Brutal: A Driven World Novel (The Driven World)

by S. Valentine

  I remain silent, not entirely convinced.

  We reach an empty car park, the supermarket of which is closed. Elias kills the engine and turns to me. He explains how I start the car, what each pedal is for, how to use the gears, and to check all the mirrors, and use the indicators. My throat goes dry, my stomach rolling with nerves. I can’t do this. He doesn’t take no for an answer and practically drags me out of the car. When I’m settled in the driver seat, belt on, engine running, I’m psychically shaking.

  “I can’t do it.”

  “Yes, you can.” His tone is firm, authoritative. He goes through the process again.

  I do exactly what he says and groan when the car makes a weird noise.

  “You forgot to release the handbrake.” I look at him expecting to see his features crumpled in annoyance, but instead I find him half smiling, patient and understanding. Thomas used to get agitated when I did things wrong.

  I follow Elias’s instructions. Start car. Foot down on the clutch, put it into first gear, bring it up slowly while gently pressing on the accelerator, and go. The engine roars, the car shuddering and shutting down.

  “Too slow on the clutch, too heavy on the gas,” he tells me. “Try again.”

  After several attempts I’m soon driving. Slow, but still moving around the car park. It’s crazy! Elias tells me to put it into a higher gear and go faster. I do so and bite my lip, trapping in excited squeals. I’m driving! I’m doing it. It’s exhilarating and adrenaline is coursing through my veins.

  “Can I go faster?” I check with him.

  “You go as fast as you like.”

  I put the car into fourth gear and speed around the car park, the music pumping in my ears, my confidence at an all time high. If only they could see me now, being all independent and brave. I grip the steering wheel and serve the car around in a circle, causing Elias to slide in his seat. We begin to laugh and I do it again and again. It’s so much fun. After what feels like an eternity of racing around, I stop the car and shut off the engine. My breathing is fast and heavy, a huge grin straining my cheeks. I’m unable to stop giggling, in shock I drove a car.

  “Thank you so much.” I take Elias’s hand, eternally grateful.

  “You’re welcome. We can do it again soon.”

  He leans forward and captures my mouth in a kiss. It’s soft and gentle, and…loving. No, it can’t be loving. Not yet. Surely. We haven’t known one another long enough. We swap seats and Elias speeds like a maniac around the car park, making me slide all over the place. I’m in hysterics, gripping the edge of my seat. His perfect white teeth are on display, ecstatic, as he swerves in circles, round and round fast. He’s relaxed, enjoying himself.

  “Now, let’s eat,” he suggests after he’s had his fill of fun.

  It doesn’t take long to get to his place and I’m impressed with the sleek black and white furniture. It’s tidy, but not perfect. It looks lived in for sure. There aren’t any photographs, but there is a bookshelf. Like his enjoyment for cartoons I’m surprised to see it’s full of paperbacks, mostly psychological thrillers. More reading people, their mannerisms, and minds. Having to do that for his job I thought he’d prefer escapism type books, but obviously not. Elias no doubt likes mystery and working things out. There are also stacks of DVDs and I note I haven’t watched even a small percent of them. I continue to scan the room for clues on this mysterious man. The kitchen area is packed out with a variety of pans and shelves of ingredients. He clearly likes cooking too. Refreshing. He’s not a mommy’s boy like Thomas.

  “Let me help you,” I offer when he starts mixing flour and whatnot in a clear bowl.

  He attempts to protest, but I insist and join him at the counter. I take a nearby knife and start chopping up vegetables while he then rolls the pizza dough. A comedy is on the TV and we laugh at parts simultaneously. This is nice. I’ve never done anything so simple with a man before and I’m enjoying myself. After the pizza is in the oven we settle on the sofa. There’s no distance between us, our legs touching, and when he slips his arm around my back I embrace the closeness. Both engrossed in the film we almost forget the pizza until a food advert comes on and Elias bolts up. Luckily the pizza isn’t burnt and we dig in immediately. It’s delicious and even with our mouths full we talk about anything and everything. Favourite school subjects, films, hobbies etc. I’m shocked by how much Elias is opening up.

  “I haven’t cooked anything made from scratch in a long time.”

  “Trying to impress me?” I tease.

  “Maybe.” His face is impassive.

  “So, have you been single long?” I brush crumbs from my fingers.

  And this must be where learning about Elias’s life ends, because he seems to tense and clam up. Swallowing his food, he states, “I’d rather not talk about the past.”

  I guess that suits me in a way. I don’t want him delving into my dark and dirty secrets. If he knew about my past he would either run a mile, or try to be my knight in shining armour which would no doubt cause a war.

  “Are you still hungry? Do you want a dessert, a drink, anything?”

  I love how considerate he is, how worry is glistening in his eyes when it comes to my comfort. That or he’s used to running around after people, doing everything for them.

  “I’m fine, relax,” I chide him.

  He stares at me for a second before taking hold of my chin and pressing his lips gently to mine. I part my mouth and accept his probing tongue, and kiss him hard and fast. I’ve wanted him to do this all evening. His fingers grip my hair, and it’s like he’s desperate for me. Our connection is interrupted when he pulls me onto his lap. I allow him to take control. My eyes clamp shut as I relish in ultimate pleasure. Every part of me wants his touch, every part of my body at least. My mind is still conflicted. Elias is awakening sensations and stirring feelings of arousal I never knew I had.

  “Amara…” His gruff voice and low groan intensifies this moment, knowing his reactions are down to me. “At your pace, remember.” He nips at my lip playfully. “I won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

  He removes his top and I marvel at the solid beauty of his chest. Before I can process what I’m doing, my palms trail over his soft skin and every perfect ridge. I greedily take in every inch and claim his mouth again, our tongues crashing together, tasting and teasing. His hands are everywhere, spoilt at what to caress first. He lifts his groin, grunting and rubbing himself against me, his tongue still swirling with mine.

  “Elias…” I murmur when he practically throws me on the sofa, my back hitting it fast. He’s on top of me, his mouth sucking and nibbling my neck, his fingers stroking between my legs. He’s getting carried away. I want to take it further. I want to be as close as possible to this man, physically and emotionally. His mouth trails down my chest, making my muscles clench, and moans of anticipation escape.

  Pushing my dress up, his teeth nip at my stomach, his kisses becoming faster, his head getting lower and lower. He’s gripping onto the waistband of my underwear, and when he starts to pull it down I ask him to stop.

  He does so instantly, his questioning gaze on me. “Weren’t you enjoying it?”

  I nod. Too much. “I need to take it slow.”

  “The anticipation is making me want you more.”

  He pulls me onto his lap, and I’m pleased he stays topless. We sit cuddling, both silent. I’ve a million things racing round in my mind. But for once, none of it is bad. I’m consumed by my feelings for Elias. I’m excited at what the future holds and believe we’ve formed a special bond. As I watch him relaxed and laughing at parts of the film, I truly believe I may fall in love with him. Everything will be okay then, sort of. Just then I realise I may be capable of trusting a man for the first time ever. I just hope nothing ruins it.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  ELIAS

  I shake my head in dismay at Maverick’s text message. He’s changed the meeting location at the last minute. I hate
it when people do this. I’d already planned in my mind which route to take and estimated the journey time. Not wanting to kick up a fuss I respond I’ll be at the club as requested.

  Grabbing my gym bag I exit my apartment and lock the door after me. The London keyring jingles again and I’m reminded of last night with Amara. All we did was eat, watch a film, and kiss for hours. I feel like I’m dating in my teens again. Only then did women make me wait when it came to sex, too inexperienced and nervous. I wonder what Amara’s deal is. It’s probably too soon after Thomas and she needs to go slow. It’s probably best I go slow too. She’s awakening all sorts of messed up emotions in me I can’t afford to let surface. I had to reject her invitation of meeting again tonight, instead suggesting the weekend. We can’t get too familiar or see each other too often. Nothing good can come of that.

  DeShawn’s at the gym when I get there, flirting with some redhead in tight workout gear. It’s obvious she squats from her perfect form. I fist bump DeShawn and the girl’s friend makes a beeline for us.

  “Excuse me, are any of you personal trainers by any chance?” She flicks her hair back flirtatiously.

  DeShawn grins lazily. “What sort of training do you need?”

  She straightens her posture and I’m betting she’ll knock him off his high horse. Instead she says, “What sort of training are you offering?”

  Giggles follow and I refrain from rolling my eyes. I don’t have time for this so I spend the next hour lifting weights. It doesn’t take long until I’m a hot, sweaty mess. Catching sight of my reflection in the window I notice my biceps are bulging. My chest appears bigger too. Some dude knocks into me and I scowl at him. He spins around, abuse spewing from his mouth until he registers me. I don’t miss his audible gulp and he apologises before scuffling off. DeShawn is watching me, amusement curling the corner of his lips.

  “You should have gotten into MMA, man. You’re wasted.”

  “Nah.” I grin. “Too easy.”

  “Fancy going for a drink with these girls?” He jerks his head toward the personal trainer seekers who are posing on exercise bikes, taking photographs of one another.

  “Can’t. I’ve got to be with Maverick tonight.” Even if I didn’t, the airheads are of no interest to me.

  Having a couple of hours spare I check in on my parents. God must be looking out for my dad because he’s in much better health. He’s not fully back to normal, but he’s got more energy. He shows me some model cars he’s ordered online, and I listen as he rambles on about the cars he owned back in his hey day.

  “Oh, Elias.” My mom breezes in, drying a bowl with a kitchen towel. “Sarah and Derek called. They asked after you.”

  My spine goes rigid. My mom is trying to be casual in her approach, to not alarm me, but it isn’t working. I nod to confirm I’ve heard her and continue the conversation with my dad. My mom takes the hint and leaves the room again. I know she’s only trying to do what she thinks is best, but I wish she’d respect the areas of my life I don’t want to discuss.

  “You can’t run from your problems forever,” my dad offers soft words of wisdom.

  “I’ve been doing fine so far,” I enlighten him.

  He smooths back his grey hair and chews on his bottom lip, deep in thought. “You know…” He pauses. “When I was in the hospital I was worried sick. Worried about all the things I left unfinished or unsaid, and that I may not get to rectify certain things. Life’s short, Elias. Don’t ever forget that.”

  I rub at the stubble along my jawline. Perhaps he has a point. I think of all the baggage, distress, guilt, and fears I’d be taking with me should something ever happen. My job is high risk and dangerous at times. I do need to fix many things in my life. When the time finally comes I want to be able to leave this earth satisfied and happy, knowing I did my best wherever possible. The trouble is I don’t even know where to start.

  Bumping shoulders with my dad, I ask, “So what things do you need to rectify?”

  He shrugs a shoulder. “I want to be rest assured you’re happy, and not beating yourself up for anything and everything. I want your mother to know how much she’s appreciated. And I need to apologise to Sarah and Derek in person for my behaviour that time.”

  I nod in understanding and get to my feet. “I better go. Work tonight.”

  I don’t miss his frown of disapproval.

  “Hasta pronto, papi.”

  ***

  Maverick is absolutely wasted. We’re in the VIP section of a club and I’ve already lost count of the amounts of shots he’s consumed, and the lines snorted. I’m uneasy as I watch him stumble and shout. I had him all wrong. I thought Thomas was bad, but Maverick can party much harder. He has far too much money and power and his ego is huge. Maverick Haynes believes he’s a God, untouchable. I edge closer to him, eavesdropping as he orders another bottle of expensive champagne.

  “Everything okay?” I prompt, hoping he’s done for the night.

  “Yeah,” he slurs. “Private party at mine…” He hiccups. “Let’s go…Get the car.”

  I peer over my shoulder, scanning past the beautiful array of women, and men in no fit state to hold conversations. Maverick will no doubt be bringing all these strangers back to his apartment. Securing his personal driver’s attention, I wave for him to collect the car. Within half an hour I’m in Maverick’s lounge, keeping an eye on things, ensuring no-one gets out of hand.

  An hour into the craziness, some guy who can’t handle his drink starts arguing with Maverick. I bolt toward him and try to work out the issue. Apparently Maverick owes him money which he’s disputing. Ensuring my tone is low, but sympathetic, I tell him it can be discussed tomorrow. He ignores me and shoves Maverick making him stumble. I take him by the arm and tell him he’s going to have to leave. Yanking free, he clenches his fist and takes a swing at Maverick. I groan inwardly. This is the last thing I need right now.

  I grip hold of his arm and pull him through the lounge. Again, with all his strength he wriggles free and starts hurling abuse. I try to remain calm and reason with him, but it’s impossible. Only when he lands a punch to my face do I freeze for one split second to try and process what happened. He hit me. He seriously just hit me. My protective barrier comes up rapidly, and I grind my teeth, nostrils flaring. I don’t take well to being assaulted, especially when I did no wrong. Before he can lunge for me, like a bull to a red flag I charge at him and smack him in the nose hard. Then again. His body rocks, hazy from the blow. I grab him around the neck, sending him flying backwards until he hits against the wall, both alarm and regret entering his eyes.

  “You shouldn’t have hit me,” I spit out, tightening my hold so he splutters. His face is bloody and I break out of my destructive rage when the other bodyguard intervenes.

  “Let me handle it, Elias.”

  The man is dragged out and I sit to regain my composure, my breaths coming out rapid. I rub my forehead, my fingers connecting with something wet. I check my hand to find blood. He must have cut my brow. I freshen up in the bathroom quickly, pissed off to see a bruise forming. He’s lucky the bodyguard saved him. I was almost going to teach him a lesson he’d never forget.

  Returning to the party I continue to keep a watchful eye on my client. I silently dare one more person to lay a finger on him, or me for that matter. The night however becomes more chilled with Maverick and some girls escaping to the bedroom, and the others settling to smoke weed.

  A yawn escapes and I can’t wait to get to bed. Just when I think the rest of my shift will run smoothly, Maverick and the girls start yelling, obviously arguing over something. I grind my teeth together. I hope Maverick isn’t going to constantly be difficult. Fighting and getting into trouble is something I don’t need.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  AMARA

  I slide my hand over the soft material of my short red dress and smile. It’s stunning, powerful looking. I’m not seeking attention or to be desired, but because I want to prove to mysel
f I’ll wear what I want when I want. A woman should be able to dress in order to compliment her body without being viewed as a sex object. An hour later after I’ve applied make-up and straightened my hair, I make my way to the front door, and yell goodbye to Lori.

  “Where are you going?” She appears, her brow rising in suspicion.

  I come to a halt. I can’t lie to her. Not when she’s been so good to me. Working and living with her is going well and I couldn’t be more grateful. “I’m just going out and about…with Elias.”

  “Oh.” Her features fall in disappointment. She must think he’s just doing his job and protecting me and I don’t correct her.

  “Don’t tell Thomas. You know how he can get.”

  “Sure.” She shrugs a shoulder. “Have fun.” With a big, friendly smile she returns to the kitchen.

  Elias is already outside, waiting with the car door open. I grin at him, but don’t dare peck him in public. Once we’re in the car, ensuring my belt is secure, after the car is on the move, I take his free hand and hold it. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him all day, having had crazy butterflies in my tummy. He’s so handsome with his hair gelled back, his stubble neat, and eyes as piercing as ever. His eyebrow is bruised though. I scan over the rest of him and find his knuckles are swollen.

  “What happened to you?”

  “It got a little messy at work.” He doesn’t take his focus off the road.

  “Are you okay?”

  Now he turns to glance at me, amusement twinkling in his eyes as if touched by me worrying. “I’ll live.”

  He plays music and I gratefully take in the passing sights, thankful I have him around. After parking the car we stroll through Hyde Park, keeping our distance, not wanting to be seen. The sun is blaring, the sky all different shades of blue like a beautiful painting. When we sit on the grass, I continue to drink in the nature surrounding us. The grass which stretches on for miles, the row of trees lining the footpath, the clear blue waterfalls. The park is quite busy with people enjoying a picnic, sunbathing, jogging, cycling, and whatnot.