A Night to remember : Book 3

Chapter 37

****Max****
3 days later....

I woke with the sun, feeling rested despite the hours I'd spent awake watching Kira and Miliana sleep. Stretching, I felt something soft at my side and remembered suddenly that Miliana slept between us. It was the norm for the past 3 days after our scare that Kira would insist Miliana sleeps with us.

I couldn't refuse her. We had gone through a living nightmare of nearly losing her. The first night was difficult because she paced and didn't want to sleep until I secured the penthouse.

The second night she insisted Miliana sleep between us. She was exhausted, restless and wary with the thought of Bianca somehow finding her way into our home while we slept.

By the 3rd night, Miliana along with just about every stuffed animal she owned, occupied the bed.

I let out a sigh of relief knowing that none of this affected Miliana. She basically did not understand what was happening. She innocently answered the detective's questions and described the lady that bought her ice cream was like Barbie.

She had blonde hair and she was pretty.

She had told Miliana that she was a special friend of mine. That's why she left with her.

She said daddy told her to take me for ice cream.

My chest tightened listening to her soft voice explain everything without an ounce of fear when in change I was frightened out my mind that Bianca would hurt her.

I realized then that I'd underestimated her. And I hadn't listened to the detective when he had warned me she was dangerous.

I turned to my side and stared at them both for a while. My heartfelt heavy looking at Miliana peacefully sleeping in the vulnerable clutches of her mother's arms as she's sprawled on her back, one leg on me and the other on Kira. It was as if she feared she would lose her in her sleep.

I gently brushed her cheek until she stirred awake and opened her eyes. Silently she watched me. She stretched her arm carefully over Miliana and touched my face, tracing my brow and my jaw with her fingertips.

I pressed my lips to them taking in their softness and enjoying this quiet moment. My hand then gently rubbed her stomach and I anxiously await for a kick. I smile as I feel him slightly move.

"He's been at it all night, " she murmured softly.

"He is probably hungry, " I smile.

"I don't doubt it, " she smiles back.
It's the first smile I've seen in days and  I wanted more of it.

I needed her relaxed and happy. I needed her out of the city and away from the stress. For the sake of her and the baby. We couldn't fly to the Bahamas so a quick trip to Vermont shouldn't hurt.

"What do you say I make you guys breakfast. And....we pack our things and take off for the week at the Bed and Breakfast?"

I could see the nervous hesitation in her eyes. She didn't want to leave this penthouse.

This wasn't healthy.

I sat up slowly and stood to walk around to her side of the bed. I lifted the sheets and climbed in beside her. The California king sized bed was big and I was grateful for that.

I pulled her close and caressed her.

"We can escape the chaotic ambiance of the city for nice fresh cool air of the mountains." I tried to convince her.

"What about--?" She began to protest but I shook my head.

"No ifs and buts, we're going, " I said sternly.