Eve
The moment Axel stepped into the garden, I caught his scent long before he reached the lake. It was distinct, and even if my nose was doused with a thousand other scents, I would still recognize it.
I didn’t need to turn around to know he was there, watching.
And tonight, I would let him.
My toes curled over the water before slipping in, sending a shock through my limbs, but I didn’t flinch. Instead, I took off my robe and let my body sink into its embrace with an unhurried, deliberate movement.
I let myself float for a moment, my limbs slicing through the water, sending ripples that danced across the pool. My hair fanned out behind me as I swam slowly, taking my time, feeling the weight of Axel’s stare pressing against my skin.
He hadn’t moved.
