Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Removing my wrap and setting it down on one of the lounge chairs lined up next to the pool, I slipped off my flip flops, aware of Rhys watching me, and dipped a toe in the water. It was soothingly warm as I lowered down into it, sitting on a step and chuckling as I watched the boys play around. Rhys glanced my way then waded through the water toward me.
“Not coming any farther?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.
I threw my eyes to the others. “It’s a bit of a warzone over there. I’m not sure it’s safe.”
Rhys beckoned me. “It’s safe. I’ll protect you.”
My chest fluttered. Was it my imagination that I heard flirtation in his statement, a warm promise? “Oh, yeah? Well, how can I say no to an offer like that.”
Wading into the water, I gave Rhys a little splash, and he chuckled. “What are you doing?”
“Splashing you. You’re supposed to splash me back.”
“Ah,” he said, a smile in his eyes. “Is that how it goes?”
“Uh huh,” I replied, wading closer to him until there was barely an inch between us. I was so lost in his deep blue eyes I didn’t notice Tristan climbing onto the diving board until he yelled, “Cannonball!” and launched himself into the water. I gasped when a giant wave crashed over Rhys and me, drenching both of us. I choked when some of the chlorine water went up my nose.
“Fuck, Tristan,” Rhys shouted. “Take it easy, will you? You nearly bloody drowned Charli.”
Tristan wore a sheepish expression. “My bad. Sorry, Charli!”
“It’s okay. I’m all right,” I said, a little obsessed with the angry slant of Rhys’ mouth. He was mad on my behalf, and I quite liked that, actually.
“We made more cocktails,” Nuala declared as she and Milly appeared, clad in bikinis and each carrying a tray.
“Yes!” Aidan said, immediately swimming towards them.
“I don’t think more alcohol is wise,” Derek pointed out, frowning in his sister’s direction, his eyes flickering to Milly briefly, and I noticed his Adam’s apple bob. She wore a royal blue bikini, courtesy of Nuala, and the colour complimented her creamy pale skin. The girl was tiny, but she also had curves.
“One more won’t hurt,” Nuala said with a cheeky grin as she neared the edge of the pool and set down the tray. Rhys glanced at me. “You want one?”
I shook my head, placing a hand on his shoulder as I quietly replied, “Wait a minute. All is not as it seems.”
He sent me a curious look as Nuala selected a glass and approached her brother, holding it out to him. Tristan took the offered drink without question and knocked back a gulp. I expected him to immediately spit it out with a grimace, but he only smacked his lips and smiled, “Ah, delicious.”
Nuala frowned in confusion just as Aidan spat out his drink, spraying it everywhere. “What the fuck, Nuala? Is that salt?”
Her frown deepened as she looked from Aidan to her brother, an oh shit expression on her face as her hands went to her cheeks. “I freaking told you to clearly mark the glass,” I said, chuckling as Nuala sent Aidan an apologetic glance.
“Shit, that was meant for Tristan,” she said. “Milly and I were going to get him back for the ice water prank by putting salt in his cocktail.”
Derek laughed at that, his gaze warm on Milly as he said, “I didn’t know you were so devious.”
She smiled shyly. “I’m full of surprises.”
Tristan wore a giant grin, having avoided payback. “And lady luck shines upon me once again.”
“My mouth tastes disgusting,” Aidan complained, sticking out his tongue as though to rid the salty taste while glowering at everyone.
“I’m sorry. Here, have another. I promise there’s no salt in this one,” Nuala said, holding out a fresh glass.
Aidan took it grumpily, knocking it back in several thirsty gulps to wash the foul taste from his mouth.
“You guys need to swear off doing pranks,” I said to the twins. “You’re both clearly terrible at them.”
Aidan’s annoyed eyes landed on me. “You knew about this, Moretti?”
I shrugged. “I may have had some prior knowledge.”
“That’s it. You’re getting dunked for not warning us.”
He started wading through the water towards me, and I squealed, hiding behind Rhys, my arm going around his broad shoulders as I clung to him. “Now’s the time to make good on your promise to protect me,” I said in his ear, suddenly aware my boobs were plastered to his back.
A small shudder went through him when he cast me a smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t let him get you.”
Those words made my belly flutter as Aidan reached us. “Get out of the way, Rhys.”
“Sorry, man, she’s under my protection.” Rhys was a solid wall between Aidan and me as I continued to cling to him.