Chapter One-Forty-Seven: Secure Slumber

Marko N. Ivanov

'Pity me.'

He meant the words.

Even now, with his head on her lap, the moment felt godsent, as if it was a miracle that he could smell her up close, yet aren’t miracles often short-lived?

What if this was just another dream he had deceived himself with?

‘It took me only three days after our rejection for me to crawl to her. I tell you now, Marko, it will not be easy.’

His late father’s words played in his head.

‘I fought the bond with everything I had and lost everything in return.’

He should have listened; he should have been more careful with his words and actions. He almost lost- no, he did.

He lost everything.

At the time, it was easy to dismiss the words to avoid scandal, but when she left, suddenly, nothing mattered anymore.

Scandal?

It was laughable now that he had nearly lost her to something so silly.

His hand on her waist tightened; he loved the way the fabric moved against her skin.

He could feel her shudder through its thinness.

"I do not want to pity you,