Chapter 117
Elias tossed me a pair of gloves. “Put them on.”
“Ok but what are they for?” I pulled a glove over my right hand.
“So you don’t break your fingers.”
“Ohh, that’s reassuring.”
He circled me slowly. “What do you know?”
“I know how you are a boy?” I shrugged.
“Get off your childish emotions child.” Grandmama yelled from the doorway.
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“What are you still doing here grandma? I think you have some other important stuff to check out?”
“I’m waiting for you so that we can check it together.”
“Good… wait, what?” I groaned, “I don’t even know when I’ll be through and I don’t feel very comfortable with you here.”
“You’ll get used to me.”
Eliais stopped in front of me. “Self–defense isn’t about strength.”
“I know,” I said. “It’s about leverage.”
Elias nodded. “Show me.”
“Show you what?”
“How would you get out if I grabbed you unexpectedly.”
My pulse jumped. “Right now?”
“Yes.” He smiled..
He stepped closer.
“You’re moving too close.” I spat as my Instinct flared,
Instead, he grabbed my wrist. I reacted without thinking–twisted, stepped back, tried to pull free.
He didn’t budge.
“Again,” he said.
I tried differently. Elbow. Foot. Nothing.
19:16 Fri, Apr 10
Chapter 117
“Stop,” he said at last.
“You’re cheating.” I glared at him angrily. “You’re not all that strong.
“I’m simply stronger than you,” he corrected. “Adapt.”
We repeated it again. Over and over and I failed. A lot.
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By the time he released me for the hundredth time, my arms burned so much and my pride was in pieces.
“You need to stop hesitating,” Elias spat, taking a drink from a maid grandma had sent to us.
“Hesitating? I don’t.”
“You do,” he insisted. “You worry about hurting me.”
“Nope. Don’t get your stupid ego up. I’m out of here before I hear another nonsense from you.
******
I shut the door behind me and leaned my back against it, breathing hard, trying to regulate my fast paced breathing.
“Stupid strong boy,” I muttered.
“This is for your own good though, you need his training.” I rolled my eyes at the thought.
My arms hurt. My wrist throbbed. My pride felt bruised.
“Pride? You mean pride in trying not to think about your real family and what to do with them?” My subconscious mocked me.
“Stupid,” I muttered again, this time to myself. “I’m better off not thinking about them for now.
I peeled off the gloves and dropped them on the desk, then collapsed onto my bed face–first.
“Ping!” I frowned as my phone buzzed.
I groaned. “What now.”
I rolled onto my side, grabbed it from the table and glanced at the screen.
Nolan; Still up?
“Yeah but very tired.” I replied and almost returned it
**Mum calling.**
My chest tightened instantly.
I hesitated–just for a second- my lips stretching into a small smile.
19:16 Fri, Apr 10
Chapter 117
“Hey mum,” I said.
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“Aria,” Helen breathed, like she’d been holding her breath waiting for me to pick up. “Oh thank God you picked up, sweetheart.”
“Why wouldn’t I?” I blink
“Oh it’s nothing, I just thought you might have gone to bed.”
“Ohh,” I sigh
“Are you okay?” she asked aimmediately. “You sound tired.”
“I am,” I admitted. “But… I’m okay.” I lay back, staring at the ceiling.
She hummed quietly. I could picture her perfectly, sitting on the edge of her bed or pacing the room, phone tucked between shoulder and ear, worry stitched into her every movement.
“I miss you,” she sighed at last.
“I miss you too,” I replied, my throat tightening. “A lot.”
“Are you eating very well?”
“I…”
“The house feels a bit empty without you.” She added.
I swallowed. “I’m sorry.”
“No,” she said quickly. “No, don’t say that. I’ve just… I wasn’t prepared for her to come and kidnap so soon.”
“Kidnap?” I chuckle. “She seems to want to know more about me.”
“I know.” She sighed. “She loves you already. How is she behaving though?”
“Define behaving,” I snorted softly. She’s incredibly strong for her age. She must be a vampire feeding the strength of people.
“That tracks.” Helen let out a chuckle.
“She wants to teach me how to torture someone so badly,” I added.
Another pause.
“… Physical or emotional?” Helen asked carefully.
“Mostly emotional. I think. I hope.”
Helen exhaled. “That’s still very her.”
19:16 Fri, Apr 10
Chapter 117
“They did because it’s pretty,” she said simply.
:
I leaned back against my pillows, suddenly lighter. “I needed that news mom, thanks.”
“I thought you might.” Helen paused. “Your designers—“
“They’re okay?” I interrupted quickly.
AD
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
