Treasured Lies by Kendall Talbot

Author:Kendall Talbot
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd

Chapter 22

Archer clawed at the water, fighting his way to the surface. But it was pointless. Iggy’s thug had a death hold and wouldn’t break free. Archer’s chest burned. He needed a breath and quick smart.

Bright sparks blazed across his eyes as he rained punches low and hard at the man’s head. Yet the vice didn’t release. He squeezed tighter instead. One second a chill raced through Archer’s body, the next his chest burned like he’d swallowed molten lava. His ribs were set to crack. But either the resistance of the water was lessening his punches or the man had a head of steel, because he’d didn’t react to Archer’s barrage one bit.

Archer’s punches lost momentum. The twinkling surface above him faded from view as he drifted downwards. He needed a new plan. Now.

He went for the man’s hair, but when he found an ear instead he pulled hard. So hard he thought he was going to rip it right off the man’s head. Finally the man released him with a muffled howl. Archer dashed for the surface with powerful strokes. But just when he thought he’d make it, fingers clutched around his ankles. Once again the surface drifted away.

The brute twisted himself around so he was now behind Archer and his arms were wrapped around his legs. Archer bent down, desperate to untangle his shackled legs. But they wouldn’t budge. As a faint voice told him time was running out, Archer watched a bubble float upwards. He needed oxygen. Fast. An idea came to mind and he didn’t hesitate. He whipped the drawstring out of his track pants, clutched it over his hands, twisted behind as much as he could and in one swift movement wrapped it around the brute’s throat. With the last ounce of his energy he pulled. The tips of his fingers bulged red. His eyes bulged too, as he stared at the surface, now several metres above him. Sunlight was still some time away, but the twinkling lights from Evangeline looked pretty, like hundreds of flickering candles. The blackness around him began to waft with the current, sweeping him away on a tide of weightlessness.

A bright light appeared out of nowhere and Archer wished he could swim towards it. But he had nothing to give. All energy was gone. His body was a hollow useless shell. Rosalina came into focus and he smiled at her. Her usual morning glow surrounded her and she looked lovely with her hair dancing in the water like it was having a party. She looked more heavenly than ever, like a mermaid.

His last bubble of breath released, and as it drifted towards the surface an incredible sense of euphoria enveloped him. He relaxed completely.

Archer knew he was dying and with Rosalina right there with him, he found peace.

He closed his eyes and let the ocean depths draw him in as he drifted away.

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