by Gray, A L
I turn to look at him. He looks wounded.
"Elijah, I -"
"Stop Princess, I know I am overwhelming. Play for me, please."
I turn my head to face the piano. It hurts that my expressions pain him; it hurts me deep within my chest.
"Are you ready?" I ask sweetly.
"Yes." He breathes into my ear.
"This is Bella's Lullaby - The Advanced Piano Cover. This is not for beginners."
"I never thought it would be Princess." He smiles.
I start playing. The pressure of Elijah's presence drowns into the background as I become nothing but music. My fingers glide all over this beast of a piano. Every note touches my soul. I'm mentally dancing on soft clouds. Elijah touches my neck which causes me to miss a key. I steal a quick glance up at him but keep playing.
"Beautiful Princess." He whispers into my ear.
He slides my hair back. I feel every strand with extra awareness. He kisses my neck, one peck at a time. I can smell him; I can feel his warm breath. I continue to play while he caresses my skin with his magnificent lips. The song finishes and I'm not sure if I'm glad. I love to play but I also enjoy Elijah on my skin.
"Play another song."
"Why?" I whisper. He's still nuzzling my neck.
"Play another song Anile." He whispers.
I don't argue, I become head drunk; his touch is a rush of ecstasy to me. I sensually play Colorblind, Counting Crows - Cruel Intensions. The song hits a hard limit for me, but, Elijah is also a hard limit. I do not take him in my stride, but I'm still alive.
"Anile." He whispers. His lips continue to slide across my neck. "Can I blindfold you? Can you play in the darkness?"
I blink rapidly - why would he want to do that? I stop playing.
"Do you trust me Anile." He whispers.
I turn to look at him. Do I trust him? Yes, yes I do.
"Yes, I do." I confess, staring back at the keys.
I catch a glimmer of the silk green scarf he brought for me as he pulls it out of his jeans pocket. He slides it around my neck first. The material leaves a lingering sensation of memories, memories of me tied up in that damn alley. I want to laugh but the mood is hot, erotic. He moves it to my eyes and ties it at the back of my head. I am in complete darkness, but I feel safe. I feel the keys so I can blindly become acquainted with this machine. Elijah moves off of the seat.
"Where are you going?" I say.
"Shhh - play. I want to watch you."
My heart is practically in my mouth. I need to focus. I can still feel him near me and that's almost enough to cause a mental eruption, but, I want to do this for him. I take a deep breath, calm my fingers, and I play Cruel Intensions with all that I have. The song seems to last forever. Note after note almost brings me to tears. My mother used to love listening to me play, and I'm sure Elijah used to love listening to his mother. I'm filled with deep happiness that we can share this moment together. I finish the song and Elijah's hands are on me, removing the blindfold. How strange that he wanted to watch me play blindfolded?
"That was beautiful Anile, thank you."
"You're welcome." I say when the low light of the lounge hits my eyes.
I turn to face him. He looks... happy, utterly happy. I have never seen him look so rosy cheeked. His eyes are beautiful; his pupils are fully dilated, dark and sexy.
I get to my feet. "Can I have a look around your home?" I ask sweetly. He nods his head while smiling.
I firstly head to the fireplace - it's so enchanting. It's a full size open fireplace - it could swallow me whole. Once I'm close enough to see the huge painting above, I'm star struck. It's another oil painting. The colours are dark and mysterious but bold and engaging. The frame is golden also - like the ones in the hall. What the hell? It's a woman - I have no idea who she is but if I were another person looking between the painting and me, I would swear we were the same person!
"Elijah, wh... who is that woman?" I stutter.
"That is my mother Anile." He freezes, waiting for my reaction - I think.
"Jesus, I..." I stand open-mouthed, blinking and trying to look closer with double takes, hoping that what I'm seeing is just my mind playing tricks on me. But no, it's still the same painting, and it still looks like me! I'm a little freaked out. Words literally fail me.
"Yes, I am well aware that you could be her double Anile."
Double! I am her! I'm not really sure what to make of this; this is... strange to say the least.
"Elijah, do you not think it's weird how alike we look?" I ask baffled.
"No, your looks were what drew me to you Anile. I must admit though, I am shocked to notice how much your personality resembles hers."
“That is even weirder!” I gasp.
He sighs long and hard, “please do not over think it Anile. Yes you look like my mother and even act like her but you are not her. You are you.”
I stand very, very still, trying to digest this. I just do not know what to make of it? Does he have an Oedipus Complex? Jesus if he does, that is just… fucked up.
"Okay, can, can you grab my butt - I mean, bag, can you grab my bag." That did not come out right! Ugh! This is turning into a disaster!
Elijah laughs loud, "with pleasure."
He walks over to me and snakes his hands around my waist, grabbing my behind. I close my eyes because I can feel his body heat and his smell does strange things to me. I mean really - am I not drunk enough without Darks intoxication? Hmmm, he is my own personal shot of ecstasy - legal ecstasy. My brain is thankfully jumpstarted back to life by his deep voice.
"Relax Princess. I am not planning on mauling you - well not yet anyway." He winks.
"Great choice of words." I say sarcastically while still trying to breathe.
He smacks my behind which makes me jump.
"Come. You need to eat. I have taken the liberty of having my maid cook you pork and apples, followed by coconut macaroons."
I smile knowing that he has used apples in the recipe so casually but his motive speaks to me. And the macaroons, oh the macaroons; they were once cookies and I could be happily caught with my hand in his cookie jar - undoubtedly! I laugh to myself.
"What a great food selection Elijah." I joke.
He glances to the side and smiles at me. He takes my hand and pulls me alongside him. I almost struggle to keep up with his long strides. I thought we would be heading to his kitchen that is part of the open planned space, but we walk past it and he takes me down another hall. The hall is not double height but it's still huge and wide.
"Where are we going?"
"You will see."
My curiosity is getting the better of me and my body is paying the physical price. My hands sweat and I feel my fingers sliding through his grip due to the moisture overload. We suddenly stop in the middle of his light oak panelled hall. I look around, wondering what is happening.
"Are you ready?" He asks full of amusement.
"I was born ready!" Although, I don't know what I was born ready for!
He laughs as he opens a door to a room that looks hidden in the wooden panels of the hall. Once the door is no longer visible, it reveals an astounding room.
"Oh Jesus!" I gasp.
Chapter Ten
BEFORE I VISUALLY register anything, I'm consumed by an overwhelming scent of flowers - sweetness, vanilla, mint - heaven – it literally overpowers my nose. I gaze into the room to see what's inside. I stand open-mouthed. It looks like The Garden of Eden. Flowers command the room. An array of captivating colours from bold reds to satin purples to heavenly whites. Each specie grabs my attention. I feel my head thrash from left to right, trying desperately to eye every petal. They cover every wall and almost every inch of the floor, mountain after mountain - wow. The furnishings are basic. Beautiful white wicker seats and baskets that scream, this belongs to a woman! The first thing that pops into my head is - he must be in love with me to do something like this.
"Who did this?" I
whisper, visually engaged.
"I had it done for you. I know how much you love flowers and I wanted you to have a garden that can capture your secrets and desires. No one will enter this space unless you want them too. The doors over there open onto the garden." He points past the crowd of flowers.
My mother fills my mind - oh God. Tears try to fight free from my eyes.
"This is the most magnificent thing anyone has ever done for me."
I look up at Elijah. He's standing very still while gazing down at me.
"Do you like it Anile? It was just a spare extension. I had the walls removed and turned into windows for the sun to penetrate and reach the flowers."
I slowly walk into the room, momentarily paralyzed. I make acquaintances with every plant, touching their beautiful petals. Fuschia plants, Massaenda erythrophylla plants and many, many more. They are so soft.
"My mother would be in heaven here." I whisper, sad that she will never experience this. I turn to find Elijah still standing in the hall, "you can come in." I whisper with a smile.
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.