Chapter 890: A Desperate Dive
"W-Who are you?" Mackenzie gasped, looking at the man before her after landing.
"I… I am Nathan's master," Emmanuel hesitated, almost slipping into his real voice before correcting himself. He didn't want to deceive her, but revealing his true identity was impossible.
"You?" Mackenzie's astonishment was evident. "Why did you save me?"
"I…" Emmanuel began, but the approaching thugs cut him short. "Because I'm fond of you!" he blurted.
"W-What?" she stammered, her emotions turbulent. The thought of owing a life-saving debt to another man weighed heavily on her. I am married and deeply in love with my husband. I don't need another man's affection, and this debt would be a burden! she thought.
"Ms. Quillen, we need to dive to escape!" Emmanuel, focused on protecting his wife, didn't understand her inner turmoil. He was unsure of the organization's origins but believed they'd be safe outside the villa.
Before Mackenzie could respond, guns were pointed at them. He grabbed her and leaped into the sea. Emmanuel, a strong swimmer, plunged into the depths, holding her tightly. Mackenzie struggled, gasping for air—she couldn't swim.
The woman in black leather and her subordinates rushed out, witnessing their plunge. "Don't let them escape! That man is too agile; he's not ordinary!" she ordered. She was the operation's commander. Countless bullets sprayed the sea, but to no avail. Emmanuel, with Mackenzie in his arms, vanished beneath the waves.
"Forget it! Go after Nathan, the Chapmans' heir!" she conceded, amazed by Emmanuel's strength, and shifted her focus.
Emmanuel, powerful in the water, held his wife close. My wife's body is soft, emitting a faint warmth and a captivating scent. Her delicate face is just inches away, bringing me immense comfort! he thought, feeling an irresistible pull toward her alone. I wish I could hold her close forever!
This dream was quickly shattered. He realized Mackenzie couldn't hold her breath, unlike him. Oh no! I must reach the surface fast! he thought anxiously. His underwater escape plan was failing.
Mackenzie's consciousness faded, yet she resisted embracing him, even in his life-saving efforts. I, Mackenzie Quillen, am a married woman! How can I embrace another man? No, this cannot happen!
Emmanuel noticed her distance and understood. He smiled wryly, a mix of irritation and relief. Mackenzie eventually lost consciousness.
Pulling her from the water, he frantically called, "Ms. Quillen! Wake up!" He laid her on the beach, gently patting her, but she remained unconscious.
The icy CEO of Yeringham lay clad in a wet white shirt, revealing her white bra and accentuating her curves. The transparency was appealing to Emmanuel. Her wet, tight black skirt, just above the knees, further emphasized her figure.