School is just around the corner. Hopefully this update will help you to relax and enjoy the days. I know I have not updated in forever but I need to get back into the groove of things.

Enjoy!


BPOV

I awoke the next day still in last night's dress. I usually changed my clothes so I could be more comfortable. I decided not to dwell on it as I called Laia to draw me a bath. My head was slightly achy and my cheeks a tad sticky. I definitely needed to change and clean myself. I slowly left the soft comfort of the bed as I walked over towards the door. Once Tula was ready to escort me, I heard a small voice in the back of my mind.

Stay.

It was so quiet I could have easily missed it. I did stop to hear anything else but all was quiet. Maybe I was still sleepy so my mind was playing tricks with me. I brushed it off as we exited the room.

HPOV

I felt better today.

Eating my morning meal I tried so hard to look away from her but I failed miserably. She seemed more lighter today. Smiling without too much force. She even glanced my way a couple of times and smiled at me. I know I smirked her way but it took so much within me to not return her smiles wholeheartedly. I had a reputation to maintain. If I automatically started smiling and fawning over a little women, I could possibly lose respect. That could not happen.

However, I did not want her to feel as if I did not feel the change between us, I did. Very much so. The smirk was all I could give her. I hoped she understood.

She blushed.

I tried to pay attention to those around me but it was hard as I remembered last night.

I held her in my arms as her cries died down.I could even feel her hold on me begin to loosen. I peeked slightly to see her puffy eyes closed, her cheeks stained with tears, and her soft lips slightly open and breathing heavy. It warmed a piece of my chest to know she fell asleep on me. I breathed in the scent of her hair as I lifted her in my arms as gently as possible. I made my way to the bed and laid her down. Her hair roamed around her as her hand stayed in mine. Her hand was so soft and delicate. I didn't want to let go.

I turned to leave, ready to return to my quarters.

"Stay."

I had hardly heard her. If the room was not so quiet then I might have. I turned back to her to see her eyes still closed but her hand stretched towards me. Searching my mine.

I debated whether to leave or not. How would she react f she awoke and saw me in bed with her? Would this infuriate her more?

I don't know how long I stood there until her voice broke through my thoughts.

"Stay."

My decision was made. I gently laid next to her but kept my body away from hers. I did not want to make her too uncomfortable if she awoke. However, I did hold her hand in mine. I just stared at her swollen face as she slept peacefully. Her breathing evened out as she rested. However, her hold on my hand tightened. Not wanting to release me. I did not know how to feel as I felt my eyes drop.

When I opened my eyes I was greeted with Isabella's hair. Her brown tresses tickled my face. Her face was away from me but her hand was still in mine. That warm feeling returned as I stared at our joined hands. I couldn't remember the last time I had held a hand before. Let alone anyone. I could stay here forever just feeling her hand in mine. It was such a simple gesture but it made me feel so much.

I made sure to leave the room before she awoke. We had made such progress yesterday and I did not want to ruin it. I hoped we could have more moments like that in the future but with her conscious and craving it. I'd want nothing more.


I know this was incredibly short but I needed to give you guys something before the summer ended. I'm already working on the next chapter now.

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