Heartless Ending Book 3 of the Heartless Series

Chapter 32 - Lost Control

Emilia's POV

Stefano and the doctor left soon after that, but I remained on the floor and stared at the same spot on the wooden floor for what felt like forever. Calloused but soft hands pulled me along the floor by my ankles, snapping me out of my silent meditation. I kicked my feet out, not wanting to be touched by anyone and hoping that whoever had their hands on me would let go. "Stop kicking." My eyes finally focused back to the present and just like that, I was already in Maxwell's arms.

I froze, stiffening my back and locking my arms over my chest. "Are you okay?" He sounded concerned only adding to my confusion. I nodded, reverting back to my muted state. "Words Emilia." He sounded concerned, but yet I detected a hint of annoyance also. "Why did you lie?" His arms released me the slightest bit before he answered. "You don't know Stefano. If I didn't lie he would have took you. He believes me soft for not already having you and ridding myself of you by now." I didn't understand, he said I was his, so why would he rid himself of me. "I don't understand." He took my hand in his and intertwined out fingers together. His action although innocent, felt more intimate than one of the kisses we had shared. "You are mine and I meant it." He didn't say anything further but I knew there were more, he was just holding back. I didn't know it but the bed had be cleaned and changed while I was on the floor in a state of fear and food had been served.

After we ate in silence I went to wash my hands and brush my teeth, I took the usual jumper and sweatpants with me to change into. When I emerged I saw he was already comfortably in bed. "I'll take the sofa." I said and headed that way. "No." His answer stilled my movements and I just stood there looking at him wide-eyed. "What? Why not?" My voice was high pitched, I knew this was coming I just didn't want it to. "You as agreed will share my bed with me" He had brought up the deal again so I knew he wouldn't be swayed in his decision. I slowly changed course and headed for the bed. He moved the corner of the quilt for me so I could easily slide between the sheets, and flicked it back over me when I was settled beside him. I was on the edge of the bed but he didn't like that distance and again dragged me towards him and into his arms. "Goodnight." He whispered and kissed my hair.

The next weeks and months went by in the same routine I have had since I moved into Maxwell's room with him. I was getting so much better with stamina and strength, my previous training came back to me quickly but I was still tested every day. He had asked me questions from my time training with Seth and learned that agility was still my favourite skill. After finding that out Maxwell had beams and bar installed for me, I even helped him improve his balance. It was easy to laugh with him, which at first I found strange but now when we spend time with each other training it doesn't feel like much of a chore as it once did, even if it's only in this capacity.

"Do you think you can beat me yet?" He asked while we were sparing with the boxing pads. I took a chance and instead of hitting the pad in his left hand I swung for his head, narrowly missing his jaw. I really thought he would be angry with me for trying to hit him but his eyes shone with excitement and mischief. He throw the pads to one side and got into a crouched fighting position. "You ready?" I gasped in response. "Wait no. I'm not ready." He threw a punch at me that I dodged, I could tell that was a warning punch to get my head back in the game. I swallowed and got into position. Unlike his, my knuckles were taped but I could tell he didn't care. Another punch came my way and caught my left side, I screamed in pain but that didn't stop his onslaught of punches that connected with my body. He wasn't punching me at full strength but it still hurt. "You will have to do better than this piccolo gioiello." I straightened up trying to ignore the pain and gritted my teeth. "Why do you call me little gem?" I swung at him but missed, but stepped left and slightly caught his right shoulder.

"I see you have got better with your Italian." His punch to my stomach was hard and I bent down clutching myself, breathless and not blocking his next attack at all. With one quick lunge he had speared me to the floor with him on top on me in seconds, it didn't help with my breathlessness at all as my back slammed to the mat. He leaned over me supporting all of his upper body weight on his arms and just stared into my eyes. Tension was building between us and I couldn't do anything but get lost in the golden honeyed flex's of his irises. He began lowering his head down towards my face, my breathing hitched in panic was he going to kiss me? His eyes still pinned me in place, his movements so slow, the anticipation building. "I win." He stated. His minty breath tickling over my lips. At his words my mind snapped.