~* Bad decisions make great stories *~
A Harry Styles dark romance that explores the intricacies of mental health, morality and sexual attraction. Enter a world of sin, opulence and crime.
*****
It started and ended with the wind.
She was a hurrican...
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Eli is in a dark place.
The man is usually a pro at keeping his metaphorical shit locked down, but the events of the last twenty-four hours have clearly triggered a resurgence of unwanted memories. I can hardly blame him either - no amount of time will ever completely heal the gaping wounds left behind by the ghosts of his past.
The atmosphere in the car as we travel to one of my secure warehouses is thick and unusually tense. I'm grateful when Eli breaks the awkward silence first.
"We got a strategy, Bossman?" Not really. I've hardly had time to put together a coherent plan and Eli is one of the very few individuals I feel comfortable enough to admit that to. My reply is a simple 'no'. The small exchange is enough to refocus Eli and he slips easily back into detective mode.
"Well, what are our priorities? The call to Joseph last night, Evan's original reason for being here and Addy's part in all of it?" I tense as he lists the most important questions we need answered. I know it is inevitable that Addy will come into this, yet for some reason I want to keep her out of it as much as possible.
"No questions about Addy - stick to her father and his plans only. Oh and crack a few ribs on both sides for me." Eli glances away from the road briefly to raise an eyebrow at me questioningly; I can practically see the gears turning in his brain as he fights his curiosity. He is well aware of each and every one of Addy's injuries and will have had no trouble figuring out why I made that specific request.
His face softens a little; clearly seeing something significant on my face. "She's going to be ok, H. She's stronger than she looks." His deep, gritty voice provides a small comfort - after everything we've been through together having his strength and support helps more than I'll ever admit out loud. He's right too; Addy is strong. She's survived so much already, and she will get through this as well.
"I know." Eli doesn't acknowledge my hoarse, raspy tone, with his eyes trained back on the road he only nods in agreement; his expression dark and serious.
"Bossman-", The hesitance in Eli's voice comes as a surprise - the man is a normally a stoic, fortress of control - and I brace myself for what is about to come out of his mouth. "Don't screw this up with her. The poor girl has been through enough." I don't like the underlying menace in his voice but I refrain from commenting because, again, he's not wrong. Despite the minimal time they've spent together I can see the tell-tale signs of attachment forming. Eli is a tough nut to crack, but Addy has managed to earn his loyalty. Hell, she's earned mine too.
