“Okay,” I said, looking away.
While Sam worked on getting my stitches out, Maddie talked. Sam even joined sometimes, making some random jokes. I didn’t even realize when he was done until he said so.
“Done,” Sam said, leaning back and pushing his chair away. I looked down at my arms.
They were free of the stitches but not from the scars. From where the stitches used to be, there was a faint pink line.
Sam noticed me looking. “It’s going to take some time for the scars to fade away.”
The words made my heart ache. He might have been talking about the scars on my arms but the words meant more to me.
It would take some time for my scars to fade. My physical scars and my emotional scars. I didn’t know how long it was going to take for me to be rid of them.
I was finally living a life but the scars ran too deep. Sometimes, I wondered, would I ever forget and move on fully?
“Cocoa butter is a great way to help. I would suggest you apply it on your scars every day or two. Depends on you. I will prescribe you a tube of scar-fading cream. That might help,” Sam said.
I nodded. “Okay. Thank you.”
“But it will take some time. Even years,” he added.
“I know,” I replied, finally looking up. Sending him a smile, I continued, “At least they will fade, right? Even if it takes years.”
Maddie’s hand tightened on my shoulder.
“That’s the spirit,” Sam said.
“Your scars are your strength,” Maddie added and I looked up at her. “They show what you have been through and that you are still here, fighting. They are a part of you.”
“You’re going to make me cry,” I joked lightly even though her words meant everything.
But then another voice was added to the mix. This time I did cry.
“And it shows that you are stronger now.”
I looked up through tear-filled eyes to see Alessio standing in the doorway.
He sent me one of his beautiful smiles and he walked into the room. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was held back at the last minute.”
“It’s okay,” I said as he stopped in front of me. He leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the lips before straightening up.
“Everything good?” he asked.
“Perfect,” I replied.
“Well. We are done here.” Sam cleared his throat. Maddie gave me another squeeze and then let go of me.
“I’ll see you later,” she said with a wink before leaving.
Alessio wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his body. He placed a kiss on my forehead before turning to Sam. “Thank you,” he said. Sam nodded and Alessio led me out of the room.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Good. I’m glad the stitches are out. They were very annoying and itched a lot.”
Alessio laughed and kissed me as I pouted. “I know. You have been complaining about them for days.”
When he pulled away, I didn’t like it. Leaning on my toes, I brought my lips to his and kissed him. It was quick and then I pulled away. “You are such a tease,” Alessio growled, his arm tightening around me in almost a bruising grip.
A small giggle escaped past my lips at his words and I shrugged. Placing a hand on his chest, I looked up at his shining blue eyes. “You were gone before I woke up this morning,” I said.
Alessio nodded solemnly. “I had to take care of some things. You looked too peaceful while sleeping, I didn’t want to wake you up.”
“I missed you.”
My admission was a surprise to both of us. His eyes flared dangerously and I trembled in his embrace. “Well, fuck,” he whispered harshly before slamming his lips on mine.
He pushed me against the wall, his lips devouring mine. I absorbed his kisses hungrily, like I was starving for him. His hands delved into my hair and he grasped it tight in his fist, tilting my head back.
My fingers dug in his shoulders and I moaned when he sucked at my tongue, kissing me deeper. His kisses were rough and hard, as if he was claiming me.
And then suddenly, he wasn’t in my arms anymore.
He pulled away harshly and took several steps away, his breathing hard, his eyes glittering with need. “If we don’t stop now, I won’t be able to stop later. And we are in the hallway,” he said.
“Okay,” I replied.
“I’ll see you for lunch,” Alessio said, his eyes showing his desperate hunger for me yet he held himself back. For me. All for me. Everything he had done so far…was for me.
I nodded speechlessly and he quickly swiveled around, walking away. When he was out of sight, I sank against the wall and wrapped my arms around my middle, holding myself together.
I knew what Alessio wanted. It was clear in his eyes and every time he looked at me. He held himself back, waiting for me to make the next move. His need for me grew stronger each day. I saw it every time he lost control.