"Strip Bella," he commanded, causing a surge of excitement to course through her inner thighs.

"Why do you want me to strip? What’s the purpose?" Bella questioned, observing as he momentarily closed his eyes. When he reopened them, his deep, dark gaze locked onto her.

"Because you are my mate, and I want us both to thoroughly enjoy this refreshing water," he responded, submerging his head into the pool.

Bella stood motionless, struck by the similarity in Blade's words and ...