CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“You want me to swim? With him, naked? You’ve lost your minds. You’re all mad. I can’t do that,” she said shaking her head emphatically, staring at the swimming form of Cole in the dim evening light.
“You have to trust them, Hala. The waters have healing properties due to enzymes, proteins and other magical things,” said Cole. “Please. I’ll turn my back.”
“We all will,” said Ajei. “Leave your clothing on the bench and just jump in the water. I promise, you will come out as a new woman.”
“I think you’re all mad but I’ll do it out of curiosity,” she said calmly. When they turned their backs, she slowly took her clothing off and lay it on the bench. With Cole facing the waterfall, she walked down the dock and jumped in the water. When she surfaced, she felt lighter, happier.
“It’s warm! I didn’t expect it to be so warm,” she smiled.
“We’ll meet you guys back at the cafeteria,” said Ajei. “Don’t be too long.”
Cole swam toward her, careful to keep his distance as she smiled at him.
“I don’t understand any of this, Cole. It doesn’t seem possible, and yet, I’m feeling wonderful.” She touched her shoulder, then reached behind her to feel her back. “They’re gone. My scars. They’re gone. How?”
“The same way my broken bones are healed and I’m able to swim,” smiled Cole.
“This place is so magical. How?” she whispered.
“Those are things we may never know,” said Cole. “This property, this entire place is magical in ways we can’t explain. Belle Fleur is an amazing place.”
“Belle Fleur? Is that the name of this town?” she asked. Cole chuckled at her idea that they were living in a small town, although it could have been a reality.
“Sort of. It’s the name of the plantation and farm. Our company is called Voodoo Guardians.”
“Voo-Voodoo Guardians,” she repeated, suddenly terrified.
“Yes. What’s wrong?”
“Cole. Cole, I have to leave here. My grandfather spoke of this company all the time. He talked about destroying them in any way he could. He wants to destroy all of you.”
She tried to swim away but Cole reached for her waist, pulling her naked body to his own.
“You’re not leaving me, Hala. Not now.”
“Cole, I have to!”
“Do you have feelings for me? Do you feel anything at all as we float here, skin to skin, body against body? If not, I’ll let you go.”
“I-I can’t lie to you. Of course I feel it. I’m attracted to you and have feelings when I shouldn’t. It’s too soon.” Cole chuckled, shaking his head.
“In our time, it’s not too soon,” he said brushing the hair from her face. He kissed her nose, then worked his way to her mouth, softly kissing her, gently prying her lips apart.
“That feels wonderful,” she murmured.
“Mmhmm,” he moaned, pulling her legs around his waist. He was so hard it was painful and he wanted to take her, right there in the pond, but knew it wasn’t time.
“M-maybe we should get dressed and eat,” she said quietly.
“I think you’re right. Because if we stay here, I will make love to you, Hala and make you mine. Forever.”
“Let me dress first,” she smiled. “You can make me yours later.”
Cole did the gentlemanly thing, turning away from her so she could dress. When she was done, she turned, staring off into the distance of the property.
“I like your family, Cole. Your mother and father, Bailey, and I even met Ambry briefly. She looks positively glowing with pregnancy.”
“Yes,” he said touching her shoulder. She jumped, gasping with surprise. “Just me.”
“Yes. Just you,” she repeated.