Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 14

Elowen's POV

Fuck me.

The steely cold of the bathroom floor met my bare feet as I stared at the dreaded sight before me. Panic crept over me as I realised that my period had started, and my heart sank further when I inspected the bathroom to find no sign of a single tampon or pad.

Zephyr's bathroom resembled a high-end spa with an array of skincare products lining the counter, each one more luxurious than the last. It was a haven of opulence, but in this moment, the lack of a simple necessity felt glaringly absurd.

I sighed, my gaze shifting from the barren counter to the array of luxury items. Foot masks and serums adorned the space, mocking the practicality of my needs.

"Because clearly, a fucking foot mask is more important than tampons," I muttered under my breath.

I stepped out of the bathroom, the plush carpet under my feet contrasting sharply with the sterile tiles. Zephyr's voice echoed through the hallway, drawing me towards his office. I tiptoed a bit closer, seeing him through the partially open door, engaged in a business call.

Zephyr's sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong forearms, and he had shed his suit jacket. His focus on the call was intense, his eyes fixed on a distant point as he talked into the phone.

"I need those reports on my desk by tomorrow morning," he stated firmly, a subtle edge in his tone. "This acquisition is crucial, and I won't tolerate any delays. Make sure their legal team is on standby for the negotiations."

His eyes, deep pools of determination, darted across the documents scattered on his desk. "Yes, I understand the risks involved," he continued, his voice now a low rumble. "But we have a strategic advantage that we must exploit. Coordinate with our financial analysts, and let's maximize our leverage."

Well, he's certainly not going to be of any help right now.

Steeling myself, I turned away and headed toward the kitchen in search of the housekeeper. The expansive, modern kitchen gleamed with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops. I took a moment to admire it, sighing in contentment.

God, what I would give to be able to cook here.

Looking around, not being able to sight the housekeeper, I sighed. Grabbing a glass of water, I sat down on the counter as I tried to find the closest pharmacy or supermarket to me.

Just five minutes away if I walk?

Looking back at the hallway from where I came from, I could still hear Zephyr talk on the phone, his voice raised, obviously not happy with what he was hearing on the call.

I don't want to disturb him and I'll be back in fifteen minutes anyway.

Taking note of the directions, I connected my phone to the charger before walking over to my bag and grabbing my wallet out of it. Quickly taking another glance at the empty hallway, I walked out the door, shutting it quietly, not wanting to interrupt Zephyr's call.

___

The warm air of the condo building felt soothing as I made my way back into it, a bag of tampons and chocolates in my hand. 'Should've taken a jacket with me,' I muttered to myself as I walked further in.

The guard at the front desk looked visibly stressed, his eyes darting between the phone and the security cameras. As I approached, he answered a call with a brisk, "Yes, she just walked in. Of course, sir."

I raised an eyebrow in confusion, wondering what had gotten the usually composed guard on edge. Before I could inquire, he turned to me and said, "Mr. Tenebris has asked for you to go back up."

"Oh, okay," I replied, slightly taken aback. The guard gestured toward the elevator, a silent escort for my return to the upper floors. I stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind me.

I couldn't help but wonder why Zephyr needed me back so urgently. Had he finished his business call? Was there something he needed me to do? I realised that I hadn't taken my phone with me, so he probably had no idea where I went.

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened, revealing Zephyr standing there. My surprise turned to unease as I took in his appearance. His usually immaculate hair was disheveled, and the intensity of his stormy gaze sent a shiver down my spine. He looked stressed, as if he had been running his hands through his hair in frustration. The air around him crackled with tension, and he glared at me with a fierceness that made me instinctively cower.

"Mr. Tenebris...?" I hesitantly ventured, my voice trailing off as I took in his visibly angry expression.

"Where the hell did you go?" he snapped, his tone sharp and possessive. The anger in his eyes only intensified, and I found myself momentarily at a loss for words.

I stammered, attempting to explain, "I, uh, just went to get...tampons and chocolates. I didn't think it would take long, and I-"

Zephyr's expression didn't waver. Instead, he grabbed my wrist, his grip firm, and dragged me back into the condo without a word. I stumbled to keep up with his brisk pace, my heart pounding in my chest. His silence was more menacing than words could ever be, and the air crackled with tension as we made our way back inside.

The door slammed shut behind us, and I stood there, a mix of fear and confusion coursing through me. Zephyr's anger was palpable, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just stepped into a storm.

Zephyr's eyes bore into mine, intense and unyielding. "Why didn't you tell me what you needed?" he demanded, his voice low and filled with controlled anger.

"I-I didn't want to disturb you. You were on a call, and I thought it would be quick," I stammered, my words faltering under the weight of his gaze.

Zephyr didn't respond immediately. Instead, he slowly advanced towards me, each step deliberate. Panic stirred within me as he stopped, mere inches from my face. He placed his arms on either side of my head, caging me in, his presence overpowering.

"I don't care what I'm doing," he asserted, his tone commanding and possessive. "You come to me when you need something. I don't want you wandering off without letting me know where you are."

"Yes, sir," I stammered, a nervous affirmation escaping my lips. Zephyr's intense gaze lingered for a moment longer before he finally released me. I retreated to the restroom, my heart still racing from the encounter.

Inside, I tried to calm my nerves, the vivid memory of Zephyr's anger lingering in my mind. I shook my head, attempting to dispel the tension.

God give me strength, because I cannot survive this man without it.