No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 45

"How about I help you into bed?" I murmur, not waiting for her answer as I stand up, carrying her with me.

She hums in response as she leans against me, laughing as she hiccups and almost falls. I catch her and loop a firm arm around her waist, keeping her steady.

"I want to put on comfier clothes for sleeping," she slurs, making me chuckle.

"Go get your clothes and get changed in the ensuite, I'll be out here," I say, opening her wardrobe for her.

"You've seen me naked before," she drawls, pulling a large hoodie off a hanger.

"Not when you're like this," I mutter, pulling her back to my side as she sighs.

"You make me feel so safe, even when I'm naked," she says dreamily, pushing the bathroom door open.

I crouch down as I take her face in my hands; "Anastasia, you're always safe with me, especially when you're that vulnerable, do you understand me? I don't want you doubting that for even a second, ok?" I say firmly, smiling as her lips curve up and she nods.

"I know Enzo," she says in a tired voice, her face dropping in my hands.

"You're not going to be able to get changed on your own, are you?" I sigh, watching the way her eyelids droop.

"Yes," she slurs, immediately giggling as I narrow my eyes at her.

"Please forgive me Ana," I murmur, picking her up bridal style and walking over to her bed before sitting her down.

"Arms up," I say, smiling as she immediately does. I keep my eyes fixated on hers as I pull her blouse off, pulling the hoodie swiftly over her head.

"You can do your jeans yourself, can you do that for me sweetheart?" I ask, my tone returning to the unusual, gentle one of before.

She nods eagerly and I give her a small smile before turning and keeping my back to her, searching the closets in her room for a broom before I sweep up the bottles and glass.

I put them into a bag before disposing of it into the bin in the ensuite.

"I'm dressed now!" I hear Ana call out as I close the bin. I laugh softly and wash my hands, quickly drying them and entering the room again to find Ana sitting cross-legged on her bed.

I take a bottle of water from the vanity and walk over to the bed, unscrewing the cap before lifting it to her lips.

"Drink," is all I say, and I smile as she immediately wraps her lips around the bottle and lets me pour the cool liquid down her throat.

"That's my girl," I murmur, using my thumb to wipe up the droplets of water on her chin.

She gently taps my hand to signal she's had enough and I screw the lid of the bottle back on before placing it on the nightstand.

"Can you stay?" she suddenly blurts out, "I stayed for you, it can be even now," she urges, grabbing my wrist and shaking my hand.

"Do you think sober you would be ok with that?" I ask in an amused tone, trying to find reasons to say no.

"Sober me likes you, she just says she doesn't. I like you though," she says in a reassuring tone, smiling widely at me.

"I'll stay with you Ana," I say softly, not wanting her to say anything else which she'll regret tomorrow.

I go to the door to her room and lock it, turning the light off before making my way back to her bed and lying down.

I pull the covers up and can't help but smile as I feel Ana wrap her arms around me, her head resting on my chest.

"I like this Enzo," she says in a small voice, "You make me feel like he can't hurt me anymore," her voice is still thick with alcohol and I squeeze my eyes shut.

"Tell me that when you're sober," I say quietly, knowing that won't happen.

"We both know I won't," she says in a sleepy voice.

"Goodnight Enzo," she whispers, burying her face in the crook of my neck as she snuggles closer to me.

"Goodnight Ana," I say, kissing her temple as I let my lips linger momentarily.

I know she won't tell me any of that on the morning, but for some reason I hope she does.

I hope she does, because I like this too. I like the feeling of her in my arms, feeling protected from the world.

I like that she knows she's safe with me, that I won't let anyone hurt her again when she's by my side.

I hate that for some reason we can only talk like this when one of us is drunk, as if only feeling safe enough to talk when we're not fully in control.

"I like you too Ana, drunk and sober me likes you fiore," I whisper, meaning every word which leaves my lips.

//

Was the ending cheesy or cute??

Look forward to the next chapter...

I'll update again tomorrow, so until then, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3