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A love that was undeniably requited.
But most certainly going to go up in flames still.
It was our love nonetheless.
44
ELANEE
“Well, you have me hopeful. Mirabella spoke wonders of your service. So hopefully, I’ll be lucky in love as well,” Lucinda squeals excitedly. I haven’t felt comfortable returning to my office since I left Dmitri’s apartment. I’d never admit it to anyone, but I was actively avoiding being alone. I’d hardly slept since returning to my own apartment. No matter how much I tried to compartmentalize what happened with Candy, it was still too raw. The constant visual of her with a blade to my throat continued to plague my mind. She got to me. Haunted me, even now, from the grave. I’d always expected it to be The Lion, so I was surprised when she pointed the knife at me. That fighting spirit in me is still a very living thing. But once one amount of trauma came up; it flared all the old wounds alongside it.
The visual of The Lion putting a blade to my big toes, promising me it’s for my own good… My own screams echo within the memories, and the searing pain comes back with a vengeance. I see red on the floor, my toes inches away from the spot they should be.
“Miss Lane?” Lucinda queries. I blink rapidly and focus on the woman who’s leaning in over the table, staring at me worriedly. Shit. How long had I spaced out for?
“Apologies, I just remembered something.” I offer a polite smile, trying to push away the memories that haven’t appeared for months. I’m not going to relapse. I’m not giving them that power. “I’m certain I can find you the right partner,” I say confidently as the waiter comes and collects our plates. I’d hardly touched my meal. Had hardly eaten since that night. “Give me a few days, and I’ll email you a few candidates while you’re on your trip to Paris.”
She beams. “I’m so excited! It’s going to be a divine trip! Hopefully, by the time I’m back, you’ll have a few dates lined up for me.” She winks and collects her handbag. She adjusts her gold belt on the beautiful pale blue dress she’s wearing and offers her hand. “Pleasure doing business with you.”
I offer another polite smile and stand as I softly shake it. “My pleasure.”
I never understood how people could throw themselves into the notion of love. But now, having truly embraced what Dmitri, and I have, I can understand it to some degree. I’m even envious of those who can love so freely.
I watch as she leaves, and I tidy my things and prepare to leave myself.
“Elanee.” I still under the use of my name. I look over my shoulder and blanch. He shouldn’t be here. We’ve never met in the daylight. Lyle is more formally dressed than usual. I’ve only ever seen him at the club. I wasn’t due to check in until tonight. I hadn’t missed the date, so why is he here? “You’ve been summoned.”
You’ve been summoned.
The words echo as I take in their meaning.
Chills run over my skin, eliciting goosebumps. My legs go limp as I use the table to remain standing but feign casually holding onto my paperwork.
“Where?” I whisper when it was supposed to come out firm.
He points above us. “Upstairs. He’s been waiting.”
Adrenaline pumps through my veins. He’d been in the same building this whole time, and I had no idea. I look back to my empty table and then Lyle. My light beige cashmere sweater and jeans will hardly be appropriate for him, but I have nothing to change into. I snap myself out of my disorientation. And my hair? What would he say about my hair?
“Can I touch up my make-up really quick?” I ask. I want to message Dmitri that he’s here. But also, more than anything, I need to get rid of this burner phone.
“No. He wants to see you immediately.”
I swallow. “Okay.”
I make a move to finalize packing my things and put my purse on the seat. I block the view as I empty the phone onto the chair and hide it under the napkin already placed there. I try to hide my shaking. This isn’t enough. What if they find it? What if staff try to return it to me? But what choice do I have?
I tuck the rest of the paperwork into my bag and offer a polite smile. “Lead the way.”
He turns and walks toward the stairs. I count each step, trying to find a steady rhythm for my breath. I think of Dmitri and Layla. My parents. I can do this for them.
The second level of the restaurant is mostly empty. Tables that are set up lay bare with white tablecloths as one man alone sits in the middle of the room, cutting into his bloody steak. Four of his men stand against the walls. In my peripheral, the waiter is evidently terrified but remains attentive and ready to be called on.
“My little dove,” The Lion purrs. Dark brown eyes hit me with the wrath and promises of a lifetime of misery and pain. His black hair is tied up, revealing the jagged scar at his throat. He’s as broad as two men and comes at a height of six foot six, not that he’d ever stand for someone like me. Not anymore.
“You made it, my Lion.” I smile and try my hardest to be convincing. One thing I’d learned was how to encourage his ego, but not so much that he thinks it’s manipulative or forced. He expected a once-stricken love puppy, now turned into a puppet, to still play her part.
His gaze roams over me, and he swallows his red wine with distaste. “I’m surprised you get customers if this is how you present yourself.”
