Page 61 of Rescuing Mia
Reluctantly, I meet his gaze, my heart skipping a beat at the intensity I find there.
“Do you trust me?” he asks, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of my hand.
I hesitate, my mind warring with my heart. I want to say yes, to let myself get lost in the promise of his words, but the logical part of me, the part that’s been running and hiding for so long, holds me back.
“I don’t know if I can do it,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “The water, the sharks, th-the unknown. It’s all just too much.”
I really want to do it, if only because it seems so important to him. Maybe that’s the part of me desperate to please.
Maybe I should trust him?
“I understand,” he says softly, his fingers tightening around mine. “You can hold my hand and cling to me if you need to. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”
There’s something in his voice, a fierce protectiveness that makes me want to believe him. He stares deeply into my eyes and my resistance crumbles.
“Okay,” I say, at last, my heart hammering in my chest. “Let’s do it.”
“Yeah?” Rigel’s face splits into a grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Yeah. But if I get eaten by a shark, I’m totally blaming you.” I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips.
“Fair enough.” He laughs, the sound warm and rich. “But I have a feeling you’re going to love it, Mia. Just wait and see.” He stands to leave, then leans in close, his lips brushing against my ear. “Meet me on the lower deck in half an hour, and don’t forget your snark repellent.”
“You’re impossible.” I swat at him playfully, shaking my head as he dodges away.
“But you love me anyway,” he calls over his shoulder, flashing me a cheeky grin.
And it’s true. I do. For some oddball reason, I’ve fallen head over heels for a man I barely know.
But don’t I know him?
He’s brave. He helps others. He’s a natural protector of those weaker than himself. He risked his life for duty to his country—a country I desperately hope will accept my plea for asylum.
I watch him go, my heart fluttering in my chest. He’s right, of course. Despite my fears, despite the secrets that threaten to tear us apart, I do love him. And maybe, just for today, I can let myself embrace that feeling.
With a deep breath, I head back to my cabin to change into my swimsuit. It’s time to face my fears and let Rigel show me the beauty of the world beneath the waves.
Chapter Twenty-Five
MIA
The sun beatsdown on my back as I sit on the edge of the dive platform, my toes dangling just above the crystal-clear water. Rigel is beside me, his presence a steady comfort as he hands me a snorkel and mask. He helps me adjust the straps of my mask and explains the basics.
“Ready?”
“I think so.” My voice trembles slightly.
I’m really doing this?
I take a deep breath, the scent of sunscreen and saltwater filling my lungs.
He shows me how to put on the mask and adjust the straps. “Okay, now let me explain how to breathe through the snorkel. It’s important to keep the top of the snorkel above water at all times. If water does get in, just blow forcefully through the mouthpiece to clear it out.”
“What if I can’t clear it out?” My eyes widen, and a surge of panic rises in my chest. “What if I can’t breathe?”
“Mia, I promise you’ll be fine.” He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “If you feel uncomfortable at any point, just lift yourhead out of the water and take a breath. I’ll be right there with you the whole time.”
I nod, trying to calm my racing heart.