Wild Rose 🥀

Chapter Four: Conflicted

      Ellise opened her eyes, her head throbbing painfully. Sitting up, she noticed that her cut was wrapped in bandage. She frowned, staring at it in confusion. She didn't remember dressing the cut. Could it have been Cecilia?

She stood up, making a mental note to thank her later. She took a warm shower and got dressed in a yellow t-shirt and a pair of jeans trousers.
She walked out of her room and headed to the kitchen to help Cecilia in making breakfast. Cecilia noticed her injury and frowned.
"What happened to you?" She asked.

Ellise's brows were creased as she frowned, confused. How did Cecilia not know about the cut?
Who must have dressed her injury if it wasn't her?
Dmitri?
Dominic?
Mr Loides? Not a chance.

"I accidentally hurt myself with a piece of broken glass"
"Oh dear, does it hurt so bad?" She asked, giving her a concerned look.
"No, not so much"

Just then, Mr Loides sauntered in. He wore a black leather jacket, t-shirt, pants and boots. His ray-ban was positioned atop his head with his hair in a ponytail.

"Morning, Cecilia" he said with his voice, husky.

Ellise was convinced that he was a monster. To her, he was completely devoid of feelings. She had no idea how that was possible. How else could she explain how he'd reacted to her despite the fact that she'd been injured?

"Morning, sweetheart. Aren't you taking your breakfast before you leave?" Cecilia said to Mr Loides.
"No, I have to go"
"Are you feeling better now?"
Ellise's eyes went wide.
So, he was actually sick.
He clenched his jaw, his muscles tense.
"I'll be on my way"
And just like that, he left.
He's so rude! Ellise thought.
"Is he always like that?" She asked Cecilia.
"Not most of the time"
"Was he sick?"
She tensed up.
"Not really. He's just not in a great health status" she replied.
"Don't let him know that I said this. He's going to be mad. He doesn't think anyone should care for him" Cecilia said, setting breakfast on the table.

Ellise furrowed her brows as she lowered herself onto the chair.
Why would he think that?
Somehow, she suspected that there was more to it than Cecilia was willing to tell.
She gave her a tired smile and left the dinning room.

****

In the evening, Mr Loides returned home with a scowl on his face. Ellise tried everything she could, to avoid pissing him off. But, he still yelled at her anyway.

She was sitting on her bed, feeling miserable when she heard a knock on the door and he walked in, hands buried in his pockets.
"Get dressed" he ordered.
She stood up looking down at her large t-shirt and sweatpants.
"I-I- uh- could you please turn around?" She said.
He clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing into slits.

Nose flaring, he turned to face the wall. She quickly changed into a black fitting t-shirt and a pair of jeans trousers. Her cheeks were burning a bright pink. She was embarrassed, regardless of the fact that he didn't see her. It felt really weird to change in a room with Mr Loides present.

"Let's go" he said, grabbing her forearm roughly.
"Where are we going?" She asked, trying to keep up with his long legged pace.
"Don't ask questions" he growled, leading her towards the exit. He covered her eyes and all she could hear was a strange beeping.

He pushed her into a sleek black car before getting in and jamming the door shut.

The ride was uncomfortable.
Fear and anxiety squeezed Ellise's heart painfully. Suddenly, he stopped the car in front of a huge warehouse. He opened the door for her and shut it behind her.
'Such a gentleman' she scoffed inwardly. He grabbed her hand, leading her into the warehouse.
"Where are you taking me?!" She cried.
"Shut the fuck up if you want to remain alive" he growled.
She shivered, tears pricking her eyes. He led her to a discreet basement.
Why is he taking me to a basement? she thought, panic starting to set in.