Confidence

Dahlia’s POV

I was still trying to wrap my head around everything that had just happened when Ares gently turned me toward the pool, his hands resting on my shoulders. My back pressed against his chest, and I could feel the warmth of his body against mine. The closeness, the intimacy, was almost overwhelming. My heart raced, a mix of nerves and anticipation causing my breath to come in quick, shallow bursts.

As his fingers lightly traced along my arm, a shiver ran through me. His touch was gentle, almost soothing, yet it set my nerves on edge. I could feel his breath on the back of my neck as his hands moved down to my waist, the sensation both thrilling and terrifying. His touch was slow and deliberate, as if he was savoring the moment, and I became increasingly aware of every inch of my body.

When he reached the knot on my shorts, I tensed, emotions swirling inside me. Before I could react, he loosened the tie, and my shorts fell to the ground, leaving me in just my swimsuit. I fel