Lost (Beautiful Beast I)

Chapter-18

Leia

When I was little, I had a nanny behind me everywhere. Dad was too busy with work, so my nanny was like a mother. She use to take me to parks, buy me ice creams, take me to school and bring me back. She even use to attend parent teacher meetings. I'm maybe devoid of mother's love but nanny's love was always there, Agatha's love was always there. But I don't know what went wrong, when I turned ten, she just disappeared even without saying goodbye. When I asked Dad, he told that she left.

After that we shifted our home and I got to meet Aunt May and her wonderful family. Aunt May wasn't always with me like Agatha but she did love and care for me.

As I grew up I couldn't help but always wonder how it would've been if my mother did everything thay Agatha did to me. Taking me to parks, buying me ice cream, petting me, feeding me, taking care of me when I fall sick. I use to see my classmates receiving that love from their mothers and I couldn't help but feel sad.

But as I grew up, the pain seems to fade away until it was nothing but a scar. A scar that would hurt if touched and I always find a way not to touch it and not let anyone touch it.

Now as I'm watching children playing in the park with their mother right by their side, I feel no pain. I'm just seeing a mother with her child.

I took a deep breathe and turned away my sight from the children and their parents.

I saw Lily busy playing with some of her park friends.

Working at two places has tired me so much that I had to take a break. I took off today and remained at home when Charlotte called to ask whether I'm free. I told her how I'm at home and she requested me to take care of Lily for a while till she and Aunt May finish their  shopping and return back.

We spent a little time at my place and soon Lily asked me to take her to park. And here she is playing for almost one hour.

A smile comes to face when I saw her fighting with a little boy like she's some kind of a great fighter. With her small hands on her hips, she glared at the boy who is a feet taller than her. She has her father's guts.

Before she would smack that boy, I got up from the seat and walked towards her.

She saw me and went back to her staring business.

'Lily' I called out. She pretended as if she didn't hear me. Her friends behind her were watching the whole scene quietly.

'Give away her ball!' She said in her angry tone. The boy just looked at her with utmost disinterest.

'Lily, it's time to go' I said a little harder this time.

'Leia, he took Jessica's ball' she complained.

'Hey, kid. Give back the ball' I told kindly.

He gave me a look before looking back at Lily.

'Give me a kiss and I'll give back her ball, Lily' he said and I just looked at him shocked.

Lilly's friends gasped in horror and ran away screeching at the top of their lungs, making their parents look at them.

I looked back at the boy and a flustered Lily.

Damn this generation.

'Lily, come on lets go' I clutched her hand and pulled her along with me out of the park.

Once we were out of the park, she wiggled her hand from my grip and crossed it in front of her. She looks angry.

'I was thinking about buying us ice cream but since someone's in a bad mood, I think I'll just drop them at their home, eh?' I say in an amused tone.

I look at down to see Lily stop dead on her track and lift her head up to me. Her eyebrows are still scrunched and not to forget her pout.

'I want ice cream' she said in a grumpy way and started walking.

When we reached the ice cream shop, I made her sit in her seat and went to order. Her eyes lit up when I came up her favorite Choco dip vanilla flavoured ice cream cone.

I sat down and handed her cone, she happily started devouring her ice, all her anger now out of the window. I brought myself the same and finished it before she could. She pulled the cone towards herself fearing when I tried to eat hers.

I made a mock attempt to reach for her ice which made her laugh and move back in her chair. It happened few times and finally, I spoke.

'Who was that boy you were fighting with?' I asked politely.

Lily shrugged, clearly busy with her cone.

'We are in same class' she told.

'And why did he talk to you that way?' I asked.

'He's always like that, Leia. He pulls my pony tails, takes my bag and runs away in the corridor, he even steals my home works!' She squealed.

'That's bad, baby. Didn't you tell the teacher?' I asked.

'He's teachers favorite!' She pouted.

'Does he do this to everyone?' I ask.

'No' she shakes her head 'he does it only to me. But he's little good. He gives me his lunch and they are so delicious' she beams.

'And what about your lunch?' I ask.

'He makes me eat both. He tells I look pretty when I'm chubby' she blushed.

That's it! Kindergarten romance!

I couldn't help but smile even though it's all little too much at this age. I can't help but think how it's going to be once they grow up.

'Does he always ask you to kiss?' I ask.

'Hmm?' He keeps her finger under chin and thinks 'Sometimes'

I look at her wide eye before asking her one last question.

'Where does he ask you to kiss?'

'His right cheek'

And I released a sigh I never knew I kept in.

After dropping off Lily at her place to Charlotte, I stayed ther for a while before catching a taxi and making my way home.

I took a quick shower and dressed up. I wore a black top with long sleeves that hug my frame, making my breasts look bigger. Matching it with a black jean and black flats, I was ready within forty five minutes.

Exactly at seven, the doorbell ran and I opened to reveal Liam.

'Ready?' He asked flashing a smile as he gazed at me.

'Totally' I said and locked my door behind before following him.

I hoped on his bike and soon took off.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we took a seat near the corner.

Apparently, Liam asked me out for dinner as he's leaving for London tomorrow morning. He's missing his parents deeply and since his semester got over, he planned on a four days trip. He asked me come along but I denied saying that there's lot of work. I didn't want him to know how I went all along to Texas with my father with a passport that was never made.

'You know London is beautiful' he says munching on his food.

'Are you saying Moscow ain't a good place?' I raised my eyes at him.

'No, what I'm saying is getting drunk and fighting a guy is way more fun in London' he smirks at me.

I try to glare but fail badly.

'That wasn't me' my voice pleading as I felt my cheeks warming up.

Liam chuckled at my uneasiness 'You're great to watch when you're drunk. Is that why you never drank before?' He asks curiously.

'I never knew. I'm sorry' I almost stated firmly.

'You were cute, specially the part when you hit the guard while trashing in my arms' he smiled.

'Shut up, Liam. I'm never drinking again' I murmured softly, Liam just laughed.

We continued eating, talking when necessary.

I will miss Liam but it's matter for four days, so I should't fuss so much about it.

'I really want you to come' he gave me a pout 'I would've shown you around. You would've loved it'

I smiled. I do wish I was able to go and the more he speaks about his precious England, the more tempting it feels.

'I know, I know. It's just that-

'There's lot of work. I understand' he groans.

'Don't be such a whiny. I'll make it up to you when you return, okay?' I say.

He looks surprised but replies anyway.

'Promise?'

'Promise' I say.

'That's better. By the way, do you need me to get anything from there for you?' He asks.

'Well, let me think, how about you buy-' I stopper abruptly when my eyes fell upon a familiar person.

Oscar Crawford.

'Liam, I'll be back. Gotta use the washroom' I said and got up when I saw him approaching close with a man.

'Ideas from washroom?'

'i***t' I murmured to him and left.

I closed the door and took a room, closing the lid and sitting on it. If he sees me, he'll definitely come to talk and I'm not ready to answer his questions because everything that'll come of out of my mouth will be a lie.

The restaurant is not a five star one and definitely not his. Then what is he even doing here?

I stayed in the toilet till a woman started to bang on the door. Ignoring her glare, I took my sweet time in adjusting my adjusted dress and looking at my face incredibly for a longer time. Not to forget washing my hands thoroughly and spending good in drying them clean.

When I stepped out and walked towards our table, I scanned the receptionist area where I saw him before. When there ws no sign of him, I walked towards Liam.

'Miss. Rose, is that you?'

I stopped dead on my tracks but didn't turn around.

When he came forward, he smiled widely before taking my hand and kissing it.

'Mr. Crawford' I tried to smile.

'Oscar, please' he said 'I assume you've come here with Nicholas'

'I...No, actually I'm with a friend' I said.

'I see. It's been a long time, isn't it?' He said 'I didn't even get a chance to see you when I came home'

I smiled awkwardly, waiting for him to go away.

'Anyways, has Lantsov returned from Brazil?' He asked. I tried hard not to look like I don't know anything.

'No. He said he wants to stay a while, explore the country' I said casually.

Oscar chuckled 'Playing coy, aren't we?'

He was smiling but I could see he's dead serious.

'Well, Oscar you know Lantsov' I played along but I wasn't bold enough.

'Right. I'm hoping to see you at the function. Good day' he said.

'Good day' I replied and he walked away.

Good lord knows what function it is.

When I turned towards liam, I saw him watching me already. He looked serious and I know he's going to question.

'Who's he?' He asked as soon as I reached him.

'My father's friend' I replied, surprising myself for getting a quick efficient thought.

Liam nodded, believing my lie.

When we were done with dinner, Liam dropped me.

'Flight's at 7 a.m. Don't dose off. You told me you'll bid me goodbye at the airport' he reminded me.

'Yes I remember, Liam. You can count on me. Goodnight' I smiled. He started the engine and left.

I opened my door, and locked it behind. My hand went to the switch and switched it on. Instead of greeting with bright light, I was greeted with total darkness.

I quickly opened the door to see all other houses had their lights on. As much as I remember not all houses have generators here. I was about to get out to check what's the problem at the main, when my hair was pulled back.

I screamed loudly. I was slammed on the wall with a hand muffling all my screams and the door shut swiftly beside me. My reflex was all over as I started to wiggle and thrash but the person pushed me further to the wall and slammed his body on mine.

I felt pure raw fear surge through my veins as I realised its a man through the hairy hands and roughness.

Everything is dark and I can't even see the outlining of the man so close to me. I could hear his harsh breathing ad he moved close my ear.

'I'm going to remove my hand from your mouth. Make a noise and I'll kill you right here, right now' his voice was very hoarse.

I felt myself nodding and as if he got it, he removed his hands from my hair and mouth before stepping back. I stayed still, breathing very slowly through my mouth as I stared at total darkness in front of me. The man was quiet and all my thoughts were on running away but I stood rooted, not taking any decision hastily.

'Stay right here' he said. I heard the footsteps walking away towards the kitchen and he got out through the back door.

My hand quickly went to the door beside. I turned the knob, only to find it locked. I tried harder and but all was vain. When I saw that the man hasn't come back, I made a dash towards my room but even that was locked. I found myself trapped in my own house.

Quickly opening my phone, I called Adam. The moment it started to ring, the room was illuminated with light. I quickly ran towards the kitchen to lock the door, only to find the it broken.

I took the knife from the kitchen and turned around to find a man standing in my kitchen. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared into mine with no remorse. He was huge and looked too scary.

'Cut the call and drop the knife' he said in his same hoarse voice.

I pressed the home button and kept it on the slide beside. Luckily the ringing sound isn't loud enough. I glanced slightly to see the seconds running, indicating that Adam has picked up the call.

'Wh-

I was cut off as the man covered the distance between us and shut my mouth. I started fighting and tried to pierce the knife on his shoulder but his other hand pulled the knife out of my hand and kept it on the slide beside. I tried pushing him but he efficiently took the phone and ended the call.

He took a huge breathe and loosened his grip before stepping back.

I took back the knife that has his blood now. My eyes went to his bloody hand that's holding my phone and I felt anger rising.

'I wouldn't do that if I were you' he said.

Just then my phone started to ring again. I know its Adam even without seeing the caller ID.

'You won't get away with whatever you're planning to do to me. My friend will find you' I said sternly.

A smirk came his way.

'Your cop friend? Sure, but I'm not here for you, I'm here for your boyfriend' he said. Confusion settled my features.

'Nicholas'

That one word sent chill down my spine. His smirk grew wider as he saw my courage disappearing.

'Talk to him but don't utter a word of what's happening here' he said, giving the phone to me.

I should tell Adam but since it involves Nicholas, I just can't.

I picked up the call and kept it to my ear, my face going pale as I stared at the man in front of me.

'Leia, what took you so long to attend and why didn't you talk before?' He sounded alarm.

'I...I'm sorry, I was just...it was a mistake. I called you by mistake' I said.

'You sure? Why do you sound so low?' He asked.

'Yeah, I was actually sleeping. With the phone on bed, I rolled over I guess, and accidentally called you' I said.

I heard Adam chuckled on the other side.

'And here I was thinking the worst possibilities. Damn, Leia you scared me' he said.

'I'm sorry, Adam. I truly need to go to back to sleep. Goodnight'

'Night' with that he cut the call.

'What do you want from Nicholas?' I asked the man in front of me.

'Call your boyfriend. Ask him to come here now' he said.

I certainly know for sure that this man is nothing but a foe to Nicholas and I can't have a crime scene in my house, but at the same time the fear inside is convincing me to follow this man's order.

My hands trembled as I went through my contact list and stopped at the number I've been looking every night for the past three months, that is from the time he bid goodbye.

I pressed the dial button and kept it to my ear. Once it started to ring, my heart started to beat faster that I could actually hear it in my ear. He picked up sooner than I expected.

'Leia' he sounded surprised.

'Nicholas' I breathe out.

I head him taking a harsh breathe.

'Tell me Leia, I'm listening' he almost cooed, I think.

'Nicholas...there's a man here wanting to see you. Please, just please come to my place right away' I tried hard not to tremble against the man's hard features.

'I'm on my way, don't cut the call' his voice no more held the merry, just seriousness.

The man in front of me stretched is hand out for me to give the phone.

'Nicholas, he's asking for the phone' I said but clutched the phone tighter to my ear.

'Don't. Just keep talking to me, Leia' he said urgently. I heard shuffling and then a loud noise on the other side.

Before I could reply, the man approached me and tried to take the phone from my grip.

'No, please! Let go!' I screamed.

I could hear Nicholas screaming but can't hear what it is. The man took the phone from my hand that was in the air and cut the call, Nicholas screams ending. The phone rung again but the man after seeing the contact name, threw the phone away, making it break into pieces.