My Angel

CHAPTER 44: I CAN'T LET YOU GO

I went into the bathroom and changed, then stared at my reflection. "Wow," I said.

The white lace dress was simple yet
elegant. It came down to my mid-thigh and there was a brown belt around my waist. It had been a long time since I wore a light color but this dress was absolutely beautiful.

I ran a hand down my ponytail.
"You look more beautiful with your hair
down." Alessio's voice rang through my head and I bit down on my lips nervously as a feeling of giddiness overcame me.

Without a second thought, I pulled the
hairband off, letting my hair fall down my back in waves. Alessio was slowly taking over my mind and there was no way to stop it.

Instead of fighting against it, I was letting it happen. I didn't have the strength to fight my feelings any longer.

I walked out of the bathroom and Maddie clapped her hands.

"You definitely look prettier in the dress
than me," she said with a wink. "Alessio won't be able to take his eyes off you."

"Hush," I muttered, looking down shyly.

"Okay. Go now. Alessio is an impatient
man. He doesn't like to wait."
I laughed as she rolled her eyes in
exasperation.

"I know."
I quickly ran out of my room and down the stairs. He was outside.

As I walked out, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. The sweet smelling flowers and fresh air filled my nose, instantly relaxing me.

I turned to the side and saw Alessio
leaning against the wall. His eyes widened at the sight of me. His gaze traveled down my body, resting a little
longer on my legs before moving back to my face.

Under his penetrating gaze, I felt flushed
and a slight shiver went through my body. He stepped away from the wall and took a step toward me before stopping.

Alessio cleared his throat and nodded
toward the forest. "Let's go," he said. I nodded and he started to walk away, leading us down the path to the beautiful creek.

A wave of disappointment crashed through me when he didn't say anything else. I followed silently behind him, leaves and twigs crunching under our feet.

We walked deeper into the woods and out of sight, next to each other.
My breathing stuttered when he took my
hand. My gaze snapped back up, staring at his face.

A small smile tugged at my lips. Alessio's touch was soft and gentle. His fingers moved over the back of my hand, almost feather-light.

And then they slowly entwined with mine, holding my hand firmly in his as we made our way toward the creek.

My heart fluttered in my chest. Instinctively, my fingers tightened around his and he gently squeezed my hand back, letting me know he felt the same way.

I locked the image in my mind and heart,
for I would always treasure it. My small pale hand was wrapped protectively in

Alessio's rough and much bigger hand. The image represented more than just two hands holding each other.
It was a bond we shared in our darkest and weakest point.

"We're almost here," Alessio said.
I hummed in contentment.
We finally broke free from the trees.
I let go of his hand, then stopped in front of the stream and knelt down on the grass.

Leaning forward, my hands hovered over the running water for a few seconds before I dipped my fingers into the stream.

The water was cold but soothing. I drew
circles and some weird patterns into the water, completely lost in the moment.