79.
Amelia's POV
Silence. That was all that reigned between us. The way Alessandro kept staring at me made me feel awkward.
I glared down at the suit I wore. Why would he make me dress officially like this?
I just hoped he wasn't taking me on one of those events for the elites. I just can't stand the weird looks.
"You look really good." He commented, flashing me a grin.
I scoffed, looking away. "I don't feel good about this. I feel like my head would soon blow off."
"Why?" He frowned.
"It's because I'm scared of showing up with you in public. I don't want problems as it seems all I'd always cause is trouble." I gave him a blunt reply, sighing. "Also the skirt is too tight and I'm uncomfortable." I complained.
"Is it that time of the month?" I finally looked at him with a confused expression on. What did he mean? "I guess it's the cramps. We could stop by at a hospital, you know." He said, flipping open his laptop and typing away.
"W... what? What are you saying?" I asked, letting out a dry laugh.
"You've been complaining ever since…"
I cut in. "Ever since you made me wear th..this skirt."
He snapped his fingers and turned to look at me. "That's it, again. Women tend to act like this when they are on their monthly periods."
Ah.
"Shut up." I gritted my teeth. How did he know? "I'm just…. nervous about showing up in public w..with you."
"Only that?" He raised his brow, folding his arms as he watched me closely.
"An...and the skirt."
"You're a worse liar." He chuckled. "I saw the blood stains on my shirt you wore. What's that supposed to mean?" He asked, "you shouldn't think you can possibly hide that. Besides you should know you turn red when you lie, Amelia."
I froze, tightening my fists until my knuckles turned white. What the fuck!
I'm just too clumsy. I have to lie. This is embarrassing.
"It's... it's the blood stain from your wounds. You kept hugging me from behind a..and…"
Am I red again?
"You are red again." He answered, just as if he was reading my mind. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I used to get sanitary pads for my sister during days like this. I understand why you're pissed up that the skirt is too tight. Let's turn back and get you another one from the boutique."
Here he goes again, acting all caring.
"No, there's no need for that. I…. I'll manage."
"Are you shy?" He blurted out and I turned sharply to look at him.
"Shy? About what?"
"You want to strangle me, I understand." He nodded gravely and bit his lips. I looked away after a scoff. Why was he so handsome.
"Why are you always this way?" I asked, the memories of the times he used to punish me forming into a picture on my mind. "One minute you're a gentleman and next you're a devil. Do you know how much I wish for you to remain that gentleman you keep switching from?" I tried to hold my tears but didn't know when they began to fall.
His eyes were on me now and as I said those words, he leaned closer to held my chin, making me look at him.
"Is this what love means? You claim you love me yet treat me like I'm worthless." I sniffed, my tears falling on his sleeve. "I know….I know I'm just your slave b...but I just want you to see me beyond that. I don't want that filthy title, it sucks."
He traced his thumb on my lips and his eyes fell on mine, never breaking away.
"I... it's best to keep the line drawn—the boundaries still." He rasped, his voice hoarse. "What do you think would happen when I become the man you went permanently and don't scold or punish you when you go wrong?"
My tears heightened and blurred my view. Why was he saying all of these things?
"Y...you said you loved me. You confessed your love to me that night." I reminded him. Or did he possibly forget his words? Did my heart just skip a beat for nothing?
"What was your reply? You said nothing. Nothing, Amelia and...and I felt like a fool." He hissed.
"I..I love you, Sandro." I couldn't hold back the words. I didn't understand why I chose to let my emotions take over me now but I just felt the confession was necessary even though this wasn't the first time I'd be saying it. "I was the first to let you know about my feelings for you but you always do your best to make me regret it."
The air was thick with tension. My words hung in the air like looming evil. I waited to hear what his reply would be. Would he deny his words or embrace his faults?
"I'm not so good at loving, Amelia." He began, "but I've shown you love in the possible ways I can."
I scoffed, slapping his hand away from my face. "By making me feel less of myself?"
"I've never made you feel that way!" He yelled and a dry laugh escaped my lips.
"This is supposed to be sarcastic, I think. If this is what you call love then I don't think I want it." I said, my voice shaky. I felt like I was making a bad decision. One I would regret later.
He grabbed my hand and slammed his lips against me, kissing me hungrily. I didn't break away from the kiss but pulled him more closer instead, he continued to eat my lips, every bite preaching the pain he held in his heart.
Did the feel bad by my words? Was I too harsh?
He broke from the kiss and our foreheads leaned against eachother. Our gazes locked, emotions lingering.
"This is the only way I can protect you from the danger you cannot see, strawberry." He said, his tone dripping with a mixture of rigidity and care. "Whether it's sweet or sour, you just have to swallow the pill. Only that way I could keep you safe."
Did he really mean this? Could I take his love of his forever without breaking further?
"Let's go. We're almost late." He said and stepped down without waiting to get a word from me.
I alighted too, adjusting my pencil skirt. He was already steps away and when he saw me still standing behind, he halted, turning only his head.
"Come on, are you going to keep standing there forever?"
I moved my legs, dragging myself closer to him and that way, I followed him to a place I didn't know.