Chapter 11

Lexie's panic attack had just settled and now she sat dumbly on Zheme's lap, unable to face him. After all, she had appeared vulnerable before him, her body had shaken like live branches caught in a storm and her voice had been nothing but a quiet squeak. She felt betrayed by her own body and within her, she couldn't find an ounce of pride left. But aside from betraying her, her body ached with cramps that held onto each of her muscles and pain bit into each of the wales on her back. She felt tired too, a nauseous feeling clinging to her head and the nerves within it, yet still, she refused to tarnish her already diminished pride any longer. Instead, she tried with all the strength she acquired to shuffle out of Zheme's lap. But she was too weak or was it that Zheme was too strong? His arm was like a shackle around her waist, clinging to her tightly and almost desperately. His chin rested gently on her shoulder, his heavy breaths torturing the sensitivity of her neck. It felt good and