Upon hearing Lucindaâs invitation, Jennifer gracefully rose, delicately grasped the railing, and descended into the water, paying no mind to Hilliard, who was still occupied with peeling gr@pes.
âHilliard, care to join us for volleyball?â Lucinda inquired.
Hilliard, displaying tact, consumed the final gr@pe, wiped his hands meticulously, and silently trailed behind them into the water.
For the water volleyball match, as Jennifer remained upset and intentionally opted not to team up with Hilliard, Lucinda found herself partnered with her.
They faced off against the two men on the opposing side of the net.
In the opening play, the two gentlemen allowed Lucinda to serve the ball.
Lucinda toyed with the volleyball in her hands and initiated some pre game banter.
âHilliard, youâre aware of my history.
I ranked in the top three in the national water volleyball competition as a child.
If I were to defeat you two, would it tarnish the victory? Would it be deemed dishonorable, bullying novices?â
Hilliard froze.
During their youth, the familyâs water volleyball prodigy was Cyrus, who had secured second place in the national competition.
Back then, Hilliard was wholly engrossed in his studies, delving into medicine, and remained entirely ignorant about water volleyball.
He feared another moment of embarrassment in Jenniferâs presenceâ¦
As he pondered, Nathan assumed control of the conversation.
âDarling, youâve yet to witness my prowess in water volleyball.
Why donât we have a match and wager on the outcome?â
On the opposing side of the net, Jennifer remained silent, as she too was a novice at the sport.
Judging by their demeanor, both Lucinda and Nathan were skilled at the game.
Lucinda beamed brightly and charismatically, âVery well, what shall we wager?â
âIf I emerge victorious, Iâll request you to share a ki*s with me underwater for a minute,â Nathan proposed in a calm tone.
The other three individuals in the pool were taken aback.
Nathan was clearly making an effort to create some intimate moments with Lucinda.
Though Hilliard felt a twinge of bashfulness, he also eagerly anticipated the underwater ki*s.
âIâll take the same bet,â declared Hilliard.
Lucinda cast a fleeting glance at the two men across the net before settling her gaze on Nathanâs striking visage.
Her crimson lips curved into a more mischievous grin.
âI havenât quite settled on my specific wager yet, but Nathan, you should prepare yourself mentally.
If you happen to lose, whatever punishment or discipline I propose, you must graciously accept.
â
Punishment or disciplineâ¦
Nathanâs spine tensed imperceptibly, and a slight crack appeared in the smile adorning his Lips.
In the heart of Tysoniaâs capital, within the confines of the swimming pool, before Hilliard and Jennifer, was Lucinda about toâ¦
The more he dwelled on it, the more his mind was besieged by improper thoughts.
A faint flush tainted his handsome countenance, and the tips of his ears ignited with heat, rendering speech momentarily elusive.