Our Flame

xlii

NADIA

I wake up with a smile staring at the man who sleeps beside me. It's pure contentment waking up besides Ezra.

I don't worry about my father finding me, I just lay here with him.

Last night I told Ezra I was sexually assaulted, I fell asleep minutes later. But there's no regret, telling Ezra was something I needed to do. I feel a bit lighter now that I have.

Now I need to tell him that I remember him saving my life. That may not be as easy. "Hey." I speak as his eyes open.

His brown eyes seem lighter as the sun shines onto them still, they're as perfect as ever. I'm so fucked.

Ezra doesn't speak, instead he pulls me closer to him. I kiss his cheek as my head rests on his chest. "Let's go out today." He mumbles.

I move off of his chest, raising an eyebrow. "I know your father is out there, and I know he's getting close." Ezra puts a hand behind his head.

I can't say that I don't think about spending a day with Ezra. I just don't know if that day is worth putting him in danger. But me, I've always been in danger so it's different.

My focus shifts to the new tattoo on my arm as I say my next words,"Where are you taking me, Ezra?"

"Where do you want to go, πανεμορφη?" Ezra questions.

translation: beautiful

I smile and think, "A beach." I answer. Ezra raises his eyebrow, "A beach?" I nod, "I've never been to a beach." I shrug.

"The beach it is." Ezra nods. "Go get ready." He pats my hip. The smile doesn't leave my face as I exit the room.

"Iris." I bang on her room door. The door opens before I can hit it again."Nadia." She rubs her eyes. "What brings you here?" She leans on the door. "Ezra's taking me to the beach."

Iris pulls me into her room, "Is this a date?" She smirks. "Babe, get out." She turns to Kai. "Why do I have to go?" Kai sits in the bed.

I wave to Kai not even noticing he was in the room, "Hi Nadia." He responds. "Hey guys." Maeve enters the room with Issac by her side.

I smile at Maeve as Issac nods my way. "Whatever." Iris mumbles. "Nadia has a date." She then claps her hands. "It's not a date." I say. "It's just the beach." I add.

"A nude beach?" Maeve wonders. "I don't think so." I shrug. "I fucking hate nude beaches." Iris huffs.

"Wait, you and Ezra aren't together?" Maeve and Iris both turn their heads to me. "They're married." Issac deadpans.

Maeve hits Issac's shoulder, "Am I wrong?" He whispers. "Ezra and I aren't dating." I rephrase my response. "Why? He saved your life."

"With the help of me." Kai reminds. I let out a breath, "You still haven't told him that you know?" Everyone yells. I shush them.

I don't remember them usually asking this many questions.

"No, I haven't told him." I admit. Issac scoffs, "I plan to tell him today though." I say. "That's good." Maeve tells me. "Is it a big deal if I don't tell him?"