The Promise

55) Aurora

I'm still in the water, the darkness swallowed me whole and no one will know that I'm missing. Tears flow from my eyes as the salty water washes them away. I try to grab for anything, but nothing. My lungs are screaming and I'll die here. in the water and all alone away from anyone.

"Dove." I hear his voice in my mind. I won't see him again. I didn't get enough time with him. I thrash against the water, my muscles aching from the effort. "Aurora, wake up." I feel the impact of his hands as he shakes me.

I open my eyes processing that I'm not inside the dark sea. His face comes into view as I let out a sob and grab for him wrapping myself around him burying my face in his warmth.

"Shh, it's okay. You're fine. I'm here, dove. Sleep." He rocks me as he pats at my back. I feel my body shake, "I'm scared. I felt so scared." I let out between sobs and he tightens his arms around me. "Don't leave me" I start hyperventilating, a feeling I always hated because it always happened when I was young and scared. "Please." I whisper as I feel my body fold into darkness again as I pass out in his arms.

When I open my eyes again, the room is lit up as the sun peeks in. I'm in his room in the hotel. I shift as I feel hard muscle under my hands and body. I look up at him. His eyes are closed, but his arms are wrapped around me firmly as I nestle in his lap and embrace.

He opens his eyes instantly when he feels my shift, "Dove, are you okay?" I nod hair falling in front of my eyes as I lower them. He sits up tucking back all of my hair pulling me into his arms taking a deep breath. I hug him back as he pulls back to check my face, I give him a small smile and he pulls me again kissing my temple.

"Sorry for scaring you." I murmur, "don't apologize, dove. I won't leave your side again. I'm the one who should be sorry."

I shake my head, "no, it's not your fault. I'm okay." He nods and I open my mouth again and close it.

"What is it, dove? Tell me" He says softly caressing my face, I look up at him "I'm hungry." I murmur and he smiles as his eyes crinkle in the corners.

He stands up, but stops me when I try to go after him too. "No, stay in bed; you're still tired."

"But I want to come with you. I'm not hungry anymore. Sit with me." I tell him and he comes to stand in front of me on the bed, I crawl in his direction and hug his waist as he stands. God, what's wrong with me. I'm clinging to him and this should be disturbing.

I pull back rapidly, concerns itches his features "What's wrong, dove?" I shake my head, "Nothing, sorry if I'm invading your space." He sighs looking at the ceiling, "Aurora, I don't want any fucking space between us even if it's the air. Get your ass here."

As if he pressed a button, I rush to him again and I hug him tightly as I pull him with me on the bed. That earns me a soft laugh, "You built muscle lately, dove?" I look up as he grips my biceps, "Yes, I'm stronger than you now-Ah!" I squeal as he pins me to the mattress, he starts tickling me, "I told you I'm not ticklish- I start giggling as he dips his face into my neck his hair tickling me and I lose it. "Stop! Okay, you're stronger!" I laugh. "And you're ticklish." He says laughing. "Okay, I am. Let go!" I push him off as I take a breath and look up at him to find us in a weird position.

Me pinned underneath him and him between my legs, which makes my eyes widen at what I'm wearing and my thighs on display with my pink underwear peeking out now. He starts to get off of me, but I grip him quickly. "Don't move!" he freezes, "What is it, dove?"

I push the t-shirt down my thighs to cover up, "You can get up now." I tell him and he smirks as he stands up.

"I'll be back quickly I promise." He says and I nod as he leaves the room.