Chapter Seven

Aiden and Declan remained rooted to the spot, their eyes fixed on Lucia as she moved gracefully through the water. The desire was palpable in their gazes, but they held themselves back, wanting her to be sure, not wanting to make her think they were pushing her.

Aiden's jaw tightened subtly, his fingers flexing at his sides as if aching to reach out and pull her close. Declan, ever the charmer, flashed her a roguish grin, but there was a hint of restraint in the tightness around his eyes.

Lucia treaded water, relishing the cool caress of the lake against her skin. She watched the two men with hooded eyes, acutely aware of the tension building between them. A spark of mischief danced across her features as she drifted further from the shore, her body undulating with each effortless stroke.

"Well?" she called out, a coy smile playing on her lips. "The water's lovely. Don't you want to join me?"

Aiden exchanged a silent look with his brother, the unspoken communication passing between th