Legacy of Healing

Chapter 25: Felling trapped

Anastasia lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her heart racing with thoughts that refused to settle. Elijah was asleep beside her, his steady breathing a soothing rhythm that normally brought her comfort. But tonight, a knot of worry twisted in her stomach, keeping her wide awake. They had been incredibly intimate lately, exploring each other in ways that filled her with joy and desire. But the frequency of their encounters—and the fact that Elijah often finished inside her—left her feeling uneasy.

Is this normal? she thought, biting her lip as she replayed their moments together. Am I ready for this? A knot of worry twisted in her stomach, keeping her wide awake, she couldn't shake the thought that maybe they were moving too fast.

Anastasia turned onto her side, glancing at Elijah. His strong features were softened in sleep, and she felt a pang of affection mixed with worry. "What if...?" she murmured to herself, the question hanging heavily in the air.

The memories of their nights together flooded her mind—the intensity, the passion, the way he would finish inside her, claiming her in a way that made her heart race. It was exhilarating and intoxicating, yet now it felt overwhelming. She bit her lip, turning the question over and over in her mind. Was it okay? Was she ready for this level of intimacy?

She loved him, there was no doubt about that. But the thought of potential consequences loomed over her, making it hard to breathe. What if I'm not ready for this? What if we rush into something that changes everything?What if he wants to have kids right away? What if I'm not prepared for that? The fear of being trapped, of having her life change in ways she wasn't ready for, gnawed at her.

Anastasia rolled onto her side, facing him, her heart racing as she studied the peaceful expression on his face. He looked so content, so sure of everything. She wished she could share in that confidence, but the truth was, she felt shy and uncertain.

"Elijah," she whispered, trying to keep her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions inside her.

He stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open as he turned to her, his brow furrowed with sleep. "What's wrong, babe?" he asked, his voice thick with drowsiness yet laced with concern.

"I... I've been thinking," she started, hesitating as she searched for the right words. "About us. About everything that's been happening."

Elijah propped himself up on one elbow, his gaze focused intently on her. "What about it?" His voice was low, filled with curiosity and a hint of seriousness.

Anastasia took a deep breath, feeling a mix of vulnerability and nervousness. "I just... I know we've been intimate a lot lately, and I really enjoy it, but I can't help but worry. Is it... is it okay?"

His expression softened as he took in her words. "What do you mean?" Elijah's brow furrowed in thought, and for a moment, silence enveloped them. He shifted closer, his warmth enveloping her. "Anastasia, I get that you're feeling shy about it. But I want you to know that it's okay to feel what you're feeling."

She took a deep breath, feeling her heart flutter at his touch. "It's just... we've crossed some lines, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for everything that entails. Especially with how often you... finish inside me." The words felt heavy as they left her mouth.

As they lay wrapped in each other's arms, Elijah's expression turned serious, and he leaned in closer, his voice low and intense. "Listen, Anastasia. I need you to understand something," he began, his fingers tracing patterns along her arm. "I don't want you to ever doubt how much I want you. You're everything to me."

Anastasia felt her heart race at the weight of his words, but she couldn't shake the worry that lingered in her mind. "But what if—"

"No," he interrupted, his tone firm yet softening as he gazed deeply into her eyes. "You're overthinking this. I'm not letting you go. I want you, all of you. I want you to feel my presence, to know that I'm yours and you're mine. It's not just physical; it's about us, about what we're building together."

"But what if I'm not ready?" she whispered, feeling the tension rise again, her heart racing. "What if I get pregnant?"

Elijah moved closer, his body warm against hers as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her in. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. We can talk about options, about what we want. But I want you to understand that you don't need to worry about being ready. Just being with you feels right."

"But what if you want kids soon?" she pressed, feeling shy yet compelled to voice her worries. "What if you expect me to feel the same way?"

"I want a family with you," he admitted, his gaze steady and unwavering. " Right now, I just want you to be happy and comfortable with us. If you need time, we can take things slow."

Anastasia's breath caught in her throat at his possessive words. "Elijah, I just—"

"Just what?" he interrupted, leaning closer, his presence overwhelming her senses. "You think I don't know how much I want you? Every time we're together, it drives me wild. I don't want to hold back, and I don't want you to either."

"But I'm not ready for that kind of commitment," she said, her voice trembling. "What if I get pregnant?"

Elijah's gaze sharpened, the intensity of his feelings radiating off him. "I'll take care of you, Anastasia. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. But I need you to trust me. I want to share this with you, to feel that connection."

Anastasia felt a rush of emotions—excitement mixed with fear. "I know, but it's a huge step. I don't want to rush into something I'm not ready for."

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks. "You're worried about the future, and I get that. But right now, you're here with me, and I want to be close to you. We'll figure out the rest later. Just let go of your fears and be with me."

She could feel the heat radiating off him, the confidence in his voice sending shivers down her spine. But the uncertainty lingered in her mind. "I just... don't want to end up trapped."

"Trapped?" he echoed, his eyes narrowing slightly, filled with an intensity that made her heart race. "You're not trapped, Anastasia. You're free to choose me. You know I'd never let you go. I want you, all of you—now."

Her heart pounded in her chest as she searched his eyes, seeing the raw desire reflected back at her. "But what if I'm not ready for that?" she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

Elijah's grip on her tightened, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "You're mine, and I want you to feel that. I don't want anyone else to have you. If that means I need to be pushy, then so be it. I can't help it, and I won't apologize for wanting you."

Anastasia's breath caught as his words sank in. There was something intoxicating about his possessiveness, something that ignited a spark of longing within her. "I just... I need time," she finally managed, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

The intensity of his gaze made her pulse quicken. Anastasia felt both drawn in and overwhelmed by his fervent desire. "I don't want to feel pressured," she said, her voice trembling.

"Then let me show you how good it can be," he insisted, leaning in closer, his lips brushing against hers, sending a shiver through her body. "Let's explore this together, but don't shut me out. I won't let you go."

As he pulled her closer, she felt a whirlpool of emotions—fear, excitement, and a sense of belonging. And despite her reservations, she found herself wanting to trust him, to explore what they had together.

"Okay," she whispered, her heart racing. "But we need to talk about things as we go."

"Absolutely," Elijah agreed, his expression softening slightly. "But I want you to understand one thing: you're mine. And I won't let anyone take you from me, not now, not ever."

With that, he kissed her fiercely, and as Anastasia melted into his embrace, the uncertainty lingered in the back of her mind. Yet, in that moment, she couldn't deny the pull between them, the intensity of their connection overshadowing her worries.