Strings and Schemes

Chapter 29

I am not sure if I've ever been served more wine at dinner in my life. We didn't even order it and the bottles were flowing, the nice greek man telling us that we can't possibly eat greek food without wine to enjoy it with. So by the time we stumble back to our rental property, I am feeling entirely confident about the state of the world and my place in it. The night air in Milos is thick with warmth, the sea breeze tangling in my hair as we step onto the terrace of our villa. The infinity pool glows under the soft moonlight, its water stretching seamlessly into the dark horizon.

I kick off my sandals, sighing as my toes press into the cool tile. "I don't think I'll ever get over this," I murmur, staring at the endless ocean.

Zayn is quiet for a beat before I feel his eyes on me, heavier than the humid air. "Me neither," he says, his voice low, rough.

I glance at him, catching the way his lips curl at the edge, that maddening smirk that always spells trouble. The night is calm, peaceful—but there's something electric between us, something unspoken yet entirely understood.

"Let's go for a swim," he says suddenly.

I raise a brow. "It's midnight. And we're drunk"

"So?" His grin is pure mischief, and before I can argue, he's already pulling his shirt over his head, exposing his inked chest and the defined lines of his stomach. He doesn't break eye contact as he unbuttons his pants and lets them drop, standing in nothing but his boxer briefs before stepping into the water.

I swallow hard.

I should say no.

I should go inside.

But the way he watches me, like he's daring me to give in, like he knows I want to—I can't bring myself to resist.

Slowly, I pull my dress over my head, standing there in my black lace bra and matching panties. The night air is cool against my skin, but the heat of his gaze makes me shiver. I take a step forward, feeling the warmth of the water lick at my ankles as I wade in, my breath catching as I meet him in the middle of the pool.

The silence is thick, the space between us shrinking with every slow movement.

His fingertips skim along my thigh under the water, barely a touch, but enough to send a bolt of electricity through my body.

"You're doing it again," I breathe.

"Doing what?" His voice is husky, teasing.

"Looking at me like you want to - "

He cuts me off with a slow, deliberate pull, his hands gripping my waist as he brings me against him. Our lips barely brush before he pulls back, making my breath hitch.

"Like I want to what, jaan?" he murmurs, his nose grazing my cheek, his lips ghosting along my jaw.

I shudder, gripping onto his shoulders, my nails pressing into his damp skin.

"Zayn." It's supposed to be a warning, but it comes out as a plea.

He smirks. "I like when you beg."

A low growl rumbles in his chest as I wrap my legs around his waist in retaliation, grinding against him under the water, feeling his arousal press against me. His grip tightens, his breath hot against my skin.

"Careful," he warns, a smirk emerges on his face.

"Or what?" I challenge.

His expression darkens with something primal, and in a flash, I'm pressed against the edge of the pool back towards the ocean, his body pinning mine, the cool tiles digging into my back.