The waves were calm, the golden sun casting a warm glow over the ocean as it dipped closer to the horizon. The salty breeze ruffled my hair as I waded deeper into the water, letting the cool waves lap against my skin.

A few feet away, Damian stood near the shore, watching me with those ever-watchful golden eyes, sunglasses perched on his head. He was massive, his towering form impossible to miss even from a distance. His broad chest glistened with seawater, and his toned muscles tensed slightly every time the waves got a little too rough. Always on guard, even when we were supposed to be relaxing.

I grinned to myself. He was going to kill me for this.

With a dramatic gasp, I let my body go limp and disappeared beneath the waves. I didn't struggle, didn't even try to swim—just let the water carry me as I drifted under. I held my breath, waiting.

It didn’t take long.

A deep splash cut through the water, and before I knew it, two massive arms wrapped around me, pulling me effortlessly into a solid chest. A strong heartbeat thudded against my cheek as we broke the surface.

“Damn it, babe,” Damian rumbled, his deep voice both irritated and relieved. He adjusted his grip, one arm securing my waist while his other hand cradled the back of my head. “You really gotta stop doing that.”

I coughed dramatically, throwing in a little weak flailing for effect. “Damian… you saved me,” I gasped, blinking up at him. “My hero.”

His ears flattened as he let out a long-suffering sigh, effortlessly treading water while holding me. “You weren’t drowning, were you?”

I bit my lip to keep from grinning. “…Define drowning.”

“Unbelievable,” he muttered. But he still held me close, shaking his head with that exasperated fondness I loved.

I wrapped my arms around his thick neck, letting my body relax against his. “Hey, can you blame me? It’s the best way to get into your arms.”

He snorted. “You could just ask.”