Deviant King (Royal Elite 1)

Aiden’s head cocks to the side in my direction. His wet inky hair falls in a perfectly imperfect mess across his forehead. Droplets of water draw a path along the fine hairs of his chest and the rippled abs and to underneath his black boxer briefs. I find myself following them as if I’m enchanted.

I’m supposed to be mad at him, damn it.

“I was coming to get you.”

I halt a safe distance away from the water. “I locked the door.”

“Do you think a locked door will keep me away from what’s mine, sweetheart?”

“I’m mad at you. If I want you to stay out, you’ll stay out.”

“Sure thing.” He doesn’t seem to believe a word I say. “Now, remove that robe and come join me.”

“No way!” My shout borders on hysterical as I fist my hand into the robe.

He tilts his head further. “Saying ‘no’ do

esn’t have to be your knee-jerk reaction to everything I ask.”

“It’s not that.” I motion vaguely at the pool. The bottom isn’t even visible. “Deep water scares me.”

His smokey gaze roams over me for a second as if he’s contemplating the information. “I’m on the steps. You won’t drown.”

“Still no.” I clutch the railings. “Besides, did you miss the part where I’m mad at you?”

“I’m mad at you, too. We can be mad at each other while you’re sitting on my lap.”

While my body is tempted by his offer, my gaze strays to the pool then away again. There’s no way I’m getting into the water. Hell, I can’t even look at it for more than a second without feeling something crawling along my skin.

“You can come willingly or I’ll drag you.”

I huff and turn to leave.

“Don’t run or I’ll feel the need to chase and conquer, sweetheart.”

A part of me wants to do just that and see his reaction, but for today, I’m a coward. And he’s right, we’re both mad at each other and I hate it.

I hate that we’re not close when this is my first visit to his house.

I open the robe and hang it on the railing, remaining in a sleeveless white T-shirt and boy shorts. My steps are cautious as I approach the pool where Aiden awaits me with a furrowed brow.

“How about we go to your room?” I ask as a last resort.

“Next time.”

Once I’m within reach, Aiden clasps his hand around my wrist and tugs me down. I yelp as I splash in the water to my middle. I land on his lap facing deep, dark water.

My heart slams in my chest, wanting out. Needing out. I feel the colour drain from my face as I continue staring at the water.

This isn’t real. It isn’t real.

“Hey,” Aiden’s hands snake along my neck. I turn around so my knees are on each side of his thighs on the steps and my chest is flush against his. I wrap my arms around his neck and hide my face in the crook of his shoulders, breathing heavily into his skin.

“Talk to me,” Aiden’s fingers dig into my hair and he undoes my bun, letting my hair fall to my shoulders.

“I hate it.” My voice trembles. “I hate so much water.”

“Why?”