Chapter 61

Of course, Diamond hadn't changed the security codes yet, and my fingers practically flew over the keypad, then the door finally swung open. I immediately searched all the rooms, but he wasn't there. I kept telling myself that he was okay, but it provided little comfort.

Restlessly, I paced back and forth in the apartment, my thoughts racing. Every moment he wasn't here felt like an eternity. Finally, I heard noises at the door, and I rushed to the hallway. There he stood before me - Diamond.

His appearance shook me deeply. His hair was disheveled and fell slightly over his face, the sleeve of his shirt was torn on the right side, and a thick bandage adorned his arm. The remnants of his shirt and his pants were soaked with large red stains of his blood. He looked truly terrible, but that didn't matter; the main thing was that he was here now. Alive.

I stared at him in disbelief, running my eyes up and down, before I threw myself into his arms, tears streaming down. "Never, ever do something like that again, do you hear me?" I scolded angrily, pressing my head tightly against his chest and listening to his heartbeat. Somewhat hesitantly, he then wrapped his arms around me, and we just held each other tight. The moment was so intense and relieving that no words were necessary anymore.

After a while, he gently pushed me away, his eyebrow raised slightly. "Prince Ironheart? Really?" he asked.

A small smile crept onto my lips. "That wasn't my doing. Kaori started it."

"I should've guessed. So, you wanted to talk to me. Here I am."

He was really trying to tease me. We had just had a wonderful, emotional moment. For someone normal, that would have been the point where no words were needed anymore, and now he wanted to talk.

He released his embrace and headed straight for the kitchen. I followed him, completely baffled. He grabbed something to drink and leaned casually against the kitchen counter.

"I'm waiting."

"I... um... I wanted to apologize for just showing up here the day before yesterday," I started uncertainly.

"And then? You said there's a lot to discuss."

Phew, that was a really tough challenge. With his allusion, I knew exactly that he had heard the confession of love, but he was trying to push me to reveal it in person. He wanted me to say it to him now, but I wouldn't make it that easy for him. Two could play this game, maybe I could get him to say it first.

"Kaori said you had a gift for me in the Philippines, and I should ask you about it," I provoked him a little. His dark eyes rested on me and flashed suspiciously as I brought up the topic.

"So... she says that... I wouldn't know that I've given you anything," he replied calmly, not letting his cards show once again. But I could tell that he had jumped onto this train, it was again a matter of who could hold out longer between us.

I took a step closer to him. "What was it, that you threw into the sea?" I persisted.

"Nothing. But you're avoiding my question. What is it that you wanted to tell me?" he retorted, and I felt his growing impatience.

There it was again, that flicker in his eyes that had often driven me insane.

"I believe I've forgotten for the moment. But if you tell me what you threw into the sea, maybe I'll remember," I grinned back and took another step towards him.

By now, I was standing right in front of him, that special tension between us was unmistakably back. It was almost like before, starving each other out. His meaningful grin was unmistakable.

"Alright then, if it'll help you remember. It was a key," he said, and this answer threw me off a bit.

A key? I was surprised but had no idea what this key could be for. "What kind of key?" I asked curiously.

"No, now it's your turn. So, I'm waiting," he murmured impatiently.

Nervously, I twirled Seiya's ring with my thumb. Was I ready for this? His dark eyes remained fixed on me, and I knew I couldn't hold back for much longer. But I didn't want to give in so quickly, so I tried to change the subject.

"Why did you keep paying Haruka to watch over me even after Saphir was already in prison?" It was the last attempt to gain the upper hand in this conversation.

He gripped the edge of the countertop tighter, his knuckles turning white with tension. We were almost nose to nose now.

"Because Saphir was capable of anything. Also..." He paused briefly and grinned down at me. "Haruka was doing a good job. I wouldn't have felt comfortable letting her go, considering I hired her because of you."

I crossed my arms in front of my chest. "So, you've never used her in the past months to gather information about me?" I probed further.

"Possible. After all, I did pay her for your protection, so I have the right to know where my money is going. That's why she reluctantly reported some things about you to me," he remained the picture of calm outwardly.

"Reluctantly?" Damn, it was definitely harder than I thought.

"Yes, whenever she submitted her activity reports, what do you think they were about when she was assigned to your protection?" Okay, that was quite understandable.

He lowered his head to my ear, and a pleasant shiver ran through my body. "Was there anything else you wanted to tell me?" he whispered, and my pulse raced immeasurably.

I swallowed, my throat was dry, and I felt that this game was quickly approaching its end. The time had come, I couldn't hold it back any longer.

"Did Kaori show you the recording?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

"What recording?" Diamond asked, but I knew he was lying. My heart started beating faster as I saw his betraying grin.

Without thinking, I gave him an impulsive pat on the upper arm, accidentally hitting his bandage in the process. He winced in pain.

"Oh, I'm sorry, that wasn't intentional. Does it hurt a lot?" I asked with concern.

Suddenly, Diamond turned around and took a few steps. He only stopped in front of the large window in the living area. His gaze was fixed on the city.

"Diamond, I... I'm sorry. I didn't think," I said conciliatorily as I approached him slowly.

"No, I'm sorry. Please forgive me," he replied, and I was surprised by his reaction. Why was he apologizing? I was the one who had just pressed on his wound.

"I... I don't understand..." I said uncertainly.

"Forgive me for falling in love with you," he said calmly, his fists were clenched, his body obviously tense, and he still didn't turn to face me, standing there like a statue.

In that moment, I didn't dare move, fearing I might startle him. I wanted to know what else he had to say, even though at the same time, I wanted to hug him tight. What did he mean by that?

He fell silent. It was only when I was sure he wouldn't continue speaking that I moved closer and placed my hand on his shoulder from behind. "There's nothing to forgive. Falling in love is human."

I heard him exhale heavily. "Yes, there is. Please forgive me. If I had treated you like I did everyone else, it would have never attracted Saphir's attention. You would have never had that car accident, and... you would have been happily traveling the world with your singer. All the suffering of the past months would have been spared from you if I had stuck to my own rules. I never wanted you to suffer like this..."

He fell silent, and I slowly turned him to face me, even though he resisted a bit at first, he eventually gave in. In his eyes, I saw a slight glint of tears. I wrapped my arms around his waist and looked deep into his eyes.

"There's nothing to forgive. Because I love you too, you stubborn Prince Ironheart, and now you'll have to get used to the fact that you won't be rid of me anymore. Yes, what happened with Seiya was terrible, but neither you nor I are to blame. No one could have known how Saphir would react and what he was planning. Believe me, I'm coping now, and if you don't believe me, ask my therapist. There are many things I've done in the past that I still regret. But being a part of my life is one of the best things I can imagine."

He cupped my chin, tilting it slightly upward before finally leaning down to kiss me, just like before, wild and passionate.

My emotions exploded in that moment. I was the happiest person on this planet. But as I felt his hand making its way under my blouse, I stopped the kiss.

"I can't... not yet," I stammered.

"Why? We've done it many times in many places. Why wouldn't you be able to do it now?" he asked, visibly surprised.

"Because I'm still 16 days away," I confessed softly.

"16 days away from what?" he wanted to know.

"I've set a goal for myself to go 6 months without men and without sex... I'm only 16 days away from reaching my goal," I mumbled meekly.

Diamond looked at me slightly horrified, his eyes flickered with desire, and in the next second, I found myself over his shoulder, heading straight for the bedroom.

"You can't seriously expect me to wait another 16 days now. You've kept me waiting here long enough," he whispered, and I could feel the longing in his voice.

An exciting tingling ran through my body as I was in his strong arms. The fire of passion ignited between us, and we couldn't help but give in to our love and desire.