‘Hey—’ Hugh throws his hands up in mock surrender ‘—I didn’t do anything except tell the truth. Honestly, I should have let you face the shark yourself. We’re not exactly searching for the same thing here, remember?’ He adjusts his life vest casually, shifting his shoulders back so he sits a little straighter in the water.

‘That doesn’t mean you get to throw me under the bus to Vanessa!’ I hiss. ‘Don’t take away my shot to prove you wrong because you think that I will. That just makes you cowardly, don’t you think?’

I can’t remember the last time I was so angry. I’m seeing red. I get a mouthful of seawater because I’m too busy glowering at Hugh to pay attention to the waves. He stares down his nose at me. I’m forced to break eye contact when I turn to the side to cough out the water that went up my nose. So much for looking like I know what I’m doing. By the time my gaze comes back to Hugh, he’s stifling laughter.

He takes a deep breath before speaking. ‘Point taken,’ he says calmly, ‘I’ll be better next time.’

‘Next time? There’s not gonna be a next time! I’m going back to Miguel.’

‘So you do want to be in the slow group?’ A wicked smile plays across Hugh’s lips.

‘Ugh!’ I groan.

I haul myself up the ladder and out of the water as fast as I can. I don’t want to be in it and next to Hugh another second. I’m embarrassed at how much he’s getting into my head. I won’t be able to bear it if I have to return home to Millie empty-handed, especially if the reason has anything to do with Hugh Harris.

I grab my towel and stalk downstairs to the safety of my cabin. Only once I’m inside do I remember I share it with Hugh. ‘Ugh!’ I yell at the wall.

Chapter 11

Seven dives to go

I wish more than anything I could talk to Millie. Her surgery is in ten hours. It’s all I can think about. I check the time on my phone so frequently during dinner that Pippa whispers to me, ‘What’s going on?’ She knows I have no service – none of us do – so my obsession with my phone is notable. I quickly tuck my phone back into the pocket of my jean shorts and reply, ‘Nothing.’ She shoots me a curious look but returns to her meal.