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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzjROflD8h
"Callen?" Zenovia blinking hard let's out a joyous hoarse whisper.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYCoYtK8VH
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnDFbjjyWO
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOkp3zsWxP
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTELszgIVYH
I suspect, She's either going to wake up a depressed divorcee or
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKgPtLyNKh
As determined as a mother on mission.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbOa3lrYuu
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX6rWDKARs
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbipJKR4oE
I hope I'm not beaming like a creep right now.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkdrhVDDIf
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30hqf4njCL
Uh.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oxxbg0tkO
I run my hand down my face to supress my growl.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCogi5ozW1
"Kai.." yet she lets out a breathy whisper of longing in her sleep clutching my fabric.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0o5plAh8X
Out of all things she misses her kid more.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eiWgxRxOp
I lay my palm on her forehead n stroke back the locks falling to her face.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4PtEJPWir
My phone vibrates, it's Antonio.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm0JZOjn25
I revert my eyes to the passing vehicles. "Hey, what's the update?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a5mLinnyu
"Im confirmed he's coming, I have a hunch Amber might show up too." His voice his thick with eagerness.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJFiCxR3Bk
I am too, so I refrain from raising expectations.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qBKZIlUCz
"I'll be there by afternoon." I ensure him. He hmms and cut the call.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWw3zxg5lW
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9mIr0MGpv
I set myself against the fresh street ring winner for tonight practice.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11JPJ2DRRT
Not heavily muscular, but proportionate built. His expertise should be in martial arts, not in full-weight body slamming, I presume.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XtVlhWShH
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TUhgc2S8K
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAzYt7WOkY
Not that I'll remember, next time I enter this room it'll be another best performance.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojb5MspDvT
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0l0YWkJC3r
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDrLvA7mdu
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHfPI8Zhhx
In that instant he fly at me, ignoring all limits.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjISE0ALViZ
"Enough! Stop!!" She yells.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63J5ToxdRz
He does. He is used to ring commands like that.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrY2ptWzyu
I'm not. Real world is not.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHJuqAKUEO
All are dying, yet survivors go on.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgylSjzc0M
The instruction to stop is never followed in the real world.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzoJorljbc
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,
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pydcEYyOW
I'm taking the lead,
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuAps3Ap19
Attacking,
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qhIqOQqCi
Urging him to go on.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbmO2vbanx
He's confused for a sec but gets back on track.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfcmjE9B8U
He needs validation of his emotions, not some speech or apology.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNhHcDlxXe
I give him the nod.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS7m3HTSlh
He charges himself with more strength, gaining himself back in the provided break.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIjUSzMZG8
I stand still in wait to reciprocate whatever pain he plans to inflict on me.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh47XoSHb3W
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzFBJHRU4w
I can accept and understand how she comes to feel this way, that in the same situation anyone would feel it too.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3niZqgXoiP
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAalUGnwSq
He put a break on his heels. And clenches his fists back to his sides, head down.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmLbJiaEbH
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qeZoHc5OR
I Huff out "Let's leave it at that."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRW5VO6vXvt
I'm gonna grip this fight's idea for upcoming ordeal. Apparently I can steer tomorrow's meet in a better direction.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdLTjlFqxF
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHIxU4ojZz
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0LP183qui
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQDlrxE4Vm
I smile, "sure."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj1QdmkVtA
She blushes.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz7PhiLEga
Or is it the fever? Hangover?
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqLdpVC0lD
"It's already morning." She says, or cries estheticaly.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWvesYYz7g
"You eat something?" Otherwise I'll have to hurry and get her filled. She slept on an empty stomach.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu50QLYVWX
I rest my hand on her forehead.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdambT2vVL0
She shakes her head. I curse in a whisper. She doesn't miss it offcourse.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qzMb8AYOw
I can't feel her heat, mine overrides her.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlTnmrxQAE
I wave my finger up and catch the bottle thrown my way. This'll help cool down.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3xFTuoukf
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyNbElm187
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5Ah9BgOWS
Good.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyHvE0vkDl
Best part, she never questions laid out facts.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwbXtYalbj
If talking wouldn't have convinced her, locking her up is always an option way more convenient.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDIdZmc25S
I am blinded by the merits infact.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJMjF0bn7i
I do teach her a few self defence techniques for starters, practicing everyday will improve her speed and that's what I tell her.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xvgHgvRQa
She drapes a bandage over my forearm noticing some bruise and looks for more.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctmBoCcEGG
"Lets eat then, shall we?" I suddenly move and her things drop as She nods bewildered.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYY2PjlWj7
"Besides, I have to talk to you."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxtLwkt0zG
"Me too." She chimes. I grow curious. She did went overboard yesterday.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeetF0duzHO
Since, we eating lunch together with no rush, I was confirmed she's not going hospital today.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dGvE7K4In
Even if wanted to, she couldn't.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtPA0G0CX3
"We have to be somewhere today." I come on point. Her eyebrows creased.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOcxOPuCaE
She's mad even with the idea of going somewhere.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvKfxcgJR2
Great.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74jl795srw
"Where?"
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlu9OH3wu8i
"Back to my parent's, today's their wedding anniversary. It's a huge gathering."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHkjy8ljeW
"Oh. Ok. Cool." She shrugged alrighty.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrH0SYMlv8v
But.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHLsVoq11p
"There's a catch."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3wDoBkHIL
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAy0GNUzUV
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfNFPANN4T
Sometimes, I hate that composure. I want her to vent out all she has on me, in any form.
Not get drunk.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtmUCNHJn7
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjS09Dl9P2L
"Why?" She quivers.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1XvBqHEvI
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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4n6Mr4rYu
"I don't wanna lose you, Callen. Please." A tear leaks. And her persuading stare pricks me.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccMgcsbyIs
Her lashes shade her eyes next as she focas at my gulping Adams apple next.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh79J7BKyn
I can't promise my life.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLKLvVOq6Z
For next five minutes, silence rules the atmosphere.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunw72Q0jGU
I get up first,
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHP4OIlXgM9
Wipe her tears away,
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsa4asdUsA
Pick her,
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OulpSkoJu
Cradle her as I settle on the couch.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg4fSepc3Y
"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.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRYhCRiTRV
I jump to point.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAB9FoOhmH
"Promise me you will not jump in between fight in any way. Stay in the hide whatever happens."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknT607sdIL
Her eyes go wide and she fixes on me shaking her head.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrHK8wFwXR
"Otherwise I'm locking you up here. No choice."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdCer1tFH8
"Ok. I promise, I'm not -I'll stay hidden."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zO1v8Rxt3
"And?" I raise a brow.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1udxlLa6S
"And not jump in.." I give her the look. ".. in any fight."
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2KLa86O9Q
And I thank her smooching my lips on hers and she gives in as hungrily.
477Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwn0PIM4tc6
I so Love Her..
ns3.137.152.81da2
