CHAPTER 48 : NIGHT SWIM

After they finished their meal, Bryan reached over and grabbed a soft blanket from the bag, wrapping it around both of them.

"This is really nice," Kira murmured and snuggled into his chest, resting her head against his shoulder as they watched how the river moved silently. 

Bryan smiled to himself and held her closer, caressing her hair, "It's perfect, especially with you here," he said to her.

They sat in comfortable silence for a little while, just enjoying the tranquility of the night and their company.

"You know, I always dreamed of a place like this," Kira said softly, breaking the silence as she snuggled closer. "A quiet, beautiful spot where I could just… escape for a while."

"This could be that spot for you. It's also my spot, but I don't mind sharing it with you," He told her, still rubbing her hair softly.

Kira nodded and closed her eyes, feeling very relaxed. "Can I see them?" She asked after some minutes.

"Who?" Bryan asked, not sure of what she was talking about.

"My parents," she uttered, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up on our date. It just came to me."

"Love, it's okay and of course. Whenever you are ready, I'll take you to them," Bryan told her and kissed her forehead gently. "I'm sorry we didn't let you say your final goodbyes, we regret it so much."

Kira raised herself up a bit to look at him, noticing his tone and rubbed his cheek, "I want you both to stop feeling guilty, you have apologized a lot and I know you regret it, and you are sorry, plus I can say my final goodbyes now, and I have forgiven you all already."

"We don't even know how you were able to forgive us," Bryan chuckled sadly. "But we are grateful for this chance," he said to her on behalf of himself and Aiden.

"I am grateful for this chance too," Kira smiled, her eyes a bit watery as she looked at him.

Bryan's eyes softened, his smile warm while he gazed at Kira, "I love you, Kira Valen."

"I love you too, Bryan Tyrell," Kira replied, her voice soft and a bit low.

As Bryan brushed the tear that dropped from her eyes with his thumb, their eyes locked in.

"So…" Kira sniffed and got up, seeking to break the somber mood, "How about we go for a swim?"

Bryan didn't hesitate for a second as he got up. "I thought you'd never ask."

"Race you to the water!" Kira yelled, already sprinting toward the shore.

Bryan laughed, "You are on!" And ran after her.

Without a second thought, Kira tugged off her dress, leaving her in a lacy black bra and matching underwear. She shot Bryan a teasing look as he stripped off his shirt and removed his trousers, standing there in his boxers.

"Looking good," Kira teased more with a smirk.

"I know right," Bryan grinned, flexing his muscles at her, "Ready to get wet?"

She rolled her eyes, laughing. "Just get in the water, show-off!"

With a shared glance, they both sprinted toward the river. As they jumped in, the cool water greeted them. Kira gasped from the chill.

"It's freezing!" she squealed and splashed Bryan, giggling as he splashed her back.

It had been a long time, Bryan had this much fun. It was the best moment.

"You will get used to it!" He laughed, divine under for a moment before popping back up right in front of her, splashing her more.

"Bryan! Stop!" She yelled, still splashing him back and asking him to stop, just so she could win.

They swam around for a bit, but suddenly, Kira noticed Bryan had disappeared. She looked around, then spun around, calling his name. "Bryan? Bryan?"

She swam to an extent to look for him, but there was no sign of him. "Bryan, where are you? This isn't funny!" She called out, getting worried.

She was now beginning to grow anxious when she could not see him anywhere. "Bryan!"

Just as she turned, she felt something grab her hand and yank her down. Kira started kicking, but before she could scream, she was pulled underwater.

Her eyes widened as she struggled for a moment and then, Bryan's lips met hers. Noticing it was him, she relaxed.

They broke to the surface together, and Kira sputtered, half-laughing, half-coughing as she caught her breath.

While Bryan was busy laughing at her. "You should have seen your face!" he teased. "You were so scared!"

"Bryan, you… ugh! I thought something happened to you" she glared at him and splashed him again, harder this time, but could not hold back her laughter.

"Admit it, you were totally freaked out, Luna Kira!" He laughed, dodging the splash.

"I wasn't!" Kira said, not wanting to admit it.

"You were," Bryan continued to press on.

"No, I wasn't," She laughed and still refused to admit it, going to attack him playfully.

"Come on, you know you love me." He said to her with a smirk.

"Me?" Kira stopped moving and looked around, acting oblivious to what he said as she pointed to herself, "Me? In love with you?"

"Yes," he answered on her behalf.

"Well, it's true. I am in love with you." Kira admitted and giggled. "But I will definitely get back at you for that one."

"Will you?" Bryan waded closer as he asked her.

"Yes!" Kira replied.

"Come here." He said in a sexy tone, pulling her close to him by her waist.

"Come for what?" Kira raised her brow at him, knowing exactly where this was headed.

"Well…" Bryan started speaking but paused and kissed her neck.

"Well?" Kira bit her lips, wrapping her hands around his neck. "Well what?"

Bryan stopped kissing her neck and raised his head, looking into her eyes. "Well, what I meant to say…" he began, trailing off as he leaned in and kissed her.

It started soft, as if testing the waters, but deepened as they melted into each other. Kira felt a tingling sensation with a mix of warmth spread through her, her fingers finding their way into and through his hair.

As they pulled away, both breathless, one smiling and the other blushing hard, Kira looked at him. "So, is this what you had in mind?"

Bryan chuckled, his forehead resting against hers. "It's a start."