So Much Better

66

I felt the strong scent of Pedros cologne and his well toned chest and arms locked around me securely as I was cradled in his arms, as we sat in an armed chair in the corner of the room.

I looked at him, his eyes closed, his lips partially open and his faint breathing moving his chest.
He had a very well groomed stuble covering his face where it should. His jawline was stronger, his body was bigger, he was taller and manlier. His whole demeanor had changed.

I watched him and felt my heart speed up. He was here. Holding me close and protecting me.

I looked around the room again before looking at his face to see him looking back at me.

A tear slipped down my cheek and I felt the air escape me.

"¿estoy soñando?" (Am I dreaming?)

He brought his hand up to my face and stroked my cheek played with my hair before kissing my forehead.

"No."

I put my head down on his shoulder and closed my eyes.

"Let's get you cleaned up."

I got up from his lap and he led me to the bathtub across the room.

He turned the water on to fill the bathtub and I looked away, the sunset was visible through the wide windows.

I felt his hands on my calf and looked down to see him on his knees, I leaned my hand on his shoulder and he took my shoes off.

He set them aside and stood back up stroking my legs till he reached the hem of the shirt dress I'd been wearing since I was taken. He played with the hem of it for a moment and whispered.

"Can't believe I'm with you again. I thought... I thought I'd lost you forever."

He looked at me and kissed my forehead.

"When I saw you in that restaurant with him I had to get a closer look."

He took the dress off of me and his eyes fixated on my ribs. Months had gone by but the bruises hadn't all cleared yet.

"Did he do that to you?!" He said in whisper holding all the anger he could in his voice. Tears filling the brim of his eyes.

I swallowed and shook my head.

"August would never hurt me." I spat.

He looked at me.

"Who did this?"

My nostrils flared as my anger took over me.

"Jerome."

He looked up at my eyes again.

"I knew that nigga had you."

I looked down and heard his breathing turn into a huff.

"Where is he now?"
"Rotting in hell."

He took a deep breath and traced his fingers over it before getting on his knees and leaning his head on my stomach holding me by the hips.

"Perdóname , I failed you."

Tears fell down my face and I heard him crying as well.

"I was stupid. I was foolish and only thought of myself. I didn't think of you or our future and our baby." He cried holding me."Where is she?" He said looking up at me.

I shook my head biting my bottom lip.

"Did she go with your parents back to Brazil?"

I cried and shook my head again.

"I lost her."
"I'm so sorry!"

I closed my eyes for a minute not knowing what to do.

He sobbed at my feet and I put my hand over his head in a loving manner.

Love... I still love Pedro.

"Levanta." I said pulling him up.

He got up and his shoulders were slumped,  his head was hanging and he cried like a child.

"Perdóname." He said again.

I looked down.

"When I saw you walking out of that restaurant that day I couldn't... I couldn't control myself. I almost approached you."
He sniffed and wiped the tears off his face.

"You looked so beautiful that night. So lost. I missed you so much." He said pulling me closer.

I leaned my head on his chest and felt at ease. His arms wrapped around me and he kissed the top of my head.

He undressed me and helped me step into the bathtub.

I soaked in the water and closed my eyes as Pedro sat beside the tub.

I closed my eyes leaning my head on the side of the bathtub and exhaled slowly.

"You hungry?"

I nodded. He smiled and caressed my face with the hand I wasn't holding,  making my eyes close.

"When are you not hungry?" He said with a chuckle.

I smiled and opened my eyes looking at him.

"It's been three days since I've eaten." I whispered.

His eyes widened.

"I'll fix it."

He tried getting up but I held his
hand.

"I won't be long mi alma."

I tucked in my bottom lip and let his hand go.

I leaned my head on the tub again and closed my eyes hearing him walk away.

His voice was distant and I felt sleep take a toll on me.

I was beyond exhausted and still in pain. I hadn't felt ill in a long time.