x
"Send her back." I say, but when the special staff move towards her acquaintance, I make clear. "Matteo." And they Stop. Without any display of confusion, he moves. When I am with my woman, she don't need no guard.
Especially the one who let her consume so much alcohol despite seeing her intolerance.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFOGMQKvOd
"Callen?" Zenovia blinking hard let's out a joyous hoarse whisper.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LFwYA3SH2
I'd never seen zenovia sit like that, so deflated. Her loose shoulders shook, her hands hanging low, making no attempt to conceal or even wipe away her own tears. Aside from her reddened face she was so grey looking and her hair was as dishevelled as the park under fall leaves. I've seen others cry like that and in every case it was a transition from a person with hope to one without. It was how my victims cried when they lost someone their own; it was how I once saw mom crying. It's a kind of crying that shows the child underneath, that the hurt has cut right back through the protective layers acquired in maturity.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtOWwrtopJ
Red-hot tears ran down her face, each one carving furrows on the tender flesh, it stung me. I hope she doesn't remember this night.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UMWhGPnlB
I pick her up and she jolts faintly in resistance. "Yea. It's me, love."
"Oh thank god it's you." And she melts to sleep sinking deeper in my embrace.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYdiiG6Dlz
I suspect, She's either going to wake up a depressed divorcee or
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAV3JdRoHd
As determined as a mother on mission.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cEU3Db8kr
She wakes up again in the car, I thought to throw up but she hiccups "I've been missing you. Welcome home." And went back to snoring.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg80s8ulFu
We passed the graffiti and the scarred lampposts, barely noticing the beat up old cars. but I've found my love and not a thing or a person could ever take that away. The people that passed me didn't irritate me as much any longer, doing anything pastime didn't seem that senseless, Ahead was the intersection and we stop, I focus on the stars which I ever felt so pathetic look fascinating now. There would be time enough to enjoy the early summer warmth before boarding. The air was sweet and there was no hurry, my world have been cast anew and I am savouring every moment.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPF6HBKpbh
I hope I'm not beaming like a creep right now.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlNPtd94JM
Sometimes, I want to stop the construction work of her house, or just have it revert back to debris.
So, she Don't have a choice but to stay with me.
Sad part, I know it's no way possible. It's Better I play good guy n maintain my place in her good books. Though I wanna be the only one in that book. Ok Let's say, page.. no, line.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOf5mZ47Cti
Uh.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnWRpUYQn3
I run my hand down my face to supress my growl.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdfGfCNEzN
"Kai.." yet she lets out a breathy whisper of longing in her sleep clutching my fabric.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfEi9714B3I
Out of all things she misses her kid more.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vXeKZDHDU
I lay my palm on her forehead n stroke back the locks falling to her face.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7BzPm2MgR
My phone vibrates, it's Antonio.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEKV3KBNDc
I revert my eyes to the passing vehicles. "Hey, what's the update?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17Ovm9VxDA
"Im confirmed he's coming, I have a hunch Amber might show up too." His voice his thick with eagerness.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf2o95KBAC
I am too, so I refrain from raising expectations.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBjFVo0eRn
"I'll be there by afternoon." I ensure him. He hmms and cut the call.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubmfnQbbTa
Laying her on bed and trash can next to it, I make my way to the basement wrapping handwraps for combat practice around my knuckles.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9G86bKBxQ
I set myself against the fresh street ring winner for tonight practice.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEWfHJJl1N
Not heavily muscular, but proportionate built. His expertise should be in martial arts, not in full-weight body slamming, I presume.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP7dua61EN
We were past introductory conversation and warm-up fight,
From what I learnt his dominant skills are indeed Mixed martial arts, yet he has a good command in boxing and wrestling too.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmxJ1uVssA
Not more than a word or two provocative words shared inbetween kicks, punches.
I feel the tension and hear the intensity in his tone. There's a great deal of emotion behind some words he is speaking.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWgDOjIIPx
Not that I'll remember, next time I enter this room it'll be another best performance.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVH1VYH67Q
In that frozen second between stand off and fighting I see his eyes flick from me to something behind me. And then I do something new, I do a pre-motion. His eyes focus back at me as I hear, in that distractive moment I hear door click shut. Instead of waiting for attack to unfold and then react backhand consequently respond his series of lashes, I calm myself and think of where my usual responses take us at these times.
Seeing what unfolds, instead of being offensive I hail cross, hook lead punches in rapid succession.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VvyCbPsED
So fast he can't catch.
He is left to his best shot, the karate kick.
I fall, as expected. Wrestling, body slam techniques come instinctively to me at this position. He can't yet switch from offensive to defensive tackle. Our faces are unreadable, no fear, no invitational smirk. I am banking on him making the mistake I predicted he would, and he do. His palm hit my chest pushing me more into the ground, the pressure applied have him gritting teeth the growl erupting from his core. My head tilt back to an extent I can feel my throat nerve throb.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iFhKFDv6k
I notice Zenovia standing stick to the wall by the door. I have to defend myself.. I am distracted for real now. My pure stress from evaluating his Breathings focus on her pantings.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq14jf2rbac
In that instant he fly at me, ignoring all limits.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfgqYfBWeA
"Enough! Stop!!" She yells.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPZI6QCOX3
He does. He is used to ring commands like that.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDzl2iR1CI
I'm not. Real world is not.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZAe9wYVF7
All are dying, yet survivors go on.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEoEwi57Vw
The instruction to stop is never followed in the real world.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvu7NEZEscf
I take the chance, which totally defeats the purpose of me bagging him to fall on the short side and prepare myself for the bigger fight, 'cause once again, because of the interruption,
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwXqcJxHGV
I'm taking the lead,
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGx4kGZcSO
Attacking,
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZjbYy8PNX
Urging him to go on.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG3Ng1KAxV
He's confused for a sec but gets back on track.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntU6EP7AaX
He needs validation of his emotions, not some speech or apology.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjNyhgtcWm
I give him the nod.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtBcm7DKFy
He charges himself with more strength, gaining himself back in the provided break.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu9Tf2srSB
I stand still in wait to reciprocate whatever pain he plans to inflict on me.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM1c509pR2
"I said!!" The faint voice become clearer and the guy's pace slows down. "ENOUGH!!" and damn with her arms flexed take stances in front of me, like a shield.
I am the one protecting 'my people,' she has no need to defend me.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQ62jcMYLe
I can accept and understand how she comes to feel this way, that in the same situation anyone would feel it too.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTbvDVrPFv
And things do go different, not magical fairytale-esque, but there is some healing and more damage is prevented. A simple act that she holds spirit to block what comes my my way cheers me up, I'm charged with heat I want her to quell. At the same time I lock eye lightening a pure warning with the guy.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5fEYXTBUa
He put a break on his heels. And clenches his fists back to his sides, head down.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBqbWy4Y3b
"Thanks, bud. Like the umpire says, enough for today." I switch to chill composure, something my girl is comfortable with. My attendant emerge from the shadows and toss us both a towel.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bREaPgKmG
I Huff out "Let's leave it at that."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjEiDNYscu
I'm gonna grip this fight's idea for upcoming ordeal. Apparently I can steer tomorrow's meet in a better direction.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSWmgL7nHU
A soft palm rests on up my jaw. It's hers,
I look back at her, her gaze is roaming worrisome all over me for injuries. My body is still numb, maybe that's why it took time for me to feel her cold palm. If she's searching for something, my expression is still impassive, my training holding up despite this being my first interruption. There is no pleasure in my face from violence, as I never expected there to be, a shortcut to solution, it though impresses me.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEKAGDjzEe
And tomorrow night there will be tears. "I Thought I'd have to throw you in the cold shower to wake you up in the morning." I laugh.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8wASeKTEV
"Teach me a thing or two." As monotonicaly it came from her, she must be building up the courage to ask me ever since she got here perhaps. I can tell just by her unsure expression.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGarx6ChQfx
I smile, "sure."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWrVBSnPQ8
She blushes.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSCmFC404b
Or is it the fever? Hangover?
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRqrhrDBd5
"It's already morning." She says, or cries estheticaly.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY74m3N2e5l
"You eat something?" Otherwise I'll have to hurry and get her filled. She slept on an empty stomach.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9Ct132wck
I rest my hand on her forehead.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFyyqqzv24
She shakes her head. I curse in a whisper. She doesn't miss it offcourse.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasRcGYMEPz
I can't feel her heat, mine overrides her.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEF23dwZ6O
I wave my finger up and catch the bottle thrown my way. This'll help cool down.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVVOnKaeko
"Next time you see something like this, run away. Hide. Not even in your dreams think about jumping inbetween. Never." I warn her and made sure to hold her eyes. I must sound harsh 'cause her face fell.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl46CrOsqpA
"This is what I do, zenovia. It's not good to involve yourself, will hurt me more." I offer the guiltiest look, she buys it.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVHINqrl3F
Good.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F6G8T5ltF
Best part, she never questions laid out facts.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJnFjmHCBD
If talking wouldn't have convinced her, locking her up is always an option way more convenient.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWkPDsG94G
I am blinded by the merits infact.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8MnLUlmxU
I do teach her a few self defence techniques for starters, practicing everyday will improve her speed and that's what I tell her.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF28xdA0YoT
She drapes a bandage over my forearm noticing some bruise and looks for more.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf7TJ4lEiU
"Lets eat then, shall we?" I suddenly move and her things drop as She nods bewildered.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XqiLGbqTd
"Besides, I have to talk to you."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyTw2wiYZB
"Me too." She chimes. I grow curious. She did went overboard yesterday.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdakihoaMY
Since, we eating lunch together with no rush, I was confirmed she's not going hospital today.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8VFzAHJSH
Even if wanted to, she couldn't.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2clGsBl7Oe
"We have to be somewhere today." I come on point. Her eyebrows creased.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pRoGOGYzT
She's mad even with the idea of going somewhere.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR6AsDGalu
Great.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUdsDKmwqV
"Where?"
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4yYOfP74W
"Back to my parent's, today's their wedding anniversary. It's a huge gathering."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BGALa34Ne
"Oh. Ok. Cool." She shrugged alrighty.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWuIANCsONC
But.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR2rTRO6I3
"There's a catch."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez48QBehoz
She stops mid bite, "things might go violent." That's when her eyes fixated on mine. When I wait a beat she raises her brow.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7KZDlVe1e
"That man might show up with Amber. The man who abducted her. Our plan is to first rescue amber then attack him. Put him through same hell he did to all of us. Especially My Precious Amber. It's result of my carelessness. How can I be so Reckless! .. that's why," I rest my hand on hers she grows confused yet curious. I expect her to react mildly, she'll never show her open disapproval in the heat of emotions.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxhvxgqk3X
Sometimes, I hate that composure. I want her to vent out all she has on me, in any form.
Not get drunk.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06qPcJa9cv
"I'll be leading on the fighting grounds from our side." Her hands shook and I squeeze the back of her hand, she presses almost instantly my hand with her free one.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZORtQnQbl8
"Why?" She quivers.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIFRtE9AAQ
I open my mouth to express my love for my sister, But before I can start my never-ending tales, she breaks again "Why You?". Her eyes tear up, I purse my lips.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX7NOA583w
"I don't wanna lose you, Callen. Please." A tear leaks. And her persuading stare pricks me.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56LeM4FdwF
Her lashes shade her eyes next as she focas at my gulping Adams apple next.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZepL5uqnz
I can't promise my life.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeQqHd4o6L
For next five minutes, silence rules the atmosphere.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqTu8rw83s
I get up first,
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTRQRt6OH1
Wipe her tears away,
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwubtEkPuys
Pick her,
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyq18KQQxx
Cradle her as I settle on the couch.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm9tOmfGv2
"You're going to be with me. It's not gonna be all bad." She only nods, not meeting my eyes, but somewhere along the walls.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAEGN4eZQR
I jump to point.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcFTsY4L7y
"Promise me you will not jump in between fight in any way. Stay in the hide whatever happens."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngQ2L0Ho9D
Her eyes go wide and she fixes on me shaking her head.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE1bXqETt6
"Otherwise I'm locking you up here. No choice."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFrV36vPVD
"Ok. I promise, I'm not -I'll stay hidden."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKp9DHNeoA
"And?" I raise a brow.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTB3n0Ap8e
"And not jump in.." I give her the look. ".. in any fight."
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndxeMfZPBt
And I thank her smooching my lips on hers and she gives in as hungrily.
325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu9ULUTtVK
I so Love Her..
ns 172.71.222.30da2
