Chapter 76 Payback II

The cool water shimmered under the fading sunlight, and Alice remained submerged, her arms crossed over her chest, her face a mix of frustration and embarrassment. Nate leaned casually against a tree just outside the water's edge, munching on a piece of dried fruit, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if he wasn't blatantly ignoring her predicament.

"Nate," Alice finally spoke, her voice carrying an uncharacteristic softness. "I... I'm sorry for teasing you earlier."

Nate turned his head, a chuckle escaping him. "You're sorry?" he repeated, his lips curling into a smirk. "With that smug expression on your face? Try again."

Alice's face flushed, and she splashed the water irritably. "I mean it! Can you just let me get out?"

Instead of responding, Nate's hands moved to the hem of his shirt. In one smooth motion, he pulled it off, revealing the faint disappearing scars crisscrossing his torso. Alice froze, her eyes widening.