Page 170 of Nemesync
How did I miss this before?
She suffered as much as I did.
She’s so beautiful, she doesn’t even realize it. She’s strong, incredible, and all mine.
“Zanae…baby.”
“I can’t, Elijah,” she continued, tears streaming silently down her cheeks. “I feel selfish for still being alive when she’s not. AndI feel selfish to be with you. You got shot Elijah, it’s a fucking big deal!”
Without a word, I enveloped her in between my arms. I held her close; letting her feel how my life depended on hers.
This woman is everything to me.
The good and the bad, my past, my present and my future. She’s storm and the rainbow, the colors and the monochrome.
Everything.
She rested her head against my chest, seeking calm in the steady beat of my heart, the one that exists for her sake. I finally spoke, “Milaya... I feel life again just by looking at you. You’re not selfish for surviving; you’re resilient. Let me be the strength you need.”
Her voice quivered as she confessed, “I’m tired, Elijah.”
My little Zanae,mine. My broken masterpiece.
I hate these voices in her head, I want to watch them burn and kiss her in their ashes.
“What do you feel in that pretty heart of yours?”
She looked up at me, offering me that beautiful soul reflecting in her eyes. “Death.”
I gently guided her hand to my chest, where the rhythm of my heart echoed. “Feel this, Zanae,” I said, “If you die, I die too. You’ve made me feel alive when I thought I was dead inside. My heart came back to life for you to hear it. I’ll take care of you. And if my past was the way to find you, I would live my fucking miserable life a thousand times again just to find you at the end of the road every time.”
I gently wiped away her tears, those diamonds coming from the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.
Scooping her up in my arms, I cradled her like a fragile treasure.
I carefully laid her down on the bed, and nestling beside her, I drew her close with my arm. I began to stroke her hair in asoothing rhythm. “You’re not alone, and you’ll never be. I’m here for you. Let the pain go, just for now. Rest, and we’ll face the world together when you’re ready. You’re safe here. You’re safe with me, you’ll always be.”
She gradually succumbed to her fatigue as I continued to stroke her hair.
“I’m here, baby, I’ll always be.”
The next morning, Zanae came out from the room to find Ben and one of my men, Lévi, seated on the sofa, with Nikolai and Miranda entering the penthouse just moments later.
Her eyes, red from last night, widened in surprise as she asked, “What’s going on?”
“I’ve arranged a little shopping spree for you. Miranda will be here to bring you company.” I said, grabbing her hand.
Miranda nodded, adding, “Let’s make this day about you, Zee.”
With a serious tone, I turned to Ben and Lévi, “You take care of them.”
Ben assured, “They’re in good hands. And you, don’t do anything crazy. Zanae did a good job on your injury, but try to rest, and in a few days, it’s going to be completely gone.”
Nikolai waved his hand at the girls. “Have fun, ladies. We’ll handle the serious stuff here like always.”
Planting a soft kiss on Zanae’s forehead, I murmured, “Enjoy yourself,Milaya.” Handing her my credit card, I said, “Don’t worry about the prices. Just enjoy the day. And if you need anything else, let me know.”
She started to protest. “Elijah, you don’t have to?—”
