Page 5

Chapter Four

What are you doing, Beauty?

I can feel your pulse hammering under my fingers.

You’re agitated, no, downright upset, and you were about to do something unspeakably stupid. Why are you doing this? What makes you want to be at the bottom of the pool again? I don’t understand you.

That’s why I had to stop you from making a huge mistake again. When I saw you for the first time the other day, I felt like I had to save you.

I was on my roof replacing the old shingles.

This house sold for a steep price due to its many half-finished renovations. However, I'm not short on money and welcome the distraction. I enjoy working with my hands and fixing things—it’s a welcome change from the stress of recent years.

When I saw you sink into the water and you didn’t resurface, I didn’t think twice and jumped off the ladder and over the fence in one leap. Right as I was going to jump in to get you, you emerged. And then I saw it, the deep sadness in your beautiful eyes. But you should have everything you need, don’t you…?

However, considering your argument with your husband, your world doesn’t appear as intact as you might want everyone to believe. When I arrived home on my motorcycle just now, I noticed how he grabbed you, and you slapped him. I’m proud of you, Beauty.

You’re a wildcat who has forgotten how to roar in captivity. Who has forgotten how sharp her teeth and claws are. Baby, you are deadly. Don’t forget that.

I don’t know what about you fascinates me so much that I’m standing in your pool in jeans, sneakers, and a shirt, holding you by the wrist to keep you from doing something stupid. I shouldn’t care because, after all, you’re taken and older than me. Not really my type. Usually …

And yet here I am in wet clothes, looking into your beautiful green cat eyes. Yes, you’re a wildcat, baby. And I’ll give you back your roar—like the proud lioness you are deep inside.