I had only experienced this feeling twice. It was still a daunting experience. It felt a lot like dying and the thoughts of not being able to breathe only made me panic more.

His hand moved from my cheek to the back of my neck. He massaged the skin there gently as he watched me with such caution. He appeared so distressed at my state.

I felt I had to reassure him that I would be okay, but I could not. I could not speak.

"Ella." He released the words from his chest as gently as he could "I need you to do something for me."

I nodded, trying to breathe in and out.

He spoke again in his gravelly voice "I need you to list books by Jane Austen in alphabetical order."

Confusion took over me. It almost drowned out the panic. Then I realised what he was doing. He was trying to get my mind off everything by setting me a task to do.

My breaths were still shallow, but I thought about it. It only took ten seconds because I did know the alphabetical order. I quietly listed the books from Emma to Sense and Sensibility.

If he was not so concerned about me, I could imagine him being impressed at how fast I rattled off the titles.

He changed his tactic and spoke while his large hand gently caressed my knee "List everything you hate about me."

I managed to let out a small shaky laugh "The limit of the list does not exist."

Stone smiled. It was small and strained but it was a hint of a smile.

"Name them." He gently replied.

My eyes met his. His that reminded me of dark chocolate. His gaze was the same. Sweet yet bitter. He looked at me softly, but I could see the specs of anger in them as well. Anger to destroy the thing that had brought me pain.

I admitted in the form of a whisper "I can't."

He tilted his head as my breathing subsided.

Once he had noticed that I had relaxed, he scooped my body up into his arms and held me to his chest bridal style as he carried me to my room.

Stone gently placed me back on my feet when we reached the threshold between the hallway and my room.

"Go and get changed into your pyjamas." He instructed after setting me down "I will wait outside."

I nodded before stepping inside and shutting my bedroom door behind me.

I opened my drawer and looked through my clothes. The only pyjamas that were not in the washing pile were my Princess and The Frog ones.

Letting out a sigh, I undressed and changed into the green shorts and tank top pyjama set before I opened my door again.

Stone was leaning against the hall wall waiting for me. He had one of his hands knocking an impatient beat on the part of the wall that met the ceiling.