Chapter 368
Chapter 368:
“I’m not letting you go.” Colton lifted his face. Seawater made his eyes gleam, sharp and intense.
Kristine gave a crooked laugh. “You honestly think you can hold me back p>
A confident curve touched his mouth.
Her chest tightened. After a brief hesitation, she pivoted and threw herself back into the water.
Colton stiffened for a heartbeat, then plunged in after her without a second thought. She had barely begun to move when strong hands seized her shoulders. Twisting around, she found him again — persistent, unyielding. Acting on instinct, she parted her lips, ready to sink her teeth into him.
The instant she did, reality hit. They were underwater. Brine poured into her mouth and airways, burning as it rushed in.
Pain contorted her face.
Colton let out a faint, satisfied breath and dragged her upward with ease. “I warned you. I won’t let you walk away from me, Kristine. Stop struggling p>
She stared at him, words failing her.
Then, slowly, a captivating curve spread across her lips.
𝘋ow𝗇𝗅𝘰𝘢𝖽𝘢𝘣𝗅𝗲 𝗣𝖣𝗙𝘴 𝗈ո
Colton’s pulse skipped.
Her voice came soft and unsettling. “Is that so? Then you’re ready to throw Elyse aside p>
His expression snapped shut. He seized her wrist. “What are you talking about p>
The pressure hurt, yet her smile only deepened. “Before we stepped out, I gave Elyse a glass of water. I added something to it p>
His eyes went cold. “What did you give her p>
“A sedative.” Kristine’s lips barely moved. Moonlight traced her features, calm and composed.
Colton turned his gaze slowly toward the endless darkness of the ocean. The surface lay still, broken only by distant boats gliding past.
Under the pale glow, Kristine caught the fear flickering in his eyes.
She spoke slowly. “Elyse has been floating out there for a long time — no movement at all. The drug must be working by now. Aren’t you going to look for her? If she dies, that guilt will follow you forever p>
He whipped back to face her, fury freezing his stare. “How did you become like this p>
Kristine smiled, the moonlight softening her expression.
Colton couldn’t bear to hold her gaze. He let go abruptly, turned away, and swam off.
She watched his powerful figure cut through the water until he disappeared, and bitterness crept through her chest. Then she turned in the opposite direction and struck out toward the cruise liner. It had only just departed and was moving slowly — it didn’t take long to reach it.
She grabbed the lifeboat supports and hauled herself aboard. When she glanced back at the ocean, Colton was gone.
A cold wind swept across the deck, pressing her soaked hair against her skin. She trembled and looked away. The chill was unbearable. She needed to find dry clothes.
She stared at the brightly lit ship, hesitating, unsure which way to go.
Without warning, several shadowy figures slipped into view. They were dressed in black from head to toe, masked, curved knives glinting in their hands.
Kristine went still. “Who are you p>