Drake took a step toward Celina, but she stepped backwards. Her foot didn't touch ground, and her arms reached out, grasping for something to stop her fall.

"Celina!"

She held her breath. The tepid water engulfed her, and she sunk. Lower and lower.

The bottom of the pool helped her push up, and her head broke the surface. Drake kneeled beside the pool with his hand out, grabbing for her. She tried to swim away, but her hair tangled around her arms.

"Here you go. I got you."

The cold air rushed at her body, and she shook. Drake stared at her body. She glanced down. The water turned her dress transparent, and it clung to her curves, leaving nothing to the imagination. She refused to cover herself.

"Stop it."

"What?" His gaze stayed glued to her chest.

"Stop staring at me like you want to eat me for dinner. It is wrong." She crossed her arms to cover her breasts. "You American men…ugh, you can't be trusted!"

It didn't help seeing the hungry expression on Drake's face. Her hardened nipples tingled, and she wanted nothing more than to lean into him, to steal his body warmth.

His lips moved, and instead of hearing his words, she imagined those same lips on her skin. Shivering, she stood in front of him, tempting fate.

The magnetic pull toward his body set her skin on fire. He brushed her hair away from the front of her face, his hand skimming the side of her cheek. She curled her head into the heat of his flesh, and her eyes closed automatically.

The warm, moist brush of his breath against her cheek warned her. He wanted to kiss her. She arched her neck, and her chest touched his. Control of her body orchestrated by something alien inside her, she fought.

"Oh. Her eyes opened wide. No. No." She must make him see reason. "I can't. Drake, this is wrong."

She ran past Drake, through the house, until she slammed her bedroom door. She rushed to bolt the lock, not knowing if she wanted to keep Drake out, or herself in. Papa spoke the truth. Part of her mother still lived inside her. Damn Mama.