“King.” Her cheek was against his breast.
“Yes.”
“Your heart is racing—just racing. Swimming isn’t good for you. It might stop!”
“Entitled to stop,” he said. “Strong heart to stand this wild night at sea.” And then, gently, “Beating only for you now, Billee.” Silence again. Then her whisper:
“King, you awake?”
“Don’t know, Billee. Hope so.”
“Was this the way you saved the little girl?”
“Yes.”
“Cheek right here, where mine is?”
“Yes.”