Unabashedness

"All that is behind you, Ana," he said as if pleading with her to not think about it. 

Anastasia put her plate to the side and drank more water. Ileus picked up the utensils and stacked them up in a bag. When he returned, she was already lying down and watching the candle flicker. Instinctively he lied behind her and curled his hands around her waist. 

She felt secure in his arms and snuggled into his arm that was beneath her face. "I am sorry," she said as she thought about how much both he and his group are doing for her. It was beyond words. Moreover he was taking care of her whenever nightmares rocked her. She was ashamed of depending so much on him, both emotionally and physically.

"For what princess?" he asked, making lazy circles on her belly. 

"For depending so much on you. I won't forget it—" 

"I won't let you forget it," he grinned in her hair.