Dark Layers Volume 2: Dark Layers (16 page)

He slowly walks towards me, nervously rubbing his legs with his trembling hands.

"Do you like it?" He repeats worried.

"I don't like it," I reply as I look up at him, "I absolutely love it Elijah. Why did you do this?"

He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, revealing my bruised face. He kisses me there, tenderly. His lips are so full, almost swollen. I hold my breath, allowing the sensation of his lips on me to work their magic.

"I had this done over a week ago. I knew I would one day show it to you but I never anticipated how quickly this day would come Anile. The room is not finished, I am still awaiting more flowers and furnishings but you can come here now and flourish alongside the beautiful flowers." He says, looking down at me nervous.

"Why though? I don't understand. You didn't even know me properly then... and the rollercoaster we have been on... how did you know you would one day show it to me?"

I know I must not make any sense but he cannot judge me - especially how he flips on a dime!

"I just knew I would one day have you, however I could - and I know you plenty." He grins.

I lower my head, happy and confused all at once.

"Why did you do it though - why did you make this room for me?" I ask as I look up. I meet his smouldering blue eyes. He looks panicked; his Stygian eyebrows are creased deeply.

"I know I can seem... overwhelming," he croaks, "and it worries me that I will scare you off. I just want to show you that I do have a good side Anile, I do have a side to me that I want to share with you - and only you." He confesses while lowering his head.

"I know there is more to you than your controlling tendencies Elijah." I stand still, wondering how to salvage this and get closer to him at the same time, "are you saying this because I saw you lose it earlier?"

He walks over to the double doors and his alter ego comes without a filter.

"I was once a soldier Anile. I fought for our country for four years, ranking to Field Marshal."

Holy shit!

"What does that have to do with this?" I wave my hands around the room, "or even the way you acted earlier?"

"We were taught to protect what is ours, to fight for it, no matter what; and we were taught to take good care of the things we cherish. Not only am I desperate for you to be just mine, but I care for you Anile. I will not sit back and let someone hurt you. You must understand that. Your father or not, he should not lay one finger on you. Look at you," he turns facing me. He motions his hand delicately up and down my body with pure affection in his eyes, "you are this beautiful small girl that could break if someone were to hit you too hard. It makes me angry that your father would risk that."

He cherishes me!
Is that all you heard?
I'm once again lost for words - Elijah, the suit and tie man was a soldier. Jesus this really does explain a lot.

"What made you go into Law?"

"I already had my Law degree before I signed up to work for Her Majesty. My father insisted that I join the Army and earn my right to be... well that is another story Anile and to be honest, I definitely do not want you to ever know the reason why."

"If you think telling me half a story will shut me up then you are sourly mistaken!" I joke with raised eyebrows.

He smiles and comes back to me, touching my naked arms with lust in his eyes. His hands no longer tremble, they are solid.

I try to control my breathing. I feel a little drunk still and his touch is causing all sorts of explosions to erupt inside me.

Our skin to skin contact makes me feel different, like I'm ready to be a different person with him. I want us to grow as flowers do - I want us to become
one
before everyone’s eyes and know that we did it for us, not for only our desires.

"Jezebel has signed the divorce papers." He whispers.

"When?" I ask happy - maybe I should try to be more tactful regarding his divorce.

"That is one of the issues I have been taking care of this week. She cost me a bloody fortune but it was worth every penny insuring she did not come after you again."

"Well at least you are not worth six, six, six, anymore." I joke.

"Hmmm." Is all he says to that. "Are you ready to eat Princess?"

"I'm famished; I was ready a half hour ago." I smile.

To my surprise, he grasps my waist with excited hands. He effortlessly throws me over his shoulder and holds my thighs to keep me in place. We leave the room - door wide open. I cannot help but giggle.

"Elijah, you cannot keep doing this to me! Just because you are at beast height and I'm small, it doesn't mean you can throw me around." I implore, trying to smack his backside but I cannot properly reach.

"Beast height? I am six foot two Princess." He laughs as he sets me on my feet in the living area. I playfully whack his arm.

"That's for man handling me!" I joke.

He smiles at me. His eyes crinkle at the sides. I have never seen him look this way before - he looks carefree, young, and... happy. I find it hard to tear my eyes away from him.

"Come." He says.

We walk side by side towards the kitchen, glancing at one another over our shoulders. I blush while his eyes are locked on me. He makes me feel vulnerable; he makes me feel helpless - but I know when I feel this way around him, he is my strength, my protector.

"Nice kitchen."

"Thanks, my mother designed it."

His kitchen is huge! Although it's part of the living area, it's been half separated with one raised step. There is a magnificent light cream free standing island that houses a white butler sink and four white wooden bar stools. The floor is uneven cream slate. There are no windows in the kitchen but the double height windows around the French doors probably flood this place with light in the day time. The cupboard doors are fit for a dolls house; gold button handles and light cream ornate panelling. The counter tops are grand - soft cream granite with flecks of burgundy. He's dressed the counter tops with white roses in clear crystal vases, and an out of this world mother of pearl fruit bowl that has the most unusual fruit. It's a red furry strawberry looking thing, about the size of an apple. I gaze with my mouth open.

"What is that?" I point towards the fruit.

"That is a Rambutan Nephelium Lappaceum."

"Wow, that's a mouth full - I'm impressed Darks." I laugh.

He belts one out while holding his tummy. I know he has dirty thoughts pooling around his mind! Cheeky git!

"It's quite tangy. Do you want to taste it?" He manages to say.

"Is it safe?" I screw my face up - I cannot believe I'm going to eat that!

"Of course it's safe silly, would I ever poison you?" He laughs while picking up the strange looking fruit. He takes a small cream handled knife out of one of the draws. He peels back the red fur and slices it open, revealing a gooey inside. He cuts me a piece.

"Here."

I take it from him and just stare down at it.

"Eat it Anile, it's really nice."

I put it to my lips and suck first. Oh, it is kind of tangy, and sweet. I take a bite, as he does. He smiles while gently teasing it with his teeth, his lips are pouty - it's too tangy for him! I giggle.

"Yes, I don't really like it but it looks pretty." He laughs as he spits it into his hand. He throws it into the sink and presses a silver button. The sink sounds like it's going crazy, monster growling crazy!

"What the hell is that?"

"It's a waste dispenser." He laughs.

"High tech appliances for a high tech man." I joke.

He hunches his head while shaking it; his hair moves with ease, gently swaying to his light thrashing.

He's still laughing at me - cheeky Bastard!

"Shall we eat?"

"Yes." I say while childishly pouting.

We make our way over to the dining table just outside of the kitchen area. It's lovely but not what you would expect. It's dated oak. There are names and dates carved into it - I think it's antique. It has six oak seats that have red cushions tied to the seat tops. It looks old and worn but homely.

"Your mother's design?" I say soft.

He nods simply with an affectionate expression. His lips are half formed into a smile.

I open the silver lid that's keeping my dinner warm and the smell of fresh apple sauce fills my nose - hmmm.

"Shall we?" He motions for me to sit.

"It's a little dark, can you see properly?"

He chuckles a little and turns up the lights with the dimmer switch.

"Better?" He says once the room is illuminated. This place is so pretty and warm. I love how every room is painted warm beige - it's so not Elijah though.

"Better." I smile.

We spend most of our time playing with one another. I have told him that he needs more hobbies to help deal with his controlling issues - I'm mainly hinting at our lack of sex. And he keeps teasing me about Derek.

"I know he is in love with you, but what man wouldn't be?" He says gazing at me from across the table.

This catches my attention - is he somehow confessing that he's in love with me?

"I'm sure there are plenty of men who do not love me Elijah, so stop this." I joke.

He drops his knife and fork on his plate. He leans forward, eyeing me suspiciously.

"Every man who meets you would be taken by you, and not just with your beauty, but by the way you carry yourself and by the way you speak with such an enigma. I find you... enchanting." He breathes, placing his elbows on the table. He rests his hands under his chin while staring at me.

"Oh come on Elijah." I shake my head, embarrassed by his observation.

How today ended up like this is beyond me. I'm happy though, finally happy. It's about time we just acted normal. No drama or distractions, just ordinary conventional people having dinner. And I have to admit, his compliments are very welcome!

“Elijah, can you answer something for me, as honest as you can?”

“Sure Princess, anything. And I will always answer you honestly; I want nothing but trust between us.”

Oh - could he get any dreamier? - I blush on cue.

“I know you told me why you will not make love to me, but, how can you hold yourself back? As a red blooded male who obviously has needs – sex," I cringe at the word 'sex' as it slips out of my mouth, "how do you keep yourself under control?”

He grits his teeth and smiles.

“
Honestly? I read a quote once; do you want to hear it?" He says, still resting his chin upon his huge hands.

"Of course I do." I beam, dropping my knife and fork also. He needs my full attention.

"If one wants another, only for some self-satisfaction - usually in the form of sensual pleasure - that wrong desire takes the form of lust rather than love," he closes his eyes, "I have to - need to be sure that I'm in love with you before I have you - especially knowing you are a virgin. I want to be your first and last Anile, and nothing nor no one will make me risk my feelings for you.”

Holy shit! He wants to be in love with me? I hold my breath unknowingly.

"Breathe Princess."

I stare at him with piercing eyes. “Elijah, that is beautiful.” I whisper.

“It is true Anile," he says, his eyes are hooded, "I want you to be my everything - deep down I know you already are, but I have to be sure, one-hundred percent sure.”

Happiness does not even begin to describe how I feel right now.

"Elijah," I breathe, "how can I show you that I feel the same?"

"You are here, that's all I need."

Oh my!

"I am, and I'm not going anywhere."

"That's a pleasure to know." He smiles, collecting his knife and fork.

"Where have you been for the past week?" I ask, curious and worried that something bad might have happened to him.

He stifles a forced sigh and stares wide-eyed.

Oh no!

"Do you really want to know?"

Yes, no,
"yes, otherwise I would not have asked."

"With Jezebel." He says clipped.

Well, to say I'm angry is an understatement - I'm fuming!

"Why were you with her?" I almost scream as I get to my feet with jealousy breaking its way through my pours.

"Anile, sit down now!" He urges, pointing at my seat.

“No I will not!”

He gets to his feet, knocking his chair over. He comes storming over to me, walking fast - crap!

“You will sit down and listen to me! I am not having tonight ruined because you will not give me a chance to explain myself Anile!” He shouts as he pushes me into my seat. He seats himself
right
next to me, turning his seat to face me fully. Now I do not even have the luxury of escaping him!

“Jezebel was not signing the divorce papers and I needed to be rid of her. She told me that if I spend one week with her that she will sign. What was I supposed to do? Keep waiting?”