Forbidden Desire 18+

Chapter Eleven

ELIO MORELLI

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I lose sight of Isabella when one of those stupid jocks swim in front of my direct view. My eyes scan the water and I don't find her anywhere amongst her so-called 'friends'. I step closer to the edge of the lake, heat spiking my neck.

Where the fuck is she?

Seconds later she resurfaces near the boys who burst into laughter but Isabella is struggling, choking against the water as it laps in her face. None of them seem to help her, instead they want to humiliate her.

My stare hardens as I step closer, certain she's going to find her balance once more and get out of that water and fuck off these assholes. But she doesn't. A strangled sound leaves her throat before she slips beneath the water once more.

I rip off my jacket and throw it down onto the grass before stepping into the water. I submerge myself under and swim towards her sinking body. No one seems to care or even help and I'm seconds away from ripping Jenson's head from his body. No doubt he has something to do with this.

Isabella's choices aren't always the brightest but I know for sure she isn't dumb enough to get into the water without knowing how to swim. This isn't as black and white as it seems. I've never trusted that guy and this doesn't add up to me.

My arms wrap around her body as I break through the surface and swim back to the shore. The rest of the group are silent now apart from a few gasps of surprise as I hold Isabella's limp body in my arms.

I drop down onto the grass and lay Isabella out. My hand lightly taps her cheek and her head rolls. I dip my ear to her lips but she's not breathing. "Fuck," I curse as a crowd begins to form around us. "Come on, Isabella."

She lays there cold and pale. I lean forward to pinch her nose, tilt her head back and I lay my mouth over her wet lips. I breathe into her mouth to get her lungs working and the water out of her body. She must have swallowed a lot when she was struggling. Fire ignites inside me but I focus on Isabella and nothing else. She's my priority right now.

"Come on," I grit under my breath and breathe into her mouth again. "Wake up, Isabella. Fucking wake up."

Just as I'm about to lay my hands over her sternum and start chest compressions, she coughs and clear liquid forms over her lips. I twist her body to the side and pat her back, my clothes dripping all over her body. "That's it," I say as she chokes and gasps loudly. "Get it out."

"Oh my God," the girl called Sophia steps into our circle. "Is she okay?"

I glare up at her under my dark lashes. She looks concerned but a part of me sees past her bullshit lies. "Step the fuck back." I snarl.

Her eyes widen in surprise and she does as I say–jumping back without hesitation. My head turns back to Isabella as she continues taking large breaths. "That's it," I say again as I slide my hands over her arms. "You're okay. You're okay."

Isabella's weary gaze flicks over my face. She opens her mouth to speak but I shake my head. "Save it," I tell her. "Save your energy. I need to get you seen over by a doctor."

The crowd around us somehow becomes smaller, the sound of gossiping echoes around us and I've never felt more riled up in my life. "Can everyone give us some space?" My voice booms across the lake.

People flinch at my tone but I don't have any patience for nosey fuckers. I keep my hand on Isabella's arm as I glance around. My focus catches on Jenson as he stands with his arms folded over his chest, staring down at her with a smirk.