Chapter 4

ANGEL

I sat on a sun lounger by the poolside, letting the warmth sink into my skin. Zenaida was not around today, which meant I was free to do whatever I wanted.

I closed my eyes and breathed in slowly, enjoying the moment. For once, my mind was calm.

Then I heard footsteps drawing closer. I did not bother opening my eyes.

Suddenly, someone dived into the pool.

Water splashed violently, drenching my clothes and face. I gasped as my eyes flew open. When I looked up, I saw George in the pool, grinning from ear to ear as if he had just pulled off something hilarious.

I let out a tired sigh and chose to shrug it off. I did not want trouble anymore.

I stood up and turned toward the house, ready to leave when his voice cut through the air.

“Hey! Come here!” he called out.

I stopped and glanced at him over my shoulder. “Me?” I asked, pointing at myself.

He scowled, clearly irritated. “Is there anyone else around besides you?”

I hesitated, then walked toward the pool at an unhurried pace.

“What?” I asked calmly. “Do you need something?”

He rested his arms on the edge of the pool, water dripping down his shoulders. “Get me some snacks and fresh drinks,” he said firmly. “Bring them here within ten minutes.”

I nodded. Arguing would only make things worse.

Inside the kitchen, I prepared everything he asked for. One of the maids offered to do it for me, but I shook my head with a small smile. I was worried it would take too long and that he might lose his temper with me again.

When I returned to the pool, I placed the tray carefully on the sun lounger and called him out. He lifted his head from the water, his eyes locking onto me. I turned around, ready to walk away, but he called me again.

“Hey. Wait a minute. Come here,” he said in a commanding tone.

I sighed. I walked toward him and stopped at the edge of the pool. He stretched a hand out to me. I just stared at it.

“Help me get up,” he demanded.

Without thinking, I took his hand. I pulled, helping him climb out of the pool. Water streamed down his body as he shook his head, droplets flying everywhere.

A mischievous smirk curved his lips. My breath left me in a sharp gasp as he suddenly pushed me into the pool.

My body sank before I could even react. The pool was deep. I kicked, flailing, trying to push myself upward, but my movements were wrong. Panic crashed into me all at once.

I didn’t know how to swim.

I lifted my hands, my mouth opening to scream for help. But the only sound that answered me was George’s laughter.

Water burned my throat as it rushed in, and my vision started to blur. I couldn’t breathe.

I was going to die.

Just as everything began to fade, strong hands grabbed me and yanked me out of the pool.

I coughed violently as I was forced upright, water spilling from my mouth. My legs barely held me up. I heard footsteps rushing closer, someone calling my name over and over, but I did not have the strength to look. My head spun, and my heart was still pounding like it was trying to escape my chest.

All I could think about was how close I had been to drowning.

Suddenly, arms wrapped around me.

I stiffened as George pulled me against him, pressing my face to his bare chest. His hand moved slowly along my back.

I tried to push him away, but my arms were weak and trembling. He only tightened his grip.

“Stay away,” I whispered.

I struggled to catch my breath, still choking on the water I had swallowed.

“Angel.”

My eyes widened when I heard that familiar voice.

I shoved George hard. My gaze snapped to my husband. His eyes drifted slowly to George’s arm, still wrapped around my waist.

I pulled away at once. A low chuckle slipped from George. I ignored him and kept my eyes on Gideon, trying to read what was going on in his head.

“She slipped and fell into the pool,” George explained casually. “Good thing I was here to save her.”

My jaw dropped as I looked at him. Fell? He pushed me!

Before I could speak, Gideon turned his back on us and started walking away. My feet moved on their own, and I hurried after him.

“Gideon,” I called out. “It’s not what you think it is.”

He didn’t slow down. I quickened my steps, reaching for him, desperate to make him look at me.

When he finally turned to face me, his expression was ice cold. Then the corner of his lips lifted slowly, mocking.

“Why? What do you expect me to think?”

I blinked, thrown off. “Huh?”

His eyes narrowed just a bit. “Are you assuming something else?”

I swallowed. “You’re not… mad?”

A short laugh escaped him. “Of course not. Why would I be?” He tilted his head, studying me. “Do you seriously expect me to be jealous over that? That’s ridiculous. I can’t believe you’re that delusional.”

“No. It’s not like that,” I said quickly.

“Tell me, are you flirting with my brother?” he asked.

My jaw dropped at his accusation.

“No!” My voice rose a bit as I defended myself. “Of course not. Why would I do that?”

“I’m not mad,” he grinned. “Actually, it would be better if you ended up with him.”

My chest tightened. “What are you talking about?”

“At least then, you’d finally have a reason to leave me.”

The words hit harder than a slap.

“In that way, I can finally be with the woman I love,” he added.