Dark Layers Volume 2: Dark Layers (26 page)

I
WAKE TO THE
beaming sun shining through the huge windows, penetrating my eyelids carelessly. No Elijah though and I'm gutted, I was looking forward to waking to his beautiful face. He's covered me with a soft fluffy cream blanket. I stretch out, feeling sort of achy.

"Elijah?" I call out in a croaky morning voice. There is no reply.

I still feel mentally comatose; the last few weeks have taken their toll on me. I should have reacted badly to Elijah yesterday - why didn't I? Maybe it was the shock of it all, and my desire to save him from himself. He is seriously dark, I don't think I have ever met anyone as dark as him. The sheer thought of him doing Satanic rituals really gives me a sense of fiendishness. I don't like it at all and if I have anything to do with it, he will get out of being a Freemason - no matter the cost.

After waiting for fifteen minutes with butterflies fluttering around my tummy at his absence, I decide to get up off of the sofa. I hold my head with tenderness once my feet are set on the floor. I feel very hangover - I only drank a few damn shots of vodka! I rub my head, gently. I really need to stop drinking. Before I moved to London I hardly drank. It just goes to show how people are affected by habits in mass amounts. And to top my hangover, I'm so damn sweaty - I need a shower and a change of clothes.

I pull my phone free from my bag. I aim to call Elijah but I find two text's; one from Sophie and shockingly one from Elijah. I frown deeply while reading.

From: Sophie

Hey Honey, I hope you are okay, I haven't heard anything from you. I am on my way back to your place - I need to see you - hopefully you will be there. If you are not there, I'll use your spare key, hope you don't mind. Love you. x

Um Honey! You have not heard from me because I'm still pissed with you! Ugh, she is almost as dense as Elijah!

From: Elijah

Anile, I am sorry but I had to leave early - something important came up. It was intoxicating sleeping next to you, I can still smell you on me. Stay at my place and wait for me, I will be back as soon as I possibly can. Breakfast is prepared for you in the kitchen, make sure you eat it otherwise you will find yourself with a sore arse!

I smile at his sweetness - it was intoxicating sleeping next to you too Darks. I cannot stay here all day though, I have things that I need to do - like find a new place to live!

To: Elijah

It was not so pleasant waking up alone when I expected company - but I am sure I can replace you in no time ;-)

No to the housebound order - yes to the food. Until tonight. x

I smile knowing he will be annoyed by my firm mind. These kind of games are okay - for me anyway. I will not let him rule me. I have just removed one-hundred and eighty pounds of alpha male from my life - my father - so I do not need a replacement!

My phone pings and I laugh knowing it's Elijah - but I only laugh for a few seconds.

From: Elijah

Anile, Princess, if you do not stay put, I will be forced to tie you up and gag you for the full effect of my promise, and spank you for every hour you spend outside of my house.

Also, if I ever catch you with another man, you and he will feel the full wrath of me.

Stay put, and I mean it - that is an order.

To: Elijah

Bla, bla, bla - see you soon. x

I promise myself that I will not text him back. I grab my converse and slip into them. I start making my way to the kitchen but his reply is instant and I have come to the realization and acceptance that I have zero self-control when it comes to him.

From: Elijah

I invented this game, and also the ending. If you want to play, please continue but do not come crying to me when you lose Princess. x

His quick and firm reply annoys me. What game is he referring to?
Hmmm?
I stop in his living area and allocate five minutes on setting him straight.

To: Elijah

I will be gone all today and tomorrow. See you Monday; that is if I decide, NOT, to work from home. You cannot order me around, I am not your submissive. Until Monday - MAYBE. x

I cannot contain myself at my response, I burst out laughing, but stop when I think, would he really tie me up and gag me or is he joking?
Holy moly! When will you learn your lesson lady? Once you have the scars of his promise?
I take a huge gulp, maybe I should get out of here quickly.

I quickly forget breakfast. I leave the house and welcome the warm sun as I step outside of the front door. It's a beautiful day, and about time too!

Elijah's driver is standing beside his car. Does he just wait around all damn day? Jeez that job must be boring as hell. He looks dapper in his totally black suit - even his shirt is black! I never get the chance to see his eye colour, his eyes are too small for his head - I think they are dark brown. He is cute and so young, but extremely tall and built like a horse.

"Good morning Miss Gooden." He says with a warm smile. He's smoking and the smell of the cigarette smoke sparks my temptation.

"Good morning Sir. I don't suppose I could steal a cig could I?"

He frowns with his thin eyebrows. "I don't think Mr. Darks would like that Miss."

"It can be our little secret." I smile fondly. I lean against the car - mirroring him.

He weakly pulls a cigarette free from his Silk Cut Blue box. He passes it to me, along with a petrol lighter. His fingers are trembling, I almost want to laugh. The power of Mr. Darks is potent to us all. I light it up and inhale deeply. Hmmm, the rush of nicotine to my brain feels good, calming. I close my eyes to properly enjoy this. I haven't smoked in such a while, I forgot how good it feels to have something help with my anxiety. 

"Does Mr. Darks scare you?" I ask before I even register my words.

He turns to face me. He stares wide-eyed. "No Miss, I just know he has a need for control and I don't like to test him."

"Huh, I see. Sorry, I won't tell him about the cigarette, I promise." I shrug my shoulders angelically.

"That is much appreciated Miss." He turns away from me again, looking extremely uncomfortable. He crosses his arms and oozes army power.

"You are very welcome. If you don't mind, could you take me to my place please?"

"Um, Miss Gooden, Mr. Darks would like you to stay here for the day, just until he returns."

"How can he return if his driver," I point at him, "you, are here?"

He swallows and looks confused, peering down at me from the side. "He has another driver Miss."

I huff in annoyance, knowing damn well Elijah is doing this on purpose - two can play that game. I stand in front of him, arms crossed just like his. He raises his eyebrows like, 'what on earth are you doing'?

"If you will not take me home I will just call a taxi." I stare him down.

"Miss Gooden, there is no need to call a taxi because your car is here, but Mr. Darks would like you to stay here until he returns."

"I will not take 'his' car," I elongate 'his', "I will call a taxi if you will not offer me a lift, Sir."

I am not allowing Elijah to control my every move - this is just for fun, for today anyway; I will take the damn car tomorrow. I try my very best not to smile because I know his driver is testing me.

He frowns, questioning my prompt decision but thankfully he caves as he opens the back passenger door for me.

I flick my cigarette onto the ground and slide in.

"Thank you, Sir."

He smiles as he shuts the door and I have to admit, I feel triumphant.

"What is your name?" I ask as he seats himself at the steering wheel of the Bentley.

He turns to face me, "my name is Jonathan, Miss."

"An impeccable name for an impeccably dressed man." I try to joke but he is firm and businesslike, giving nothing away.

"Straight home?" He asks in an all too grumpy voice. Jeez, what is it with men today, can they not have a joke? I should have stated 'pun-intended' just to really piss him off.

"Yes, please."

I sit back, enjoying the smell of Elijah lingering in the car and just relax, listening to Rihanna, Hate That I Love You - how ironic.

WE PULL UP
at the curb of my apartment and I'm star struck to find Police everywhere - and an Ambulance - all covering the double yellow lines just across from Jonathan and I. The day is stunning and beautiful, sunny and warm. Green city trees, blooming plants hung outside of peoples apartments - the day almost started out so perfectly!

"Miss Gooden, please stay in the car for a moment." Jonathan tells me.

"I-" I start to say but he doesn't even acknowledge me.

He steps out of the car and the impact of the door slamming worries me. I see him call someone and my curiosity gets the better of me. I open the car window.

"Who are you speaking to?"

"Please stay in the car Miss." He hand signals for me to close the window, rolling his hand around.

I sit back closing the window annoyed - what is going on? I know, I'll call Sophie; she said she would be at my place.

I dial her and she answers rapidly.

"Anile, where have you been?"

Holy crap, she's crying! Something is wrong, I know it. My tummy curdles. My hands start to shake.

"I have been - never mind that - why are there Police and an Ambulance outside of my apartment?"

There is a short pause before she cries further.

"This morning I got up and heard screaming in your lobby," she sniffles, "I opened the door to find a body covered in blood! It was crazy, someone literally butchered the person!"

My heart plummets through the floor to the centre of the earth; what the hell?

"Was it a man or a woman?" I have no idea why I ask that. I blink rapidly. "Sophie, are you okay?"

"I don't know if I'm okay - I don't know who it was; no one could tell. They were dressed in blue overalls and there was a pink cushion with Barbie written in crystals over the bodies head. I have never seen anything like that in all my life Anile. I am so shaken up - I don't know how to feel. The Police took my statement and made me feel like a criminal!"

The cushion comes flooding back to me. Holy fucking shit! I cannot manage words - I feel sick. I clutch at my pained tummy.

"Anile, are you there?"

"Yes, sorry. I can't imagine how you feel Sophie. Where are you?" I say desperately trying to hide my worry.

"I am back at home. I left around two hours ago - I hope you understand."

I sit silent for a few more seconds. "Of course I understand. I'm sorry I didn't make it home Sophie."

"No, it's okay Anile, if you were here we would both be traumatized."

"Sophie, I have to go. I will call you in a few hours. Drink plenty of water and do not stay alone if you are scared." I hold my aching tummy tighter, desperately hoping that I have this all wrong. "I am so, so sorry this happened."

"It's not your fault. Anile. To be honest, I'm scared for you. It was on your door step - there are bloody hand prints on your door handle - I think the dead person was trying to enter your place."

Her insight makes me feel physically sick - I think I'm going to throw up. I swallow hard while trying to reassure her.

"Don't worry about me, I have to go." I mutter and hang up.

I sit in a daze for God knows how long - the cushion, it has to be Elijah, but he was with me? But he didn't wake up with me. Oh no, I cannot handle this!

"Miss Gooden. Miss Gooden." I hear someone call but it sounds as though it's whispers in the background of my life. I turn and register a Police man has opened the car door. He's kneeling down beside me.

"Miss Gooden?"

"Yes." I breathe.

"Are you ok Love?"

"I don't know Sir. What happened exactly?" I frown.

"Would you like to come and sit in the Police car with me so we can recap last night's events in private?"

"Um, sure." I say, but Jonathan stops him.

"Sir, I do not think that is appropriate. Mr. Darks - Miss Gooden's Lawyer - will be here shortly."

"Why does she need a Lawyer?" The Police man asks curious while rising to his feet.

"Yes, why do I need a Lawyer? I was not even here."

"Please Miss Gooden. Stay in the car; Mr. Darks will not be long." Jonathan insists as he closes the car door.

I am so annoyed at his rudeness and I do not want Elijah near me - not if he had something to do with this. How the hell am I supposed to speak to him with all these peering eyes on us?

I open the car door at full force and step out tall beside the Police man.