Dark Layers Volume 2: Dark Layers

by Gray, A L

  He grabs both my legs tightly in his hands. He lifts me in the air, forcing my legs around his waist. I grasp his neck - if I don't I'll fall back. He walks us over to my sofa and lays me down. I do not even register the impact of the sofa - nothing else but Elijah matters to me right now. He hovers above me. I inhale deeply.

  "Turn on your front." He orders. His eyes are intoxicating. I have to use every ounce of strength I have to say no.

  "No." I say, challenging him. I smile.

  "No means punishment."

  Holy fuck! Now I'm frowning with an expression of trepidation plastered on my face.

  "Don't you dare spank me!" I warn, gritting my teeth.

  He quickly get's to his feet and straightens his jacket out. "Punishment is not always physical Anile - get dressed."

  I blink rapidly. "Why? Where are we going?" That's the biggest one-eighty ever!

  "Get dressed and I'll show you."

  Still blinking, I gradually get to my feet. I feel off balance, dizzy.

  "Elijah." I whisper. I honestly don't know what to say or do!

  "Get dressed or I will dress you myself."

  I don't argue further, I damn well know he will dress me like an errant child. I rush to my bedroom all the while feeling his eyes on me. I grab the first thing on my pile of clothes - old jeans and a plain white V-neck. I quickly jump into my trainers and tie my hair back. I brush my teeth - this is all I have time for, my face will have to stay bare. I head out to him, nervous.

  "Beautiful. You really shouldn't wear makeup Anile, you do not need it."

  I smile, appreciatively while blushing. He grabs me by my elbow and pulls me to his pace.

  "Where are we going?" I ask again.

  "Not far."

  Down the stairs, out of the lobby and into the fresh air he pulls me behind him. I almost find it hard to keep up. I clutch at the arm of his jacket. His suit is so soft - like all his clothing. I must look so odd next to him - I wonder if my casual appearance ever embarrasses him?

  Still walking one-hundred miles per hour, he pulls me down the street. He stops outside a little restaurant bar. He gazes down at me with the most dangerous smile I have ever seen on him. I flush on cue - yup, my thermostat is still broken.

  "Ready?" He says with too much eagerness.

  "For what Elijah?" I frown.

  I gaze in through the window, wondering if he has something special waiting for me. This place is just stunning. The bar is decorated with opulent old red bricks, forming half a circle - it's small but stylish. The restaurant is separated with erotic red beaded curtains - they are tied back. The tables are dark brown with red chequered cloths. They are small and intimate like little Italian tables. It's a really nice place.

  "In you go." He says with his hand at the low of my back.

  "It's a little early for me, Elijah."

  "Order a coffee." He says and annoyingly walks past me.

  I follow after him, tired and almost on the verge of giving up. I thrash my head back out of sheer exhaustion. To my utter horror, he walks up to the most beautiful blonde woman in the bar and starts sweet talking her.

  "Wanker!" I gasp.

  I stand open-mouthed. My face heats, my hands tremble - I'm fuming! He looks poised and picture perfect. The woman is melting by the minute. He tucks her hair behind her ear and whispers to her. My heart rate picks up to a dangerous speed. I walk fast to the bar and stand watching him fondle her body, stroking his way up her silky black dress.

  "Prick!"

  I have to do something, take control - I will play that Bastard at his own game! Surprisingly, I manage to pull myself together and order a drink.

  "Triple Vodka - straight!" I say to the bar tender while still eyeing Elijah.

  "Here you go." The bar tender says.

  He hovers by me, and when I turn to thank him and pay for my drink, I'm filled with pleasure to see he's smoking hot! Tall with an animalistic hunch - he's built like a bull - blonde sweeping tidy hair, and smartly dressed in a white shirt and black trousers. I smile to myself - game on Darks!

  I bat my eyelids. "It's nice to finally see a good looking man in here," I say with lazy eyes, "do you have a girlfriend?"

  He clocks Elijah and eyes me suspiciously - knowing Elijah is off the charts gorgeous I presume. My compliment thankfully works - his head must be growing by the second! He leans his elbows on the bar and hunches towards me. Wow, his eyes are nice; deep green with a hint of hazel - hmmm. I'm going to enjoy this.

  "No," he says simple, "I like your shirt, but you can do better."

  I gaze at him, waiting for him to elaborate.

  "Do you know what would look good on you?"

  Damn it, he's gay! I knew he was too good looking!

  "What's that?" I lean a little closer, trying desperately to exude intimacy. The bar is a little high; I have to stand on my tippy toes.

  "Me." He smiles.

  I almost belt out laughing at his cheesy joke but I hold my own.

  "And do you know what would look good on you? Two black eyes! Come here you little shit!" Elijah snaps, leaning over the bar to grab the bar tender. The bar tender backs away immediately - clever man! Elijah is like a bull in a china shop! Glasses smash against the floor; peanuts in little white bowls follow. Holy shit! I quickly grasp Elijah's arm and pull him back. He stares me hard in the face, he looks pained.

  "We are leaving, now!" I snap wide-eyed.

  I storm ahead of Elijah - I do not give him a chance to argue. He follows - as I knew he would. We reach the outside and thankfully the weather is cool. It's refreshing, and it's needed. The sun is not shining; the day is grey - as is my damn mood! Elijah stands tall, right in front of me. He paces his hands through his long dark hair. Touché Darks! I smile.

  "Well I guess the joke is on me." He says,.

  I nod, "yup. Don't play games with me Elijah. I play to win."

  He bites his lower lip. "As I can see. Sometimes we have to re-think our battle strategy Princess."

  "What?" I say.

  He unexpectedly throws me over his shoulder and charges across the road. The cars on the busy road bib us. The drivers shout at us but he doesn't stop. He strides forward, ignoring my rising anger and the hooting cars.

  "Elijah, put me down!" I scream while whacking his back. "Put me down - now!"

  He doesn't listen. He walks into an alley and immediately puts me on my feet. I think on quick reaction - I need him in his place.

  wh-tch!

  I smack him as hard as I possibly can, right in his face. My hand stings but I don't show my pain. His lower lip bleeds but he doesn't cup his face - he smiles viciously. Shit! I know that look. He grabs my shoulders - the immediate contact affects me, I don't fight back. He swiftly turns me so I'm facing the wall. He takes both of my hands and forces them into the air. I try to struggle but it's no use, he's too damn strong. He's flush against my back, and he has an erection! Oh my God! I can feel it at the low of my back, pulsating against me. I bite my lip, knowing he's as turned on as I am!

  "I'm going to tie you to that pipe above your head Princess," he kisses my cheek and points upwards with his other hand, "let's see how smart you are when you do not have your tiny hands to defend you."

  Anger rushes through me - alongside desire. How the fuck can this be erotic?

  "Elijah, I'm warning you!" I snap, controlling my desperation for him.

  He ignores my warning. "I brought this especially for you." He says. He pulls a thin scarf free from his pocket. It's green, dark green. It looks so soft. He ties it firmly around my hands - it's silk. He stands on tippy toes and ties my hands to the pipe above my head - now the fucking joke is on me!

  "Elijah!"

  "Won't be a minute Princess."

  "What? Where are you going?" I scream after him. "Elijah! Elijah, come back here now!"

  He walks off down the alley, strolling with such ease.

  "Bastard! I will get you back for this Darks!" I shout.


  I am absolutely fuming! I pull as hard as I can on the green scarf. I kick the wall while trying to loosen the scarf. Fuck me this is taking the piss! I keep trying to struggle my way free but the scarf doesn't loosen - not even a little. I eventually give up and hang like a dead pig.

  Before I know it, Elijah is back - and he isn't alone! He has that damn blonde from the bar with him.

  "Anile, this is Angel - Angel, Anile." He introduces us to one another, smiling like the cat who got the cream.

  "Elijah, what is this?" I say worried because I know exactly where this is going.

  "Angel, kiss me." He says.

  The earth's core opens up to me. My heart rate picks up further and tears prick my eyes.

  "What? Why?" Angel says flustered. She's so bloody pretty - fuck!

  "Do you find me attractive?" He says, staring right at her. She turns puce - fuck, he affects her badly.

  "Yes, I am." She blushes further, batting her long lashes. Hands off bitch!

  "Then kiss me Sweetheart." He says all doe eyed. He pushes his hands into his pockets, he's letting her take control to torture me!

  My breathing picks up. My throat dries. Shit, I need to stop this now. She goes right for the kill, eyes shut, lips puckered. Oh no! I scream so loud.

  "Stop! I won't say no again, stop Elijah." I close my eyes. I cannot bear to see another woman kiss him.

  "You can leave now." He tells Angel. Boy oh boy, will I ever keep up with him?

  My eyes spring open, safely. She looks pissed.

  "What is this, some fucking sick couple's game?" She gasps.

  Elijah stands right in front of her. He pulls his hands free from his pockets and he holds her cheeks.

  "Sweetheart, you need to leave."

  "Why? You cannot treat people like this!" She moans while grasping his hands.

  "Angel, Sweetheart, I don't often make a habit of repeating myself because the consequences of my anger are not pleasant. You need to leave."

  "Oh, eh, okay." She stutters.

  She turns on her heel without so much as one more word. How does he do that? My mouth is agape. He turns back and stares at me triumphant.

  "Fine, you win. Now untie me." I say defeated.

  He glides over to me and unties me quickly. I rub my wrists. They are red with my struggles.

  "You play dirty." I snap.

  "I play to win Princess - I have to when you are the prize." He cocks his head to the side.

  I look down at my hands. I'm upset. "Were you really going to let her kiss you?" I whisper.

  "Yes." He says.

  I look up quickly - I'm shocked, utterly shocked. He stares impassively.

  "Elijah, you will not kiss me. Why were you going to kiss a complete fucking stranger?"

  "Sometimes we have to suffer in order to achieve." He says motionless.

  I frown, "you do not have to suffer because of me. This is not a battle field Elijah."

  "Everything worthwhile is not without battle, Anile."

  "Whoever told you that is speaking shit." I snap. But I wonder, is he right?

  "Breakfast?" He says, completely out of the blue.

  I huff - two can play this game. I'm officially unhappy - not mad - just unhappy.

  "I think I'll pass on breakfast, but thanks." I'm sure not to use the word 'no'.

  "So, what do you want to do?" He says, hiding his hands in his pockets again. He looks so gorgeous, poised - how the fuck can he look this way and be so bloody damaged?

  "We should finish our conversation."

  He closes his eyes in pain. His body immediately stiffens. "Anile. Jezebel and I are over. There is nothing more to discuss. I want you - is that not clear?," He frowns, "how I can have you is still a mystery to me but I will work out the fine details over time."

  Cheeky git! How dare he assume he can decide when he wants me!

  "You may want me but it does not mean you are going to get me! I am not sitting on the bench until you are ready for me Elijah!" I snap at the audacity of him, "actually, I am pretty hungry. I'm going home. I need to arrange a date for breakfast." I joke, knowing damn well it will piss him off - or I at least hope it will.

  He shakes his head but doesn't look defeated.

  "See you tomorrow, Anile." He says motionless.

  He turns away from me and starts to walk back down the alley. What the hell? That did not go to plan!

  "Elijah," I call out.

  He turns, smiles at me with his smouldering eyes and carries on walking away. I stand stupefied - I was expecting him to fight me to the death on my idea of having another date for breakfast - especially after what has just happened! He gave in to easily, something is not right. Maybe he wants to play fair? Hell bloody no!

  Childishly pouting, I head home.

  On the walk back, I think over what Elijah has just done. That is a dangerous game he's just played. He sort of reminds me of my father - in a smart way. That reminds me, I need to go and see my father; a visit to him is inevitable - especially now he has fifty thousand pounds of Elijah's money that I need to get back! I *sigh* in frustration. I need to speak to Derek and arrange a weekend away - I need a break from all this.

  My phone rings and I have a feeling it's Elijah. I answer without looking at the screen in desperate hope.

  "Hello?"

  "Hello - is this Anile Gooden?"

  "Yes - how can I help you?" It's not him. I mentally sag.

  "Can I call you Anile?"

  "Yes. Who is this?" I say curious.

  "It's Piers Morgan. I would like to interview you regarding your relationship with Elijah Darks. Could I arrange this with you?"

  "Whoa - what? Why?" I ask like an idiot.

  "Well, I have compelling photographs of the two of you together last night - Elijah has you over his shoulder in a debatable position - the public want to know if you are in-fact a couple?"

  "No we are not!" I snap.

  "I see. Do you have any comments regarding Elijah's position of power?"

  "What does that mean, I mean, what do you mean?" Okay, now he has my full attention.

  "His family are very influential over the public and throughout the media regarding politics and law. Castor Darks owns one of the biggest Media companies - Illumination Media - and Elijah Darks owns one of the biggest Law firms in the world - Darks Lawyers - do you have an opinion on the matter? Or would you like to express why you think they are in such power? In your own words please, Anile?"

  "I have nothing to say on the matter."

  Things regarding the Darks family are getting bolder and bolder; soon it will be virtually impossible to try and ignore something that is completely in my face!

  "Is it true that you are a virgin and that you saved yourself for Mr. Darks?"

  "What the hell! Who told you that?" I snap breathless. My throat tightens with embarrassment and my eyes water.

  "I cannot provide you with the source of my information Anile. Would you like to make a formal statement?"

  Ohhh - he has done it now!

  "Oh yes, I would like to make a statement - on the record. Your mother did a lousy job raising you to believe it is okay to intrude into a woman's personal life. Your father clearly asked you to follow in his footsteps - and as for my opinion, fuck you!"

  I slam the phone down absolutely fuming. Who the hell does he think he is? And who the hell sold my fucking virginity to the media? Elijah has to sort this now! It's not just my problem!

  I text him with hasty fingers, slipping and sliding all over my phone.

  To: Elijah

  Elijah! I have just had a reporter! On the phone! Asking did I save my virginity for you'! How the hell did they find out that I am a virgin? Who have you been speaking to?

  From: Elijah

  Just leave it with me Princess. I am just about to go into an important meeting, I will call you later. x

  To: Elijah

  No Elijah, I want this sorted! This is out of order. I want to know
who you have told - otherwise you can forget the job! And I thought you were not busy, you asked me to breakfast - you have only just left me?

  He doesn't text me back. I literally growl in frustration. I get home and I spend hours pacing in anticipation. Why is he ignoring me? Oh, this is getting so bloody silly now! You can say that again!

  I decide to put the visit to my father's off again. I will go and see him one evening in the week; I'm sure he's dying to know what the hell is going on. He keeps calling me but I refuse to answer - I cannot take another overbearing controlling man around me at this present time.

  The rest of the day goes by in a blur of channel switching; endless amounts of tea and around twenty cigarettes - I must sound like croaking old Deidre off of Coronation Street due to the smoke intoxication burning my throat. Giving up on the T.V, I sit uncomfortably fidgeting, -annoyed, mostly at myself. How can one be so hung up over a bloody man? I want a reply, yes, but the way I feel is outrageous. I feel, nervous, jumpy, apprehensive, and to top it off – not so nicely - I cannot relax to save my life! Thank God you don't need to save your life then!

  I eventually drag my arse off to bed at around one a.m. - why? I don't know, it's not like I can sleep! I think I will manage all of three hours in total and then I will once again look like shit and drift around my office like a Zombie! The only thing keeping me sane is knowing Elijah will be at work tomorrow. I'm going to give him blue balls as a returned gesture for his ignorance!

  Chapter Six

  I GET READY FOR work like a ghost due to lack of sleep. There is still no reply from Elijah and it's sort of worrying me now rather than annoying me. He just doesn't seem like the type of person to ignore someone.

  I leave the house without a thought of my clothes or even breakfast. I could be dressed in bright green for all I would notice, looking like flubber. The train journey is also a blur - people barge past me in a rush while I slowly and sluggishly pass through the crowds. I have too much on my mind to even acknowledge the pedestrians alongside me.

  I enter Darks Lawyers, still in a foul mood. I hoped I would cheer up a little once I was here - I know Elijah will be here, but my mood has packed its bags and left with the sun - it will return when England has a decent summer!