Dark Layers Volume 1: Volume 1

by Gray, A L

  “Anile, have you been sleeping?"

  "Why would you ask that?" I ask sweetly.

  "It's just, your hair.” He laughs pointing at me.

  I shrug my shoulders and give him a weak smile.

  “I dozed off without a thought, come in.” I gesture as I open the door for him.

  Wow, he looks delicious - and I look rank! This is the most casual I have ever seen him. He's wearing fitted dark blue jeans that hug his masculine legs so perfectly; camel leather shoes; a crisp white shirt that is unbuttoned - I can see almost all of his beautifully hairy chest. I think that's a delightful gesture on his behalf, thank you God! And to finish, a dark grey beret hat. His inky black hair literally melts around his head and upper neck, hmmm.

  “Sorry - we can do this another day if you like?” I ask worried as my mouth waters at the sight of him.

  He flashes me a devilish smile, “I can wait - we have reservations at eight-thirty but I can call them now and change them to ten if you like?”

  “Ten?” I almost shout, “why so late?”

  “Well, how long do you take to get ready? I don't mind waiting for Barbie.” He jokes as he strokes my golden locks, gently and with affection.

  I whack his mocking hand away.

  “If you have the audacity to categorize me with that stupid money making scheme doll again, then I suggest you leave now!”

  He laughs, “okay, my card has been marked. Shall I serve myself?”

  “Serve yourself what?”

  He hunches his neck down to gaze at me.

  “You would be the special on my menu, but I want this evening to last, so perhaps some wine, or a coffee for now? I don’t mind either Anile.”

  Oh my! His words are profound, they are compelling - I don't mind being on your menu! For Missionary only though Sir!

  “Um, I can make you coffee. Please get comfortable in the living area.” I gesture for him to go through, desperately trying to cool my heated cheeks.

  He stops in the door way and stands staring.

  “It looks different in here from the other night.”

  “Maybe you wasn’t looking at the furnishings.” I joke.

  “You know me to well already." He scoffs.

  He walks a little further, then stops dead in the middle of my living area. He eyes my apartment.

  "You like flowers?”

  I have flowers everywhere, each in their own crystal vase on the counter tops and the mirrored sideboards. They are a treat for me and I adore the fresh country smell that lingers in the air of my apartment. They also remind me of my mother. She's an Old English style kinda woman; class, wit and charm literally ooze from her.

  “More than you would know.” I whisper. I slowly walk past him into the kitchen area.

  "Hmmm, it is as I thought." He mutters to himself.

  "What is?"

  "You."

  "What about me?"

  He motions his hand around the living area.

  "You are high maintenance."

  "I am not!"

  "It's a compliment Anile - are you Italian?"

  "No, why?"

  "No? Then why is your apartment decorated to the highest end of the Italian style?"

  "I like it, that's all."

  He nods his head in confirmation.

  "It's a lovely place, exactly what I expected."

  "And how can you presume to know someone's decoration tastes when you have only met them in person? You have never seen my place, or my Facebook - have you?"

  I finish with, 'have you', because I have a sneaky feeling his stalker tendencies would definitely drive him to look me up on Facebook, and I have tons of photos of my apartment on there.

  He flashes a confirming smile, but doesn't answer me.

  “I can make coffee Anile. Go and get ready. Are you having a shower?” He asks doing another one-eighty on me.

  "Don't do that." I snap.

  "Do what?" His face looks irreverent - he knows what he does!

  "That thing you do when you won't answer me - you even have this sexy half smile that you pair your expression with - you do it every time you avoid a question."

  "How very observant of you Princess."

  "Have you seen my Facebook?"

  "Are you having a shower?"

  "Have you seen my Facebook?"

  "Anile, if you argue with me, I am going to flip you over my knee, pull your panties down to just below your derrière, and I will slap your arse until it's bright red - now, answer me. Are you having a shower?"

  "You wouldn't dare!" I warn. My eyes are wide and my mouth is set in a hard line.

  "Do you really think I wouldn't?" He challenges. His eyes are glazed. His mouth is slightly open - he looks nothing short of sexy.

  My mouth is now agape; all colour has left - not only my face - my entire body. Is he for real? You damn well know he is! Answer him!

  "Well?" He says with a secret smile dancing around his lips. He edges closer to me, like a lion ready to pounce.

  “Yes, I'm having a shower.” I smile sweetly hoping my angelic image will save me.

  “Maybe I should wait in the car.” He says as he starts erratically thrashing his hands through his hair.

  “Why? I won’t be long Elijah.”

  "Then the wait won't be infuriate."

  "Why do you want to wait in the car?"

  “I don't know if I can control myself Anile; just the thought of knowing you are wet and naked, through there,” he points to the other hall in my apartment, “it makes me twitch in all the right places.” He finishes as he leans his elbow on the kitchen counter top - he looks as though he's trying my breathing technique. Ha, it doesn't work - trust me I know!

  "Them breathing techniques only work if you can master them, Elijah." I joke - mimicking his own words.

  "I have mastered them. Go have a shower." He orders pointing towards the hall.

  “I will be sure to lock the bathroom door, don't worry.” I reply as I stroll off swaying just to tease him, “cups are in the cupboard next to the sink.”

  “I thought you were going to make me coffee?” He asks but I ignore him for fun.

  As soon as I reach my en-suite, I rush - rush to the point of being worried that I haven’t made an effort. The shower is too hot, the air in the bathroom is too cold, and my makeup is damp because I have left it open. Feeling extremely frustrated, I slow down, but now I'm worried we will be late for our reservation? Ugh! Jeez girl, nothing is ever right for you. You are either over thinking or under thinking, rushing or taking the piss out of time - just let it be, God damn it!

  I take a load off and sit on the toilet seat to gather my erratic self while I dry. I want to look pretty, not rushed, so I need to calm down.

  I come to a sudden realization that I have not once thought about Elijah's sexual... tastes, nor his mother. How can he actually give me amnesia when he's in my presence?

  I screw my hair up in my hands frustrated, "stop this Anile!" I moan.

  Once I'm calm enough, I lose the towel and get dressed. He looks pretty casual so I don’t want to overdo it. I go for royal blue skinny jeans, a white Valentino sweater, and flat red dolly shoes with a little red scarf. I tie my hair back in a tight ponytail with my featherlike fringe hanging down one side of my face. I finish my light makeup, paring my skin with peachy lipstick.

  "There, perfect." I pout in the mirror.

  I head out to Elijah feeling conflicted - maybe once I can feel his presence all this erratic bullshit will vanish!

  As soon as I walk out of the hall, I have a vision that will last me a lifetime, even if I never get to touch this man. He's seated in my usual spot on the sofa, drinking coffee from my personal mug, and reading my kindle, perfection! I stand and watch him for a few seconds, listening intently to him slowly slurping his drink. I'm desperate to taste that cup after him! I hope he doesn’t wash it up, weirdo!

  “Ahhh, you are ready, and what a sight you are Anile. Stunning is
the only way I can describe you Princess.”

  “Well you look pretty dapper and casual, so I thought I’d try to match you in that department.”

  “This will be the only department you could ever match me in Anile.” He jokes.

  He puts his arm over my shoulder - such an Alpha gesture. I smile fondly and blush in sync.

  “Ready?”

  “One second, I just need to grab my purse.”

  “Why?”

  “So I can split the bill with you.”

  “I don’t fucking think so - move.” He urges - not moving his arm from my shoulders as we walk out of the front door. I laugh knowing I have given in way to easily - this will only set the pace for our… well whatever we have.

  The lift is a no go for me, I cannot be near him in any enclosed space. - the last thing I need tonight is suffocation!

  “The stairs Elijah, not the lift.”

  “Why?" He asks as he squeezes my shoulder with his hand to stop me from walking further.

  I bow my head laughing.

  “Let’s just use the stairs and try to make it through the car ride before we start bickering.”

  “I like our banter Anile, it will soon lead to sex and it will be explosive - I promise you that.”

  Yep, amnesia! I blush scarlet while I become irrevocably embarrassed! How will I ever have sex talk with him?

  We finally make it outside and I gasp for air, realizing - enclosed space or open space, he still infects me with Darks flu! Will I ever become immune to him? I hope so - no you don’t!

  “Anile.”

  “Yes?”

  “The car.” He gestures as he stands holding the door open for me.

  I horridly stumble inside, bashing my knee on the door and almost hitting my head on the door frame. I realize I was day dreaming right in front of him, damn it! I sit quietly embarrassed by my less than graceful entrance into the car.

  “Are you okay Anile?”

  “Yes.” I say shyly.

  “Don’t worry about your stumble, I like it when you have cute silly moments. They are so rare and they remind me that you are only human - not this addictive angel I have carved into my mind.” He says.

  He gently pinches my chin with affection. I have a huge goofy smile plastered on my face, and I try hard to remove it but it's not shifting! His compliments are coming more frequently. They make me feel less intimidated and more comfortable with him - I adore his vocabulary when my name slips off of his tongue.

  Elijah unexpectedly takes my hand and entwines our fingers together. He stares out of the car window expressionless. Shit - what's wrong with him? I hope fluffy Elijah hasn’t vanished into thin air, I don’t think I can handle another one of his personalities today. I stare at him, desperately trying to conjure up an idea to bring him back to me, but I come up with nothing!

  What's on his mind?

  Chapter Twelve

  WE ARRIVE AT The Dorchester restaurant in Park Lane, London. I know this place has three Michelin stars and the food is apparently divine. Elijah has been silent the entire ride here and now I’m starting to wonder whether dinner is such a good idea.

  He ushers me inside, pronto, still silent - I'm just thankful that his touch speaks volumes, otherwise I would be completely deflated!

  Wow - this place is just stunning. The tranquil colours of pale oranges and muted creams give it such a relaxing feeling. The tables are a deep rosy brown, finished with a modern twist of perfectly sharp edges. They are not too small either, they are sizeable for all your side dishes - unlike most restaurants these days!

  We get seated at our table and a very smartly dressed waiter comes over in no time at all.

  “Wine?” Elijah asks clipped.

  “Um, yes please. Are you okay Elijah?”

  “What wine would you like, Anile?”

  "Condrieu ´Côteau de Vernon` domaine Georges Vernay.” I say joking, knowing it costs two-hundred and eighty pounds here. He doesn't bat an eye lid; Bastard! And he has ignored my concern, masking it with his controlled exterior. Maybe I should possess numerous personalities and make it hard for him to keep up.

  After another five minutes in painful silence, the waiter returns and offers us our drinks via a towel wrapped wine bottle. I take a huge gulp and finish the glass while the waiter is still here. He smiles affectionately at me - probably noticing my agitated expression. He offers to top my glass further.

  "Thank you Sir." I gesture.

  "I need the bathroom Hephaestus, I won't be a minute." I joke with Elijah.

  He smiles at me with dark piercing eyes, knowing my joke I presume. I storm off to the bathroom reeling, clicking my heels in annoyance. God he's pissing me off! It's like constantly breaking down walls, and once you have finally finished, you turn to find someone else building another!

  I attend to my needs and once I have finished, I stare wide-eyed in the mirror. I look different, flush, and my eyes are an electric blue. I think I like this look, it reminds me of lust - I giggle to myself shaking my head with a huge *sigh*.

  "Here comes round ten!" I mutter to myself while pinching my already puce cheeks.

  While walking back to my table, a man stops me in my tracks.

  "Excuse me Miss, but I must compliment you on your astoundingly beautiful eyes."

  I stop to admire him and his matching blue eyes. He smells lush, his scent lingers in the air around us - vanilla and roses, hmmm. His lips are so full and his skin is perfectly golden - almost like Elijah's. If I wasn't here with Elijah, I might have asked him to join me.

  I blush scarlet, "thank you Sir. That's very kind of you."

  "Do you have company?"

  "Yes she does!" Elijah interrupts us with his alpha arm snaking its way around my waist.

  I smile at the man while shrugging my shoulders.

  "You are a very lucky man." The guy gestures with a small bow of his head.

  "That I am." Elijah replies while looking down at me - I can feel his eyes burning into me with a sense of declaration.

  He pulls me back to our table and starts bitching.

  "You leave for five minutes and already have another offer."

  "He was not a better offer Elijah."

  "I did not use the word 'better' Anile. I know he's not a better man than I am."

  "Well no one can accuse you of being reticent."

  He laughs, "is something bothering you Princess?"

  He places his elbow atop of the table and starts to roll his thumb across his lower lip - stop that!

  Right, stay focused. Yes his eyes are so damn blue. Yes his smile is off putting because it holds such desirable beauty, yes his curious gaze is burning into me, but I need to mental slap him, or his arse - his arse would be better and much, much more fun!!

  "Yes, as a matter of a fact, something is bothering me. I'm annoyed with your one-eighty mood swings. If you are no longer in the mood for dinner then just say. Don't shut down into silence. I would accept your problematic personality to your silenced one, jeez."

  He covers his mouth with his hand and sits back laughing to himself. His eyes are alight with amusement. His smile is wide. He looks carefree for once.

  "This is not funny Elijah!" I moan. Although he looks sweet for the first time ever, this is no excuse to allow him to mock me!

  "No, I know. I'm sorry." He continues laughing.

  "Well I'm glad I amuse you! At least I'm good for something."

  He leans forward, compelling me with his delectable gaze. "I am pretty sure you are good for many things Anile - I intend to find out each and every one of your skills so I can utilize them in the proper form."

  His words jumble around in my brain, to many meanings and open questions in such a small sentence. Missionary, only missionary! My conscious screams.

  I gulp down the rest of my wine again, "can I have some more please?"

  "Of course." He waves for the waiter, who I am pretty sure is only waiting on us.

  The waiter
has a smile dancing around his lips. I know he has heard us bickering with one another. He fills my glass again and leaves fast, like the Butler off of Mr. Deeds - I almost giggle.

  "Have you ever been on the London Eye, Princess?"

  "No, why?"

  "Good."

  "Why?"

  "Are you ready to eat?" He ignores my question.

  Ugh! I would love to slap that pretty face of his! No you wouldn't.

  I sit back in my chair, once again defeated and I close my eyes.

  "I will have a fillet steak – medium - with a cheese sauce, please Elijah."

  "Very good. I like a girl with an appetite."

  "Huh." I huff.

  "Oh come on Princess, cheer up and I will too."

  Cheer up? Oh my God - I am an idiot! Today's date registers in my mind. It's the 11th of March - the anniversary of his mother's death was only a few days ago - double crap! Here I am childishly pouting over his mood when he has been suffering with his grief in silence.

  "Elijah, I'm sorry. Today's date has only just registered."

  He looks at me like, 'what the hell'?

  "Your mother." I whisper.

  He shifts uncomfortably in his chair. I feel the air change between us - the electricity has now turned to ice. Great! I reach out and touch his hand to reassure him that I'm here for him - I also close my eyes to savour this moment before he ruins it. He pulls his hand away and motions for the waiter. He quickly orders our food and even the waiter knows better than to hang around here!

  Over an hour has gone by and not a single practical word has passed our lips - the only words spoken by Elijah are, 'how is your food - do you like the sauce - more wine?' I swear he is either slowly turning into a food critique with his useless questions, or he's trying to get me pissed with the increased amounts of wine he keeps ordering. Option two is more than desired on my behalf.

  I cannot take the silence anymore, so I take a leap in hope that I don't land on my head.

  "Are you okay - what's the problem Elijah?"

  He clears his throat, "I am fine, Anile."

  "Do you want to talk?"

  "Talk about what?"

  "How you feel; tell me, please. Say anything; cry, laugh, scream, chant! Anything!"

  "Tears are a symbol of the souls inability to restrain its emotions. I will not be shedding tears anytime soon."