Chapter 48
Take A Leap
Elena
My heart was in my stomach as I drove to Lily's school. I was driving faster now, my stomach a tangle of nerves.
Damien's text had completely unnerved me, I'd texted him the address of Lily's school instead of the house. It'd be safe there I silently assured myself, thinking of the crowd that'd be around the school.
My heart leaped to my throat as I pulled up into Lily's school and I parked, quickly pulling out the key and getting out of the car.
I was almost fifteen minutes late, I noted, glancing at my little wristwatch. I'd just reached the top of the front stairs when the door opened and a parent walked out, child in tow.
I nodded in greeting as I walked past, heading inside. The children usually sat around in the front hall as they waited for their parents.
"Miss Elena?" A teacher I recognized smiled as she got to her feet but I didn't look at her, my eyes sweeping around in search of Lily.
'Where is she?' I felt my heart sink as I glanced through the children gathered around, Lily wasn't among them.
"Miss—" the teacher's smile slowly faded away when she met my gaze.
"Wher—where's Lily?" I asked, trying to swallow down the beastly rage that threatened to escape me.
The teacher opened her mouth to speak but Lily's voice suddenly filled the air. "You're here mom," I felt my tense nerves relax and I quickly plastered a smile on my face.
"Of course I am," I beamed, opening my arms as Lily barreled into me, nearly taking me off balance. "Sorry I'm late, I had some matters to attend to."
Lily nodded, she left my arms and picked up her bag from behind the desk. I smiled in apology to her teacher but I didn't say a word. I walked out with Lily hand in hand.
Lily was talking about some things that happened in her class and I half listened to her, my mind fixed on other things.
I hadn't received any word from Damien since I texted him, I double-checked my cell phone to be sure. Nothing.
I was still in my thoughts when a sleek black car drove into the drive, instantly attracting looks and stares. Amidst all the low-pitched murmurs Damien stepped out of the car, and my heart skipped a beat.
Damien turned around, scanning through the crowd, then his eyes met mine. He walked straight towards me, his eyes never once moving to the side despite the looks he was attracting. It was like I was the only person he was seeing.
"Elena," Damien paused, staring at me. "Hey little one," he smiled and waved at Lily in my arms. "This is for you," he produced a sandwich and handed it over. I wanted to protest but I froze when I got a good look at it, how did he know Lily's favorite sandwich?
"It's you," Lily's eyes lit up in recognition and she stared at Damien with bright eyes. I was just about to speak when Lily accepted the sandwich with delight and I lowered her to feet so she could eat as we walked.
"What's going on?" I whispered, avoiding the stares from parents and people around. "I saw your text."
Damien's expression closed off immediately and his face hardened. "Now's not the time, here's not the place," he glanced around casually but my eyes were sharp to notice the tenseness in his posture.
"You're coming with me," Damien said, his tone leaving no room to negotiate.
"What? But I—"
"I wasn't asking Elena," Damien stared at me with a cold gaze. "Get in the car," he ordered, already turning to walk away. His assertiveness pricked at me and I felt a wave of annoyance bite at me.
"No," I said, my voice stronger than I intended. Did he think I was some pushover he could speak to the way he wanted, treat the way he wanted, and then I'd jump into his car just because he said so?
"What did you say?" Damien turned, his eyes flickering but he softened his voice when he glanced at Lily who was staring at him with wide eyes.
"I'm not going," I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing myself to look into his eyes. "Tell me right here." Damien remained silent, his eyes fixed on mine as we stood in a silent standoff.
"C'mon woman," a voice drawled from behind me, I turned to see a couple walking past. "Family tiss must be annoying but nothing a little roll under the bed won't solve," he winked at me and the woman beside him burst into laughter.
'Roll under the bed?' My cheeks heated up and I blushed, the man had assumed Damien and I were married and having a misunderstanding.
Well, we'd been married once I thought, staring down at my feet.
"Look Elena," Damien sighed, his expression looking softer. "I will explain to you but not here," he glanced around again. "Can we talk elsewhere? Somewhere safe?"
Safe? I felt the hairs on my neck rise and my insides twisted in knots, I could read between the lines. Did he mean here wasn't safe? Despite myself, I found myself glancing over at the crowd, looking to see if I'd see something suspicious.
"I didn't come here to scare you, okay?" Damien stared at me. "I just needed to make sure you're safe."
"I—" I hesitated, unsure what to say. His words echoed in my mind and I felt a warm fuzzy feeling rise up in my chest at his words.
"Is that your car?" Lily suddenly spoke up, her bright eyes fixed on Damien's car, her lips were covered with crumbs and she held her half-eaten sandwich.
"Of course it is," Damien smiled, lowering to a squat to talk to her. "You want to hop aboard for a ride?"
Before I could say a word Lily nodded, turning to look at me, "We'll go for a ride mom," She looked excited.
"I…" my words lodged in my throat and I stood for a moment, conflicted before I finally gave in. "Alright," I mumbled, giving in.
This was more Lily's choice than my choice, I just wondered where we'd end up after this ride.