Page 3 of War

I loved the anticipation that hummed through me.

“Zion! Zion! Zion!” My name echoed from the chanting crowd.

Feeling invincible, I took a few steps back and launched into the air with a run. The wind whipped my hair and the feeling of falling rushed through my stomach as I tucked my arms around my knees and tucked my body into a ball.

“Cannonball!” I yelled as I hurled through the air and the water of the pool rushed toward me.

I gasped a deep breath and closed my eyes as I hit the water. Satisfaction and thrill rushed through me while I sank into the dark depths.

Dully, I heard the people cheering through the water surrounding me. I opened my eyes and took in the distorted colors and light above me, the darkness below. I released my legs and paused to absorb the colors. Beautiful.

I reveled in the quiet, and the pretty lights as my body floated under the water. It reminded me of something comforting in a distant memory, but I wasn't sure what. I didn't want to leave.

When my chest ached from lack of oxygen, I kicked off the bottom to propel my body toward the surface of the pool.

I sucked in a deep breath when I broke out of the water. Applause and calls erupted as I swam for an edge of the built-in pool.

I pressed my palms to the rough concrete outside the pool and used my arms to push myself up onto the concrete deck.

Water streamed from my body as I climbed out and stood. The moisture made my tattoos shine under the outdoor lights.

When my feet were firmly planted on the concrete, Eric appeared with a towel. He handed it to me and clapped me on the shoulder. He grinned with excitement.

“That was badass, man. You made that huge drop look easy!”

I smiled and wiped some water off my face, then I slid the towel up to dry my hair. I roughly ran it back and forth on my head.

At 32, Eric and I would soon age out of the party scene, but for now we still blended enough that parties were a good place to relax and meet new people.

Eric's long hair was loose around his face and he dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts.

He felt more like a brother than only a best friend, and the man was straighter than an arrow. I still liked to tease him.

I smirked devilishly at him. “Wanna take a leap? I'll jump again.”

Eric shook his head. “My feet stay near the ground, thank you. You know I don't do heights.”

I laughed and dried the rest of my body with the towel before wrapping it around my waist.

“I know. Doesn't mean I won't ask.”

Eric rolled his eyes. “Asshole.”

“You love me.” I flashed a wicked smile his way.

Eric started to reply, but he was interrupted.

“Zion. Hi, baby.” Hands slid around my waist, and hair brushed against my shoulder from behind. “That was such a good jump.”

I narrowed my eyes. Why did I know that voice?

A kiss pressed against the back of my neck. I looked at Eric questioningly.

Eric subtly shook his head.

Ah, fuck. That wasn't good.

I turned. A thin but beautiful woman with long black hair, a tight black dress, and red lipstick stood behind me. A smile stretched across her face.