Page 190 of Nemesync
Elijah smiles weakly, for the first time today. “Good. Now, let’s move on to the next part.”
Exhausted, I collapsed next to Niko. “Oh no, can’t we take a break, Eli?”
“She needs to rest, Elijah. She’s pushing herself to the limit.”
He picks me up in his arms and looks at Niko. “Fine. We’ll continue tomorrow. Niko, I’m coming back for our session.”
He carries me to the showers; I can’t even walk.
The water runs, and he helps me take off my clothes as I get inside under his watchful eyes. He shampoos my hair, massages my scalp rhythmically, and my shoulders too, taking his time and following the little sounds that came out of my mouth everytime he hit a tensed knot.
He’s so patient with me…
After I’m done, he helps me get dry with a towel, kissing every red mark on my skin from the fights.
Gently and softly.
Each brush feels like a soothing remedy.
“You did well,Milaya. I’m proud of you.”
“Proud? I thought you were trying to kill me with that training,” I say, smiling as I lose myself in his eyes, in that softness I’m privileged to see because he offers it to no one else other than me.
“No, I want you alive and well. You need to be ready for anything. I prefer you tired now than dead there.”
I release a hesitant and tentative laugh, trying to dispel the charged atmosphere. I can feel his worry so clearly and loudlytoo and I want to reassure him, because I know that as long as I am with him, my safety is never a concern.
“Well, it felt like a near-death experience.”
He kisses my forehead tenderly, his large hands cradle my face in the manner of someone holding its prized possession, a trophy he owns and adores. “You’re stronger than you think, Zanae. I need you fully prepared.”
“I know. I just didn’t expect you to be so... intense about it.”
He tenses immediately. His beautiful green eyes darken, leaving trails of concern all over his pretty features.
He’s so beautiful. “I won’t risk losing you.”
“I understand.”
Elijah pauses, a sad smile touching his lips, and lets out a long relieved sigh. “You’re a weapon of war now, Zanae. My beautiful destructive weapon. I’m proud of everything you are.”
“The most beautiful weapon?”
He plants a soft kiss on my lips, smiling proudly, and adds, “The only one who could kill me,Little nightmare.”
His strong arms lift me gently after he has helped me get dressed in one of his hoodies and shorts and take me back inside. Niko is already inside the ring waiting for Elijah.
Their session is so intense; there’s blood and sweat. Now, I can feel their military entertainment. I mean they never fought in front of me. It’s like watching two beasts fighting.
Nikolai grins, his upper lip swollen and cut, “Elijah Volkov, I thought you said we were just sparring.”
“Sparring can be intense, Moretti. And I’ve wanted to punch you for so long now.”
“He’s got a point, Eli. Looks like Niko’s holding up pretty well against you. No need to kill him.”
“He’s good, but I have to make sure he stays sharp. He’s getting old.”
“I’m not old, we’re the same age, Elijah, and sharp? More like trying to crush me.”
