Chapter Thirty-Four

   Maxim had been in the midst of changing the bedding when he heard the thud come from the bathroom. When he peered into the doorway, he saw his bride hyperventilating on the floor and raced over to her. 

   Kneeling beside her, Maxim pulled Esper tight against his chest and tried to calm her down. "It's okay, Kitten. You don't need to cry. I'm here." 

   The nonchalant words sent Esper over the edge. How could he not see that he was the cause of her distress? She started pounding his chest with all of her might as she sobbed. The punches started out strong but weakened as her strength dwindled, becoming childlike slaps. Maxim sat unmoving with his arms still wrapped around her and took the beating. 

   When she slumped against his chest, completely exhausted, Maxim picked Esper up with ease and set her on the bathroom counter to start getting her dressed. He took h