Maia

17

Word Count: 1194

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MAIA'S POV

It's been two days since the incident occurred and during this time, I've noticed several men and women coming and going from Alessandro's office, each one undergoing interviews. I think the boys noticed how uncomfortable I looked when some of the males entered, so now Al is strictly interviewing women to be my bodyguard.

I hear a firm knock on the door, the sound breaking my concentration and drawing my eyes away from the new phone I just received. "Come in," I call out, my voice steady despite the flutter of uneasiness in my chest. I can guess who it is—it's likely Wiremu or Giovanni. Those two have been checking in on me regularly in the last two days. I've grown more comfortable around them recently yet, beneath that comfort still lies a flicker of fear that everything might change unexpectedly. But for now, at this moment, I'm simply savouring it.

Gio opens the door wide, his face beaming with pride as he walks into the room, carefully balancing a large, intricately designed bookshelf. The warm light from the window highlights the rich wood grain. Excited, I quickly jump up from my seat to help him.

"I just finished making this!" he exclaims, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I thought you could use it to store all your books."

As he sets the bookshelf down, I can't help but admire the craftsmanship - the smooth edges and the intricate detailing that showcases his skill. "It's absolutely beautiful!" I gush, genuinely impressed by his handiwork. "Thank you," I whisper softly, as I wrap my arms around Gio and pull him in for a warm hug. Lately, I've found myself seeking out these moments of closeness more often, finding solace in his embrace. His touch is always gentle, and his kindness radiates a comforting energy that puts me at ease.

I release my grip and take a moment to survey the stacks of books piled near my bed, grateful that they managed to survive the car crash unscathed.

"Where do you want me to put this?" Gio asks, breaking my trance as he taps the wooden shelf he's carrying.

I glance around the room, scanning for an open spot before pointing to a clear space against the wall. "Over there," I say, gesturing with my hand.

With a nimble grace, Giovanni moves the shelf to the indicated spot and faces me with an inquisitive look. "Do you need help stacking your books in this?" he offers, his eyes sparkling with eagerness.

I smile at his offer, appreciating his willingness to assist. "I would love some help," I reply. Together, we approach the towering stack of books, ready to organize them.

It took us about ten minutes to arrange everything just the way I liked it. Gio glanced over at me with a playful smile, raising his eyebrows in a mischievous way. "I think we need to buy you some more books to fill those empty spaces on this shelf," he suggested his tone light and teasing. I couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm; the thought of adding more books to my collection was definitely tempting. They've all been so generous; I couldn't possibly ask for more.

A firm knock echoes through the room, drawing both Gio's and my attention. I glance at him, curiosity evident on his face. "Maia?" I hear Alessandro's voice call from the other side of the door.

"Come in," I reply. The door creaks open, and Alessandro steps inside, exuding his usual confidence. Behind him follows a strong-looking woman, her posture commanding and her presence undeniable. She has an air of determination about her, with sharp features and piercing eyes that scan the room.

Alessandro gestures toward her. "I'd like you to meet your new bodyguard, Emma," he announces, his words filling the space between us.

I offered Emma a small smile, and she responded with a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Al stepped forward, his expression serious. "From this point on, Emma will be your escort whenever you leave the house," he explained. "She'll be by your side for any outings or events. However, you won't need to worry about her while you're at home; she won't be following you inside. If you need anything at all or have questions, don't hesitate to let her know."

I nodded slowly. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice soft but sincere. Al responded with a brief nod before he and Emma turned to leave the room. As the door closed softly behind them, I turned my attention to Gio, a question bubbling up in my mind. "Do you have a bodyguard too?" I tilted my head slightly to the side, curious.

Gio let out a hearty laugh, tilting his head back and allowing his infectious smile to light up his face. He flexed his muscular arms, showcasing the definition of his biceps and the strength he had worked hard to build. "Do I look like I need a bodyguard?" he asked with a playful glint in his eyes, his tone teasing yet confident.

I couldn't help but grin at his antics. "I suppose not," I replied, feeling a warmth in the moment as I appreciated both his charm and his unwavering self-assurance. The atmosphere was light, and his playful demeanor made it hard not to join in on the fun.

"Do you think it would be possible for you to train me?" I asked hesitantly, glancing down at my hands in a moment of uncertainty. "I mean, like for self-defense?" The words came out slowly, each one weighed down by the anxiety bubbling in my chest.

After everything that happened with Jacob the other day, I've been feeling an overwhelming sense of unease. I long for a sense of safety and security in my life, as the anxiety that weighs on my chest every day is becoming unbearable. It feels like a heavy cloud hovering over me. I yearn for the lightness and joy that I once felt as a child, where laughter and happiness could fill my days without fear or worry. I just want to reclaim that sense of peace and contentment that seems so far out of reach right now.

I turn my gaze to Gio, who is beaming with enthusiasm. "Of course I'll train you! How does tomorrow sound?" he asks, his voice filled with encouragement. Feeling a rush of excitement, I nod eagerly, hardly able to contain my anticipation.

"Do you remember where the gym is?" he inquires, looking at me expectantly. I shake my head, feeling a bit sheepish. Gio's smile widens, unphased by my lack of direction. "Okay, then here's the plan," he says confidently. "I'll meet you here at about 1:30, and we can head to the gym together."

The thought of finally starting my training fills me with a sense of determination, and I smile at him, nodding in agreement. "Thank you," I reply, my voice full of gratitude. He nods back, his expression warm, and then he slowly makes his way out of my room.

I smile and pick up an intriguing book, eagerly heading to my bed to immerse myself in its pages.

A/N: Hey just so it's clear , she is still going to school she's just been given a week off after what happened :)

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