[In the Shadows of Love] ~ Pedri.Gonzalez

Chapter 13

Pedri carefully cleaned the scratches on Emily's neck, his touch gentle and precise. As he dabbed at the marks, he looked into her eyes with concern.

"Does it hurt?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine worry.

Emily gave Pedri a faint smile, trying to reassure him. "It's not the first time, Pedri. It's okay, I'm fine."

Pedri's eyes darkened with a mix of anger and sadness as he continued to clean the scratches. "It shouldn't have to be like this," he said quietly, his voice tinged with frustration. "You deserve so much better."

As Pedri was gently cleaning the scratches on Emily's neck, Mia suddenly appeared in the room. "Babe," she called out, then her eyes widened in shock when she saw the marks on Emily's neck. "Oh my God, Emily, what happened? What is that?"

Pedri's voice was edged with anger as he responded, "Ask your dear cousin about it."

Mia's face turned pale with realization. "What the hell? Was Mark here?"

Pedri nodded, his expression grim. "Yeah, I thought you invited him."

Mia shook her head vehemently. "Of course not! I told him to leave me alone after what happened today. What an asshole. He must have tracked me from home, that's how he knew."

She turned to Emily, her eyes filled with remorse. "Emily, I'm so sorry. I had no idea he would do something like this."

Emily offered Mia a reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, Mia. It's okay."

Mia asked, "Do you want anything?"

Pedri quickly replied, "Umm, can you bring an ice pack from Ferran's fridge? The bruise is turning blue."

Mia nodded and hurried off to get the ice pack. When she returned, Pedri gently placed it on Emily's neck. The sudden cold made Emily wince. "Ummm," she muttered in discomfort.

Pedri's face filled with concern. "I'm sorry, Ems, but this will help."

Mia stood nearby, observing the scene. As she watched Pedri care for Emily with such tenderness and concern, she felt a pang of realization. It was clear that Pedri's feelings for Emily went beyond friendship; there was a depth and intensity to his care that suggested something much more profound.

Mia watched the scene for a moment longer, then softly said, "I'll go back outside. If you two need anything, just tell me."

Emily nodded, giving Mia a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Mia."

Pedri glanced at Mia with a nod of gratitude before returning his focus to Emily. "We'll be okay, Mia. Thanks for your help."

As Mia left the room, the atmosphere shifted, leaving Emily and Pedri alone, their unspoken emotions lingering in the air.

As Pedri finished applying the ice, he looked at Emily with a gentle smile. "All done, but it's better to keep putting ice over it for a while."