Page 27 of Desolation

“I saw her at the fundraiser. Dad has given me the okay to put something in motion, what have you got for me?” I ask.

“Well, we did just get a call from Dominic saying we would be needed to take her to some appointments later in the week. Once I have more details I’ll let you know. But it may be then or never,” he says.

“Hmm, I wonder why she’s all of a sudden being allowed to go out,” I ask.

“Not sure, as far as I know, she hasn’t been allowed out this whole time except for last night for a dinner they went to and tonight for the fundraiser,” he says. Suddenly the phone clicks off after a brief goodbye.

Someone he didn’t want to hear our conversation must have gotten too close.

I slide my phone back in my pocket. Walking back into Elodie’s room I lay down on the bed and pretend I can still smell her on the sheets.

For the first time in a year, I go to bed with hope in my heart and get a full night’s sleep.

CHAPTER 23

ELODIE

Today is the day of my appointments. I wasn’t able to eat anything at all for breakfast this morning. My nerves are shot from wondering when the other shoe is going to drop. Dominic reminded me again to make sure I don’t do anything stupid. It makes me worried he may have someone else follow us. But I don’t care. I’m going to try to get away or die trying.

I made an appointment for hair and nails at a salon that had a back door I might be able to escape from. ProvidingI could even get back there. Could I ask someone there for help? Probably not. I don’t know who all Dominic knows, or who has ties to him or his men. The clothing store I picked was upscale enough that Dominic won’t complain, but not busy like Barney’s or Bergdorf’s. No way I’d be able to sneak out the back at a place like that. Apparently, the downstairs doormen are going with me. And the driver of course. So, I’ll have to give them the slip somehow.

I finish cleaning the kitchen and head towards my room. Dominic doesn’t allow any staff in here, other than the door guards. Until a few nights ago when we went to dinner with Aiden and his wife, I don’t think a lot of them even knew he had a wife, or whatever they thought I was. There were a lot of shocked looks on the way out and again when we came back in.

I gather my things after changing my clothes. Dominic gave me the credit card to use, though I have a limit. It’s fine with me. I’m probably not even going to use it at all. Looking around me at the prison that has been my life for the last year, I flip it off and then close my bedroom door and make my way to the living room.

The downstairs doormen that have been here a couple weeks are waiting. They introduce themselves as Zeke and Eren. We enter the elevator and Zeke pulls a key from his pocket, puts it in the elevator, and down we go. Other than the introduction, no one says a word.

I think a little part of me was afraid that Dominic would come in before I left and tell me he changed his mind. Exhaling, I try to relax a little as I realize I’m one step closer to my freedom.

The elevator stops on the ground floor. The doors open. No Dominic. Another step.

The car is waiting out front. No Dominic. Also no driver. So it’s to be the three of us then. Well easier to give two the slip than three. Another breath, another step.

We get in the car, and as Zeke helps me in, I feel a slip of paper touch my hand along with his. Raising my eyes to his, he shakes his head almost imperceptibly. I slide the rest of the way into the car and Zeke shuts the door behind me. Another breath, another step.

Slowly and very carefully, I unfold the note. Written very small are three words.

Drake is waiting.

I take in a startled breath and look towards the rear view mirror. Eren smiles at me and pulls away from the curb. I start to speak, and Zeke shakes his head again so I cover it with a cough. He nods slightly.

Tears fill my eyes. Could it be? No, I can’t get my hopes up. I’m still going along with my plan. It doesn’t mean he’s waiting for me right now, like literally. He wouldn’t even look at me the other night. He doesn’t care anymore.

We drove for a while in total silence. My brain has been going a thousand miles an hour for the whole drive. What could this mean? Why did Zeke hand this to me? Do they know Drake? I don’t understand what’s happening. My stomach churns with nervousness. My hands are sweaty and I feel a panic attack coming on.

Eren suddenly pulls over and Zeke jumps out and comes to my side of the car, opening my door. Grabbing my hands he says, “Look at me. Breathe in and breathe out. Stop thinking about whatever you are thinking about and just breathe.”

I nod, taking a deep breath. In through my nose, out through my mouth. The tears are flowing. Very quietly Zeke asks if this is the first time I have been out alone. I nod, still working on my breathing.

This is the first time in a year someone has helped me through a panic attack. Dominic always just left the room when I had one and called me weak. Zeke is holding my hands still and breathing with me. Eventually I calm enough that Zeke goes back to the front and we finish the drive.

Eren parks us and Zeke comes around and opens my door, helping me out of the car. We head toward the front of the salon. As we walk through the door and go to the desk, Zeke asks the receptionist where the restroom is. She points to the back and I see that it’s right next to the exit.

We walk toward the hallway and Zeke gives me a soft smile nodding his head in the direction of the backdoor and turns and walks back into the main part of the salon. His back is to me and as I watch, Eren smiles and turns around also.

Now is my chance. Are they helping me? Either way, they are far enough away that I think I can outrun them if I need to. Shooting out the backdoor, I push through and run directly into a hard body.

Fuck. It’s gotta be Dominic. I knew it was too good to be true. Opening my eyes, I stare into the crystalline blue eyes that I have only been able to see in my dreams for the last year and immediately burst into tears of relief, lips trembling and heart wrenching.

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