Matteo touched Eleni’s nose. “Don’t forget to compensate. The tunnel is horizontal, so once you settle the pressure right, you shouldn’t use more of your breath to equalize it, okay?”
Eleni nodded.
Her lips were already slightly discolored from the cold. They needed to hurry.
“On my count, you dive in. One, two, three…”
Eleni drew in a breath and swam toward the opening. As soon as her body disappeared, Matteo followed. He reached for her ankles and grabbed them firmly.
Her legs twitched slightly as he closed his hands around them.
He started to swim, pushing both his weight and Eleni’s forward. Eleni helped with small movements of her arms.
This wasn’t so hard, was it? Matteo’s stomach relaxed a bit. They were moving forwards. This was going to work.
Soon, however, Matteo’s lungs began to press against his ribcage. The additional weight was burning up his reserves too quickly. He needed to distract himself from the pain.
He remembered the kiss in the cave, and his chest tightened even more. This wasn’t helping. He shoved aside the memory and the desire it awakened in him and focused his mind on the single goal.
Getting out alive.
Eleni jolted sideways, and her legs slipped out his hands.
What happened? Matteo’s fingers froze, and his soul chilled.
Then her body started to angle upwards.
Relief spread throughout him. They’d made it. Eleni was swimming toward the surface.
Matteo pushed himself out of the tunnel. A sharp pang shot across his back as a strong contraction of his ribcage ran through his muscles. He had to let his air out slowly, before his lungs were damaged. But if he did, he might not make it back up to the surface.
His body was already ascending, but not quickly enough. He started to blow out the air he’d been holding.
The immediate urge to inhale hit him forcibly. How much longer before he could breathe?
A foggy sensation settled in his mind. Oh, no, this wasn’t a good sign.
He lifted his head. Another violent contraction skittered through him.
He shouldn’t have done that. But he needed to know whether Eleni had made it. He ignored the burning and peeked up.
Eleni’s head was above the water. She was safe.
Matteo’s vision became clouded, and his neck jerked forward. His ribcage expanded without him being able to stop it.
Six meters. Six meters of water separated him from the air, and from the woman he loved. How ridiculous was that? These six meters could well be seventy.
He wasn’t going to make it.
His mouth opened, and he drew in a breath. Water flowed into his mouth.
Everything went blank.
Chapter 34
The first stream of clean air hit Eleni’s lungs.
Her heart leaped. They had made it. They were safe.
But where was Matteo? He should have come up already.
She pushed on the water with her arms to raise her head above the waves, and looked around.
She put her head back into the water.
Good. There he was. His figure was slowly ascending.
Her stomach relaxed. She followed his body with her eyes.
Matteo glanced up, and Eleni’s heart skipped a beat.
Oh, no! Something was wrong. Awfully wrong. Matteo had explained that only two kinds of people looked up when coming up from a free dive—amateurs or those who are seriously out of breath.
Matteo was no amateur.
Eleni opened her eyes as wide as she could, ignoring the sting of the salty water.
There it was. The rhythmic beating of Matteo’s chest. His diaphragm was contracting heavily. She had to intervene.
Eleni’s legs still burned, and her whole body shivered from the cold of the ocean. But she ignored everything. She drew in a breath and, with all her force, started to swim down to Matteo. She only paused for a second to equalize her ear pressure.
Matteo’s head slipped forward, and his jaw relaxed.
No. Don’t do it. Hold on.
Eleni accelerated her pace even more. She had to reach him fast.
Matteo’s shoulders went inert just as Eleni’s hands moved to get a hold on them. She grabbed underneath his arms, and pulled his body towards the surface with powerful kicks.
When they reached it, Eleni grabbed two or three quick breaths, while struggling to keep Matteo’s head out of water.
Her eyes darted from left to right. Which direction should she swim?
The sun was starting to dip behind Empire Rock. It would be dark soon. The waves were already picking up force.
Eleni glanced at Matteo. He wasn’t breathing.
Using the hand that hugged his torso to keep him afloat, she tried to check his heartbeat.
Nothing.
That didn’t mean anything. Maybe she was just not touching him on the right spot.
Her jaw clenched and she swallowed hard. If not, then what? No, she couldn’t go there. She had to be as strong for Matteo as he’d been for her.
The roar of an engine echoed back from the rocks. Eleni jerked her head back. Where was the sound coming from?
From behind the Empire Rock, the yellow boat from the dive center appeared on the horizon.
Eleni’s chest expanded.
She tugged Matteo’s head closer. “We’re safe. I’m getting you out of here.”
Could he even hear her?
Hugo wheeled the boat toward them. He cut the engine and threw a safety rope to Eleni. She grabbed it and dragged herself and Matteo to the boat.
With Hugo’s help, they managed to lift Matteo onto the deck.
Eleni climbed up as well. The cool afternoon breeze froze her wet clothes on her body in a second.
Hugo handed her a towel. “Here, take this. How is he?”
Eleni wrapped the towel around her shoulders then kneeled down next to Matteo. “I’m not sure. He had a syncope, I think, a few meters from the surface.”
She checked on his vital signs, and crumbled inside.
She was right. He wasn’t breathing.
She grabbed his wrist. There was a very faint sensation underneath her fingertips, but a throb nonetheless. “He isn’t breathing, but he has a pulse.”
She snapped her head to Hugo. “Why didn’t anybody from the infirmary come with you?”
Hugo’s eyes were fixed on Matteo. “Oh, no, boss.” His eyes flicked to Eleni. “James said it was probably a false alarm, and that I had to come alone to check.”
Eleni’s hand rolled into a fist.
False alarm? Matteo might die here.
She gritted her teeth. “That stupid jerk. You know how to do the rescue ventilation, Hugo?”
Hugo held up his hands. “In theory, but I’ve never done it, and I—”
“Okay, I’ve got it.”
Eleni turned her focus back on Matteo.
He was pale as chalk, but his heart was still beating. She had to restart his breathing reflex. All her muscles tensed as if an electric wire had been placed underneath her skin.
She lowered herself to Matteo’s lips and started with five initials breaths into his mouth. Matteo’s inert, cold lips were an unbearable contrast to how they’d felt in the cave.
After the first five breaths, she moved on to a sequence of two breaths, and thirty chest compressions.
She repeated this cycle at least six times. Each time she pushed on his chest, she had to swallow back a sob. What if she couldn’t help him?
All of a sudden, Matteo’s muscles contracted under Eleni’s pressing fingers.
She moved back, and Matteo burst out in a strong fit of coughing. He spit out a handful of water. His head collapsed back to the floor, but his eyelids were fluttering.
Eleni’s heart leaped.
He was trying to open his eyes.
Eleni leaned in and caressed his face. “It’s okay. You’re safe. You saved us both.”
Matteo opened his eyes. His lips moved into a faint smile. He opened his mouth to say something, but another fit of coughing came out instead.
“Shhh,” Eleni hushed him. “Don’t force yourself.”
Hugo came over and handed Eleni an oxygen mask. “Put this on the boss.”
She pulled the mask gently over Matteo’s face, and Hugo turned on the air.
A squishing sound escaped from the bottle. Matteo let out a sigh and closed his eyes again.
Hugo patted Eleni’s shoulder. “He’ll be okay. You did good.”
He went over to the wheel and switched on the engine. “Let’s get back to the resort. Boss needs medical attention as soon as possible.”
The boat roared to life.
As they started to move with agile jumps on the waves, Eleni’s shoulders slumped.
Had this day even been real? She couldn’t believe that this morning she had chatted with Cath about Matteo and Connor. It seemed like it had happened in another universe.
Her eyes wandered to Matteo’s body. The rise and fall of his chest filled her heart with joy. Matteo was going to be fine. He had saved her life. And he had kissed her…
Maybe they had a chance together?
She raised her chin and blinked at the rocks they were leaving behind. A lump formed in her throat.
Yes, but besides saving her, Matteo had also discovered the Pearl. The cave he’d been searching for. Now he had everything he wanted. He was going to leave the island. He was going to pursue his dreams.
She buried her head in her palms. The thudding in her chest grew louder. If she ever had any doubts about the depth of her feelings for Matteo, the moment when she thought she was going to lose him had made it clear to her.
She loved Matteo with all her heart.
Was it fair then if she tried to persuade him to stay? Or to change his plans because of her?
She rubbed her cheeks. No, it wasn’t. If she loved Matteo, she had to let him follow the path he wanted. Not stand in his way.
Her eyes moved back to Matteo’s face. The mask on his mouth was clouded from his moist breaths. Yes, Matteo needed to leave the island as he had always planned and become what he had dreamed of.
What about her then?
Her breathing became shallow. She couldn’t stay on Triquol if Matteo was gone. That would be hell. No, there was only one true option left.
Chapter 35
Matteo woke up on his hospital bed. His eyes darted around the room. Where was he?
His glance wandered to the chair beside him, and his mouthed popped open. Bianca? What was his sister doing here?
Bianca leaned close to him, her eyes widening. “Fratellone, you’re awake. How do you feel?”
Matteo cautiously moved his arms and rolled his neck. “Fine, I guess. What are you doing here? And where am I exactly?”
Bianca ran her hands through her dark curls. “You’re in the Triquol central hospital, Mattie. They brought you here after your syncope.”
His syncope? The memory of the burning ache in his lungs came back to him. His body quivered. Right, he had gone to save Eleni. His heart jumped to his throat. Was she okay?
He pushed himself to his elbows. “Bianca, do you know if Eleni is okay?”
Bianca’s lowered her glance to his blanket. “Yes, Eleni made it out in one piece, thanks to you. She was here the whole afternoon yesterday, but you were still under sedation.”
Eleni had come to see him? And she stayed the whole afternoon, instead of spending time with that pretentious ex of hers? Warmth washed over Matteo’s soul, and a smile spread across his face.
Were the white walls of his room starting to shine somehow brighter?
“Oh, no, Mattie. This is what I feared,” Bianca said.
Matteo snapped his head to his sister. “What are you talking about, Bianca?”
Why was his sister looking at him in such a weird way? And what was that expression on her lips? Pity?
Bianca reached out and caressed his cheeks. “You’ve fallen in love with Eleni, haven’t you?”
Matteo shifted himself on his pillow. “And what if I did? I thought you might be happy that I’ve finally fallen for someone.”
Bianca pressed her lips together then nodded. “Of course I am. It’s just…” Her gaze travelled to the small table beside his bed.
There was an envelope on it. With his name.
His pulse quickened, and he reached for the paper. He had only seen Eleni’s handwriting once, but he recognized it immediately. His fingers tore the envelope open, and he unfolded the sheet.
“Matteo,
I wanted to tell you this in person but I don’t have the courage to. I’ve decided to leave the island with Laura and Connor.”
Matteo gasped and peeked up at his sister. “She did what? Why?”
His sister brushed her fingers against his hand. “Mattie, read the whole thing.”
Matteo lowered his eyes to the paper, his heart throbbing in his throat. Were all his dreams in vain? Didn’t Eleni want to be with him?
“I know that after what had happened between us, I owed you a proper good-bye, but I couldn’t. It would’ve been too hard. I’m happy you’ve found the Pearl and that you’ll be able to pursue your dreams.
I want you to know that you have changed my life forever. I wish you the best of luck. You deserve to have everything you desire in life.
Eleni.”
Everything he desired? There was only thing he desired.
He raised his chin, and his eyes met Bianca’s. “She left.”
Bianca nodded. “I know. I’ve um…read the letter. Sorry.”
His sister had read the letter? Then she knew they had discovered the cave. What was Bianca going to think when she learned Matteo had planned to ditch his dream? A bitter taste invaded Matteo’s mouth. And all for a woman who didn’t love him back…
Bianca tilted her head to the side. Her eyes were fixed on Matteo. “Mattie, what are you thinking? Are you mad that I read the letter?”
No, he wasn’t mad. He didn’t have enough emotion left in him to feel anger. He felt empty.
He shook his head. “No, I’m not. I’m just—” His voice broke off.
“You’re sad that Eleni is gone.” Bianca grabbed his hand. “But you shouldn’t be. I think Eleni is in love with you, too. I could see it in her eyes when she left the letter for you.”
Oh, Bianca. The eternal romantic. How could Eleni be in love with him if she chose Connor?
Matteo snorted. “No, sis. This time you’re off. Eleni doesn’t love me. She left with her ex.”
His sister moved from her chair to the side of his bed. She bent her face to meet Matteo’s. “Listen to me, fratellone. When it comes to love, you know nothing. That girl loves you. It’s clear as the sun. She might have left with her ex, but she definitely didn’t go back to him.”
Matteo sat up, knocking Bianca almost off her feet. “What are you saying?”
Bianca pointed her finger at his chest. “Did you or didn’t you confess your feelings to her?”
Matteo swallowed. No, he didn’t. But that didn’t mean Eleni had to run off with Connor, did it?
Bianca raised one brow. “You see? Eleni doesn’t know how you feel about her. Maybe she just had no reason to stay on the island now that you’ll be leaving. Have you thought of that?”
Him leaving? What was Bianca talking about? Oh, the Pearl. Of course. Bianca had read the letter, so she must have assumed Matteo was going to give his notice soon. Did Eleni think the same thing?
Matteo grabbed at his chest. Could Bianca be right?
“Bianca, I won’t be leaving. Or at least not the way I’d planned to. I decided to let Luke have my share of the school in Italy. I wanted to tell Eleni this. Tell her I was ready to make a life with her, the way she wanted.”
Bianca’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. Then her arms shot to the side, and she launched herself forward. She closed Matteo in a tight
embrace. “Oh, Mattie. I knew you had it in you. Dad told me and Luke everything. But I wanted to hear it from your mouth, because I couldn’t believe it.”
Matteo stiffened. His Dad had told them everything? What must Luke think of him? He hated the idea of letting his best friend down. “What did Luke say about my plans?”
Bianca pulled back and stood. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”
Matteo gulped. “Luke is here, too?”
Bianca grinned. “He’s outside in the lobby. Talking to the reporters.”
Reporters? What reporters?
Matteo shook his head. “What’s all this about, Bianca?”
His sister winked. “You’ll see. But don’t worry. Everything will work out just fine. I think we’ve found a way for both you and Luke to live your dreams, and to also have Eleni at your side. Isn’t that what you wish?”
Matteo furrowed his brows. What was Bianca implying? How could he still follow his dream of building a free-dive school in Italy, but also stay with Eleni in Boston? It would never work.
He observed his sister’s confident smile. He knew Bianca well enough to recognize when she was hiding something. What was her plan?
There was a knock on the door.
Luke’s head appeared at the opening. “Matt, my buddy. I’ve got some excellent news for you.”
* * *
Eleni walked down the stairs, her shoulders slouching forwards.
Why did she even bother to come to these interviews? Nobody was going to hire her now that Connor had spread those rumors.
She clenched her jaw and her hands rolled into fists. What a jerk. How could Laura ever convince her that Connor was going to see reason? It was clear he was never going to forgive Eleni for hurting his pride.
Eleni reached into her pocket and took out her phone. She dialed Lydia’s number.
“Can you come and pick me up?”
“You’re done already?” her stepmother asked.
Eleni sighed. “Yes, it was a flop, just like the other two. Apparently Connor called the directors and threatened that the Wellington Academy wasn’t going to feature them if they took me on board.”
“What? That’s ridiculous. I’m so sorry, sweetheart.”
Loving The Boss (Gems 0f Love Book 1) Page 19