Ethereal Burn

A leap of Faith

Killian's eyes glanced down to the ivory envelope with my family's seal that laid on the couch beside me. His frown was the only thing different as he gazed at me silently for a few moments.

"Isabella, what is your relationship like between you and your family?"... He spoke carefully, as if dealing with a wounded animal that was untrusting and frightened.

I gasped, opening my mouth a few times knowing I must answer him. But no words came out as my stepmother's favorite cruel reminder flashed across my mind... 'Don't you dare embarrass us'

I shut my mouth. I can't.

His thumb softly grazed the skin near the corner of my lip, leaving a tingling sensation.

***

Killian decided to try a different approach. He knew something wasn't right after hearing how cruelly the seamstress had spoken to his wife. The fact Isabella didn't defend herself against the harsh words said by the seamstress bothered him, more than he cared to admit. Why wouldn't a noble lady defend herself? His wife now held the title of Duchess. Compared to a seamstress no matter how famous she is in the capital, she had no right to speak down to a Duchess. He was officially suspicious, doubting his aunt's words that were written within the letter to him. She stated Isabella was a loved daughter by the Holbrooks, but now he wasn't so sure. He wanted to know, no, he needed to know the truth.

He noticed how her hands lightly trembled, but her eyes never left his. She was struggling but with what exactly?

Let me help you...

"You don't have to read that letter or ever deal with them again if you don't want to, Isabella, I would support you either way"... He spoke reassuringly

***

Why? Why is he asking me questions I shouldn't answer? I bite my lower lip as I mentally debate what I should do. Why does it matter? I am already here, I'm officially a Blackwood and no longer a Holbrook.

Why do you care?

My mind raced frantically, an ongoing war against my feelings and my fear. I could barely remember now what he asked me, all I knew was he wanted me to reveal the sad truth that had been my life and I was afraid.

"Why?"... was all I could manage to whisper out.

His frown deepened as he gazed at me.

***

"Because I want to protect you"... It pained him to witness her struggle, it angered him to think of the possibility that her family had mistreated her. Her eyes held a secret within them, he could see it, her fear.

***

My vision blurred, I felt them then, my tears as they slowly fell. The moment Killian saw the first tear fall he was quickly walking around the sofa, picking up the envelope in one hand, sitting down and holding onto my trembling hand with the other.

My chest suddenly felt tight from hearing his words. I was breathing just fine yet it felt like the air within my lungs wasn't enough. His words were few but they meant so much. I had always wanted someone to tell me those words. I didn't know what it was like to be protected, until I met Killian.

The carriage. The monster attack. The storm. Mrs. Willows... I realized Killian had been protecting me this whole time, whether it's directly or indirectly.

His calloused hands gently squeezed mine... "I don't wish to push you, but I need to know, tell me Bella".. His voice was earnest and gentle, it reminded me of how one would speak to a lover in the romance novels I loved. If I could I would smile or laugh at how gentle he was speaking to me, was in total contrast to his intimidating appearance. Was so unlike his scary reputation, so even beasts can be gentle it would seem. Thank god. Because I needed gentle yet strong right now.