“Are you talking about Bruno?!” My tone rises a little, and she quickly reacts with fear in her eyes. “Are we talking about the same Bruno I know? Because you don't know him at all Amira, I think you are judging too quickly.”
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you Sarah, but the way he talks to you, looks at you, makes my blood run cold, I know men like that Sarah, you must be careful. If you're afraid, just tell me, we'll find a way to help you.”
This is ridiculous.
I breathe deeply.
I need to remember who I’m talking to. I don't pretend Amira would understand the kind of relationship I have with Bruno and if I really think about it, neither do I, but it works perfectly for us. I love him and he loves me, there's no doubt about it.
I hold Amira's hands, trying to give her as much friendliness and empathy as possible.
“I understand why you're saying this, believe me, I would never be with a violent man.”
I say those words aloud, but I’m thinking about “The Professor” punishing me in that torture room. I have to shake my thoughts away to remember that, that man is not Bruno.
“Our relationship is complex, and he went through many things, very complicated things, and difficult to explain. I feel loved, protected and respected, believe me.”
Her brown eyes look at me with pity. Does she think I am in denial?
“It's okay, I just, I want to help you, you've done so much for me.” Our hands are still together, she holds me tight.
“The fact that you have asked me means a lot to me. Thank you, but please, never doubt Bruno, he has a heart full of kindness and good intentions. Life made him this tough, but he would never hurt me.”
Why do I feel like I'm lying to her?
“Because Bruno was the man who tortured you for three years, perhaps?”Life reminds me.
But I developed the ability to tell “The Professor” from the real Bruno. He showed me repeatedly what kind of tortured man he was.
Amira gives me a sad smile and says, “I should get back to my seat, I'm sure we're about to arrive.” She gets up and walks away from me, leaving me with my thoughts.
I witnessed Bruno's transformation from foe to friend, at first he was a protector, I felt safe even though he was the face of my nightmares. Then he became a friend, that made me curious about him, is like his features became beautiful as I got to know him, his kindness showed up, his words of encouragement, his way of bringing me to the surface and how he taught me how to breathe again. Then came the sexual attraction, I found myself wishing that his innocent caresses were something more, because his touch was like fire over my skin and when he showed me his desires I just let it go.
The first time his lips venerated the wounds on my body, it felt like he replaced them with beautiful moments. That was my Bruno, the man who had shown me his two faces, the good and the bad, and I decided to stay with him anyway. That's what I felt, and I think all that can be summed up in just one word: Love.
“Are you okay?” his thick worried voice brought me out of the lethargy that Amira had sent me to.
Amira made me look at myself from afar, as if my life was a movie and I found something I already knew I had, but it's good to meet the raw, honest unconsciousness and learn that what you feel is totally real.
“More than okay,” I answer. “I can't wait to get home and finally have you all to myself.”
Bruno smiles, leans his body towards me and gives me a kiss full of promises.
“Just a few more minutes, beautiful.” He squats in front of me, placing his arms over my legs, they look giant compared to my thighs.
“I can't wait to share my life with you, I mean it, Sarah.”
A genuine smile lights up my face.
“Now, buckle up, we land in a few minutes.”
