Out of the Shadows ✔️ [Completed] [Book One]

Chapter 42

The next few weeks pass by in perfect bliss. My bruises have slowly faded and along with them the hold Ed had over me.

Daniel's house has sold and I've moved too. I do miss my old flat, but I couldn't feel safe on my own there again after what happened. Not that I'm on my own much at the moment, but soon Daniel will be off filming. I need somewhere that feels comfortable. It doesn't mean that I will ever forget his latest attack, but I don't need visual reminders as well as the mental ones.

As expected, Ed has returned to the hole he came from. I haven't heard a thing from him since the night he attacked me.

Daniel organised some self-defence classes for me with his personal trainer, Jay. I've also starting sparring with both Jay and Daniel, which I love. I get to take out all my frustrations and it's actually allowed - wish I had discovered it years ago.

The only thing I hate is that Daniel makes me show him what I've learnt in case Ed makes a reappearance when he isn't around. As my confidence grows I'm pleased to say that on two occasions so far I have firmly planted Daniel on his arse. Each time it has taken us both completely by surprise, but because he is always so competitive, I just have to gloat.

Helen has refused to downgrade the security at our building, despite my frustrations. I think that Daniel has spoken to her and is probably paying for the extra security. I haven't brought it up because I know it gives him peace of mind when he's not around.

I know that Daniel is struggling with the fact that I refuse to change my work or my home life routine because of Ed. We have had several arguments about me declining his offer of a bodyguard. Sarah absolutely loves the idea of me having a bodyguard. But I think she has watched too many films and imagines some hot burly man speaking into a radio in his watch or something crazy like that. I can think of nothing worse.

I'm out of work on time and have agreed to meet Daniel for a drink before we go to dinner with Caroline, Jeremy, Caroline and Andy.

I step out of the cold and into the pub. I scan the room. My heart still skips a beat when I catch sight of him. His back is to the room to try and avoid being noticed, but I'd know him anywhere. He is concentrating on his phone and looks deep in thought. I take the opportunity to quietly creep up to him and place a kiss on his cheek. He jumps out of his skin.

"Fuck me Lizzie, you scared the shit out of me. I thought I was being sexually harassed." He laughs, but his hand is clasped over his heart.

"Oh, that comes later." I wink at him and he pulls me onto his lap so that I can kiss him properly.

"That better be a promise." He moves his lips to my neck, trailing featherlight kisses as he goes. I close my eyes with the sensation of those skilled lips on me. I soon remember where we are and reluctantly pull away. I hear him groan in response.

There is already a gin and tonic waiting for me, so I take the seat opposite him. He reaches for my free hand and intertwines his fingers with mine. I take a moment just to relax after a busy day.

"Good day?" I ask while taking a long sip of my drink.

"Great day, looks like we will be ready to start shooting in the new year. As we thought it'll be part filmed in New York, here in London and then Ireland." My face drops knowing that Kimberley will be working with him.

He knows me too well and squeezes my hand. "Hey... she won't ever be on set when I'm there. It's in my contract. If she is, I'm off set. It's that simple for me... I will hold the whole fucking thing up if she sets foot on that set."

"I know I'm being pathetic but she just gets under my skin."

"You're not. She almost split us up, so this isn't about just you Lizzie. I don't want to be anywhere near her either." I don't want to talk or think about her anymore so I change the subject.