Time for your second swim lesson!” I groaned and tried to cover my head with the pillow but North snatched it away. “We’re on break,” I complained. “Why can’t we sleep in?” “Because later in the day the waves will be too high. Come on.” He stripped away my blankets, leaving me shivering. “I never asked to learn how to swim,” I grumbled, getting up at last. “Just consider it a bonus.” North ruffled my short hair, then held me by the shoulders. “What are you doing?” I asked, both uncomfortable and excited when he leaned close to me, his breath warm against the side of my neck. “Examining your piercing.” He touched my ear lightly, tracing its curve with his fingertips. The tender caress sent shivers down my spine. “How…how does it look?”
