IT WAS A HUMID NIGHT. It's already past ten in the evening but Love was still restless. She had taken a shower but she was sweating again only after a few minutes. 
She peeked outside and saw the pool. She felt like it was inviting her to take a dip in the cold water. How many times had she wanted to freely swim in the pool but she couldn’t do it because Eron was always around. He was always following her every move. She was banned from swimming in the pool or on the beach because she might get into an accident and drown. She was only allowed to dip her feet in the water.
Her lips curved into a smile. "Now’s my chance at the pool."
People at the house were probably asleep by now. Kulas was deadbeat on his bed for swimming in the ocean all day. Her cousin was enjoying himself on this vacation while Love was stuck sulking in the corner. She wanted to experience what it was like swimming in the pool even just once. 
She carefully changed her clothes. She chose one of the swimsuits and put on a big shirt on top of it. Five minutes, just five minutes at the pool and then she’s done. 
She slowly made her way past Eron's room. He went to bed early because he would leave for Manila the next day. The moment she went past his room, she almost ran towards the pool area. She wasted no more time and went straight down to the swimming pool.
The water was cold but a little bit later and she had gotten used to its temperature. This was true freedom. She would be able to do whatever she wanted without any eyes watching her every move. She floated in the water and watched the stars in the sky. She could still hear the waves from the nearby shore. She could stay like this all night and she would still be the happiest. 
She closed her eyes. The water felt like it was washing away all her worries and the memories of the bad things that happened to her a few days ago. Water has a calming effect on her. Maybe she could even extend her time there for another hour. No one could see her there anyway.
"Love! Love!"
A smile appeared on her lips. She could hear Eron calling her name. She really likes it whenever he calls her Love. As if he loves him. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, right? It was just once in a while anyway.
It was Eron who brought peace to her life. She was happy when she’s with him. If only she could stay by his side forever. She would sing for him and give him a massage. She will serve him.
“Oh, God! Love!" he called her again.  
But this time, she could no longer imagine the love in his voice. She could hear the fear in him now. 
She was even surprised when she heard a splash in the water. She also felt like she just woke up from her dreams. She opened her eyes and looked around. But before he could see what had caused the water splashes, strong arms were wrapping around her waist.
"Eron!" she whispered when she recognized him.
“Don’t move! We’re almost at the shallow part of the pool.” There was determination in his voice as if she was in grave danger and he was trying to save her. 
But she was not in any kind of danger. And why was he still awake? She was sure he was already asleep when she passed by his room earlier. 
He tightened his hold on her. The water in the pool was cold but it suddenly warmed up. She felt like she was gonna have a fever. Because the guy was not wearing his shirt! When they got out of the water, she noticed his thin white pajamas that left almost nothing to her imagination. Why did it seem like he picked her out from the pool just to seduce her?
He put her down on the rattan lounging chair. "Are you okay?"
She blinked her eyes several times, his face was way too close to hers. Just a small move from one of them and their faces would brush against each other. His hair and whole body were dripping with water and it gave him a very sensual look. 
He caressed her cheek. “Love, are you hurt?”
“I-I'm fine,” she said in a trembling voice. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the cold breeze on her skin or because his magnificent body was soaking wet. 
He grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her. “Are you sure you’re okay? I just saw you floating in the pool, I thought you’re dead. Why are you here on your own? What you just did was too dangerous, do you know that?”
There was no gentleness and calmness in him at that moment. It was replaced by irritation. He was scolding her. This was the first time he raised his voice on her. He was very different from the Eron she met a few days ago.
“I-I didn't do anything dangerous. I just want to go swimming. I’ll come up in five minutes.”
“Five minutes? What if after five minutes, you are dead? What if I didn't see you? You’re my responsibility, Love,” he burst out and kept pacing around in front of her.  
She bit her lower lip. He’s really hot. His wet pajamas were clutching at his thighs. Whew! She felt like she was about to drool at this view.
She was stunned when he almost touched his face. “What were you thinking about taking a dip at the pool without a companion? What do you want to prove? Are you trying to kill yourself?”
She panicked. She didn’t know how to answer him. “I just want to swim at the pool for a few moments.”