Page 72 of Under the Waves

My barren lungs protested each breath.

Throat stretched and burned.

Fingers scratched and scratched and scratched till old scars ran as red as little bloodied rivers down my palms.

Heat kissed the back of my neck.

Cheeks flushed.

Mind raced.

A million miles per hour.

Everything flashed by my eyes.

I couldn’t keep up.

I couldn’tbreathe.

I was going to die.

Alone.

Afraid.

Wishing,

dreaming,

that I was anyone other thanme.

“I see you,” a soft voice whispered against my ear. Hands wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me against a firm chest—a chest that felt likehome. “Keep your head up, Wellsy. Don’t hide your beautiful smile from me, okay? I’m here. Focus on my voice, not them.”

Jasper. My body called for him and hecame.

I was trapped against his chest but I didn’t feel confined.

I felt safe.

“You found me.”

I could feel his hot breath against the back of my neck, the small curve of his lips as they lightly touched the back of my head; a feather-light kiss. It only lasted a few seconds, but whatwould it feel like if it lasted a lifetime?

What would it feel like to be his for a lifetime?

He’s just pretending, Poppy.

You’re just an asset to him.

You’re just a pawn.

Play your part.

It’s just a game.

It’s not real.

None of it is.