Part XCI - "Hook, Line, and Sinker"

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I reached into the book and took out the key. It was shaped as though it was meant to open a door. Or, maybe a cabinet? But after glancing around the room I couldn't find anything that looked like it went with the key.

"Why the hell does he have a key hidden away in a book?" I asked quietly

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"Why the hell does he have a key hidden away in a book?" I asked quietly. 

Shit! Hurry, close the book and put the key in your pocket. Someone's coming.

Mia was right. I could hear Elijah walking through the reception area, heading towards the office. I hastily put the key into my back pocket and closed the book cover. I gazed over at the settee across from the desk. Before Elijah opened the door I rushed over to it and quickly sat down, bringing my knees to my chest. 

Just as I suspected, Elijah froze the moment he saw me sitting in his office. I kept my eyes glued to the floor.

"Amelia?"

My voice was shaky, my mouth dry.

"I know I shouldn't be in here. . . I just. . ."

I noticed he had taken off his suit jacket and tossed it over one of the leather chairs. He knelt down in front of me, resting both his hands on either side. I didn't have to look at him to know what his expression was.

"What is it?" He asked urgently. "Tell me what's wrong."

The words I wanted to say were caught in my throat. So many new questions and thoughts were flying through my head that I struggled to remember what I had originally planned to say.

"I. . ."

His hands moved to rest over my own.
"My god, you're trembling," he said under his breath.

"Amelia, please tell me what's wrong." I shook my head, not wanting to recount the unpleasant emotions from last night.

"I'm just scared. Last night-"

I felt him tense around me. His arms went rigid like the bars of a cage. 

"Last night? Last night you and Aralyn were looking at an apartment." His eyes darkened. "What happened?"

"Yes, we saw the apartment. Everything was fine. We were on our way home until. . ." I felt out of breath. Like I had just run up five flights of stairs. Elijah, on the other hand, remained firm as stone.

He tipped my chin up to meet his stare. His icy, blue eyes were filled with concern. He urged me to continue. "Until?"

I fought to keep my facial expression under control and not to show signs of skepticism. I mean, was he seriously concerned for my wellbeing? Or, was he too just playing a part to deceive me? I wished he would show me his true face and not the one that he created in order to get close to me. The mere thought of it made my blood boil in seething anger. I tried to suppress the bitter emotion in my voice as I went on.

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