The sun blazed over the glittering ocean, waves rolling in with playful force. Sylus had you settled snugly on his lap as the jet ski roared to life, the salty breeze whipping through your hair.

“Hold on tight,” he warned over the hum of the engine, his voice low but laced with excitement.

You tightened your arms around his neck, feeling the flex of his shoulders as he steered into the open water. The jet ski shot forward, skimming across the heavy waves. Each crest sent the craft leaping into the air before slamming back down, spraying you both with cold seawater.

One brutal wave sent the craft soaring, and when it slammed down, your arms slipped. Before panic could set in, his strong hand caught you around the waist, yanking you firmly back into him. “Not letting you go that easy,” he muttered near your ear, voice rough with adrenaline.

When you finally reached the shallows, he cut the engine and let the machine drift toward the beach. You slid off, the warm water lapping around your legs.

“Don’t—” his voice was sharper than he meant, low and rough near your ear, “—ever scare me like that again.”

You only grinned, splashing water toward him in mock defiance. “You’re the one who went full speed!”

Sylus squinted at you, and before you could dart away, his hands slipped firmly around your waist, pulling you close. Holding you steady, he leaned in and bumped his forehead lightly against yours—a quiet, wordless scolding—and didn’t let go, his faint smirk softening as he kept you there.