Ravens of the Mist Book 2: Endless Love
Autore
Elfy G
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Chapter 1: Life
Beth
Book 2: Endless Love
Yesterday, I was hungry. Today, Iām 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 arenāt many of us working these hours. I have no family. All I had for years was Paul.
So now, Iām alone, taking each day as it comes, hoping that one day Iāll feel safe again.
Is it crazy to hold on to hope, even if it's just a sliver?
āGood Lord, some people are absolute slobs!ā I exclaim, looking at the mess in the room I have to clean.
This room is going to take forever to clean. Thank God itās the last one for tonight.
There are broken glasses in the bathroom. The bed is flipped over and the wallsā¦
I canāt even look at the walls. Is thatā¦? Who does such things?
I need a mask and gloves. Make that double gloves. I donāt want to catch anything.
Now, letās tackle this mess. And I mean that literally.
Finally, Iām done, but my back is screaming in protest. Thatās going to hurt tomorrow. I need a bath, and fast.
Great, itās 2 am, and my shift was supposed to end at midnight. They definitely donāt pay me enough for all the crap I have to deal with.
But I guess itās 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 canāt 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! Donāt go there. Itās 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 doesnāt deserve even a second of your thoughts.
Being so lost in my thoughts, I donāt notice my surroundings. Suddenly, I hear footsteps behind me. I make the mistake of looking back.
āHey, baby, whatās up?ā
Two men are following me. I quicken my pace.
āOh, come on, darling. Donāt be like that!ā One of them calls out, and they both speed up to keep pace with me.
Maybe life isnāt this cruel. Maybe theyāre just messing around to scare me. Maybe Iām 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.
āWhy are you doing this? Please, just leave me alone. I donāt want any trouble.ā My voice shakes with fear.
āCome on now, baby. Play nice. You might even enjoy it. My buddy and I just want to have a little fun.ā One of them taunts.
I try to run, but one of them is faster. He grabs my hair and slams me against a wall.
āUh-uh, not so fast, sweetheart. We havenāt had our fun yet.ā
āSOMEONE HELPā¦ā I start to scream, but a slap from the man holding me against the wall cuts me off.
āWhat did I tell you, huh? Are you going to be a good girl now?ā
Tears stream down my face. I canāt believe this is happening. Is this just another cruel twist of fate?
āThatās right. Nice and easy. Be good, and we wonāt hurt you.ā He starts unbuttoning my blouse.
āDamn, your skin is so soft.ā He whispers, making my stomach churn. āHey, Vick, come feel her skin.ā He turns to look for his friend.
āVick? Vick? Where the hell are you, man?ā
He steps away from me to look for his friend. I should run, but Iām paralyzed with fear.
āGuess itās all for me, then.ā He licks his lips in a disgusting manner.
He leers at me, then starts to approach me again.
Maybe itās 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.
Itās 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, Iām lying on something soft. Itās been a long time since Iāve 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.
āYouāre finally awake,ā a voice says.
The sound of it warms my heart and makes me feel safe. Itās 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 donāt see anyone, but I can feel his presence. He must be hiding in the shadows.
āWhy did you bring me here?ā I ask, immediately regretting the question.
āWhere else was I supposed to take you? I donāt know where you live. Now that youāre awake, you should probably leave.ā
But I donāt want to leave. For some reason I canāt explain, I want to stay. Itās been a long time since Iāve felt this safe.
I donāt want to go back to the pain and suffering that awaits me. I want to stay here, where I feel safe.
āIf I have a choice, Iād like to stay. I can clean for you. You probably need a maid,ā I say, desperation creeping into my voice. I donāt want to go back. Please donāt make me go back.
Silence. Did he leave? No, I can still feel his gaze on me.
Then, he steps out from the shadows.
Heās the most beautiful man Iāve 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 heās wrestling with a decision.
āFine. You can be my maid. Youāll work for your rent. In return, Iāll provide what you need.ā
He doesnāt wait for me to thank him. He leaves the room. I look around what I assume is now my room. Once heās gone, I realize what Iāve done.
What was I thinking? I donāt 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 heās not here, I still feel safe. And thatās all that matters to me.
