Page 13 of Dario

"I know, sweetheart. The bastard got away. I'm sorry, Gemma."

"You saved me," I whisper into his ear and feel him shudder.

"Let's get you out of the water." He moves us to the edge of the pool. "Can you get out, Gemma, if I help you?"

I whimper, not wanting to let him go. "I want to stay with you."

"Sweetheart, I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

I tighten my grip—there is not an inch between us. It's in this position that I realize Dario is aroused. His erection pulsates where it rests between my legs. His big hands land on my bottom and he squeezes. I moan and rock against him. My nipples feel tight and rub against his bare chest.

"Gemma," he growls. "If you keep rubbing your gorgeous body against me, I won't be able to get out of the pool without embarrassing us both."

I freeze. "Oh! God!" I try to move, but he won't let me.

"Stay still," he grins. "That wasn't a complaint," he rumbles in my ear. "I'm wearing speedos that are too small to hold my erection." He chuckles. "Come on. You need a warm drink after the shock. I want to see the security footage, too."

"I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too." At the edge of the pool, he takes me in his arms and pushes me up and out of the pool with hands on my bottom. When I'm out, he follows. I may be in shock at what has happened, but I still stare at his crotch. His package bulges, and he taps my leg with a chuckle. "Enough of that." He moves away, grabbing some towels and helps me to my feet. He gets a good look at me and his eyes light up. "What are you wearing?" he growls, wrapping a towel around me.

"A swimsuit."

He quickly wraps a towel around himself, but not before I notice the effect I have on him.

My legs become wobbly, and I let out a little whimper. Before I collapse, Dario picks me up in his arms and carries me to the men's locker room.

He puts me on a bench and presses a finger to my lips. I nod.

He walks through the large room. "We're alone."

"I wish I'd looked to see who it was. I've never been good at opening my eyes under water."

"I'll find out who it was. I promise."

"I'm cold, Dario."

"I'll warm you up." He pulls me onto his lap and presses me against him. "Hold on to me. I won't let you fall."

I accept the comfort he gives me by straddling his legs and holding on to him. He strokes my back and I listen to his heartbeat, which calms me. So much so that I become drowsy.

"Gemma?"

"Hmm?”

"I'm going to put you on the bench while I get dressed, then I'll help you. I want to stop by the emergency room and get you checked out. I'm sure you've got some water in your lungs."

I don't argue because he's right. I do need to have my lungs checked.

"We also need to file a police report."

"As much as I hate the idea, I know it's some- thing that needs to be done." I burst into tears and his arms tighten. "Someone tried to kill me, Dario?"

He presses my face into his neck. "He won't get another chance, Gemma. I promise you that." Pause. "Who knows you're swimming at this hour and that you're doing it here?"

I frown. "No one. I don't talk about it."

"They could have seen you, like I did the other morning."