Page 80 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

“Turn around and rest your hands on the table,” I continue. “Are you on any birth control?” I ask clinically.

“No, why?” She looks over her shoulder as I pick up the syringe. “Good.” I stab her in the ass.

“What is that?” She tenses and grits her teeth as the needle penetrates her skin.

“Depo-Provera,” I inform her, and the realization as to why she needs birth control hits home. She starts to hyperventilate.

“Ellie, calm down.” I rub her back. Jesus. I want to tell her that it’s more dangerous for her out there than it is in here, but instead I just continue to comfort her. “You need to eat.” She’s barely had a full meal in days. She’s dehydrated, traumatized, and things are only going to get worse before they get better. I lead her back into the bedroom and urge her weary body onto the bed. “Lie down. I’ll be right back. Is there anything you’re allergic to?”

“No.” She cries into the pillow, distraught. Seeing her like this breaks my heart. Knowing I’m partly responsible breaks my spirit.

Speedily, I head down to the kitchen where I know Donovan, the chef I employ, is cooking away.

“The redhead has been in my kitchen again.” The French chef is a bit territorial about his space. Donovan has been with Mansion for years, preparing lunches and dinners for me, Kayne, and the girls. He’s a godsend when he’s not in a snooty mood. Which he seems to be at the moment.

“Yes. She likes to cook. It’s therapeutic for her. Get over it,” I dismiss his gripe. “Can you whip me up something light?”

“Right now?” He’s holding a large, silver mixing bowl filled with batter.

“Yes, right now,” I forcefully request.

Donovan drops the bowl on the counter. “I work for you, so I guess the answer is yes.” He puts up his nose, affronted.

I roll my eyes. I am surrounded by challenging personalities. I lean against the island as Donovan floats around the kitchen.

“Are you just going to watch?” he asks rudely as he cracks an egg into a bowl.

“Yes.” I glare threateningly at the patronizing Frenchman.

He frowns apprehensively as he cracks another egg. That’s right, man, I’m not in the mood for your attitude today.

All of ten minutes later I have a beautiful plate of scrambled eggs and a side of toast.

“Thank you.” I cover the serving platter with a silver dome lid.

“You’re welcome. Tell the redhead to stay out of my kitchen!” His accent flares behind me as I power walk out of the room.

“Never gonna happen!”

In no time, I’m back in Ellie’s room. She’s in the exact place I left her. A pile of troubled bones on the bed. I drop the tray on the table situated under the large wagon wheel window before I force her to get up and eat.

“Time for breakfast.” I lift the lid to reveal the scrambled eggs and buttered toast. “Eat it. All of it. It will make you feel better.”

Ellie stares at the food with puffy eyes, and her stomach rumbles loudly. Standing over her, I watch her finish every single thing on the plate. Once I’m satisfied, I cover the dish then lift the platter off the table. I unfortunately can’t spend too much more time with her. I have a business to run and other girls to look after. Luckily, with Ellie finally out of her cage, Kayne can split his attention a little more evenly between her and Javier. Maybe now that all the dust is settling, we can finally set up the critical meeting with El Rey like we’ve been promised.

“I’ll be back later to get you ready.”

“Ready?” she repeats anxiously.

“Try to relax, Ellie. You’ll need your strength for Kayne tonight.”

She looks up at me callously.

“Retain that frame of mind, Ellie. Remember what I told you. Strong.”

I leave her with that bit of advice before locking her in the room.

SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT.

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