Stockholm Syndrome

34. Like You Too Much

                      ARIA'S POV:

"she's sleeping.", I heard Maxim's voice. It is always husky and deep. Iris and I used to love such voices before it all happened. His voice used to give me chills. My breathing would almost stop in fear whenever he was near. Maxim's voice started fading in the background and I could see myself back in his room then the torture room, the darkness.

I could feel hands shaking me but the nightmare I have lived wasn't leaving me alone. When will it get better? Will I always be the devil's damaged good?

My head pounded as strong arms bounded my arms in a tight but gentle grip. These arms didn't make me fearful. This cologne doesn't make me choke on my own breath.

"Get up Aria..open your eyes once.", The voice started overpowering the demons lurking in my brain. Soon, I could hear a lot of voices but still my mind tried to take me back to the darkness.

"Open your eyes котенок, you are safe.", I could hear Maxim pleading and finally my eyes started opening. My lungs were functioning but I couldn't find myself breathing completely.

His worried brown eyes met mine and his one hand pressed on my heart.

"Breath in Ari...come on..you are doing so good...breath out now.", I followed as he instructed me. Our eyes were locked, mine were fearful and teary and his were angry and worried.

I could feel mum's presence behind me. She touched my hair softly, not to make me more scared. Once she was sure that I wasn't going to jump out of my skin, she gently laid my head on her lap.

"My little doll.", She whispered kissing my head while dad and Ryan stood beside the bed.

I gave them both a meek smile so that they could relax. Their rigid stance was making me worried. Maxim rubbed my knuckles comforting me and I took in a deep breath.

"Can we shift back to our old home?", I asked, my eyes watering. This place feels different and it is not a good difference.

"Of course baby.. of course...shh..don't cry", dad cooed covering me with the blanket as mum patted my back lovingly.

My eyes instinctively met with Maxim's. He looked almost sad. Shit...how could I forget about him like this? He deserves someone better, someone who doesn't forget him when scared, someone not broken like me.

"Don't!", He murmured, as if he understood whatever I was thinking.

"Maxim.", Dad grumbled but maxim didn't budge. His eyes were fixed on me and then we were left alone.

"You are not whatever bad things you are thinking.", His eyes were the most captivating thing then his dark beard. My heart fluttered as he settled me on his lap. Our hands were of completely different sizes but they fit together so well.

"Maxim.", I whispered and he nodded kissing my head.

"Will you stay with us?", I asked. Please say no. Please.

"In the past months, I've got too attached to leave you. Don't you think?", He asked rubbing my cheeks and leaving them red.

"You badmouth yourself too much.", He mumbled. I felt the stern end behind his voice making me almost pout stubbornly.

"I do not.", And I pouted.

"You can not lie.", He sternly said making me pout harder.

"I can!"

When he didn't reply and just gazed at my face lovingly? LOVINGLY?

"Maxim.", I touched his cheek and he snapped out of the daze. As if realising he coughed and turned his face away for a second.

"I t..think I like you too much.", He blabbered quickly and I felt myself blushing so hard. My insides fluttered and I felt myself hugging him tightly. His muscular chest felt so warm and the way he picked me up to cuddle me deeper into him made me feel so safe.

His hands could break me into half but the way he held me, I found myself at the safest place on this planet. He makes that bitchy voice go away. He doesn't make me feel dirty. He gently shushed me when i started crying even though he didn't look gentle at all.

I gave hima toothy grin as he wiped my tears and then softly pressed two kisses to both of my cheeks and lastly my forehead. Fuck...I think I like him too much too.

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I've been writing this part for so many days...like a few lines daily🥲

I know I've been missing but my semester is coming to an end. So I'll be updating frequently from January!!! 👀

Thank you to the people still hanging on with me.😭😍❣️

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Thank you!

Take care!

Love
Himanshi ❣️