He glanced behind him to make sure no one followed and ducked around back behind the row of shops. They were near the docks where boats left to sail up the river and out into the sea. The river narrowed as it bent around to run along the city. A busy street stood between the alley and a row of trees that blocked the water from view.

Dell took a quick glance each way before sprinting between carts ambling along the road and crashing into the tree cover on the other side. The river sparkled where the sun broke through the branches. It flowed slowly as if enjoying the nice day. Large boulders lined the edge of the water and Dell wasted no time stepping onto one and peeling off his shirt before dropping it on the ground. He kicked off his boots and slipped out of his trousers.

Even as a member of one of the wealthiest families in Madra, he kept his dress simple. Okay, it wasn’t his choice to make. When he’d first arrived, he’d worn his brothers’ old clothing. But with the years of hard labor he’d outgrown them.

A hiss left his lips as he sank into the icy water. His muscles pulled and screamed as he kicked toward the far bank and back again. As soon as his body loosened, he scrubbed the blood and sweat from his skin.

He dipped below the water, the fight still strong in his mind.

Orlo had beaten him. That was a first. In a rematch, Dell could take him down. He was a fighter. He was good. He was strong.

He almost laughed to himself, but he was still under the water.

Who was he kidding? Orlo was a monster of a man.

He looked up and saw a shadow on the far bank. All he could make out through the distortion of water was a pair of trousers. Edmund checking up on him no doubt.

Dell prepared to lunge, a plan forming in his mind. He burst from the water with a roar, water splashing his audience. He twisted to see Edmund’s reaction as his feet gained traction on the muddy bottom. The water barely reached his waist now. Rivulets of water streamed down his heaving torso, and his jaw dropped open as he took in the woman who was wringing a cap in her hands.

He froze as she examined her sopping clothes, taking no note of him. When she finally lifted her head, red flooded her cheeks.

She didn’t take her eyes away.

Dell, gaining some sense, stepped forward.

“Stop!” she screamed.

He glanced down to see the water no longer covered him. His hands flew down, but he took another step forward.

“I told you to stop right there.”

“I don’t know you, miss, so I’d take it kindly if you refrained from giving me orders.”

“But you… you—”