I sigh and lean forward, head in my hands.
Get it together, man.
Elena starts to get more restless. Mumbling. "No, no, no."
Suddenly her legs move like she's running. She screams.
I'm on the bed in seconds. "Elena." I place my hand on her forehead. She's dripping with sweat. "Elena, wake up."
She's still thrashing. "No, please no!" Another scream. "Not Marco, please!"
I freeze. She's having a nightmare about me.
I shake her gently. "Elena?—"
She sits upright, eyes flying open. Breathing heavily. Looking around the room wildly.
Her eyes land on me and tears form immediately.
"You're here?" Like she can't believe it. "Marco..."
I reach for her and she launches herself into my lap, sobbing. "Shhh, you're okay. I'm here."
She's holding me so tight. Like if she lets go I'll disappear.
"You're here... you're here... here." It's almost a chant. Her body shakes with sobs.
"I'm here, baby. Right here." I rub her back, trying to soothe her.
Her sobs subside slowly. Her grip loosens slightly.
"Look at me, Elena."
I pull her back and tilt her chin up. Her eyes are closed.
"Let me see those beautiful eyes, little fox."
She opens them. I smile. "There's my girl."
She reaches up and touches my face. Traces my features with her fingertips. Running them over my cheeks and lips like she's memorizing me.
I kiss her fingertips when they brush my lips.
"Talk to me. What happened?"
She hesitates. "You... you were..."
"I was what? Tell me."
"You were taken. By Ronan. He put a gun to your head. You were hurt badly in the apartment and you couldn't fight back. He dragged you around while his men held me back. I pleaded for your life and then he just..." Her voice breaks.
The sobbing starts again. She gets up from my lap and starts pacing. Hand on her chest. Trying to control her breathing. The other hand running through her hair.
I stand and step in front of her. Stop her pacing.
"Baby, look at me. Listen to my voice. I'm here. I'm fine." I run my hands up and down her arms. "Listen to my voice."
She looks up. Those caramel eyes finding mine.
