THE ESCORT

FORTY-ONE | JUST FOR A WHILE

The pain at the back of Elodie's skull was making her want to throw up the food she had just...how long ago?

She had no idea and was just as clueless about how long she'd been out or where she was.

Sensations rushed back to her and assaulted nerve endings all over her body. Every where, and everything ached in a manner that made her want to gouge her own eyes out.

Rolling over onto her right side, she fluttered her eyes open, shutting them when the bright glare of sunlight pierced her eyes, sending a stabbing pain through her head.

Muffled footsteps came from somewhere behind her, and the alarm of being attacked had her springing out of the bed, and whirling around, eyes wide open now.

On the other side of the bed, Angelo came to a stop, his eyes flaring briefly at her sudden movement.

Neither of them made a move to break the silence or approach each other. But, Elodie did look though.

The first thing she noticed was that she was in a bedroom that was bare except for the single bed, several stools and an old antique dresser with peeling paint. The second was just how put together Angelo looked.

It was annoying that she'd gone through the wringer and came out looking like she lost the battle while he looked as though he hadn't even moved a finger in all of...twenty four hours? Forty eight?

Angelo broke their stare first, though, by going over to set down the tray she hadn't noticed him holding. And now that she'd noticed, the sight of the two slices of toast, scrambled eggs and glass of OJ made her stomach rumble. She didn't realize just how hungry she was until that moment.

Elodie remained where she was, eyeing him and the food, but not trusting him enough just yet. How did she know that he wasn't working with Brooks and whoever else wanted her dead?

There was also the question of how she came to be here when she was almost kidnapped for the third time in the matter of hours.

"How's your head?" Angelo asked, finally turning to face her. He didn't move from where he was. Smart man.

Elodie touched a finger to the throbbing part at the side of her head, wincing when she felt the small bump there. "I'll live." She dropped her hand to her side. "What's going on?"

"You should eat first."

She frowned at him, planting her feet. Nothing but the truth would make her budge from where she was standing.

"Food is the last thing I need right now." She ignored his own frown and said, "what I do need is the truth. So, I'll ask again, what is happening? I was almost killed for fucks sake! Twice, might I add."

"I'll tell you, but only if you eat first."

Elodie knew how stubborn the man was. If she truly wanted any answer, then she had to give in. Besides, she was so hungry that her stomach quivered with each breath she took.

"Can I brush my teeth at least?"

"The bathroom's right there." He jerked a finger in the general direction of a door that was two feet to her right. "I'll be here when you return."

Elodie made her escape into the room, taking care to lock the door behind her, and it was only then she took a deep breath. After everything that had happened, she didn't trust Angelo anymore than she could throw him.

Her life went downhill because she got involved with him. She couldn't vouch for his innocence in all these.

He also made her go into the vault to retrieve information he could have any other person retrieve. Plus, he'd also lied to her about his relationship with Vasily. There was alot she didn't know. And wouldn't know unless she went back out there.