78 - Returning Feelings, Unbroken Spirits.

“You have grown close,” Eli said, resisting the urge of shifting hai weight from one foot to another, afraid that the movement would pronounce his jealousy.

As if the hardness of his voice wasn't already doing that.

Belladonna shrugged. “He just needs a little understanding.” Then she frowned, and turned to him. The sound of Alaris’ flapping wings now sounded more distant than it did before. “But sometimes, like earlier, he annoys me so much that I can't think.”

“His intention was not to infuriate you. Your words were threatening the very foundation of his abilities, one of the things that makes him powerful and confident. It is normal that he repels against your statement.”

So many words.

She turned the words over in her mind and they started to make sense.

She would do the same if she were in his shoes.

“What about you? Do you believe me?”

He tensed up under her close observation and disappointment flashed in her blue eyes. It hurt him.

“Donna—”

“You don't have to say it.” S