Page 111 of Nemesync
Even when it came to my meds, he was always on it. Sometimes he would say just a word, “insulin?” And if I didn’t take mine, he would hand me the pen with a little smirk and say, “Time to get under your skin.”
And then there are those secrets moments before dinner with Niko when he’d lean in close and whisper, “Your hands are sweaty, do you feel tired?” I’d nod, and he would quickly take care of it, all while keeping up the conversation like it was no big deal. After that he would just caress my wrist under the table to make sure it was okay for me.
My favorite nemesis looked out for me in the little ways that could literally save my life. Isn’t that ironic?
This evening, we sat out on the balcony, sipping wine together. He let me bury myself in my book while he wrapped his arms around me, joining in quietly. It felt so natural, like my body knew better than me.
We stayed like that all night, lost in the story until we reached the end.The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe, and my tears fell silently onto the paper.
They reflected my deepest emotions and it’s always been like this with books. Haunting and sorrowful.
I looked up at Elijah, who saw the tears blurring the ink of the pages. He sadly smiled and caressed my cheeks softly.
“It’s just a poem,Milaya.”
But it wasn’t this simple. With my voice trembling, I hugged him and whispered, “It’s not just a poem.”
He was speaking my pain.
‘Namelessherefor evermore.’
That line echoed in my head. The despair and boundless frustration that defines grief was so clear, and so relatable. The loss was too real. And I couldn’t hold back my tears.
But Elijah held me close when he heard me sob. He chuckled softly, enveloping me in his arms, letting me cry on his chest, and reassured me, “I know, Zanae,it’s okay.”
And I simply replied, “I’m sorry.”
Then he scooped me up in his arms cradling me against him and carried me to the kitchen, knowing exactly what I needed. With me still clinging to him, he cooked something sweet, because he knew I loved this thing he does. It’s like a pancake but he’ll add a secret chocolate part in it.
While I nibbled on the treat, still wrapped around him, he gently stroked my back, letting kisses on my neck and face.
I know I can be over-dramatic when it comes to a book, but it wasn’t just a book, it was our favorite poem with Luna, and I had always lovedThe Raven, but it had been a while since I last read it.
Maybe because I wasn’t ready to dive back into it.
But with him by my side it felt less painful.
“I kind of love that little life we have going on,” I admitted.
Elijah caught off guard, raised an eyebrow and brought me closer to him while cupping my face, “Coming from you, that’s practically a love confession.”
I laughed, wiping away the last of the tears that had subsided on my cheeks, “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Eli. It’s just an observation.”
He smiled and shook his head, “Just admit it already, Miss Dellé, it means you’re ready to die for me.”
“You’re delusional, Mister Volkov.”
Then he just kissed me.
“Ready to test our mental connection in the field, Little Z?” Nikolai asked, giving me a light tap on the shoulder with his little cheeky grin.
“I’m not worried. It’s Mr. Psycho Bodyguard here who needs to keep up.”
“Go on,Milaya, show me.”
“Are you afraid of me, Elijah?” I teased him, my gloves in place, a small smile playing on my lips. It was so exhilarating not being able to touch but wanting to do so,desperately.
“I’m rather turned on.” he replied, his gaze fixed on my mouth.
