Just Us

|8|

After Pia was showered and dressed in Vinícius' heaviest sweatshirt, she felt well enough to leave the room.

Vinícius was incredible to her. He was so respectful, so tender and caring. He wasn't at all what she envisioned the king of demons to be.

"What's on your mind?" he asked curiously.

"You," she blushed.

"Me?"

"You've been so amazing, towards me and Ada.  It had to be a big adjustment for you," Pia said, stopping at the stairs. Her legs already tingled from the very short walk, and Vinícius was holding up most of her weight.

"I've got you," he said without a thought. "Wrap you legs around my back."

He lifted her up easily, cradling her to his front while she clung to him.

"I was lonely before, sweetheart. I've always been alone for as long as I remember. I've never had a family." He wasn't even out of breath.

She rested her face on his chest, "Not even your parents?"

He shook his head, "They abandoned me when I was young. I lived alone in the underworld until my demon told me to gather an army."

She felt sad for him. Even though she's had it rough, she always had Adalie. She couldn't imagine being alone through it all.

He carried her to the kitchen, placing her gently on her feet, where they found Adalie sitting on the counter munching on something.

"Pia!" she giggled excitedly, reaching her arms out.

Pia wrapped her in a tight hug, "What are you up to, Ada?"

"Miss Sherry has been letting me try all kinds of stuff," she smiled, looking more relaxed than she did when she first woke up that morning.

"You must be Pia the mate," Sherry said, coming out of the large pantry.

"It's nice to meet you," Pia said shyly. "Thank you for watching Adalie."

"Adalie has been great company," she said in return with a bright smile that crinkled her features. "Could I get you something to eat?"

"Oh no, I'm not very hungry, but thank you," she had the chance to eat yesterday for once, she didn't need to waste any more food.

"Pia, you haven't eaten at all," Vinícius said sternly, lowering his tone for Ada's sake.

"Adalie, how about I bring you some pie in the dining room while Pia decides?" Sherry took her hand.

"We'll be there in just a second," Vinícius reassured, stunned by the hug that Ada gave him briefly before she skipped out of the kitchen.

"Vinícius, I ate yesterday," Pia whispered, turning around to face him.

"Most usually eat three times a day at least," he insisted. "What did you eat yesterday?" He knew she gave the little food they had to Adalie. He wanted her to admit that to him. It was the first step to heal.

Sherry came bustling back into the kitchen, "There's chicken left over from their lunch. I also have pasta made. I could just reheat it for you, dear," her smile was more solemn.

"Please, baby. Just a little bit."

Pia shook her head adamantly, and Vinícius sighed, giving in. He followed closely behind her as she walked into the dining room, collapsing tiredly into the seat next to Adalie.

He sat across from them. His mind was a mess. He felt like he got through to Adalie more than his own mate, and that made his stomach sink in no way he'd ever felt before. What if he failed to get through to her?

Sherry placed a slice of pie in front of him, disrupting his chain of thought.

"Would you like some coffee or tea, your highness?"

"No, but thank you, Sherry. I appreciate this."

She patted his hand reassuringly, moving to serve Adalie.

"Pia, you have to try some too!" Ada wiggled excitedly, blowing on the pie to try to cool it rapidly.

"Ada, sit politely and use your manners."

"Thank you for the pie, Miss. Sherry," Ada said quickly. "Pia, please, I want you to try some with me."

Pia gave in, "Could I get just a really small piece, Miss Sherry?"

Vinícius watched as she ate the smallest sliver. It was Adalie she would eat for. How did he not realize that earlier? She'd do anything for her sister.

"What do you think, Adalie?" Vinícius asked the child who was practically radiating joy.

"It's so good," she responded, actually finishing the slice. "Do you like it, Pia?"

"It's so yummy," Pia smiled fondly, even though she hadn't touched her fork since her first bite. Ada was happier than she had ever remembered seeing her, and that meant everything.

She knew she had upset Vinícius, even if he would never show it. She didn't want him to be upset. That would be unfair after everything he had done. He took Ada under his wing so effortlessly, accepting her own insecurities and faults. He wasn't asking for anything in return, except for unconditional love, so she'd try to get better. For him.