That man was Japen. I slapped him hard and swam quickly to the side of the pool, still shivering from the panic I’d just experienced.
“Azora,” Japen called after me, following closely.
I didn’t respond. I climbed out of the pool and walked over to my robe, picking it up and putting it on.
“Azora, I was just kidding,” he said.
I sneered but remained silent. I didn’t want him anywhere near me after what he’d done-almost drowning me!
I stormed away, my forehead creased, lips tight, fists clenched. I was furious with Japen. That joke was not funny at all!
“Azora.”
Someone grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I hissed in annoyance as Japen turned me to face him.
His expression was solemn. “I’m sorry. I won’t do that again. Forgive me, Azora.”
“Jerk,” I hissed again, my fist still clenched, barely holding back from slapping him again. “What are you doing here?” I asked through gritted teeth.
He smiled wryly. “Sofia told me you were here.”
“And if I am? Why did you come here? I don’t need you here.”
Japen sighed and took hold of both my shoulders. “I’m really sorry.”
I furrowed my brows and pushed him away. Turning on my heel, I walked back towards the lone cottage. I couldn’t hear Japen’s footsteps behind me, and I didn’t bother to look back to see if he was still there. I didn’t want him near me; I was still furious.
Unlocking the cottage door with my key, I closed and locked it behind me. I headed straight for the bedroom, retrieved my clothes from the cabinet, and went into the bathroom to change.
Now that I’d enjoyed myself in the pool, my body was ready for sleep. But I couldn’t just go to bed yet; I needed to dry my hair first.
Upon exiting the bathroom, I glanced around. Was there a hair dryer here? I suspected the resort crew hadn’t bothered to provide one, but I still searched the small room, hoping to find one. I wanted nothing more than to lie down and sleep at that moment.
Opening drawers in the cabinet, bedside tables, and any spot I thought might hide a hair dryer, I found nothing. I sighed heavily.
Sitting on the corner of the couch, I dried my hair with a towel. I pouted and sighed again. I’d been drying my hair for some time when there was a knock at the door. My forehead creased; I hadn’t called for any crew service.
I smoothed my hair into place, although I hadn’t bothered to comb it yet, and walked to the door, opening it. It was Japen. He was holding something. I narrowed my eyes at him and started to shut the door, but he gently pushed past me and entered the cottage.
“Don’t you dare,” I warned through gritted teeth. “Get out.”
“Azora,” he said, glancing around the cottage. “Are you comfortable here?”
Annoyed, I furrowed my brows. “I told you, get out.”
He faced me and approached. I stepped back, glaring at him. How dare he invade my privacy after trying to drown me?
“Azora, I was just joking earlier. I didn’t mean to scare you. Please forgive me.”
I huffed. “Don’t make me throw you out. Get out now, or I’ll call the staff. You’re trespassing!”
His eyebrow arched at my words, then he offered a playful smile. “There are no other cottages available in the resort, so I told them I’d stay here.”
I narrowed my eyes even further. “You’re not welcome here. Leave now!”
He sighed again. “Azora, I’ll stay here until you forgive me.”
“Huh. So you’re forcing me to forgive you?” I spat. “Dream on!”
Infuriated, I marched towards him. I pushed him hard, but he barely moved an inch. Frustrated, I grabbed his wrist and tried to drag him out, but Japen took hold of my hand and pulled me towards him.
I found myself in his arms. He wrapped them around my waist, and I felt his warm breath on my cheek. I furrowed my brows. “Let me go, or else!” I warned.
But he didn’t budge or say a word. He stood there, holding me in his arms. I struggled to break free, but his embrace tightened, leaving me no choice but to remain still. I huffed again. Why did I have to be caught in Japen’s arms? Boys were definitely stronger than girls, and I hated that fact.
I felt Japen nuzzle his nose against my cheek, then he kissed the side of my head. “Sorry,” he whispered hoarsely.
His warmth was comforting, and I found myself leaning into him, caught off guard by my body’s reaction. When a cold gust blew in through the open door, Japen’s body heat shielded me from the chill.
But then, I felt Japen’s hold tighten, and I sensed him shiver from the cold. He grunted, and I furrowed my brows at his reaction. I lightly tapped his arms around my waist. “Let me go,” I said in a calmer voice.
I wasn’t sure if I had forgiven him yet, but Japen’s gestures were unexpectedly kind.
“Sorry,” he murmured again, pressing his lips against my earlobe, causing me to close my eyes at the sudden sensation. “I’m sorry, Azora.”
I pursed my lips.