I do not own Hush, Hush! As always thank you for the devoted review/input/praise Takeiteasycharlie =]

Lilly's POV:

He is going to let go, any minute it is going to happen and I am going to thrash around coughing as water fills up my lungs. Floating on my back, with Jev's arms securely under the back of my neck and curled around my back, I waited for the moment that would cause me to break the surface sputtering. However, as much as I expected the situation to occur, Jev's hands remained beneath me-keeping me afloat.

With eyes closed, I began to relax and let my body float until I was only vaguely aware of Jev's presence hovering over me. The feeling was so strange as the warm liquid kissed my skin, and I felt the sensation of peace washing over me. It was like heaven, touching its surface with gentle caresses I inhaled the murky water's scent in a deep breath-holding it in my senses to collect to memory.

"Lilly," Jev whispered calmly, from some far away tunnel and certainly not near me. Winking one eye open I noticed him standing a couple feet away from me as I floated, and the realization hit of him not holding me up just as the panic settled in. Then, I went down.

Fortunately, before my lungs could collect the offending liquid, Jev is at my side holding me up and keeping me out of harms way. I glared up at him, anxious from him releasing his promised hold, and he chuckled with a devious smile flashing in his black eyes.

"I told you I would not allow you to drown, or be put in harms way, and I did not allow you to. However, I must say, you were doing exceptionally well before you noticed I was not holding you." Smiling a dangerous grin, Jev locked eyes with me, and held me in the water with arms extended out from him. "Do you wish to try again? Or shall we move on to actual swimming?"

"Swimming," I say quietly, contemplating if this would be the act that brought me to my watery grave. Then, shaking my head, I realized I was being ridiculous. A coward. So I loosened by body to try and appear relaxed and at peace with my surroundings, the air of confidence breezing around me. But as Jev brought us back to a secure water level, where my feet could touch the soft gritty bottom of the pond.

My hands trembled as his arms fall to my belly, turning and lifting my body so it hovers over the ponds surface, while directing me to hold out my arms and skim the cooling water's invitation.

"Alright, now relax. Flower I have you, do not fret just get a feel for the water around your body and lightly spread your arms through the water-as if you are stroking pools of water in your hands. Excellent, exactly like that," he said in a patient voice as I followed his instructions. "Now move your legs a bit, like your kicking something but slowly, more like paddling. Good. Now try both motions together."

After more practice with getting the coordination down, which seemed to take at least a half hour, Jev looked at me curiously. "Do you feel confident now with the motions and everything? Shall we try something, I believe it will help you get a handle on everything?"

"I-I believe so," I whisper softly, captured in his dark gaze. Then he beings to move, and I feel my eyes widen as I clench myself to his flawless body.

His body, lean and riddled with muscles, is truly a gift from God. And as dangerous as Jev appears-the tanned skin, black hair, devious smile, and those deep, bottomless eyes that seem to be full of secrets-his body is truly beautiful. He could likely be deemed a God himself.

I shake my head of such thoughts. I have never been much for religion but most slaves are, Gabriella and George are at least, but somehow I lost the hope of being dedicated to "some greater being" that thinks I should worship them when they have allowed everything to be taken from me, and stuck me with a life others spit on. I believe there is a higher power, I am just not sure what, and if he or she is my friend or like one of the elite that kicks me when I am already down. However, it was best to stay voiceless about such thoughts-the burning in my heat could be taken wrong and have me end up on the other side of a sword...or rope.

Suddenly, in a daze, I realized Jev had positioned himself underneath me as our chests beat against each other and he coiled his arms around my waist. His mint and leather scent was billowing all around me as his breathe danced upon my cheeks.

"Kick your feet to move us around a bit, like I showed you before," Jev said sending a shiver down my spin as he smiled at me-another fantastic smile, racing my pulse. I did as he said and begun to feel at ease with the movements as he told me to try to incorporate my arms to the motions.

Once accomplishing both without trouble, I looked up to be met with Jev's penetrating black gaze. He reaches one hand up to caress my cheek then soon follows suit with the other, and I feel his mint flavor on my lips before my mouth is claimed. Our body's slowly drift apart and moments later I realize what has happened, what my body is unconsciously accomplishing. I am swimming.

I hear Jev chuckle, low and husky, as I stare down in wonder at my body beneath the darkness of the water. A pair of ghostly white legs stare back at me with Jev's cream gray shirt swirling around my hips-thankfully, I kept my under stockings on and I was somewhat released from embarrassment. I looked at Jev and discovered him staring at me, quiet and amused.

"Pardon, I do not believe I understand what it is you find so comical?" I mentally cringe at the shakiness of my words, but if Jev found my words upsetting or anything he did not show it.

"I was just thinking you have a wonderful body under all those skirts, and I find you very beautiful," he says in a thoughtful, husky voice. Feeling my cheeks heat up I stared out at the rest of the pond. "Thank you," I whisper softly, flustered by the comment.

Moments later we decided to go back to dry off, dress, and go back to the fire-where I sat feeling his heart against my back and his breathe in my ear as we ate the small picnic Jev had brought.

"So, you never did tell me what your favorite color is Flower." His comment was more of a statement, rather than a question so I nod and simply raise an eyebrow at him. "What is it? Shall I guess? Something beautiful and creative like topaz or periwinkle?" Jev smirks, pulling gently at my heartstrings.

"Brown."

"Pardon," Jev says with a quizzical brow-puzzlement and curiosity printed roughly on his features. "Brown, it is my favorite color. Like the earth, calm and reassuring, and classically my own personal color." At my words he smiles a wicked grin, which causes my heart to pound wildly in my chest.

Chapter 15 next, have it soon as possible! Sorry this one is not as long, I have been preoccupied. Reviews please!