Page 88 of Reverence

Amala wanted to leave? “No.” I followed her movements. “You can’t leave. Not until we’ve resolved this.”

Judging by the look on her face, I couldn’t instantly sense she didn’t appreciate my response.

“You think a simple conversation is going to restore this? I thought we developed trust between us. A real bond.”

Fuck.

Her words stung more than I ever thought possible.

“Don’t do that. Don’t question our progress. I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I wasn’t honest with you. Please, you have to believe me when I say that I had the best intentions.”

“What progress, Ares?”

It felt like her words knocked every ounce of air out of my lungs.

Like a brutal punch to the gut. “Amala.” I sounded desperate, moving closer to her. “How can you even ask me that question?” My eyebrows furrowed.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?”

Her voice cracked slightly but she was the strongest woman I knew. Easily controlling her emotions.

“This ..” She paused, inhaling sharply. “This is exactly what happens to me every single time I trust someone. I let them in. Give them a finger and they take the fucking hand.”

“I was trying to protect you.”

She moved back every time I moved forward until she had nowhere to go.

Ultimately trapped between myself and the large cabinet behind her.

“I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t want to hurt you. Physically or emotionally.”

She looked away from me and I couldn’t fucking handle it. “Please. Please look at me..”

Did I ever think I’d be in this predicament?

Fuck no.

Especially not with her. I’ve never yearned for a woman like this in my entire life.

“Tell me what I should do to mend this.” I placed my hand on her cheek, sliding my fingers into her hair.

“I’ll do anything. You could order me around and I’d fucking do it but please—please don’t shut me out or push me away.”

Her bottom lip trembled slightly, her glossy eyes fluttering to blink back tears.

“Stop.” She said, breathing rapidly. It sounded like she was hyperventilating. Amala swallowed, biting her bottom lip hard. An attempt to stop it from trembling.

“Amala, please.”

I got onto my knees, wrapping my arms around her midsection—resting my forehead against her belly.

“Get up, Valiente. You’re embarrassing yourself.” She tried to push me away but I held her tighter.

“No.” I realised she used my surname to address me. We were back at square one and God knew, I wasn’t going to allow that shit. “Tell me what to do.”

“You’re so pathetic.” She grabbed a fistful of my hair, yanking my head backward. I groaned softly, welcoming the stinging feeling.

“I’ll be the most pathetic fucking man you’ve ever seen, so long as you forgive me.”