Hello there! I hope you're having a wonderful day or evening, whichever it is where you are. I'm extremely pleased to present to you the "interesting" chapter that I've been promising. I won't keep you from reading it any longer; you've waited long enough. So sit back and settle in, because this one makes up for the shortness of the last two chapters! That is a promise!!!
Sweet Revenge
By Tatiana
Chapter 21: Sink or Swim
Kate let out a bored sigh as she glanced around the camp. Count Adhemar's men had all gone off to take full advantage of their day of rest. In the distance she could see Adhemar working with his massive black stallion. Germaine was doing his best to split his time between Kate and his master. The herald would occasionally come and see if she required anything, then go back to attend to Adhemar. The Count was putting his horse through its paces in a field across the narrow dirt road that they'd been traveling on for days, opposite the camp.
The midday sun was warm and bright. Adhemar had shed his black doublet, opting to wear only his white undershirt for the vigorous task of controlling the spirited creature beneath him. He rode for what seemed like hours, showing the horse that he was boss, and letting it know its master's expectations. Finally, Adhemar dismounted, and after a few words with Germaine, handed the horse's reins to his herald and started through the field. He was headed back towards the camp.
Kate looked up as he approached, studying him quite openly. The long reedy grass swayed around his legs as he strode towards her. The sun reflected off his head of damp, black curls while his white shirt hung open at the neck, clinging to his sweaty torso. As Adhemar crossed the road, his eyes skimmed over the camp in search of her. Kate promptly averted her eyes, not wanting to be caught staring. His gaze settled on her. Without breaking his stride, he headed in her direction.
" Come with me," he ordered curtly as he passed by. Kate blinked and turned her head to look after him. For a minute she just sat there. Without turning around Adhemar called over his shoulder. " Are you coming?"
With a sigh and a shrug of her shoulders Kate hopped down from her seat on the buckboard of the wagon. She had to jog to catch up with his long-legged strides. Adhemar did not stop when they reached the edge of the camp. Instead, he kept walking down a narrow path that cut through the forest beyond. Kate followed, cagily glancing around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Where was he taking her? Suddenly there was a break in the trees and the path widened out, opening up. Kate slowed and eventually halted. Adhemar stood a short distance away, facing her and waiting. She stepped into the open space, and was overtaken by a feeling of awe. It was lovely.
Sunlight streamed down and reflected off of the surface of a pool of water in the middle of the small clearing. The pond was a good size, filled with clean, clear water. It painted a serene picture. Kate shifted her gaze to Adhemar to see if the scene was affecting him the same way it was her. He was pulling his white shirt over his head.
Kate's eyes grew as round as saucers. " What are you doing?" she squeaked in a panicky tone.
Adhemar paused in mid-motion, his arms and shirt suspended over his head, giving her a full view of his muscular torso. He regarded her with an innocent look.
" Taking my shirt off," he replied simply.
" I can see that, Count Obvious. " Kate shot back; the sarcasm was not lost in her voice. She swallowed hard. " Why?"
" I am going to teach you how to swim," he stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
Kate stared at him. " You're joking right?" She gave an uneasy laugh.
" I don't joke," Adhemar declared levelly. " Take off your clothes." He finished pulling the shirt over his head and lowered his arms to his side.
His chest broad and muscular, rippling as he moved to toss his shirt aside. Kate's laughter faded. He met her gaze with a serious look. He was not jesting, nor was he a man who was accustomed to having his orders disobeyed. Kate's eyes inadvertently began to drift down from his eyes, down his neck to his bare chest. She quickly looked away, just in time to miss Adhemar's lips curve into an amused smirk.
" Kate," he said, his tone more friendly. Kate raised her eyes to his once more. " You taught me to dance," Adhemar began. " You offered me aid and encouragement where no one else ever has. Allow me to do the same for you. Let me teach you to swim. Give me a chance to repay the kindness you have shown me."
The sincerity of his request sounded so genuine that Kate gave a second thought to her hesitance. Her brows furrowed over her gray eyes as she studied his gaze, searching for any sign of malice. She found none, but it did not set her heart at ease.
" How do I know you're speaking truthfully?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
" We have a truce remember?"
" How do I know you'll honor it?"
Adhemar was silent for a moment. His eyes held hers. " I suppose you'll just have to trust me."
Kate bit her lip. She flicked an imaginary speck of dirt from her dress. Trust him? Adhemar? She eyed him with a calculating expression. Every fiber in her being told her not to, but a voice in the far corner of her mind whispered quite the opposite. Kate's forehead wrinkled as she fought an inner battle. She mentally kicked herself. Forget him! Could she trust herself? The little voice didn't have anything to say to that question.
With a wary sigh she lifted her arms and pulled her leather apron over her head, followed by her kirtle, leaving her standing in her chemise Self-consciously she crossed her arms over her chest and lowered her head. She glanced up to find Adhemar openly watching her. For once she was very relieved that, unlike the upper-class ladies, her chemise was made of thicker, courser linen and not the thin cambric fabric used by the rich. She was keenly aware of his scrutiny as his eyes roamed over her petite frame, finally coming to rest on her face. A rush of pink stained Kate's cheeks when she couldn't help but notice an appreciative look of approval in his eyes. Adhemar turned towards the pond before she could see his lips curve upward in a satisfied grin. He walked out onto the bank that served as a beach to the small body of water. Kate watched as he slowly waded further and further into pond. He turned around to face her when the water was level with his thighs.
" Come on," he urged, beckoning her with his hand.
Kate stared down at her bare feet, pretending she didn't hear him. She pursed her lips and wiggled her toes, intently watching their movement.
" Kate," Adhemar said in a low, admonishing tone that was more joking than serious. " It's time to get your feet wet."
" Very funny," she grumbled.
She took a hesitant step forward and then another. A few minutes later she found herself waist deep in the water. Adhemar had moved further out into the pond as she waded in.
" Come on," he beckoned again.
Kate stood with her arms wrapped around herself. She eyed the deeper water warily. " But I can't touch out there."
" Exactly," Adhemar replied. " If you can't touch then you must swim." Kate took a step backwards at that declaration. Adhemar waded a few steps towards her. " Come on. I'll keep you afloat." he promised in an encouraging tone.
The expression on her face was not what he was looking for. Her forehead was wrinkled as though she were debating whether or not she should place her life in his hands.
" Kate," he said more soothingly. " Trust me."
Her gaze snapped from the water to his face. He slowly extended his arm over the smooth reflective rippling surface of the pond. Kate eyed his hand as she would a poisonous snake. She looked back up to him. Adhemar's lips curved upwards in an reassuring smile. Taking a deep breath, Kate bit her lip and reached out to grasp his fingers with her own. His lips curled back to reveal his teeth in a elated grin.
Adhemar, keeping a firm yet gentle hold on her hand, began walking backwards into the deeper water. Kate sucked in a breath as the water rose past her chest. Her eyes were wide as she was submerged up to her neck. Still, Adhemar led her even further into the depths of the pond, the waterline just below his shoulders. Suddenly her could not feel the bottom. She struggled, her feet seeking the firm footing of the pond's sediment.
Adhemar drew her in closer to him, his arm firmly around her waist, holding her so her head and shoulders were above the water. Kate found herself lacing her arms around Adhemar's neck in a desperate attempt to keep her head above the surface.
" I would like to be able to draw at least some breath," Adhemar observed dryly.
" Oh!" Gasping in realization, she relaxed her deathlike grip on his throat.
" That's better," He cleared his throat, bringing one hand up to rub his neck.
Kate's cheeks were stained pink. She turned her face away from him in an attempt to keep him from seeing her embarrassment.
" Shall we begin?" he asked politely, his eyes alight with amusement. He did not miss her attempt to hide her face.
" I'm not so sure about this," Kate interjected nervously. Her eyes darted to his face then quickly away again.
" Why not?" Adhemar questioned.
" Well, the way I figure it, there is a reason for everything." Kate began. She swallowed apprehensively, eyeing the surface of the water, which was a few inches below her chin.
" And?" he prodded.
" And maybe the reason I was never taught to swim is because I was never meant to swim," she finished her thought in a rushed tone.
" That's ridiculous!" Adhemar dismissed her theory with a snort.
" It is not!" Kate insisted.
" Yes it very well is!" he shot back. " That is just an excuse used by people when they are frightened of trying something new."
" I am not frightened of trying something new!" She let out an appalled gasp at his insinuation.
" Then what are you?" Adhemar asked in a mocking tone, repeating the words that she had used at the beginning of his dance lessons.
" I am afraid of failing," she replied candidly. " Failure means drowning and I am terrified of drowning."
Adhemar was silent. Her honesty had caught him off guard. In his line of work it was uncommon to hear people admit their fears so readily. A moment passed before he replied.
" You will not drown, because you will not fail," he said levelly. " And do you know why you will not fail?" He looked down to her. Her brows were drawn together worriedly as she gazed up at him. She shook her head negatively. " You will not fail because I will not let you. You have no choice but to learn how to swim, or else face my wrath." His mouth curved into a faint smile at his last words.
The tension in Kate's expression faded, the wrinkles that knit her forehead disappeared. She regarded him with a mockingly suspicious look.
" What about our truce?" Her eyes narrowed, as did the line of her mouth.
" Failure is not within the terms," Adhemar shrugged nonchalantly. " Fail and the truce is broken."
" Since when?" Kate asked incredulously.
" Since just now," he replied sheepishly with a slight grin.
" Does this term apply to both parties?" she continued the banter in a light tone.
" If you wish it to, but it need not," he sighed lackadaisically.
" Why do you say that?" Kate demanded.
" Because I do not fail," Adhemar answered, his tone was confident, as though he were stating a well-known fact.
Kate could not stop her face from spreading into a huge grin of disbelief, her mouth hanging half open. Adhemar's lips lifted in a tight smile at her response.
" You are very sure of yourself," she chuckled, shaking her head slowly from side to side.
" I'll take that as a compliment," Adhemar nodded in satisfaction. " And you, my dear Kate, are relaxed."
" Is that supposed to be a compliment?" Kate's face adopted a bewildered expression.
" No, merely a statement of fact," Adhemar replied in a casual tone.
He grinned at her suddenly. Kate's forehead wrinkled deeply in confusion. Adhemar took a quick, deep breathe and held it. Kate's eyes widened in alarm when realization hit her. But before she could react, Adhemar had submerged them both underwater. A short moment later the two resurfaced, Adhemar completely composed and Kate sputtering.
" This will not do!" Adhemar made a clicking noise with his tongue. " If you are going to learn to swim, you must first learn to hold your breath!"
" You could have at least warned me!" Kate gasped between coughing fits.
" No, I think it will sink in better this way. No pun intended, of course." " Adhemar declared cheerfully. Kate glared at him darkly. " Shall we try again?"
Without waiting for her reply, Adhemar sucked in a breath once more. This time Kate followed his example just in time, seconds later the water to rose up over her breathing passages. Adhemar kept them underwater for a few seconds longer this time. When he stood at his full height, raising them both above the surface of the pond, he looked down to Kate, whose hands were clutched together in a death grip at the back of his neck. Her eyes were clenched tightly shut, as were her lips. Her cheeks were bulging with the breath of air she was holding. Adhemar couldn't suppress a full grin at the picture.
" Kate," he said. She did not respond. " Kate." he repeated her name more loudly. This time his mouth was nearer to her ear, a hint of laughter was present in his voice.
Still no reaction. Adhemar brought his hand out of the water, and with his thumb and forefinger, pressed her cheeks inward. Kate's eyes shot open as the air she was holding in, leaked from between her clamped lips with a spurting sound. Adhemar's shoulders shook with a deep chuckle. Her surprised gaze met his amused one. She let out a shy giggle. They laughed together for a few moments. His hand still rested on her cheek. He allowed his fingers to slowly trail down the side of her face, and then brought his hand down.
" Very good," he murmured in a low tone. A slight shiver ran up Kate's spine. Lowering her lashes, she studied his face. A few drops of water clung to his damp forehead. His jet-black hair shone where the sparse beams of sunlight hit. Adhemar cleared his throat awkwardly.
" Let's try once more," he suggested. " This time we'll stay underwater for a little longer." Her expression became apprehensive. Adhemar patted her cheek. " Just relax. You can do it. You just did." Kate let out a long breath. Adhemar waited patiently. " Ready?" he asked. She gave a stiff nod. They both drew in a deep breath before Adhemar submerged them once more.
Just as Adhemar had said they would, they remained underneath the water's surface for a little while longer. When they resurfaced, they both opened their eyes to look for each other's reaction. They were both composed this time. Adhemar nodded, pleased.
" Very good," he declared. " Now, for the next part, you must learn to float."
" Float?" Kate echoed meekly.
" Yes, you know, float, the opposite of sink," Adhemar drawled sarcastically.
" I can't float," Kate shook her head.
" You're right. You can't." Adhemar agreed, reaching one hand behind his neck where her hands were clasped. "But you will." He attempted to loosen her hands from behind his neck.
" What are you doing?" she all but shrieked, clasping her fingers even more tightly together.
" You can't float if you're clinging onto me," he explained calmly, having a tough time breaking her grip.
" You're exactly right! But if I let go, I'll sink!" Kate cried.
" No you won't. I'll keep hold of you," he promised in a gentle, surprisingly patient tone.
After a few minutes of prying, Adhemar finally was able to separate Kate's entwined hands from one another. True to his word, Adhemar did not release her. He looped an arm around her waist to keep her head above water.
" If you're going to do this, you're going to have to relax." he admonished.
" I'm relaxed," she replied breathlessly. Adhemar let out a patient sigh. Kate's entire body had immediately tensed up when he'd mentioned floating. She was a stiff as a board.
" No you're not," his response was flat.
" Trust me. In this situation, this is relaxed for me!" Kate exclaimed.
" Well it's not relaxed enough," Adhemar declared.
" Who taught you to swim?" Kate asked suddenly.
Adhemar's eyes narrowed in confusion. " What?"
" Who taught you to swim?" Kate repeated, trying to keep her voice light.
" Don't try to change the subject," Adhemar scolded.
" I'm not trying to change the subject!" she insisted innocently.
" Don't try to fool me, I've used this tactic before and it's not going to work." Adhemar shook his head. He glanced down at her. Her big gray eyes were fixed upon his face inquiringly. He let out a groan of surrender. " Very well, I'll tell you." Kate let out a deep breath of relief, Adhemar felt the tension in her body ease a notch. " My father taught me to swim."
" Your father?" she repeated with surprise.
" If you can call his method teaching." he scoffed somewhat bitterly. He glanced down at Kate again. Her eyes were questioning. " When I was eight years old, my father took me out to a lake on our estate. I can still remember how excited I was. My father had never taken me anywhere before, just he and I. The lake was the deepest body of water for miles around. A few feet off the shore was a drop off not even a grown man could stand with his head above water."
Kate listened closely, captivated by the tale he was spinning.
" He told me that I was going to go for a swim. I told him that I did not know how. He replied with an ultimatum. Either I would swim, or I would drown. Whichever outcome resulted was of no concern to him. With that said, he picked me up and threw me into the lake." Adhemar fell silent for a moment.
Kate gasped in mortification. " What happened?" she whispered.
His lips tilted upwards in a melancholy smirk. " I swam. I had to." He let out a long breath, banishing his memories along with the air from his lungs. " And you will swim too, just as soon as you relax." Adhemar did bother telling her that she was much more at ease than she had been before his retelling of his experience with swimming lessons. If he did, she was sure to tense up immediately.
" This is as relaxed as I get!" Kate insisted.
" Do you want to learn to swim or not?" he demanded, beginning to grow impatient.
" Fine," she gave in with a long sigh. " I'll try to be more relaxed."
" All right," Adhemar nodded. " Now I want you to lay back in the water."
A wave of apprehension swept through her. " You're not going to pull a Philippe de Vitry and let go are you?" Kate demanded nervously.
One corner of Adhemar's mouth tilted upward at her attempt at humor. " No, I'm not. I'm going to hold you up from underneath. Now lay back, bring your feet up to the surface, and keep you legs extended."
Kate took a deep breath and began to follow his instructions. She began to lay back into the water, but suddenly straightened in panic. Her hands gripped Adhemar's forearm, where his arm was around her waist. The sensation the position produced was alien to her. She struggled to straighten. Her eyes were wide with alarm.
" I can't," she whispered desperately, holding her eyes tightly closed.
" You can," Adhemar replied gently. With his free hand he reached up, and tilted her chin upwards. Kate opened her eyes slowly to find herself looking directly into Adhemar's gaze. " and you will." He lowered his hand. " Try again." he encouraged.
Kate took a deep breath and drew her gaze away from Adhemar's. She began once more to lay back into the water, allowing her legs and feet to slowly rise to the surface. As she did so, she felt Adhemar's hand slide along her waist to rest at the small of her back. His other hand moved to the back of her head as she lowered it into the water, his fingers delving into the dark silken strands of her hair.
" That's it," Adhemar breathed a soft encouragement.
Kate took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She was now flat on her back it the water, floating with Adhemar's aid. After a few minutes, Adhemar lessened his hold on her, she began to sink slightly down into the water. Kate panicked at the sinking sensation . She kicked up with her feet, struggling to get vertical again.
" Whoa," Adhemar protested, placing his hands more firmly in their positions.. " Calm down. You're fine. Nothing is wrong. Lie back."
" You let go!" Kate protested, but followed his instructions.
" I did not. I was merely testing your progress by giving you a little freedom," he drawled innocently.
" Bull!" she snorted. She was now lying on the surface of the water with her arms crossed over her chest, glaring up at him.
Adhemar gazed back levelly. " Relax. Uncross your arms. Keep your hips and belly up."
Kate let out a long sigh and let her arms float at her sides, but the tension in her body did not ease. Adhemar began to murmur softly to her. His words were fluid, his tone was soothing, very similar to the voice he used with his spirited stallion. Ever so slowly the ridged line of her posture slackened, her muscles going loose in the water. Her eyelids slid closed. Slowly, Adhemar eased his hands deeper into the water, leaving Kate floating on her own, all the while murmuring encouraging directions to keep her afloat and relaxed.
When he stopped, she opened her eyes. Realizing that he was no longer holding her up, she immediately was alarmed and promptly slipped underwater. Adhemar brought his hands upwards, catching her and bringing her upright. She coughed and sputtered.
" You said you weren't going to let go!"
" I said nothing of the kind," Adhemar denied.
" You did so!" she growled.
" So what if I did! You were floating on your own and that's the important thing, right?" he demanded.
Kate couldn't argue with that, so she contented herself with merely glaring at him.
" Now, try it on your stomach," Adhemar ordered. " I'll assist you once more."
Her movements were hesitant as she rolled in the water so her stomach was pointed towards the sediment bottom of the pond.
" Relax," he murmured.
Kate inhaled deeply and let the air out through her nostrils. Adhemar's hand was on her stomach, preventing her from sinking. Kate's forehead was furrowed with concentration and then deepened in frustration as she felt herself sinking slightly, even with Adhemar's assistance.
" Kate," Adhemar said. " Your derrière…"
" …is absolutely none of your business!" Kate finished his sentence for him in an appalled voice. She turned her head to glower at him.
His lips parted in a dazzling display of straight, white teeth. " No… your derrière needs to be lifted towards the surface of the water. In other words, get your arse up. It will help you float better."
" Oh," she said in a small voice, a flush crept up from her neck to her face.
Adhemar's mouth kept its bowed shape; his eyes twinkled with merriment at her embarrassment. Kate felt the weight of his gaze more with each passing moment. She cleared her throat and spoke up in an effort to divert his attention.
" Shall I try again?" Kate offered in an attempt to change the subject. Not waiting for his reply, she took up the position once more.
Adhemar suppressed the urge to widen his grin as he held her at the surface of the water. Kate made another attempt at float on her stomach. She followed the directions Adhemar had given her and soon enough was able to stay at the surface of the water with the lightest touch of Adhemar's hand supporting her.
" Very good!" Adhemar declared with a nod of approval. " You are catching on very quickly, despite some mild misunderstandings." His voice contained a hint of laughter.
Kate sent him a look. His lips were curved ever so slightly upward, smiling to himself. Kate found herself marveling in the change she saw in him. But alas, she could not marvel for long, Adhemar was ready to move on to the next lesson, much to Kate's uneasiness.
" Now for the next step," he declared.
" Oh yeah?" Kate breathed. " And what step is that?"
" Kicking," Adhemar answered. "Give me your hands."
He slid his hands down her arms and they tightened around her wrists. His fingers then closed around hers in a firm, warm grip. Kate stared at their entwined hands. His were large and course, completely engulfing her own. Her breath caught in her chest when his thumbs began to stroke the top of her hands simultaneously in a slow, lazy caress. She raised her eyes to his own to find him watching her intently. A few moments passed by.
" Are you ready?" Adhemar finally spoke. His voice was low and thick as his eyes held hers. She parted her lips slightly to reply but no sound came out. She found the circles his thumbs were tracing on back of her hand very distracting. " Kate?" The movement of his thumbs ceased.
She blinked several times. Turning her head away from him, she took in a quick breath. What was the matter with her?
" Yes," she cleared her throat. She sent a quick glance at him only to avert her eyes again. " Yes, I'm ready."
Adhemar regarded her silently for a few moments. When she finally brought her gaze back to meet his once more, he proceeded with the lesson.
" Now I need to you kick your feet hard and continuously. Don't stop until I say so."
" And this will accomplish what exactly?" Kate raised a skeptical eyebrow.
" It will help you become accustomed to kicking your feet underwater," Adhemar replied.
" Of course it will," Kate muttered under her breath.
" Are you certain you want to do this?" Adhemar questioned. " We could just stop right now and go back to shore." He loosened his grip on her hands and she felt herself slide further beneath the surface of the water.
" No!" Kate grasped his hands more tightly. Adhemar's eyebrows arched. " I'm certain."
" Then quit complaining," he commanded, tightening his hands around hers once more. His tone contained a slight hint of amusement. His was teasing was merciless.
Kate's eyes narrowed. " You're enjoying this aren't you?" she accused in a dark tone.
Adhemar made no attempt to suppress a teeth-bearing grin. " Immensely."
Kate let out an unladylike snort.
" Are you ready to begin now?" Adhemar asked. She merely gave a nod. " Very well, position yourself as though you were going to float on your stomach. Now, start kicking."
Kate followed his instructions and began to move her legs through the water. After a few minutes of intense kicking, Adhemar finally told her to stop. Her legs ceased their movement. Adhemar was looking satisfied.
" You're a natural," he declared. Kate gave another snort. His shoulders rose in a short, silent laugh. " Now we get to the hard part."
" Hard part?" Kate echoed quietly.
" Arm movement," Adhemar replied.
" What's so difficult about that?" Kate asked.
" The timing. The key to swimming is not only kicking your feet, but also moving your arms in a sort of rhythm with your feet." Adhemar replied. " And not only that, you have to remember to float, kick, and move your arms, all at the same time."
" I'm sorry I asked," Kate said under her breath.
" You'll do fine," he said encouragingly. "Think of it as dancing. Just remember to stay relaxed and focused. And I'll be right here so you won't drown if you screw up too badly."
" That's very comforting. Thank you so much," Kate's tone was laced with sarcasm.
Adhemar merely smiled, pleased with himself. She shook her head in a hopeless manner.
" Alright," she sighed. " Let's give it a try."
" You'll move your arms in strokes, like this," Adhemar demonstrated with one of his own arms. " Do you think you can handle that?"
" I'm going to try," she shrugged.
" That a girl," he quipped in approval.
Kate's eyes widened in surprise as her mouth fell slightly open. Not noticing Kate's astonished expression, Adhemar merely shrugged and continued in his directions.
" Lay as though you were floating on your stomach once more," he commanded. As she did so, he put a supporting hand underneath her. Once she was floating Adhemar told her to begin kick her feet. She obeyed, and they began to move. Adhemar slowly turned in place as she moved in a circle around him. " Now start moving your arms. Nice broad strokes." With his free arm he grasped one of her wrists and guided her arm in the correct motion. " That's it."
They picked up the pace slightly as Kate began moving her arms in awkward strokes. But as Adhemar had predicted, she was having a difficult time doing everything at once. She would stroke with her arms and forget to kick her feet and vice versa.
" Keep your butt up," he told her.
" I'm trying!"
" Kick your feet," Adhemar ordered.
" I am!" Kate exclaimed.
" Paddle with your arms," he dictated.
" I am!" she insisted.
" If you don't kick your feet and move your arms, you will sink," Adhemar warned.
" I'm doing both!" Kate argued.
" Let's put it to the test then shall we?" he suggested, beginning to release her.
" No!" Kate cried as she felt his grip loosening. She grabbed his shoulders and clung to him. " Don't let me go." she pleaded hoarsely.
Adhemar looked down at the top of her head in surprise. The fear in her voice was so raw. His expression softened, as did his tone.
" Don't worry Kate." he said softly. " I won't let you go."
Kate tilted her head back and raised her eyes to his. Their gazes held for a long moment. Adhemar abruptly looked away.
" Shall we try once more?" he suggested, clearing his throat.
Kate lowered her eyes and nodded.
" Very well," Adhemar said in a satisfied tone. " Resume your position."
She did as he bid her. They started once more. He helped guide her first few strokes, then allowed her to attempt them on her own. Kate paddled with her arms, awkwardly at first, but after a time became visibly more comfortable with them. She concentrated on kicking her feet continuously and keeping her rear end up. Adhemar kept his hand on her stomach to keep her from sinking. He watched with silent approval as her movements began to become more and more in sync with one another. His lips spread into a small smile.
Kate, having become more familiar with the motions after several minutes of swimming in circles, sent a quick glance his way. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. She knew that sly smirk. It was the same smile that had begun the first part of the lesson. Well, she would put a stop to any sneaky ideas he was running through his mind right away!
" Don't even think about it!" Kate exclaimed.
" About what?" Adhemar asked innocently.
" Letting go," she replied.
Adhemar couldn't hold back a full-fledged grin. " I'd say it's a little late for that." He had already removed his hand out from under her a few minutes before.
" Huh?" Kate turned her head sharply to glance at him. She abruptly began to sink.
" Well don't stop!" he laughed, his arms moving to catch her just in case. " You're doing it! Swim!"
She resumed the motions with her arms and legs. Immediately she lifted herself to the surface of the water again. Adhemar slowly withdrew his hands away from their spotting position and stood back to allow her room to explore her new ability.
" I'm swimming!" Kate said, her face lit up with wonder.
" That you are," Adhemar agreed, his eyes alight with mirth.
" On my own!" Her voice was filled with awe.
Adhemar shook his head, laughing at her astonishment. Kate giggled breathlessly as she swam in circles around him. It was not long before her excitement caused her to lose her rhythm. She began to flounder slightly. With her arm, she reached out. Without a word, he slowly extended his arm and closed his fingers over hers. Still grinning, he pulled her to him so she could rest and catch her breath. Kate automatically put her arms around his neck to support herself. His one hand rested at her waist, the other held her just above her knee from underneath.
Kate took a deep breath, her lips spread in a wide, bright smile. Adhemar watched her eyes dance with joy. His expression softened as he notice a lock of her hair had slipped down over her eye. Bringing his hand out of the water, he gently pushed the silken strand of ebony away from her face, and tucked it behind her ear. Then his fingers, of their own accord, followed the length of lock of hair. His eyes followed the slow movements of his hand as though it were not his own. Kate's smile wavered as she too watched his fingers caress her hair. When his fingers reached the end of the strand he let it fall. He took in a ragged breath. Her soft ivory shoulders beckoned to him. As he lowered his hand, his fingers brushed her collarbone, lingering there too long to be an accident. Adhemar dropped his hand to his side. His Adam's apple moved up and down as he swallowed hard. He raised his eyes to Kate. She was staring at where his hand had disappeared under the water.
" Kate," Adhemar said in a husky voice.
Kate moved her eyes upward, over his glistening chest, past his corded neck, to his face and eyes, which were intent upon her.
" Yes?" she breathed.
" I want you…" Adhemar began in a thick voice. Kate's breath caught. "…to try it again."
Kate eyebrows twitched in surprise. What? She blinked. It was all she could do to keep her mouth from dropping open. Adhemar, not seeming to take notice of her reaction, waded into shallower water. He deposited her where the water level came to her waist. He then moved back into deeper water, stopping a several yards away.
" This time," he continued. " Swim to me."
Kate merely stared at him blankly.
" Kate?" He waved his hand in her line of sight.
She blinked again and focused her gaze. " Hmmmm?"
" Swim." Adhemar repeated himself. " To me. All right?"
Kate nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Adhemar's mouth quirked upward in approval. He ran a quick hand through his damp black curls, slicking them back from his face. Then looking to her in expectation, bid her to begin. With a deep breath, Kate pushed off of the bottom of the pond from where she stood with her toes buried in the mud, and glided through the water on her stomach. She slowly made her way towards Adhemar, every stroke of her arm and kick of her feet bringing her closer to him.
" Swim towards me. That's it," Adhemar said in a smooth, deep tone. " Come to me."
Kate heart fluttered a bit. " If I were smart, I'd head in the opposite direction." she breathed. She stopped kicking and planted her feet in the soft mud at the bottom of the pond, a few feet away from him. The water reached just below her shoulders.
" Me too," he murmured low. His voice was like a caress, yet his tone was solemn. His expression was serious with his mouth set in a firm line. His intense gaze pierced the distance between them.
Adhemar waded a step closer to her and then another. He stopped when they were merely inches apart. She was eye level with his bare chest. Water droplets were scattered across his skin. Her gaze traveled upwards, past his broad shoulders to his face. He was looking down at her intently. Kate found she could not move. His green eyes pinned her to the spot.
Adhemar reached out with one hand and slid his fingers sensuously up her bare arm. Kate's skin tingled where he touched her. A shiver traveled up her spine. He moved closer until he left her no room at all, his nearness overwhelming her senses. His arms encircled her, one hand in the small of her back. To her surprise, she had no desire to back out of his embrace. His touch was oddly soft and caressing. She tore her eyes away from his, turning her head to look across the pond. Adhemar cupped her chin with his palm, and turned her face back towards him and captured her gaze with his own once more.
Tentatively she reached out and lightly laid her hands on his bare chest. The supple muscles beneath her fingertips tensed suddenly. Kate heard his quick intake of breath. Startled, she started pulled her fingers back, but Adhemar grasped both her hands with one of his and stayed them. There was an eagerness in his eyes that caused an unexpected warmth to surge through her. His other hand explored the hallow of her back, making her pulses race. The air around them seemed electrified. Adhemar moved his hand from hers, and curled his long fingers around the back of her neck. His fingers lightly kneaded her muscles at her nape. Kate had to suppress a groan of pleasure.
Adhemar's other hand pressed into her back, bringing her even nearer to him. They were so close she could feel the heat radiating from his body. Her breath caught in her throat as he slowly dipped his head towards her. Leaning lightly into him, she tilted her head back, her face upturned towards his. She felt the warmth of his breath on her lips as his other hand came up to frame her face. Kate's heart fluttered wildly in her chest as his lips inched closer and closer to her own.
" My lord!" came a call.
Kate's eyes flew open wide as she sharply turned her head and body away from Adhemar. Adhemar straightened and smothering a groan, stepped back from her. Germaine came running along the path a few seconds later. The herald looked up to see them standing a few feet apart. Adhemar was standing up straight with his head tilted backwards, eyes staring up at the sky and his hands clasped behind the back of his head. Kate had her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes averted toward the opposite shore. Germaine came to an abrupt halt. The silence between them was heavy and uncomfortable.
" What is it?" Adhemar asked with measured calm, though the underlying tone of his voice hinted at disapproval. He lowered his chin and turned his head to stare at his herald.
Germaine did not answer immediately. His gazed passed back and forth between Kate and Adhemar.
" Germaine?" Adhemar prodded, his voice was now openly impatient.
Germaine flushed in embarrassment and glanced to the ground to gather his thoughts. " A messenger from Lord Wesmark arrived a few minutes ago. He has word that Sir William and his men arrived at his manor yesterday and asked after you." Germaine said firmly.
" Thatcher?" Adhemar demanded.
" Yes," Germaine confirmed. He glanced around nervously. " Lady Jocelyn is with him."
" How did they track us?" Adhemar demanded angrily.
" It seems that they have acquired another person on their mission in addition to Lady Jocelyn and her attendant," the herald answered in a quiet tone.
Adhemar glanced over at Kate. " They have replaced you already."
" Not exactly," Germaine ventured, drawing his master gaze.
" Who is it then?" Adhemar growled.
" Gunther," Germaine's voice was little more than a whisper.
A detached sort of grimness replaced Adhemar's previous expression. His face became like stone.
" Go into town. Gather the men. We will depart as soon as possible." Adhemar commanded, wading out of the pond with a determined stride.
He retrieved his shirt from the ground. Germaine stepped nearer to him.
" What of Kate my lord?" the herald asked tentatively.
Adhemar pulled his shirt over his head and then paused. He looked over at Kate, who still stood waist deep in the pond, her damp black hair shining in the sunlight. She was watching him, her gray eyes wide and vulnerable. He abruptly took his gaze from her. The muscle along his jaw clenched.
" See that she is guarded at all times," he ordered in a deep tone, turning his gaze to his herald. Germaine somberly bowed his head in acknowledgement. Adhemar squared his jaw, set his shoulders, and stared straight ahead for a moment. Then he briskly set off through the trees back towards the camp without another glance at Germaine or at Kate.
Kate stood in the water, her gaze on his back until he disappeared. A cold shiver traveled up her spine, causing her skin to prick and her shoulders to shake. She glanced at Germaine to find him looking after his master. She took a deep breath in and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat of its own accord. For the first time in days she realized how tired she actually was. Weariness suddenly sank into her limbs, weighing them down. It took some effort, but she waded out of the pond to where Germaine had begun to gather her dry clothes.
* * * * *
I hope you didn't think this was the end. If so, sorry to disappoint. We still have a little ways to go. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know I did. It was pleasantly challenging and extremely delightful for me to write. Thank you for reading and all the reviews! And I would like to send out a special thanks to my friend Ashley, who is a lifeguard and also a giver of swim lessons. She helped me with the research for this chapter. Thanks Ash!!!
Oh, and if anyone else would like to be on my update email list just email me and I'll put you on it. Then every time I post a new chapter I'll send you an email. How exciting is that?
So once again, thank you so very, very much for reading. Have a wonderful day, or evening, or whatever. Until next time…goodbye.