After laying down a mat under a tree, Lariette and Ruediger went swimming in the lagoon. They already wore swimwear under their clothes before heading out to the tiny island.
The lagoon sparkled under the sunlight as Lariette and Ruediger enjoyed the tranquil seclusion. The place was calm, surrounded by lush greenery that seed untouched.
Azure Bay was not visible from this lagoon. It was as if they were the only ones under the bright sumr sky.
Lariette and Ruediger leisurely swam in the lagoon. They joked about competing again but, settled with splashing water at each other.
"There’s a hidden cave over there," Lariette pointed in a direction while sitting on a smooth rock, her eyes looking at Ruediger who was still swimming, "It’s only accessible when the tide is low."
Ruediger waded closer to the rock. He eventually stood up, droplets of water dripping from his crimson locks, sliding down his fra. His erald eyes glanced in the direction gestured at by Lariette.
"Have you and Maddie gone there?"
Ruediger stepped on the shoreline, climbing to a rock next to Lariette. Droplets of water wet the gritty surfaces of the rocks. Pushing the strands that clung to his forehead, his eyes returned to her face.
The sunlight glistened on his well-toned figure, highlighting his hard muscles. The upper part of his rmaid lines was visible above the band of his swim trunk.
Nodding once, Lariette subtly averted her eyes from Ruediger—especially his naked torso. Her cheeks had a slight tint of pink, visible clearly under the bright sun.
"Twice. We didn’t go deeper tho. Just enough to look around."
"Maybe you can show the cave another ti," Ruediger arched his brows, intrigued by Lariette’s story. Anticipation flickered in his eyes.
"Hehe, we can go there before going back to the cabin," suggested Lariette. She gathered her damp hair over her right shoulder, "If you want, we can still visit the cave."
"Sounds great. I’ll take up the offer."
The smile on Ruediger’s lips deepened. He didn’t mind whether he could see inside the cave or not. He just liked the idea of spending more ti with Lariette.
"Eddy, wanna go for another... huh?"
Just as Lariette invited Ruediger to swim again, the sunlight dimd abruptly. Startled, she looked up, her eyes widening in surprise.
Dark clouds rolled across the sky, blanketing the once-clear sky in a gray color. The wind began to pick up, rustling the leaves around them.
The previously sunny and cheery atmosphere turned heavy and foreboding.
"Go to the cabin," Ruediger said firmly, rising to his feet before offering his hand to Lariette, "Co, Lettie."
"Y-yes!"
Lariette quickly took Ruediger’s hand. They hastily yet carefully stepped on the slimy rocks, rushing to get their belongings.
The pair rashly put on their long pants and shirts, unbuttoned before hurrying to gather their things. The first drops of rain started to fall when they ran halfway through the forest.
What began as drizzle quickly turned into a downpour. The heavy sound of rain hamred against the leaves and the forest floor, drowning out everything else.
"We’re here!"
Lariette and Ruediger were entirely drenched by the ti they reached the cabin. Shivering, she quickly unlocked the door before stepping inside, thinking he would do the sa.
But...
"Lettie, I need to check the boat."
Abruptly turning to look at Ruediger, Lariette’s mind was blank for a mont. Worry tinged her voice once she responded, "What? In this weather?"
"I’m afraid the waves will drift it away," Ruediger explained. His lips still carried a smile in the face of a concerned Lariette, "It’s better to be safe."
Ruediger knew he had docked the boat properly to the pier but, he was still worried. He didn’t anticipate a sudden downpour like this, even heavier than yesterday’s shower.
Lariette hesitated but, she knew better not to argue with Ruediger. She softly reminded him, "Be careful."
"Lock the door first," Ruediger turned around, getting ready to disappear into the rain, "Wait for ."
"Okay."
Lariette saw Ruediger giving her a reassuring nod before she closed the door and secured the lock. Through the window by the door, she stared at his figure, running into the rain.
"Even yesterday’s rain wasn’t this heavy," murmured Lariette, feeling helpless. Her teeth chattered from the cold.
Walking away from the door, Lariette imdiately headed to the washroom. She took off her shirt and pants, soaked by the rain. Shivering, she quickly changed into a new pair of clothes.
"I better make so hot drinks."
Lariette tied her damp hair into a single bun. Using the electric kettle, she heated so water. Her mind didn’t wander far from Ruediger.
The rain intensified, surrounding the cabin in an eerie silence save for the pounding of raindrops against the roof. Standing by the kitchen counter, Lariette texted Madeline and Chairman Delaney.
[Lariette: We’ll return once the rain stops]
[Lariette: Don’t worry about us]
The isle was not far from Azure Bay. Lariette didn’t worry about returning there. She inwardly berated herself for not telling Ruediger to stay and let the boat be.
Despite knowing Ruediger was a man full of wonders and skills, Lariette couldn’t help but worry. Thankfully, the pier was not far from the cabin.
Knock! Knock!
The sudden loud knock caught Lariette’s attention. Slipping the phone inside the pocket of her sweater, she rushed to the door.
"Eddy! You’re back! How—"
Lariette froze once her eyes looked at the two unfamiliar n standing outside, both drenched but wearing unsettling smiles. She imdiately opened the door because she thought without doubt it was Ruediger.
"We got caught in the rain, miss," one of the n said, his tone overly friendly, "Let us in to dry off."
Lariette’s instincts scread at her to shut the door. She hurriedly slamd the door, only to be stopped by one of the n shoving at the panel.
"Argh!"
Lariette almost stumbled to the floor. She quickly regained her footing, her eyes wary of the n’s predatory gazes fixed on her.
"Stay back!" Lariette shouted, grabbing a nearby table lamp as a makeshift weapon.
"Oh, co on, miss," the brown-haired man advanced, his voice hinting at his sinister intent, "We’re just lucky to find this place. Let’s have fun until the rain stops, okay?"
"Hahaha! We never thought we could get inside here," chid the second man who sported a crew cut.
Frowning, Lariette noticed sothing was wrong with the two unfamiliar n. Their eyes were reddened and their steps were unsteady, as if they were heavily drunk.
Still...
This was dangerous!
"SCRAM!"
Lariette snapped out of her thoughts when the brown-haired suddenly lunged at her. Swinging the lamp, she struck it hard on his head.
"ARGH! Damn bitch!"
The shattered glass left bloodied marks on the brown-haired man. Losing his balance, he fell on his bum.
Lariette didn’t waste the montum. She yanked a vase and accurately threw it to the short-haired man. She seized the mont to run once he was distracted by the broken glass.
"Bitch! Don’t run!"
As if Lariette would listen to them. Darting out of the cabin, she dived into the storm, her heart pounding heavily in her chest.
She wouldn’t let herself get caught!
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