Ravens of the Mist Book 2: Endless Love
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Elfy G
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Chapter 1: Life
Beth
Book 2: Endless Love
Yesterday, I was hungry. Today, Iâm freezing, and tomorrow is another mystery waiting to unfold.
Ever since I lost my home, life has been a constant struggle. All thanks to my ex-husband, Paul, and his gambling addiction.
One day, I returned home from running errands to find two strangers arguing with Paul. He owed their boss a hefty sum. They took everything we owned to settle his debt.
But solving one problem led to another. The bank seized our house because we had nothing left.
I never had to work before because Paul took care of everything. But after leaving him, finding a job was a struggle. With the little money I earned, I hired a cheap lawyer to handle my divorce.
***
My job is far from glamorous. I work the graveyard shift as a cleaner at the Grey Palace Hotel.
I keep to myself at work, too embarrassed about my past to socialize. Besides, there arenât many of us working these hours. I have no family. All I had for years was Paul.
So now, Iâm alone, taking each day as it comes, hoping that one day Iâll feel safe again.
Is it crazy to hold on to hope, even if it's just a sliver?
âGood Lord, some people are absolute slobs!â I exclaim, looking at the mess in the room I have to clean.
This room is going to take forever to clean. Thank God itâs the last one for tonight.
There are broken glasses in the bathroom. The bed is flipped over and the wallsâŠ
I canât even look at the walls. Is thatâŠ? Who does such things?
I need a mask and gloves. Make that double gloves. I donât want to catch anything.
Now, letâs tackle this mess. And I mean that literally.
Finally, Iâm done, but my back is screaming in protest. Thatâs going to hurt tomorrow. I need a bath, and fast.
Great, itâs 2 am, and my shift was supposed to end at midnight. They definitely donât pay me enough for all the crap I have to deal with.
But I guess itâs better than nothing.
One day at a time. One day at a time. I repeat this mantra in my head as I step outside.
I have no choice but to walk home. I canât afford a taxi and the last bus has already left.
As I walk, I mentally count my money, wondering if it will last until my next paycheck. Sometimes, I find myself missing my old life with Paul. Things were so much simpler then.
NO! Donât go there. Itâs because of that jerk that your life is in shambles.
Lock him away in the farthest corner of your mind, slam the door shut, and throw away the key. He doesnât deserve even a second of your thoughts.
Being so lost in my thoughts, I donât notice my surroundings. Suddenly, I hear footsteps behind me. I make the mistake of looking back.
âHey, baby, whatâs up?â
Two men are following me. I quicken my pace.
âOh, come on, darling. Donât be like that!â One of them calls out, and they both speed up to keep pace with me.
Maybe life isnât this cruel. Maybe theyâre just messing around to scare me. Maybe Iâm too hopeful for my own good.
Damn, a dead end!
They knew what they were doing from the start. They toyed with my fear and led me right where they wanted.
âWhy are you doing this? Please, just leave me alone. I donât want any trouble.â My voice shakes with fear.
âCome on now, baby. Play nice. You might even enjoy it. My buddy and I just want to have a little fun.â One of them taunts.
I try to run, but one of them is faster. He grabs my hair and slams me against a wall.
âUh-uh, not so fast, sweetheart. We havenât had our fun yet.â
âSOMEONE HELPâŠâ I start to scream, but a slap from the man holding me against the wall cuts me off.
âWhat did I tell you, huh? Are you going to be a good girl now?â
Tears stream down my face. I canât believe this is happening. Is this just another cruel twist of fate?
âThatâs right. Nice and easy. Be good, and we wonât hurt you.â He starts unbuttoning my blouse.
âDamn, your skin is so soft.â He whispers, making my stomach churn. âHey, Vick, come feel her skin.â He turns to look for his friend.
âVick? Vick? Where the hell are you, man?â
He steps away from me to look for his friend. I should run, but Iâm paralyzed with fear.
âGuess itâs all for me, then.â He licks his lips in a disgusting manner.
He leers at me, then starts to approach me again.
Maybe itâs my fear and exhaustion playing tricks on me, but suddenly, a shadow appears behind him. I hear a loud snap, and then his body drops to the ground, lifeless.
Itâs too much. I collapse to the ground. Just before I black out, I feel strong arms lifting me up.
For some strange reason, I feel safe just before darkness engulfs me.
When I slowly come to, Iâm lying on something soft. Itâs been a long time since Iâve felt something this comfortable.
I wish I could stay here forever.
My eyes snap open as I sense someone watching me. I sit up so fast that my head spins a little.
âYouâre finally awake,â a voice says.
The sound of it warms my heart and makes me feel safe. Itâs a strange sensation.
I must have hit my head harder than I thought to be having such thoughts. Then, the memory of what happened earlier hits me.
He must be the one who saved me.
I glance around, trying to see him. I donât see anyone, but I can feel his presence. He must be hiding in the shadows.
âWhy did you bring me here?â I ask, immediately regretting the question.
âWhere else was I supposed to take you? I donât know where you live. Now that youâre awake, you should probably leave.â
But I donât want to leave. For some reason I canât explain, I want to stay. Itâs been a long time since Iâve felt this safe.
I donât want to go back to the pain and suffering that awaits me. I want to stay here, where I feel safe.
âIf I have a choice, Iâd like to stay. I can clean for you. You probably need a maid,â I say, desperation creeping into my voice. I donât want to go back. Please donât make me go back.
Silence. Did he leave? No, I can still feel his gaze on me.
Then, he steps out from the shadows.
Heâs the most beautiful man Iâve ever seen. Dark hair, a beard that covers his jaw, and brown eyes.
His arms and chest are covered in tattoos.
I can see in his eyes that heâs wrestling with a decision.
âFine. You can be my maid. Youâll work for your rent. In return, Iâll provide what you need.â
He doesnât wait for me to thank him. He leaves the room. I look around what I assume is now my room. Once heâs gone, I realize what Iâve done.
What was I thinking? I donât even know him.
I felt drawn to him. Was it just an illusion?
Did I just make a deal with the devil?
No, even though heâs not here, I still feel safe. And thatâs all that matters to me.
