkwardly sagging in the middle.

Then I’m hauled against a warm chest, and Feliks’ hands are under my armpits, holding me.