Almost At The Top- Book Four in the United Series

Chapter Twenty

Max's POV:

Nine doesn't let go of me. Instead he looks back until we see who decided to come visit us.

A rabbit.

I sigh in relief and almost chuckle but I quickly remember the situation I'm in. I turn back to Nine, who looks back at me then softly grabs the zipper from my jacket and zips it all the way up, exactly how it was before. When he's done, his hand is right under my chin and he's lifting it so I'm looking directly at him.

"Max, I really am sorry. I know how personal torture can be, believe me. You're going to hide this from everyone else, I know you are. You shouldn't, but if that's what you want to do...I just really want you to forgive me. Really, I'll do anything for you to forgive me right now," Nine explains then lets go of my chin, but I keep looking him in the eye.

"I- of course I forgive you, Nine," I reply and Nine gives me a small smile.

"God, Max, you are unhealthily forgiving," Nine points out. I laugh, remembering all those times I forgave Ivan.

"Let's go back. John is probably looking for you," Nine says and I nod my head as Nine gets up. He softly grabs my hand without warning and helps me to my feet, then slowly wipes away all my tears with his hand.

"Who knew you were so soft?" I respond with. Nine blushes and chuckles.

"Well, maybe a little soft with you, but..." He replies, then bows down and kisses my hand. He looks up at me, still bowing, and winks at me, making me laugh.

"What a gentleman," I tell him sarcastically as we make our way back to the battle.

"Hey, what's with the sarcasm? No need for that," Nine says then rests his arm on my shoulder. I'm still not sure whether I should feel safe or intimidated around him now.

"And Max, I know I was really rough on you before, and I'm sorry. I just thought there was no other way to see what was going on with you," Nine explains, scratching the back of his neck.

"It-It's okay, Nine," I reply. Nine still looks at me worriedly and still looks sorry, though, and I sigh.

"Nine, I swear, it's okay. I was pretty rough on Ivan when I first met him on the Anubis," I point out.

"Look how that turned out," a voice says from next to me. I look in the direction of the voice and see Ivan leaning against a tree, giving me a sad smile. I show no emotion as Ivan steps towards me.

"Hey, Max," Ivan says, leaning on a tree next to me. I look away from him then think of something horrifying.

"Nine, can I talk to Ivan for a second?" I ask Nine. He smiles at me and nods his head.

"Yeah, sure. Come back soon, both of you," Nine says, then goes back to the battle. Ivan looks at me in confusion, one of his eyebrows raised.

"You? Want to talk with me?" Ivan asks, taking one step closer to me. I sigh and look down.

"Did you see me and Nine's conversation?" I ask him bluntly, praying that he didn't. Ivan sighs then lightly places his hands on my stomach. I stiffen and take shaky breaths.

"Yeah, I did," Ivan answers then slowly unzips my jacket to reveal the hundreds of burns.

"This is what Octavian did to you," Ivan mutters. I look down, remembering the telepathic conversation I had with Ivan while I was with Octavian.