Running fingers through her hair, she headed toward the back garden. There was a pool, which she had yet to explore, but she’d seen Lucas heading out back earlier.

She put her hand on the door and closed her eyes. “You can do this. You can be in his company and remain strong.”

That kiss they’d shared the other night… Her lips still felt swollen and she’d been so horny and wet for hours after, if not days. Even now, the heat flooding her body was so intense. All she wanted to do was touch herself, but she held herself back.

“I can do this.” Stepping out into the warm heat, she paused as she caught sight of Lucas doing laps in the pool. His arms cutting through the water as if he alone was a monster chasing after his prey.

She moved a little closer and watched as he came to a stop at the edge and climbed out.

He wore a pair of swimming trunks, but that didn’t detract from the sheer size of him. Licking her lips, she couldn’t help the need flooding her body. The desire to lick a trail where the water cascaded down his body was strong.

Pleasure filled her core, and she wanted to run back to her room and touch herself. Lucas chose that moment to look up at her.

Now or never.

She pushed her hair off her face and took the steps down, heading toward the pool.

“Nice swim?”

“The water’s warm. You should try it.”

“I plan to.” Beneath her dress, she wore a swimsuit, but getting semi-naked in front of him didn’t appeal to her.

“How was your call to your parents?”

“Good. They’re good.”

“Good.”

She turned her back to him and started to unbutton her dress. If he didn’t like what he saw, then tough. She wasn’t going to not go for a swim. Besides, if he couldn’t stand the sight of her, she’d be able to complete this year without any trouble. She’d just walk around naked in front of him. It would be easier.

“Did you tell the Alpha about us?” she asked. The dress fell to her feet and she bent down to scoop it up. She squared her shoulders and turned toward him, expecting to see disgust or disapproval, but as she took him in, he had to jerk his gaze up. If she wasn’t mistaken, he’d been checking out her ass? No, that couldn’t be possible. She refused to believe it.

Glancing down his body, she saw without a doubt the evidence of his arousal. He was turned on.

Quickly looking at the water, she moved to the edge, sat, and slid beneath into the pool.

The water was warm, as was her body.

“I did talk to my father.”

“You complained?” she asked, moving as far away from him as possible.