The Anomalies

Chapter 9

He opens the door the rest of the way, motioning for us to step inside. My necklace glows a brighter shade of blue as I pass him, letting me know he's near. My dress gets snagged on the door jam, causing me to fall forward. However, I don't reach the floor because an arm is now wrapped around my waist.

"I'd say we need to get you into something slightly less hazardous, but I quite enjoy you falling into my arms," Elijah whispers into my ear as he pulls me upright.

My cheeks begin to grow warm as he looks into my eyes when I hear the sound of someone clearing their throat behind us.

"Yes, well, uh, I should probably leave you two to sort things out. Iris, I have laid a few clothes of mine out for you to use until we can get you your own wardrobe. I'll be around, " Zahra smiles and waves as she closes the door.

Now it's just Elijah and me. Alone.

"I have some questions for you, mister, and this time you can't avoid them," I say, my voice beginning to rise.

An emotion I can't quite identify flickers in his eyes, " I know, and I promise I will tell you everything you need to know. For now, though, let's start try with the tour of our floor, and you can change into something more comfortable."

"Fine."

He takes my hand and leads me down the hall and stops at the first door, " Here we have a kitchen, of course, there's always the cafeteria, but sometimes I prefer a bit more privacy during my meals. If we continue this way, you'll notice a large living area, and finally, you'll see the bedroom suite."

"There's only one room?"

"Well, yes, Iris, we are soulmates, are we not?"

"Yes, but I-" I stumble over my words, but Elijah cuts me off.

"Come, I think you'll like it."

He pulls me into the room, and the first thing I notice is the beautiful four-poster bed—the biggest bed I've ever seen in my life. I can't help myself and immediately jump onto the bed, landing face down. I bury my face in the covers and take in a deep breath. It smells masculine, just like Elijah.

Pulling me from my thoughts is the sound of chuckling. Embarrassed, I hurriedly get off the bed and attempt to straighten out what's left of my red ballgown.

"Perhaps it would be best if we start with getting you into something more comfortable. I believe Zahra left you something to wear in the bathroom."

I quickly slip into the bathroom that is connected to the bedroom. The change of clothes is sitting on the counter. Facing the mirror, I take a good look at myself.

My perfectly curled and styled hair now lays limp on my shoulders. My make up is smeared due to the brief mental breakdown just a few minutes ago. I'm a complete and utter mess, and I haven't even inspected my dress yet.

I take a rag and wash my face rinsing the makeup and all evidence of attending the ball right off. With limited supplies and time, I throw my hair into a quick bun and reach to unzip my dress. Only to realize there is no zipper and no way to take it off me.

I stick my head out the door and see him sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Elijah?"

He glances up at me and quickly stands up, "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, well, uh no. I need help. With the dress."

"Oh?" I get another one of his notorious smirks.

"It's a corset, so uh, I need you to untie it."

He follows me back into the bathroom, and I wait for him to begin. He reaches up and brushes my hair to the side, faintly touching my shoulders. It sends a shiver through me, and goosebumps appear on my arms.

"Cold, are we?"

He knows the effect he has on me and is trying to play it to his advantage.

"Just get this off me," I grumble back.

"As you wish."

His fingers find the bottom of my corset where the ribbon is tied. Carefully he works his way over it, loosening it more and more.

At this point, I'm clutching the front of the dress to prevent from being exposed. When he's finished, he places a brief kiss on my shoulder and walks out, closing the door behind him.

This man already has me weak at the knees, and I barely know him.

This is a problem.