worshipping the devil

-thirteen-

E L E N A

Over the next few days, Adrian had been avoiding me. I think he felt weak and vulnerable when he opened up to me about his family. I get it. He just needs time. It must be daunting to tell your darkest secrets to someone - especially me, who he barely knows.

But he doesn't even acknowledge that I'm here. He doesn't look at me, he doesn't talk to me. Hell, I don't even see him, because he locks himself in his office and doesn't come out until dinner.

Kat has noticed his behaviour change too. She throws me concerned looks from time to time. I just shrug at her. I'm not going to tell her what Adrian talked to me about; it's not my place to tell. It wouldn't be fair.

Turns out, Robbie has a house in London. He's obviously staying there, but he's also always in and out of Adrian's office. He has a spare key to the house.

One time, I was walking down the corridor and I heard shouting from the inside of his office. I didn't want to be nosy, so I just carried on walking. I kind of regret that now. I should've listened to see what they were talking about. I mean, they sounded pretty angry.

Anyway, I hope Adrian's okay. I hope it's not me that's the problem.

***

"Adrian," I say softly, placing his plate of food on the table. "Are you okay?"

I get a mere grunt in response. He grabs the fork and pushes the pasta around his plate. Sighing, I turn around and start to walk out.

Remembering something, I look back at him. He hasn't shaved. Stubble now coats his jawline. His hair is messy, like he just woke up. His shirt is creased and the top two buttons are undone. The sleeves have been pushed halfway up his arm.

"Adrian?" He stops playing with his food, but his eyes still don't meet mine. "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm_"

"Listen, Elena," Adrian interrupts me loudly. Finally, his emerald orbs burn into me. But the spark in them is gone. Empty.

"I don't want to hear your bullshit. You have no fucking idea what I'm feeling. You don't know me. And I will never open up to anyone like I did to you. Don't expect it. It won't happen again. You mean nothing to me, just like everyone else. You're a fucking cook. Just do what you're paid to do and nothing else."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. What in the world was I thinking? I stand there in shock and let his words sink in.

You mean nothing to me, just like everyone else.

You mean nothing to me.

Nothing.

"No, Adrian. You fucking listen to me." I walk towards him and his face stays blank. "How can you be so heartless? You are not the only person in the world who has problems in their life. You are not the only person hurting. So don't you dare say I don't know. Because I do. I've had to live with this pain my whole fucking life, Adrian."

His eyes widen ever so slightly. He's listening.

"I know I'm just a cook. But that doesn't mean I don't have feelings. That doesn't mean I don't get hurt sometimes. And just then, Adrian, you hurt me. You have no fucking clue what you're talking about. I'm so disappointed in you right now." I slam my hand down on the table, rage taking over my body.

He glares at me, his jaw moving indicating that his teeth are grinding together.

"I think you're forgetting who I am, Elena. You shouldn't be talking to your boss like that."

The nerve of him.

"Then fucking fire me. I dare you."

The words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them. I quickly bit my lip, trying to suppress anything else that I was tempted to say.

If I lose this job, I won't have anywhere to go. I still haven't got enough money saved up to rent an apartment.

A look of guilt wipes across Adrian's face, only for a split second. "I'm not going to fire you, Elena." He says softly. Too softly.

"Then you're right. Leave me to do what I'm paid to do," I say, straightening my back. "And nothing else,"

I turn on my heels and walk out, not turning around once to meet his burning gaze that I can feel on my back.

***

I hear three faint knocks on my door. Groaning, I rub my sore, puffy eyes.

"Who is it?"

"Kat. Please, Elle. Let me in." A pleading voice comes from outside. Dragging myself out of bed, my eyes skim over the clock. 11:47pm.

I open the door, to see a sorry-faced Kat holding a plate of pasta that was leftover and a glass of water. "Please eat this,"

"I'm not hungry," I mumble, attempting to close the door.

"Elle, please. You haven't eaten all day."

I ignore her, and give her an apologetic look, before gently shutting the door. Even if I was starving, I don't think I could possibly keep any food down right now.

Letting out a shaky breath, I walk into my bathroom and stare at my appearance in the mirror. I look awful. My hair's a mess, my eyes are red and swollen, my skin is pale. No wonder Kat is worried about me.

Seconds later, I hear more knocks at the door. "Kat, I already told you I'm not hungry," I groan, swinging the door open.

But I'm not met with Kat's face. I'm met with Adrian's.

***

oh my gosh i'm sorry for not updating in like ages. i lost my motivation to write for a while, but i'm back (hopefully).

i really hope you enjoyed this chapter.

when do you go back to school? i still have 2 more days of summer break left lmao.

please VOTE and comment.

- em x