Jasmin's POV
The river claimed us both in seconds, icy water rushing over every inch of my body, but the cold barely registered. His arms remained wrapped around me as we sank beneath the surface, his solid frame protecting me from the churning current.
Through the underwater haze, bubbles dancing upward in silver streams, I found myself staring into his face. Even submerged, Max's intense gaze held mine captive. Time seemed suspended in this liquid world, nothing existing beyond the two of us drifting together. His grip on me never loosened, as though no force on earth could separate us.
Every rational thought in my head demanded I struggle free. Yet something about the way his mouth hovered so close to mine left me paralyzed. The warmth of his muscled chest against my body, even through the frigid water, sent shock waves through my system.
My heartbeat drummed louder than the river's roar.
Stop this.
