Don't Regret It Later

"Please it's embarrassing, I... I... can walk" Evelyn protested as Sio picked her up.

"Walk? Sure, with all those wounds and bruises on your feet. You have pulled quite a dangerous stunt, don't get me started Evelyn." From his voice she could succumb that it was better to stay put, and didn't even dare to meet his gaze.

As Evelyn calmed herself on her way back, she felt what she did was dangerous. It wasn't like she could do anything about the situation, and on top of that she had put everyone at the mansion at risk, especially Julie and Sylvia. And her worries proved to be true, the moment they stepped into the mansion. All the staffs had lined up at the entrance, on their knees. Julie and Sylvia were on tears, while Ms.Mctosh the woman who always held her head high in pride, was bowing deeply.

"Please punish us Mr.Faunoa, we...we couldn't take care of the lady." Sylvia and Julie said in unison.

"Yes, young Duke, you should punish me, for the dereliction of duty, because I am responsible for all the staffs at the mansion. For what happened today, I Brea Mctosh take the entire responsibility. I will resign."

Evelyn was totally ashamed of herself, all of them were facing such humiliation because of her, she was aware of Anastasio's wrath and she knew well, he would not let any of this slide.

"Please No...No more" Evelyn implored although she was already ashamed of herself, and letting go off her pride she protested while still in his arms. She couldn't let others suffer because of her thoughtless behavior.

"Please put me down Mr.Faunoa" she begged, and for some reason Anastasio complied, his expression was still unreadable.

Staggering a couple of times she bowed deeply, her feet hurt but she didn't care, "If anyone needs to be punished it's me. I had let my emotions get better of me, no thinking of the consequences, I should have considered, how many people were responsible for me, and my childish behavior can take a heavy toll upon them. So if anyone should take responsibility it should be me."

Everyone including Ms.Mctosh was appalled. She was the future lady of the house, Brea has seen the aristocrats closely, no matter how humble their backgrounds were, they would never let go off their pride. She couldn't deny that everyone including herself was quite vexed at her actions, but right now she was deeply touched. The Lady who was injured, was trying to protect them. She was brave to accept her mistake and willing to take the onus on herself.That's what a true Lady must be like, they can make mistakes for they are human too, but they should be brave to face the consequences, and protect those who are under them.

"Miss Betrice" Sylvia and Julie ran to her, "Please don't stand. She is bleeding..." Sylvia reluctantly looked at Anastasio once.

He picked her up once again, and without looking at anyone specifically he commanded, "It's late, get back to your quarters."

"But her wounds..." Sylvia blurted.

Sio darted a stern gaze, "I will take care of that."

"Ms.Mctosh meet me in the office tomorrow morning."

Evelyn sighed in relief and so did everyone else. The lady saved them from the wrath of their master.

As Anastasio strode towards their wing, Evelyn trembled and he felt it in his arms, she averted his gaze as they continue their journey back to their room.

Her bruises her turned blue-black, and the blood clots over her wounds were gross. Anastasio carefully placed her on the giant bed.

"I... I should go and wash..."

"Evelyn, are you trying to test the limits of my patience?" His threat was blatant, "You aren't going anywhere by yourself for the next two days."

He undid the zip of her dress, Eve jumped a but, but didn't protest it was dirty with soot, and tattered on the edges, not quite looking at her, then dropped a linen robe on her shoulder.

"Secure it" he instructed.

Anastasio clenched his fist, holding back his amorous devil was getting harder.

As he began tending to her wounds carefully, picking up the shards of glasses one by one, and blowing gently while applying medicine.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked hesitantly. "I am sorry, when I heard about it, I had lost my mind. You know that café it's so precious to me." Her voice was shaking and tears fell on her folded hands.

After bandaging her securely, he finally broke the silence, "No Evelyn, I am not mad at you." He looked serious, but not angry, "If someone I am mad at, it is myself. I was scared to watch you cry helplessly. Not being able to do anything, when you lost so much. What's the point of being powerful if I can't protect what's mine?" He gritted his teeth and looked at her with morose raven black eyes, "It's late... You should get some rest. I shall send someone to help you get changed." He petted her on the head.

Evelyn didn't wish to be alone, he didn't wish him to be left alone tonight. She didn't care if it was her vulnerability or anything else, he said he didn't take advantage of her. She wanted to tell him it wasn't that way, it was she who needed him. Gathering up her courage with trembling fingers she held his sleeves.

"Please" Evelyn whispered, "Please don't leave me." Anastasio closed his eyes for a moment, subduing his devil was impossible now, 'Take her... Claim her' the devil's voice resonated in his head.

'Calm down Sio, she is too innocent, she doesn't know what she is saying. She is scared.' He reminded himself.

"I am not leaving, I will be at my study. I have work..."

"No" she cut him off, "Don't... please stay..."

Sio's eyes widened, "You aren't in the right mind now Eve.You don't realise. I am afraid, I won't be able to just stay calm and watch you sleep tonight Eve. You don't know me yet, I am not kind and gentle, I am a devil Evelyn, and whenever I feel helpless I..."

"Hold me" she blurted not being able to hold back anymore

"What?" Sio asked in disbelief.

Abashed Eve grabbed the edges of her robe, tears rolled down her cheeks.

"How much shamelessly do you want me to beg you. Don't you just get it?" She looked at him with teary eyes, "Do I have to say, I want you to hold me? I want you to never let go of me?"

"Do you realise what you are asking? You had wanted to be a virgin bride. Remember?You don't know how much self control it has been taking me." His voice was suddenly hoarse that usual. Anastasio knew he was fighting a losing battle.

"I don't care anymore, I have lost enough, I don't want to lose anymore" She went up on her knees from the bed, grabbing his collar pulled into a kiss.

"This girl" Anastasio grabbed her and then paged her into bed, pinning him under his dark gaze, filled with desire, his ears were red, while her cheeks were flushed, and her blue beguiled eyes were burning him.

"You started it Eve, there's no turning back from here."

A devious grin spread across his lips, "Don't regret it later."