Chapter 2 INTO THE DEEP

Maria's POV

The cold water hit me like a brick wall. It was like being slapped, punched, and suffocated all at once. My body seized up from the shock, my lungs locking down as if trying to keep me from inhaling the freezing liquid.

For a moment, everything was silent. Still.

I kicked. Flailing wildly. My hands reached upward, desperate for something to hold onto. But the surface was too far.

I can't even swim.

Panic surged through me, sharp and electric. My mind screamed at me to fight, but my body was too weak. My limbs felt heavy, sluggish. The cold seeped into my bones, numbing every part of me.

I coughed, a rush of bubbles escaping my lips. My vision blurred.

I don't want to die.

The realization hit me like a freight train.

I didn't want to die.

Not like this.

Not alone.

I kicked again, this time with purpose, but it was useless. The water was stronger than me, merciless in its grip. My lungs screamed for air.

Oddly, something grabbed me.

Strong hands. A firm grip.

Before I could even register what was happening, I was being yanked upward.

The world spun as I broke through the surface, gasping for air, coughing violently. Water burned my throat, my chest heaving as I fought to breathe.

A voice-deep, urgent-cut through the chaos.

"I've got you," it said.

Arms wrapped around me, pulling me toward the shore. I was too weak to fight, too exhausted to do anything but cling to my rescuer. He set me on the sharp sand and turned to leave.

"Wait-" I tried to sit up, but my limbs felt like lead. "Who are you?"

He paused, looking down at me. "Just someone who was in the right place at the right time," he said simply and dove into the icy water.

My mind was still spinning, trying to process what had just happened.

He had saved me.

A night swimmer.

*** ***

3 Days Later.

Solemn, I sit still, my mind reminiscing on the incident... more on the faceless stranger than my near death experience.

'Who are you?' I mumbled silently to myself. 'Hopefully, we meet again.'

Susan appeared from the kitchen, holding a bowl of cereals. She was still mad at me, but tried not to show it. In silence, she ate her dinner.

"I'm sorry, Sue." I murmured. Standing to meet her, I leaned on her chair. "I won't make such foolish move. Ever."

She looked at me and sighed. "Promise?"

I nodded and grinned. "Are you happy now?"

"Hmm," she paused. "One more thing." Her eyes roamed my body. "Let's hit the damn club."

My eyes widened. "What-no. Absolutely not."

She shot me a look. "You don't have a choice."

I let out a frustrated groan. "I'm trying to piece my life together, not shake it apart."

She chuckled. "Hun," she fully turned to look at me. "I know you're still sulking over Luka."

I gulped dryly and tried to argue, but words betrayed me.

She pouted and took my hand, slowly stroking it. "I know the best way, and you just have to trust me, okay?"

Against my will, I nodded, hoping she was right this time.

Spearheading her plan, she forced me to wear a clingy red dress and a mask. I stood, staring at the masked strange figure in the mirror.

Strangely beautiful... stunning even!

The dress hugged my curves, highlighting my waist, my hips, my legs. My skin glowed against the deep red color, and for the first time in years, I actually felt... good.

I stepped out of the bathroom, and Susan let out a loud whistle.

"Damn, girl," she grinned. "If Luka could see you now, he'd be begging for a second chance."

I rolled my eyes but smiled a little. "Alright, fine. Let's just get this over with."

The club was packed.

Music blasted through the speakers. The lights flashed in chaotic patterns cutting through the darkness. The air smelled like sweat, alcohol, and perfume.

For the first time in years, I felt alive.

Susan dragged me straight to the bar. "Two shots of tequila," she called out to the bartender before turning to me with a smirk. "Tonight, you're getting wasted."

I laughed, shaking my head. "This is a bad idea."

She shoved a shot glass into my hand. "Everything is a bad idea. That's what makes it fun."

I hesitated for half a second, before drinking it whole.

The burn hit instantly, running down my throat like liquid fire. I coughed, but before I could complain, Susan handed me another.

And another.

And another.

The night blurred after that.

At first, I was just tipsy. Laughing. Dancing. Letting loose in a way I hadn't in forever. My body moved with the music, and for once, I didn't care what anyone thought. I wasn't thinking about Luca. Or my dead parents. Or my shitty life.

I was lost in the moment.

Dancing recklessly, I bumped into a hard mass, pouring my drink on him as a result.

"Oh, my god." I stuttered. "I'm..."

The rest of my words hooked in my throat when I looked up to find the most mesmerizing blue pairs. He was masked as well. Draped in a black blazers and tight black pants, he looked perfect.

My heart pounded in my chest and I swallowed dryly. I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, but my body reacted to his gaze like he owned me.

Wild, I wanted him... wanted his touch all over my sensitive body.

"Are you just going to gawk?" He groaned, his deep baritone vibrated in my head, set my body ablaze with dirty thoughts.

"How about she cleans her mess?" Susan chipped in out of the blue and turned to wink at me.

I opened my mouth to argue, but ended up mopping.

"Hmm," he smirked, rubbing his fingertips together. "Yours or mine?"