Dark Layers Volume 1: Volume 1

by Gray, A L

  Is that all he heard? I stare wide-eyed, mentally tutting to myself.

  I huff in annoyance, "your mother then? Talk about something Elijah, otherwise I'm leaving."

  "My mother? She was a fine woman; clever, adoring and utterly beautiful; a lot like you Anile."

  "She sounds impeccable Elijah, you must miss her dearly?"

  "Every day." He whispers looking down at his food.

  "If you don't mind me asking, how did she pass?"

  "You don't want to know my fucked-up-ness Princess. Just leave it at that."

  I feel defeated and annoyed - why did he ask me out to dinner if he's going to sit here like a God without a purpose? I fiddle with my food, and as I reach for some bread to nervously pick at, I knock my wine over.

  "Crap, I'm sorry." I jump out of my seat and try to clear up the wine.

  "Anile, leave it Princess. The waiter can clean it up."

  "No, no, I want to do it."

  The waiter comes over and insists, "please Miss, let me clean this up for you. Have you both finished eating?"

  "Um, yes Sir." I say.

  "Yes we have." Elijah says stern.

  "I will move you to a different table. Please give me five minutes."

  "No it's okay, we will go to the bar." Elijah insists.

  I look around for my bag to busy myself but quickly remember I left it at home - damn Elijah!

  He unexpectedly snakes his arm around my waist. The physical contact is welcomed, deliciously welcomed.

  "Are you okay, Anile?" He whispers into my ear from besides me.

  "Yes, are you?"

  "I am. Please don't worry about me, I have taken care of myself for many years Princess."

  "Emotionally?"

  "What do you mean, 'emotionally.'" He asks as he looks down at me with a sketchy expression.

  "Have you taken care of yourself emotionally Elijah? We can all work and stay busy but have you dealt with your emotions, grieved properly?"

  He stops us dead in the middle of the restaurant - gripping my arm tighter than necessary.

  "Elijah, that hurts!" I say weak, clutching at his wrist.

  He immediately drops his hand from me, looking hurt by his unknowingly tight grip.

  "This is not a topic I wish to discuss Anile. Especially not here." He motions his hand around the restaurant at how busy it is.

  Jeez he looks mad! I gaze around, and bizarrely, I didn't even notice the hustle and bustle of London - even upon entering the restaurant.

  "Sorry." I say.

  He nods in approval and carry's on walking but this time, he doesn't lead me with his hand on my waist. I sink into the depths of my body, slowly shutting down emotionally. Trust me to bring up emotions to a cold calculated man, nincompoop! I eventually follow after him and order another glass of wine. They come often, too often, and before I know it, I'm way too tipsy. My head feels fuzzy and light - I like this feeling though, especially now - but I know I need to take it easy before I fall asleep. We don't resume our normal pattern of banter, he has small talk with the bar tender regarding the climate change and the economical system while I entertain myself mentally; I mean really, my mind is so much fun!

  While desperately trying to think of a way to bring Elijah back to me, a beautiful statuesque blonde walks over to him and delicately places her hand on his shoulder to grab his attention. She's so gorgeous - her hair is so long and fit for a mermaid with her long golden wavy locks. Her eyes are of the deepest brown, almost black - and they look alluring, she looks alluring, every damn inch of her. Her body is perfectly curvy - she's advertising it with a skin tight red spaghetti strap dress. I almost feel jealous with my casual appearance.

  "Elijah, Darling. How are you?" She asks as she places a soft chaste kiss on his cheek.

  "Hello, Star, what a pleasant surprise. I'm good - how are you?" Elijah returns her sweet tender kiss.

  Yes I'll just stand here and watch you both lust after one another.

  "Things are great, extremely great - father just landed the sovereignty account, do you remember which one?"

  "I do, I dealt with all the paperwork." He smiles warmly at her.

  "I know, father always tells me of your extra talents - we are all in awe of you Elijah."

  "Thank you Star."

  "So what are you doing here - are you alone? You should join us, father would love to see you."

  "I am actually with a friend, but I will quickly pop over and say hello."

  "Where is your friend?"

  "Here." He motions his hand towards me. "I won't be a minute Princess." He says to me as he leaves us alone.

  I feel like I just watched them from the other side of the room, but nooo, I'm only two feet away, witnessing the man I desire ogle over a unbelievably beautiful woman! Dam Elijah!

  "I see - and you are?" Star addresses me shrewdly.

  "Anile, it's nice to meet you."

  "Hmmm, how long have you both been, 'friends'?" She elongates friends.

  "I actually work for him."

  "I see." She says. She looks at me with a disgusting expression, eyeing me from head to toe.

  "You see a lot of things, don't you Star?"

  "Excuse me?" She snaps.

  "There is no need to look at me like I am a piece of shit." I say, standing firm in front of her.

  She sort of laughs, but in a sarcastic manner.

  "Another adolescent - he will get bored of you to, and he will come seeking a real woman. Or maybe you will leave him, once you discover his... meticulous tastes."

  "And what is that suppose to mean?" I snap with vivid memories of Jane Doe's statement running unhealthily through my mind.

  Star doesn't continue because Elijah's back. He stares between the two of us with a questionable expression.

  "Is everything okay?" He asks.

  I look him dead in the eye, "what does she mean, 'your meticulous tastes'?"

  He shoots her a daring glare, "what have you said?"

  "Nothing Elijah." She says sweet.

  "Have you forgotten your NDA?"

  Holy shit! She has worked for him too! But how would she know his 'meticulous tastes'? - whatever that means.

  "Elijah, I have not said anything unorthodox. Ask her." She eyes me, narrowing her perfectly black glare in my direction.

  He turns to face me, his face is as hard as stone.

  "What did she say?"

  I stare at her now worried expression - wow, what's eating her? Elijah!

  "Nothing." I say.

  "Are you sure?" He asks.

  "She was just rude to me Elijah."

  He quickly turns back to face her and although I cannot see his face, I see hers - and I know he looks scary.

  "Apologise to her, now!" He warns.

  "I am sorry, Anile." She says clipped.

  "It's okay - Elijah, just leave it." I say. I grab his arm, trying to turn him to face me. God he has got serious anger issues.

  "What makes you think you can be rude to her?" He asks.

  "I... I." Is all she manages.

  I feel the atmosphere, stronger than any other. Elijah's taking this too far, I need to do something - fast!

  "Elijah, stop this now, otherwise I'm leaving!" I warn.

  "I think you had better leave." He tells Star.

  He releases her with a slight push to her left arm. She scurries off without another word, and although I love his protective side, sometimes it is just not necessary. The atmosphere is filled with rage - oozing from Elijah of course - and the evening hasn't exactly ran smoothly. It's almost eleven so I decide to end this night before it gets any dryer.

  "Elijah, it's getting late. I think we should call it a night, I have work tomorrow."

  He turns to face me. His hands are now safely in his pockets. His face is still impassive but his mouth is closed, so we are now in a Darks safe zone - I think.

  "You can have tomorrow off." He says motionless.

  Shit, has he really had e
nough of me? Maybe he's sick of constantly defending me.

  "Do you want me to quit my job?" I ask shy.

  "What?" He almost shouts looking taxed mentally, "why would I want you to leave your job? I am letting you have the day off because I want to take you somewhere and I know we will be out late."

  "Oh, I thought you were trying to get rid of me."

  "And why would you think that?"

  "I don't know. The night has gone from bad to worse - especially after your friend - well, you don't have to keep defending me, I can take care of myself."

  He hunches down to look at me. He takes one of my hands in his - I was unknowingly fiddling with a lose strand of hair.

  "You really must not doubt yourself Anile. You are an amazing woman and I love your company. And as for defending you, that is a man's job - believe me, if she were a man and spoke to you like that, she would be leaving here tonight with matching black eyes."

  I laugh at his Alpha ego.

  "Your masculinity is duly noted." I joke.

  "That is more than appreciated Princess." He smiles solicitous while releasing my hand - I instantly feel empty. I stare down at my hand, blinking rapidly. How he lingers on my skin is nothing short of perfection.

  "Honestly though Elijah, if today's hard for you, we can do this another night."

  "No, I want to spend the night with you. Today is just difficult, and I have never discussed my feelings about my mother's death with anyone."

  Oh, that is the most honest, most sweetest thing he has ever said - he must stop this, I'm falling deep!

  "Okay - I'm here if you decide you do want to talk about her, or your emotions, Elijah."

  "I know, thank you Princess." He says sweetly. "Are you ready to leave?"

  "Where are we going?"

  "It's a surprise." He winks.

  My tummy doubles over in excitement. I'm desperate to know where he's taking me, and I'm desperate to keep him here with me mentally - I don't want him to go to a dark place again.

  I finish my drink knowing I have reached a hard limit regarding alcohol - no more for me tonight - and I follow after him, admiring him while he gracefully glides through the restaurant. I now feel really good - I love how he has a natural instinct to protect me - maybe that's why I like him so much, maybe that's why I have always liked him. Any girl would fall in love with a hero, right?

  I quickly try to think of light conversation that will lead to me knowing more about him.

  "What do you do for your hobbies?"

  His hobbies didn't come up on Wikipedia, and I need to know what he enjoys - other than his sexual... tastes.

  He looks at me with a dirty expression.

  "Renaissance art; I like to paint and also enjoy exhibitions."

  He likes art - wow. I stare wide-eyed. That was unexpected! How many times is he going to shock me?

  "And you?" He asks.

  "Um, I like art, I cannot paint though."

  "Maybe you will let me paint you one day?"

  I smile embarrassed, wondering if he's going to want to paint a nudie?

  He opens the car door for me and I slide in feeling exhilarated.

  "Are you going to tell me where we are going?" I ask as he slides in besides me.

  "No." He says clipped, staring at me with a daring expression.

  Chapter Thirteen

  WE PULL UP TO the London Eye and it now registers - this is where he's taking me. I wonder if it usually stays open this late, or if he paid the security? Either way, I know that almost everything is within his grasp.

  "Are you sure you have never been on the London Eye?" He asks worried. His tone is shaky. His eyes are wide.

  "I think I would know if I have been on the biggest wheel in London, Elijah." I joke.

  He smiles affectionately and relaxes. He tugs on my arm, urging me to get out of the car with him.

  "Hopefully you will forever remember tonight." He says.

  "Of course I will remember tonight, why do you say that?"

  He doesn't answer me, he smiles while ushering me to one of the wheels capsules. The London Eye is huge - it looks like a sky scraping white fairs wheel with architectural boxes attached; it really is breathtaking. The River Thames runs past us. I watch as all the lights glisten onto the water from the buildings. The water is dark but divine, covered in blue to yellow flickers. The city looks absolutely stunning from here.

  He opens one of the capsules' doors for me.

  "In you go Princess." He says, smiling giddy.

  I step in anxious as I watch his secret expression. He shuts the door behind us and turns gazing at me. His eyes are deep and devouring, amused too.

  "What's so funny?" I say curious.

  "Look." He motions his hand over the floor.

  Holy shit! The Bastard! I laugh. There are ten bubblegum pink cushions scattered around the edge of the capsule - Barbie is perfectly written in shiny pink crystals, on every single cushion. I shake my head at his challenging audacity!

  "This is amazing Elijah." I shoot him a huge smile, trying my very best not to acknowledge his silly gesture.

  "Do you like the cushions?" He jokes.

  I give up - his playful mood is just too addictive!

  "Oh yes, can I take one home?"

  "You can have them all Princess."

  I laugh as he man handles a bottle of champagne - popping it open with such control. He sucks on the frothy overflowing liquid while looking down at me. He smiles once he's finished, revealing the most dirty expression that he has ever homed yet! Oh what I would give to be that damn bottle, to taste his essence - hmmm.

  "Where did that come from?"

  "I am a sorcerer, didn't you know? I can do many things Princess - making champagne appear is child's play for me." He jokes.

  "Very funny!"

  He pours us both a glass and we clink while we make a toast.

  "To a happy and healthy future."

  "Yes Elijah, to a happy and healthy future."

  I like this thought and I hope it will include him.

  The wheel starts to move and I gasp for air at my sudden panic.

  "Ah!" I breathe.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Yes, I'm just a little scared of heights."

  "Why didn't you say." He asks worried, edging closer to me with something sparkling in his eyes - I think he looks anxious!

  "Because I wanted to do this for you."

  He stares at me for more than a few seconds, questionably. His face turns harsh. His lips press into a hard line. He suddenly starts to open up.

  "My mother wanted to take me on this wheel. We had tickets for the day it opened to ride at midnight."

  I stare like a fish with an open mouth.

  "Oh, Elijah. I had no idea."

  "How could you? I have made sure my entire life is off limits to the public. I only wanted you to Google me so you could see what a fucked-up-mess I am Anile. I have so many Layers... Dark, Dark Layers and I didn't want to drag you into my tormented life without some insight."

  Well that's appreciated!

  He turns to face the window - I don't think he can bare to look at me while he unleashes his darkest emotions.

  "How could I look into your life when you have kept anything relevant out of the media?"

  "You can still see that I have been married twice; divorced once; currently undergoing another divorce; my mother's death. And I know you saw what happened with Jane Doe."

  He does have a point. I wonder if I should ask him about Jane Doe - is it relevant? Hmmm? I opt to find out what happened with his mother.

  "Elijah, how did your mother pass?"

  He gives me a quick glance while rapidly licking his lips. I entwine my fingers around my glass, nervous that I have again gone too far.

  His words come without a filter button.

  "She shot herself in the head exactly twelve years ago yesterday. She came to me thirty minutes before she killed herself and told me, 'Elijah, my prec
ious baby boy. You are and always have been the most important thing in my life. I love you in this life and the next.' She then kissed me on the lips - for twenty seconds. That's the last time I ever saw her."

  "Oh my." Is all I manage as tears prick my eyes - I need to cry for him. This poor, poor man has suffered with all this alone - out of choice but the facts still remain - he has suffered the ultimate pain. I cannot imagine how life would be without my mother living in this world - imagine your mother confessing her undying love for you, to ultimately take it away by immediately killing herself, how would anyone come back from that? I know he doesn't want any sympathy, but I take it upon myself. I walk over to him as we reach the peak of the ride. I wrap my arms around him, completely covering his arms with mine, and I just lean my head on his hard chest. His breathing hitches as I lay my face flat against him, but he doesn't attempt to move or tell me to stop.

  "London looks stunning from up here."

  He sighs, "that it does, Princess."

  "Thank you for tonight Elijah, it has been magical."

  He slides his arms from beneath mine. I think this is a hint for me to move, but as I aim to stand back, he takes my glass and places it on the little corner table with cup holes. He sets his glass down also. He pulls me close again, - hugging me - and we both stand watching London twinkle beneath us. He rests his cheek against my forehead, he feels strangely comfortable.

  "Elijah, I have to ask you this. Why do you care for me so much? I mean, we hardly know one another."

  "You will find out why I care for you - one day. Just know there is a reason - I am not some crazy possessive stalker for no good reason."

  I laugh at his self evaluation - oh how right you are on the personal stalker observation!

  The capsule stops, immediately brining my anxiety down to some kind of normal.

  "But you haven't known me that long."

  "It does not matter how long we have known one another. What matters is love, passion, life and living. All these things are what matter, regardless of how long it took to get them. Time is just another journey we will take together."

  His words burn through me, 'love, passion'! How can someone who perceives to be so cold and controlling to the world and everyone in it, ultimately be so tender on the inside?