“Lo, that was… wow.”
“Shh,mio piccolo angelo. Sleep.”
I lay next to her until she falls asleep. Then I stand up and get dressed. I kiss her forehead then wipe the little bit of blood transferred from my lip.
“I love you,mio piccolo angelo. I’m sorry,” I whisper before I turn and leave.
I will hold onto this memory for the rest of my life. The one time I restrained myself. The one time I felt love.
The only time, because come tomorrow, Mia’s going to hate me. I dread the thought of making her hate me, but it needs to be done. It’s the only way to protect her.
I always said I would protect her, and I always keep my word.
Even if it’s from the monster within.
Chapter Eight
Mia
Aringing alarm startles me awake. I look at the time on my phone. It’s 5:00 a.m. I groan as I snooze the alarm. Today will be my first day with Dr. Fields.
I stretch my arms out above my head then bring them down to lay on my stomach. I gasp.
My skin feels weird.
I sit up quickly as I look at my stomach. My skin looks dry, like its peeling. The memories from last night flood back.
Lo rocking against me. The way I felt when he kissed me. The softness. The gentleness. Those three little words left unsaid, but not unfelt.
I look around for any other sign he was here, but there is none. I really thought it had been a dream. The way Lo handled me was the way a man handles a woman he’s in love with. What you would hope for when you lose your virginity. Comfort. Gentle. Kind. Loved.
Lo made love to me last night without actually making love. I wanted him to slip inside, to take my virginity, but he held back.
It didn’t matter though. I felt what he didn’t say. I felt all those emotions he let through. It’s why I assumed it had been a dream. That and the fact that he stayed silent. Quiet. Not muttering a single word.
The dried-up proof that he had been here is on my stomach.
I should be grossed out. I should be mad. Instead, I’m elated. I pick up my phone and text him.
Mia: Thanks for last night. I have to go the clinic today. Drive me?
I set my phone down and wrap my robe around me before heading to the bathroom. I rush through my shower to leave myself enough time to put some light makeup on. Once out, I check my phone.
Lo: Busy. Angelo will take you.
Before last night, I would have been upset. Disappointed. Hurt.
Not today. After last night, I feel more secure about him, about his feelings for me.
Mia: Okay. See you later?
I rush into the bathroom and get ready for my day. When I’m done, I check my phone. Lo didn’t respond.
I do feel disappointment then, but only because I wanted to hear from him. I sigh and go to the kitchen. Izzy is making herself an egg.
“Want one?” she says, but she doesn’t look my way.
“Yes, please.” I grab a travel thermos and fill it with coffee. When I turn back around, Izzy already has two plates made.
