***
I stretched and stifled a yawn. Hard to believe we’d flown here today. It felt like a week ago when I stepped onto the island. After the gardens, we had entered Tonbo’s estate. One glance at Blake and me had informed Tonbo the grand tour would probably have to wait for tomorrow. Always gracious, Tonbo had fed us a delicious meal and showed us to our own private guest chambers. Each of us had our own room off the same hall. Blake had planted a kiss on my lips and told me to rest for a minute. He had a few things to discuss with Tonbo.
I glanced around the room. A canopy bed with privacy curtains pulled back, a lounging area with its own sectional couch and flat-screen TV, a fountain occupying a wall with a pool of water at least four-feet deep and six-foot long at its base.
I leaned over and ran my hand through it, surprised to discover the water was warm. Tempted to just jump in, I wondered when Blake would return. Did I have time for a quick bath? Watching the water drip from my fingers, I made a rash decision and locked my bedroom door. He said to rest and I can think of no better way than this.
I shimmied out of my dress. Having never actually put it on before, it proved a bit tricky to take off, since it was skintight. Once it cleared my hips and fell to the floor, I kicked it away with my foot. Done looking like I’m heading to the prom or the Grammy’s. Wonder if I throw it away, if it can appear again?
I grinned as I tossed it in the nearest trashcan. “Take that. I’d rather wear a Mumu. Now, this is a bath,” I murmured as I got in and lay down. Bubbles blew out from my nose as I pushed myself in all the way, the water covering me completely. It felt wonderful to wash all the stickiness from my skin. Feeling my body’s buoyancy, I figured it was salt water and opened my eyes under water. I dug my toes into the side, forcing my body to go down deeper. My thoughts begin to wander, all sounds muffled out by the steady roar of water cascading down the rocks. I closed my eyes, totally relaxed. I supposed warning bells should have gone off in my head. I am resting under water… perhaps not the best plan. This would have terrorized me six months ago.
I didn’t know how long I’d been under, it felt like it had only been seconds, but the next thing I knew, hands grabbed my waist, pulling me out of my ‘tub’ with a whoosh, water splashing everywhere. I tried to get my bearings as I sucked air in. I hadn’t realized how bad my lungs were burning.
“Sam! Sam! Are you okay?” Blake’s voice belted out. Then I discovered I was cradled in his arms—naked. My wings poked out haphazardly as his arm held me up.
“Blake!” I screamed, desperate to cover myself with my arms, pulling my legs in higher with his other hand still under my knees. “What are you doing?” I scrambled around, not sure if I should lean into his chest or away.
He shoved a towel in my direction, averting his eyes. It felt like both of his hands were all too painfully on me. I wondered if he grabbed it with his teeth. The towel hit me in the nose.
He sputtered. “What am I doing? You looked like you’d drowned!”
I snatched it from my face, trying to cover myself. He seemed frantic, but I was even more so. “Put me down!” I commanded.
He did and I finished wrapping the towel around myself, a bit tricky with wings.
“I was just taking a bath! Why were you in here?” I asked, swiping the wet hair from my eyes. My hands shook, the whole situation mortifying.
Blake wasn’t smirking or acting like a regular teenage boy might upon seeing a naked girl. He seemed agitated, worried. His breathing was hard, his brow still creased together.
“Just taking a bath?” he repeated, like he hadn’t heard me.
“Yeah, don’t you go under sometimes too?” I spat. I knew my anger was all a front, my face flaming red. I’d never been more embarrassed in my life. I didn’t do naked. I was the girl who hid in the corner while dressing for gym class, praying no one noticed me. I’d always been shy in that department. My sisters had no trouble flaunting their skin, but I did. Well, this just took the cake. I’ll never live this down.
“You didn’t answer the door for a long time. I thought the bug had gotten you. I broke in,” Blake answered.
I peeked at the door; sure enough, it lay wide open, with one of the bottom hinges busted out.
“Wow, I…” I began.
He cut me off. “I’m just glad you’re fine. Sorry I freaked you out.”
He took a step towards me, and I held out my hand. “Wait,” I warned. I felt way too exposed still, and dripping wet in a towel didn’t help.
“Permission to hug you, I swear, only hug,” He lifted an eyebrow. “Unless, of course, you want more than that.”
“Let me get dressed first. I don’t trust you,” I said, giving him a weak smile. Or myself, I should have added.
Hidden Monster Page 45
