Just Us

|7|

"Thank you for spending the day with Ada," Pia smiled shyly up at Vinícius.

"We had a great time. I love her company," he paused, before adding, "I told her about my demon and mates. I hope that's okay."

"I've tried explaining to her about her demon side. It's hard to tell a five year old they have to hide who they are. I'm glad you will be a role model for her." Her words came out breathy and faint, like she was struggling to breathe.

"Do you feel okay, baby?" Vinícius asked, gripping her hand.

"I'm just really tired," she looked up at him. "It's like a huge weight has been lifted."

Vinícius nodded. He knew it was more than that. She was sick.

"Could I shower?"

"This house is yours now, Pia. You can do whatever you want."

She attempted to stand up, but stumbled, losing her balancing and falling. He caught her before she hit the ground. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, resting her head on his chest with exhaustion.

"Oh, Pia," he sighed, carrying most of her weight. "I don't think a shower will work. I can get my maid to help you take a bath. She was the one who helped Adalie."

She shook her head fearfully, pleading, "No, please, Vinícius. I don't want to be alone."

"You won't ever be alone-"

"Please don't leave me," her eyes filled with desperate tears. She didn't know why she was so upset. She had always been so strong, but she was so tired of it all. Even if they hadn't known each other long, when Vinícius was around, her mind was at ease. No more anxious thought, no more responsibilities, only the moment.

"Alright, baby. What do you want me to do?" her rubbed her back, soothing away the tears.

Her face warmed, and he could feel it through his shirt. "Will you just get in the shower with me, with your clothes on, so I can hold on to you?"

He wasn't convinced. He would do anything for her, but being in the shower while she was naked would take a lot of self control. He didn't want her to think badly of him if he got aroused. They just met, and he didn't think he had her full trust just yet.

"Please? You can close your eyes if you don't want to see me," she whispered as if he didn't want to see her naked.

"That's not the problem, sweetheart. You're so beautiful, absolutely stunning. I just don't want you to regret it and be uncomfortable."

"I trust you, Vinícius. I know it's only been a day, but knowing you took the time to bond with Adalie means more than you realize," Pia said sincerely, meeting his stunning eyes.

He wasn't expecting that.  He figured it would take weeks to build up her trust after everything she had been through, but he was so thankful that she could see how much he already cared and loved both of them.

There were other solutions. He knew she realized that, but she didn't want to be separated from him.

He walked her to the bathroom, carrying most of her weight. He sat her on the edge of the tub. It was thick enough to where she didn't have to worry about losing her balance.

"I'm going to call Lina, the maid, to bring you some clothes for when you're done," he said.

"Ask her if she's seen Ada, too, please."

When he walked back, he found a sulking mate. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

"My arms won't cooperate. I can't even get my shirt off. I'm so helpless," she whispered, desperately trying to rub away the tears again.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, baby. You're life has changed a lot in just a few short hours. Give your body and mind a chance to catch up."

"I know. I told you I trust you and I really do, but I'm scared to. I don't know what to do with myself. I don't have to look over my shoulder constantly. I don't have to worry about food or money," she shook her head. "Even Ada doesn't need me as much."

"Change is never easy, Pia. Just give it time. It feels longer than it has been." He wrapped her up tightly in a hug. "I promise it'll be okay."