OUTCOME

The current carried us downstream. We clung to each other to keep from drowning or being torn apart by the rushing water.

We drifted for a long time until our feet finally brushed the riverbed. The flow was gentler here, which was fortunate: our legs were numb from the cold, and we could barely stand, let alone wade.

We stumbled out and collapsed onto the sandy bank in a spot hidden by thick undergrowth.

We lay on our backs for a good fifteen minutes, staring at the sky. The chase and the icy swim had drained us completely. I might have stayed like that for hours if I hadn’t heard Alex’s teeth chattering.

I gathered sticks and built a small campfire. I had quit smoking years ago, but out of habit I always kept a lighter in my pocket. Miraculously, the water hadn’t ruined it. Soon flames crackled between us.

I told Alex to take off her clothes — we needed to dry them and warm ourselves properly. Reluctantly she agreed but warned me to keep my distance. She was still angry.

We were well hidden on the bank; no one could see us from the path or river. Our clothes hung on branches to dry while we sat close to the fire. Alex still shivered, arms wrapped around her knees despite the flames.

She excited me no matter what she wore — or didn’t. Her pale skin glowed beautifully in the firelight, but seeing her distressed and vulnerable made my chest ache. I just wanted to take away her worries, hold her close until she felt safe and warm again.

I also knew better than to approach her too directly right now; she might read it as an advance and pull away further. So, I simply said that if she was still cold, she could lean against my back.

At first, she pretended not to hear. Then I felt her shift closer. Eventually her small shoulder pressed against mine. That small contact was enough; I just wanted her near.

We couldn’t stay long — Kahn’s men were still hunting us. We had to leave the region. By then our clothes were dry enough, and the worst of the shock had worn off.

Although Alex had lost most of her luggage because of me, she had kept her money, bank cards, ID, and return train ticket in a waterproof pouch inside her coat. She bought some food for our journey and boarded without issue. I slipped on later once the guard had left the platform.

Alex ignored me. We ate sandwiches and drank tea in silence. Despite the tender moment we had shared on the riverbank, she was still furious. Her hard words — that she never wanted to see me again — echoed painfully in my mind. I couldn’t accept it, but I didn’t dare push the issue and risk making her angrier.

“I can’t stand wearing these dirty clothes any longer,” she suddenly hissed through clenched teeth.

“They’re not that dirty,” I argued.

“Yes, they are! They stink, and I’ve been sweating in them – they were in that filthy river. I want them off.” She stood and began undoing her clothes.

“Turn away,” she ordered when she caught me staring.

I turned my back. The position made it easier to say what I needed to.

“Alex, there’s something I want to tell you,” I began, voice unsteady.

“I can’t stand it when we’re fighting. I can’t stand when you won’t talk to me. I know I deserve it. This is the second time you’ve been dragged into trouble because of me. I only seem to bring chaos into your life. I was supposed to protect you, but you’re the one who saved me — dragging me into the river. You were right: Alban would have killed us both. If it weren’t for you, we would be dead.”

The whole time I spoke I heard the rustle of clothes and her soft sighs, but she didn’t respond when I finished.

“Alex?”

“Do you think this necklace looks good on me?”

“Alex! I’m pouring my heart out here!” I exclaimed, stung by her deflection.

I turned around — and froze at the most breathtaking sight. Alex stood in her underwear, the Emerald Princess gleaming around her neck. I must have looked like an idiot, mouth open, staring. She couldn’t hide her amusement.

“How did you do that?” I asked, confused, and delighted.

“A little magic and sleight of hand. “You didn’t notice, but when that Arnavut appeared, you grabbed the bag — and I kept hold of the pouch. I just slipped it into my pocket.”

“And you didn’t tell me!”

“Why should I? I owe you nothing. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m a police officer – and I’m confiscating this stolen necklace.”

That familiar angry spark flared in her eyes again, the one that always drove me wild.

“It’s yours, Alex. Take it. But please don’t think that I used you. I care too much about you to ever hurt you like that.”

I took a step closer. My hand gently brushed hers. She didn’t pull away, so I grew bolder, tracing her arms.

“I’m still angry with you,” she said quietly.

“What do you want me to do to make you forgive me?” I whispered in her ear.

She studied me thoughtfully, eyes travelling up and down.

“My feet hurt from all the running. A foot massage would be nice.”

Even though I would have preferred to make love to her right there, the request made me grin with eagerness.

Alex settled comfortably on the seat and rested her feet in my lap. I began massaging them gently. I had noticed before how much my policewoman loved intimate touch — whether I was rubbing her shoulders or caressing her breasts. As my thumbs worked her soles and arches, I saw her tension melt; she closed her eyes in pure enjoyment.

“I wouldn’t mind getting rid of this bra, too,” she murmured, eyes still shut, clearly teasing me because she had no intention of removing it.

“Well, the train stops in the Marshes — and I happen to live there. How about you drop by? Wash your clothes, take a hot bath, have dinner with me before you head home?”

Alex opened her eyes and looked at me curiously.

“Maybe. I’ll think about it,” she replied.

“You’ve got some time to decide,” I said, smiling.

She closed her eyes again as I continued rubbing her sore feet and hoped the train would reach the Marshes soon.

FIN