Blackmane ventured a foot closer. ‘They’ve agreed to work together to get everyone out of the camp—and soon.’

Hope soared inside Isabel. ‘How soon?’

‘The St Clare group already has a tunnel dug that reaches all the way to the fence line where the children are confined. They had planned to use it to get them out first, but then Hodge started violently hanging escapees, so their plans came to a halt.’

Isabel reduced the distance between them to two feet. ‘So they will get the children out of harm’s way first, and then what?’

‘Then the fighting begins. It’ll be messy but necessary.’

She regarded him. ‘And where will you be while all of this is taking place?’

‘In Chadora, as ordered.’

She drifted towards him until her bare knees brushed his. ‘Is Tatum here?’

‘Yes.’

‘Are you leaving today?’

He nodded.

Her heart sank all the way to her stomach. ‘And still you do not reach for me?’

‘I’ve gotten myself into enough trouble this week.’

She found his hand beneath the water and threaded her fingers through his. ‘You do not reach for me, but you do not retreat either.’

He licked water from his lips. ‘Don’t you remember what happened last night when you played this game?’

Her skin heated at the memory. ‘Why do you think I am keen to play again?’

His gaze fell to her lips, then lower. ‘Exactly how much trouble are you trying to get me into during one assignment?’

She closed the remaining distance between them and reached up to touch his wet hair. ‘If this is goodbye, then naturally I am going to try to keep you here for as long as I can.’

He caught her by the waist and pulled her closer—but not too close. ‘While I appreciate the farewell, I think it’s time for you to get out of the water.’

The sensation of his hands on her bare skin made her eyes sink shut. ‘I do not want to get out of the water or get dressed. I want to stay here, with your hands on me, and pray you are tempted to kiss me again.’

Blackmane’s hands slid to her back, a shaky breath coming from him. ‘Then I’m going to get out of the water. Because if I don’t, you’re going to end up doing things you regret.’

She opened her eyes and looked at him. ‘I could never regret anything that happened with you.’

He searched her eyes. ‘When I leave, you’ll despise me for everything that took place in this cave. And I’ll despise myself for letting it happen.’

She climbed onto his lap, met with heat and sensation.

‘Belle.’ Her name came out on a strangled breath.