Secrets (Highly Unedited/Revising)

Chapter: 23 Florence

Chapter: 23

Serena's POV: 

I was dosing off as the horse rock me back and forth as it was making me sleepy. We were getting close to Florence and all I could feel is being extremely nervous. I was nervous about what I would find in this town that was my home. The only thing I couldn't seem to get rid of was that memory that keeps coming and going. There were so many thoughts going through my mind that I wanted to scream out in frustration, but I kept a tight lid from screaming out so I couldn't scream like I wanted to. It would only alert Ezio who I could see was having a hard time keeping awake as well. 

What am I to do? I hate bringing Ezio into this and everything that has to deal with my past. The further I get into this, something bad is going to happen. I just know it, but Ezio would not take a no for anything. He refuses to let me do this by myself, but one of these days. He has to let me do something on my own. I can't very well keep depending on him every time that I'm in need of help. I'm very capable of taking care of myself. I'm sure he is just worry about me and my safety, nothing more. 

A sigh escape from me as I notice Ezio looking at me and I nearly kick myself for not being quiet. Now, he is going to ask me what is on my mind. He smile warmly at me "I think we should stop and get some much needed sleep."

I nodded through him as he hop off of his horse as I did the same as I follow him over to the post where we tied the reins of our horses there. He place a hand on my back as he was already finish tying the reins to the post. I look up at him not watching what I was doing as he said "I won't let anything happen to you here, Serena." 

A smile spread across my lips as my hands were tied in the reins as I try to move one of my hands as I look down. He burst out laughing as I felt my face flush "I'm to tired to even tied my own horse's reins" 

"I can see that..." He burst out laughing some more. 

I felt my cheek burning more as he help me untie my hands from the reins as he gently rub my hands for me as I felt warm by his gentle touch. He let go of my hands before he tied my reins of my horse to the post for me. We share a look with each other as he cup my cheek brushing his thumb across my cheekbone. My breath got caught in my throat as I didn't take my eyes off of him as his hand travel from my cheek to my shoulder and down my arm to my hand as he clasp my hand in his. He whispers "Shall we get going, Serena?" 

I nodded as he led me into the town of Florence as I murmured "It has been so long since I have been here" 

"I know what you mean, Serena" He murmurs quite sadly.

I squeeze his hand "Hey...don't be sad. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring back bad memories"

He stop as I stop along with him as he raise my hand to his lips and press a kiss to it like he did when we met the first and the second time. "It's okay, Serena. I'm okay. I'm sure this city brings back bad memories for you as well"

I nodded my head "Yes...it does."

"Then we're okay..." He murmured as there was a burning emotion in those dark brown eyes of his.

I felt warm inside of me of his reassurance as my heart gave a little leap in my chest as I felt the anxious feeling fading away. I step closer to him as his eyes widen at my reaction. I took my hand from his and encircle my arms around his neck as I hold him to me without no words. He was frozen to the spot as I felt his muscles stiffen a little as I took him by surprise. Then slowly, he wrap his arms around me. 

At first it was a comfortable hug as his arms tighten around me as he bury his head in the crook of my neck. I was a little surprise myself at how much emotion he was showing me, but I didn't mind. I just press myself closer to him as I whisper meaning every word "I'm here for you, Ezio. You have been there for me...now let me return the favor"