But even with that thought in mind, she still couldn’t help herself from questioning it when Aurora had called earlier to say that she wouldn’t make it back until late. Elizabeth had voiced her concern to Aurora stating that they really didn’t know this man that well, and she would feel more comfortable if she returned earlier instead of later. Aurora, however, was determined that she didn’t want to ruin any chances with her quote, unquote, dream man. Realizing she was starting to sound like a parent instead of an excited friend, she had let it drop and pretended to be excited for Aurora.
Not that Elizabeth had any room to complain. She has been distracted herself. Leo had become a major part of her life in just a week’s time. So much so, that she found herself turning to Leo instead of Aurora for comfort and understanding. With that being said, she was still concerned for her friend, not wanting her to get hurt. So maybe she was just a little bit egotistical, she suddenly realized. Elizabeth just knew how trusting and somewhat naïve Aurora was.
Elizabeth shook the thought away as her mind drifting back to Leo, needing to hear his reassuring voice that everything was going to be fine. He would understand about her dream, and help her analyze what it could possible mean as her hand instinctively reached for the phone.
The phone cool to her ear, her fingers shook as she started to punch in the number as the clock on the nightstand caught her eye as it changed to twenty after one in the morning. Her finger hesitated over the last number when a sense of reality struck her that she was about to call Leo in the middle of the night. Although, he had told her to call him anytime, she was pretty sure he didn’t mean the middle of the night. In disappointment, Elizabeth replaced the phone back in its cradle. It was a dream, just a dream, and the last she knew, dreams couldn’t harm a person, she told herself as she stood.
Elizabeth ran a hand through her hair as she walked over to the bathroom. Her hands were still slightly shaking as she turned on the cold water, the liquid almost numbing as she bent over to lift it to her warm face, the bitter cold jarred her back to the present, suppressing the memories for a few precious moments and just long enough for her to think calmly once more.
After several long minutes, Elizabeth stepped back until her heels touched the hard, cold ceramic of the tub. Sitting back on the edge, Elizabeth rested her arms on her bent knees as a feeling of loneliness filled her with an ache that tightened her chest.
Her eyes were drawn to the purity of the plain white tile that covered the floor, a contrast to her hands, reddened by the cold water, as she absently turned them over. Only mildly surprised, she felt a warm drop strike her open palm, then her hand reached up to touch the tears that ran silently down her cool cheeks, warming them. Her thoughts questioned her desire for answers that seemed beyond reality until she found herself wishing, for the impossible, wishing for an end to her quest, wishing, always wishing.
What seemed like hours but in reality was just minutes, Elizabeth stood once more, her reflection in the mirror startling her, as she saw a pale face with wet strands of hair framing blue eyes made even more deep blue by the glint of tears. Elizabeth bit her lower lip as she stepped closer to the mirror, her hand brushing a tear from her cheek as she looked into her haunting sad eyes which emanated from a place deep within herself. Her heart caught in her throat as she finally really looked at the reflection which looked back at her. It was the same as the woman in her dreams. How could she have not seen this earlier as she thought of all the times she had absently looked at her own face, without really seeing? Was it the hair length that made the difference, her mind reaching within herself to remember the detail of her dreams and the hair of the woman she always saw. But, it was more than just the hair she could see, it was the emotions, the depth of feelings that were emitted from them and the slant of the eyes.
Had she only been reflecting herself within her dreams and nightmares? The realization had her questioning what she saw. Elizabeth looked back up as her cool hand brushed back a strand of hair from her cheek, and she looked closer. Her eyes wandered across her face, really seeing what she had never really examined as a finger brushed the scar along her face. The face from her dream filled her thoughts as Elizabeth attempted to place it with her own and the reflection that looked back at her…but the eyes…they were green in her dreams not blue. But, did that matter?
The question was left unanswered when the phone in the other room made her heart jump away from her pondering thoughts as she turned to stare at the door that lead to the sitting area. The phone rang again, as if on cue, which made her jump once more before she stepped out onto the warm plush carpeting, strangely hesitant, afraid. Then a sense of foolishness filled her, when she realized it was most likely Aurora. Who else could it be? She thought, with a smile, as she stepped over to the phone.
Her voice was almost breathless from the rush of adrenaline that had just pumped through her veins as she answered, expecting to hear Aurora on the other end. But instead, silence was her only reply. Her earlier panic returned in a rush of emotions that made her head swim in a cloud, light, as if it was not a part of her, her thoughts that of another. Silence on the other end enhanced the panicky, paranoid sense of danger.
A chuckle, the only sound she heard as tears sprang to her eyes, Elizabeth sensed the depth of the laugh, which sent a tremor through her. She knew she had always known that evil existed, yet its true depth was still beyond her own scope of conscious knowledge. Although, it had started to seep back from her unconscious mind into her consciousness since her arrival in New Orleans… she could see that now in this moment. As it touched her coolly through the phone line threatening to take what she held dear, her sanity, which was pooling at the edge. Knowing this, as if someone was next to her, warning her, screaming the words.
Another flash of memory assaulted her, violently, taking her breath in a rush of memories, which came more frequently now, muddled and confusing, images of a life long forgotten. Each vision more disturbing than the other.
The phone ripped from her grasp and slammed onto the receiver. She found herself afraid to look up, as she sensed an anger vibrating, touching her painfully. Staring down, a strong hand cruelly lifting her chin, his face contorted into a mask of fury, his eyes black , his voice barely above a whisper as the words escaped from lips drawn taunt, “tell me what you said? You little bitch!”
She felt fear mingling with the anger that rose in her chest, afraid of his anger, yet furious. Her words shook as she yelled, lashing out. “Nothing!” Her body uncurling from its sitting position to stand in a defiance manner.
The man’s hand was strong and violent as it snaked out to slap her cruelly. Tears sprang to her eyes as she fell back, her hand covering the warm welt, pain ricocheting through her jaw. Her breath caught as he quickly lifted her from the floor causing her head to snap back on her neck, her teeth biting into her tongue, the taste of blood strong. Then in a breath, his grip was gone as she fell back away from him, her eyes unable to focus at first to her surroundings. Hearing a woman’s angry voice in the distance, a sense of relief flooded her. The words clear, “You son of a bitch, I told you to never, ever, lay a hand on my daughter.”
The man’s voice calm, malicious, as he replied, “You better keep that little bitch on a shorter leash, then.”
His steps were heavy as she heard them walk away, anger in every step. A pair of arms gathered her up to lay her head against soft breasts, an erratic heartbeat the only sound she could hear, as a hand stroked her hair soothingly. The woman’s voice was soft and soothing as she hushed her tears away.
Elizabeth dropped the phone as she let the memory settle down and around her the pain behind her eyes throbbing. The words, “my daughter,” playing over and over in her mind. Her head shaking negatively, she attempted to comprehend the words, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose to relieve the pain. The woman…the angel in her dreams, not the woman that she called mother. But,
another…what could it mean?
Anger grew within her breast, with the tricks of her mind, furious with her disorder that twisted her thoughts and memories in dreams and visions and making her doubt who… she really was, where she came from. The vision, instead of giving her additional answers, had instead given Elizabeth a sense of betrayal as it consumed her. Her hand brushed against a hard object sitting on the table. Lifting it blindly, she stared at the cold drinking glass, her eyes looking through the clear round glass, which gave the room a distorted view, strangely reflecting her life. A scream ripped from her lips as she threw the object across the room, watching it smash against the far wall, shreds of glass falling soundlessly to the carpet. Looking for another, and another, throwing them also, the act irrational, yet soothing.
Roger chuckled as he heard the phone drop to the floor, the same moment feeling a smooth, soft hand run softly up his leg, to stroke him intimately. The action drew his eyes over to Aurora’s sleep filled eyes, her voice husky as she asked to whom was he was talking?
The sight of her slightly plump body laying next to him, repulsed him and her youthful eagerness, to please angered him as he pulled her hand away. Roger could feel a strong desire fill him to wipe the look from her face. Then quickly changing when he saw her startled look of hurt as she pulled the sheet back up to cover herself. Realizing his thoughts were showing, he swallowed his anger once more. He reminded himself to be patient and to not let his desires overrule his common sense and that everything he had worked so hard to discover would be lost. She was the path to the answers he desired.
Leaning down, Roger brushed his lips across her pouting red lips in an attempt to make her forget what she had just seen. His hand reaching under the sheet to caress her breast, pinching her nipple carelessly as he stretched his body along hers, a sharp cry of pain escaped Aurora’s lips. This was quickly replaced by a moan when he leans down to flick the sensitive nipple with his tongue, drawing the hard knob into his mouth. Until he no longer saw Aurora, but Elizabeth beneath him, he flipped her over onto her stomach and ran his lips along the back of her neck, pulling her body flush with his, thrusting into her tight warmth. Hearing her moans mingled with pain fill the room, filled him with excitement., before taking back control of his emotions and softening his touch so only moans filled the room. Ultimately, he knew the time would come when he wouldn’t have to worry about restraint.
Chapter 17
Elizabeth’s distorted emotions filled her blindly, leaving her unaware of the knocking on her door. Slowly through her haze of confusion, the persistent pounding registered in her head.
Elizabeth attempted to compose herself as she walked over to the door, her eye looking through the small peephole. Her heart caught when she saw a frantic bellman looking, nervously through some stuff for what Elizabeth believed was the master key for all the rooms. A sigh escaped her as her head dropped onto the wood of the door and her mind searched for what she was going to say to this concerned man.
She blew out a breath as she pasted a fake smile to her face just before she opened the door a crack, clearing her throat to get his attention. The nervous bellman looked up, fear filled his eyes, Elizabeth gave a small embarrassed wave to him. Guilt replaced her earlier emotions. “May I help you?” She asked, but knowing the question was pointless. She knew why he stood outside her door.
His voice a stammer, “Yes...yes ma’am, we got a call from the room next door that they heard things breaking.”
Elizabeth opened the door a little further to show that she had nothing to hide, painting a fake smile on her face, a lie slipping easily from her lips. “Yes, I’m so sorry about that.” Looking down in embarrassment, “I walk in my sleep.”
An uncertainty crossed his face as a redness spread from his neck into his forehead, his head tilting ever so slightly as he attempted to look around her. Stuttering, “Are... are you sure... ma’am?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Thank you for your concern,” Elizabeth said sincerely. “Please tell the people next door that I appreciate their concern but I’m fine.”
“Okay. But if there is anything you need, just dial 0 for the operator.” He said with obvious relief.
“I will,” Elizabeth said with a wink. The clerk’s face brightened to a deeper red as he rushed down the hall, glancing nervously over his shoulder. Elizabeth figured he was most likely relieved that it wasn’t a domestic disturbance in which he would have to get involved.
Elizabeth closed the door as her body leaned against it sighing, looking over to the broken pieces of glass glittering in the light of the lamp. Sleep walking, she thought, as she shrugged her shoulders at what seemed like a lame excuse but obviously believable to the bellman or night manager, what ever he was. Her eyes were drawn to the dropped receiver on the floor and her steps became hesitant as she walked over to it. Her hand, strangely steady, lifted it back to her ear, a steady beeping the only sound now greeting her.
Elizabeth tapped the base before finally giving into her temptation as she quickly tapped out Leo’s number before she changed her mind once more. Her heart was quick in her breast as she heard the phone ring several times before he answered, his voice a sleepy deep ripple, the sound soothing and calming. She let the feeling wrap around her for a moment before she started to feel silly and unsure for calling him so late. Clearing her throat, “Hey there.” She said apprehensively.
Elizabeth could hear the surprise and concern in his voice as he asked. “Elizabeth? Is that you?”
Just the sound of the concern in his voice brought on a wave of unexpected emotions as she felt her tears gather in her eyes, her voice catching, “Yeah.”
“Baby? What’s wrong?” He asked.
Her voice shaky and hesitant, “I’m having a bad night.” Then feeling silly as soon as the words left her mouth.
“What happened?”
Elizabeth brushed aside the moisture from her cheeks as she took a shaky breath before she was able to gather her composure before she answered. “I woke up from another bad dream. And I can’t get it out of my head.” Hesitating before she continued, knowing it was another step towards trusting someone else. “I was wondering if you.... might.... be able to come over?” She decided then and there she didn’t care how silly or ridiculous she sounded, she needed someone else with her. She wanted a much needed distraction.
“Yes. Yes. I’ll be right over.”
“Thank you.” She said, the answer filled her with a sense of relief that calmed her. Then surprised with how safe she felt with the knowledge he was on his way, she had not realized until that moment that she had felt unsafe.
By the time Leo arrived, Elizabeth had cleaned up the glass from the floor, leaving no evidence of her earlier tantrum. Relief overcame her when she opened the door to Leo, his hair still ruffled from sleep and a five o’clock shadow enhancing his looks. The sight brought a smile to her face as she shamelessly leaped into his and his strength enveloped her as he caught her close. The silence between them comfortable as they stood within the doorway, Elizabeth gradually regained her composure. His scent which surrounded her slowly penetrated and replaced her fear with desire. As she inhaled his essence, a small smile curved her lips as she moved her face against his chest. The urge to kiss him became her sole thought as she leaned her head back.
His words gentle, “Baby? Do you want to talk about it?”
Elizabeth shook her head negatively as she leaned forward on her tiptoes to kiss his warm lips, her voice soft as she spoke against them, “No! I just want to feel your arms around me.”
Leo chuckled as he pulled away from Elizabeth. “Baby, if this is the reason you called, then I suggest we go further into your room, before we give everyone on this floor a show they wouldn’t forget.”
Reality hit Elizabeth as she looked around, realizing they were still standing in the open door. “You’re right.,” She said with a giggle as
she stepped back, regaining a small fraction of her composure when she stepped back into the room and closing the door as Leo followed. “I’m sorry.”
“I wasn’t complaining Elizabeth.”
Smiling, she looked back at him coyly, “I’m sure you weren’t. But, anyways...thanks for coming so quickly.”
“Well, if I would have known I would get that type of reception I would have made it even quicker.” Leo said, as he stepped back over to Elizabeth to pull her back into his arms, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek before he leaned down to continue what she had started.
Elizabeth placed a hesitant hand up to stop him, her fingers skimming his warm lips. “Maybe, we should talk first.” She said, with a sheepish look.
“Are you sure?” He asked as he pulled her hand away just as his lips open over hers pulling her hips close to his.
Elizabeth sank into the kiss, losing herself for a moment her body tingling in anticipation as his warm hands skimmed under the hemline of her shirt. Knowing she needed to stop it now, before she changed her mind, she pulled back once more with a laugh. His arms tightened around her in protest. “You are making this difficult.” She emphasized as she pulled further back with a chuckle.
Leo stared down into her eyes before he finally stepped back, his eyes skimming the room, just before he asked. “So…where is Aurora?”
Secrets of the Weeping Willow Page 13