Starved - Novella 18+ ✔

Chapter Four

Ella:

   The silence once Nicholas left was deafening, leaving me in my own thoughts. Below the surface, my blood still simmered from his touch, my skin burning where his large hands caressed my hips. I close my eyes, envisioning the kiss I so desperately craved. My heart rate speeds and my palms sweat as I imagine how his lips would feel against mine. Experienced, controlled, intoxicating. I imagine melting against him, letting him take what he needed from me while giving me what I need in return.
   I jump once the front door slams, not expecting anyone for several hours. The familiar sound of my mother Loui's tapping along the wood pull me into the foyer to greet her. Her smile is bright and cheerful this afternoon. Her navy blue business suite fits her like a glove, showing off her hour glass figure as she beams at me.
    "Get dressed. We're going shopping."
 

  "Shopping?" I question. I haven't been shopping with her in years. Usually she goes shopping for me, replacing my wardrobe every few months with the latest trends. I'm weary as she rushes me up the stairs to change, wondering what's the special occasion. 
   "Your father is a brilliant man Ella. He works so hard for us and today, he secured our future for years to come." She gushes. "You know the row of hotels, right near the pier? He bought them!"
   "All of them?"
   "The entire row from 55th St. to 68th ave." She ruffles through my closet as I watch from the bed. "We're going out to dinner to celebrate. Your father reserved us a table at Emmanuel's for seven o'clock. Here, wear this and we'll head down to the shopping mall and grab a new outfit."
   Excitement rolls through me at the opportunity to spend some quality time with my Mom. I can't remember the last time we spent more than ten minutes in the same room. I dress, as quickly as possible before following my Mother into her brand new Mercedes that Dad bought her for Valentine's day. I listen as she praises my Father the entire drive, rambling about his sacrifices and accomplishments. I soak in every word, observing the happiness radiating from her.
   She wraps her arm through mine as we stroll through the mall, in and out of shops, never leaving a store empty handed. We smiled, we gossiped, we even joked around like old times. God, I've missed her so much. My Mother has always been my best friend, my rock, and I was glad to have her back.
   Once we got back home, we went our separate ways to get ready. I went to my room and she went to hers. I took a lengthy shower, giving myself plenty of time to shampoo, deep condition, and shave before starting on my hair and makeup. My look was simple, yet elegant. My eyes looked smokey and large, outlined by my thick dark lashes. I pinned half my hair up, letting the other half of my blonde curls hang down my back then stepped into the new dress my Mom bought me.
   I studied the finished product in my full length mirror. My Ralph Lauren cocktail dress fit perfectly. The thin straps twisted around my neck while the rest of my dressed flowed freely half way down my thighs. The black silk hugged my breast and hips, emphasizing my curves, making me feel more woman than girl. I paired my outfit with a low heel then waited for my Mom in the foyer.
   "You look stunning." She declared, making her way down the stairs. I smiled while studying her. Her off the shoulder gown was modest, falling effortlessly to her feet. The cherry red lace hugging her like a second skin, accommodating her curves. She could walk in heels just as if she were barefoot, so it was no surprise to me to see a pair of six inch pumps decorating her perfectly manicured feet.
   "Thanks mom. You're beautiful." Her eyes fill with tears at my compliment so I hold her hand until she composes herself.
   "Thank you, Ella. That means so much to me." She clears her throat. "Let's get going, we don't want to be late."

🌑

   Emmanuel's sits just over a cliff on the far side of town, overlooking the sea. It's famously known for its five-star cuisine, prepared only by world renowned chefs. The atmosphere is dim, each cotton covered table lit only by candle light, giving the illusion of romance. Our hostess leads us toward the back balcony, sitting us at a private booth away from the other guest which also provides us with an unobstructed view of the landscape.
   Our server stops by, filling our glasses with water and wine. I choke on the chilled liquid as my eyes lock onto a shade of hazel that entrap me. My mother gently clears her throat, pulling me out of my trance and back to the present. I sit up straighter, careful not to place my elbows on the table as I watch him from the corner of my eye.
   He looks breathtaking, dressed up in a tailored suit and tie, but that's the required attire here, even for waiters. Another server steps up next to Nicholas, introducing himself to us as James.
   "This is Nicholas. He will be shadowing me tonight as well as making sure we provide you with nothing less than a excellence dining experience."
   Nicholas rushes off to grab my parents cocktails while James stays behind to take our orders. With both parents staring at me, I fidget uncomfortably in my seat.
   "Congratulations on your new investments Daddy." I attempt cheerfulness.
   "Thank you Angel. It's been a long time coming."
   I breath a sigh of relief at his use of my pet name and for his good mood. James returns, placing a side salad in front of each of us, with Nicholas right behind him with the cocktails. I can't stop myself from looking at him. I want to acknowledge that I know him, to say hi. But, my father would murder us both. So, instead, I keep my eyes forward, focused the words flowing from my father's lips.
   "Within three months we should have at least seven building completely renovated, increasing our profits tenfold. I've got men starting on it first thing tomorrow morning."
   "That's wonderful news, honey." My mother coos, clinging to his side.
   My attention waivers, my eyes roaming the restaurant, trying to seek out Nicholas. A swift kick to the shin refocuses me causing my eyes stinging with tears. My mother's worried expression torments me while my father's cold distant eyes makes me cower with fear.
   "Am I boring you Ella?"
   "No Daddy, I was just-" before I could finish, I'm cut off by another kick to the knee. I hold in my cry, knowing it will be twice as bad for me if I drawl attention to myself.
   "Then tell me, Angel, why your attention was elsewhere."
   "I was just admiring the restaurant, It wont happen again." I plead.
   For good measure, I get one last kick before our dinner arrives. Nicholas looms over me, swiftly removing my salad bowl before replacing it with a steaming plate of Spaghetti. I hope he understands the meaning behind it, that I was thinking of him. I wish I could voice how proud I am that he got this job and that I believe in him and know he will do great.
   Nicholas steps back while James checks over our order, making sure we don't need anything. Nicholas eyes never leave me, burning my skin with his gaze. I feel him everywhere, all at once and my face begins to flush. My father notices his attention and swiftly dismisses him from the table.
   "If you'd stop dressing like a whore, grown ass men wouldn't look at you like a piece of fucking meat." He whisper yells. "Where the fuck did that dress come from?"
   It's as if hes just now noticing me, glancing over my attire with disgust. I swallow thickly, humiliation raining down on me as I attempt to cover myself. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Nicholas, lurking in the shadows to listen to our conversation.
   "I bought it for her Victor. I thought she looked like a stunning young lady." My mother defends.
   "Exactly Valerie. A young lady, not an adult. A young lady doesn't display herself for all to see. Show some decency and self fucking respect." He seethes.
   Reaching across the table, he wraps his hands around my wrist and squeezes. My mother doesn't interject. She sits there stunned that he's allowing his anger to escalate in public. If I could start this night over, I'd choose a different dress. Today was going so perfectly, that deep down, I knew something had to go wrong. It always does. The pressure on my wrist intensifies, my fragile bones on the verge of snapping when James appears out of nowhere.
   "How about some dessert tonight ladies and gentleman?" His smile is forced as he glances at my father. "All of our pastries are made fresh, in house daily." He tempts.
   "The ladies can have dessert. I'll be at the bar. Valerie, take care of the tip. I'll see you both at home."

Nicholas:

   My anger rises with each venomous word thrown at Ella. Her father's anger boils over, erupting in flames as Ella just sits there and takes it. Instantly, I feel guilty for eavesdropping until I watch him snatch her wrist. I'm partly to blame, getting caught admiring Ella in that dress but I couldn't stop myself. She looked incredible, dressed in all black, her hair pulled back exposing her angelic face, her light layer of make up making her look older...legal. I was enthralled. I rush through the guest, back through the kitchen, to finally finding James in the stock room.
   "Hey dude. I need a favor. Interrupt table three-fifteen for me. She's an old friend and her father's hot headed and out of control."
   "Why don't you do it newbie?" He asks, shutting the walk in freezer.
   "He's pissed because he saw me staring at her and got the wrong idea. Please man, I'll owe you one."
   "Fine. But don't complain when I cash in."
   I breath a sigh of relief, following him back into the dining hall to watch from afar. From where I'm standing, her father still has a death grip around her wrist, turning my anger from simmering to murderous. What gives him the right to touch her like that? What kind of man is he? As James approaches their table, her father finally releases her before storming off towards the bar.
   If I didn't need this job so badly, I'd walk over there and give him a dose of his own medicine. I'd smash in his face for hurting someone as sweet as Ella. My eyes return to the table, watching as she hides her hands under the cloth, probably trying to rub out the ache. Sadness falls over me, wondering if this is how he always treats her. Did she really fall? Her mother stands and Ella follows suit, stopping briefly to exchange a few words with her mother before they walk off in opposite directions.
   Ella's Mom heads for the exit while Ella heads in the direction of the bathrooms. I make my way towards her, stopping briefly at each of my tables to check on them before waiting for her at the end of the hall. She exits a few moment later, startled to see me standing there.
   "Hi." She murmurs, holding her hands behind her back. I reach out, gently coaxing her wrist out in front of her so I can inspect the damage. Both wrist are swollen and red with faint bruises forming along her pale skin. Anger consumes me, hot and heavy, as I run my thumbs along each wrist. "I'm okay." She mumbles, trying to pull herself out of my grasp, but I wont allow it.
   Slowly, I lift her left wrist to my lips trying to subdue the ache as my mouth brushes over her skin. Her lips part, her body unwillingly stepping closer to me, seeking my comfort as my tongue sneaks out to soothe her tender skin. Her low whimper rings in my ears as I repeat the same process to her other wrist. With one final kiss to each bruise, I release her.
   "I'm so happy for you." She gestures towards the restaurant. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you earlier."
   "I understand." I was beginning to understand a lot from the brief encounter with her parents. They seemed horrid and if Ella had to deal with those people everyday, I could see why she kept running to save a stranger. Maybe, just maybe, she needed me to save her too.

This story has been edited/condensed into a short & spicy novella published on Kindle Unlimited.

Link is below and in my bio
(Thank you for reading ❤️)

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