Dark Hearts

Chapter Five

Melia's pov

Pain assaulted my senses when I woke up. It felt like I'd been run over by an enormous food truck. My throat felt dry and parched and my lips were swollen and tender.

My eyes met the chandelier above, the encounters of the previous night rushing through me like a whirlwind.

How did I get here?

The bruises on my arms and the soreness of my body were reminders of how unlucky I really was.

I sat up and walked to the bathroom. The large mirror mocked me, showing how bad my injuries were. My lower lip was split, one side of my face was purplish from Johnny's hits. I even had a small cut on my shoulder. I can't believe that Beatrix had been so mean. I thought she was doing better, now I see how foolish it was for me believe that. I guess her love for me died with Dad.

I try to stop myself from thinking about what would've happened if Bastian hadn't stopped Johnny.

I shivered at the thought.

Walking out of the bathroom, I observed the luxury suite I'd been in. Bastian must be loaded. Why did he follow me?

There was really no reason for him to do that.

Was it because of his shirt?

Maybe he was worried because I'd left in such a rush.

Oh don't flatter yourself.

The door opened gently, Bastian looked over the bed before his eyes met mine. He must've thought I was asleep.

“Hi.” I said, giving him a small smile. God, this was so embarrassing.

“How long have I been asleep?” I asked, moving to sit on the bed.

“Two days.”

“Two days?”

“Yes. Two days.” He scowled at me. “So?”

I held my breath, waiting for the question I knew was coming.

“So?”

“How long has this been going on?” Fury flashed over his face. He clenched his fist but hid it by leaning against the closed door.

“T-that is none of your business.” He stared at me for a moment then a mask of cold indifference fell over his eyes.

“I found you with bruises all over your body. When I got my housekeeper to change your clothes, you had a bruise on your back. I found you with your blouse torn. The doctor wanted to check if you had been sexually assaulted but he would've seen evidence of the other night, so I had to refuse. So, don't make me repeat myself when I ask How. Long. Has this been going on?”

His voice was calm, his stare leveled on my face but a vein popped in his neck. The only evidence of his anger.

“A while.” I muttered while looking away.

“How long is a while, Brownie?”

“A few years.”

“You've been enduring this s**t for years?” He said giving me a look that made me want to run and hide.

“I don't really know why you're getting upset about all this. It's really none of your business. I need to go check on my mom.”

“Yeah, do whatever the hell you want.” He stormed out of the room, slamming the door furiously.

I stared at him, feeling apologetic. I hadn't even thanked him for saving me. I wasn't going back to that hellhole but he didn't know that. I couldn't stay here any longer either.

I found my clothes neatly folded on the dresser. I put them on through wincing and grimacing. The sight that awaited me as I opened the door was surreal. The house was huge with different lights covering the hallway. There were countless doors and the ceiling must be 20,000 square feet. I would've stayed to give myself a tour but I didn't want Bastian angrier than he already was.

I took the stairs slowly, careful not to aggravate any wounds.

I found an old lady, cleaning the sofas in the sitting area which was also freakishly huge. This must be the housekeeper Bastian spoke about.

“Oh. Miss, you're awake. Bless the heavens.” A small smile played on my lips at her country accent.

“Yeah. Thank you for taking care of me. “ My cheeks tinged red.

“It's okay. You're not waiting for him?” She asked.

“No. I'll go ahead.” I waved her off before she could go in search of Bastian.

“Well then, bye.” She smiled and got right back to work. I tried to smile as brightly as she just did only to wince at the pain from my lip.

Stepping out of the huge doors, the summer breeze hit me and I inhaled the clear, warm air.

I am going to be alright.

******

Helplessness was a feeling I was all too familiar with but it hit me a little harder today. I’d been walking for hours. My legs throbbing and my feet ached. Anyone I passed gave me a lingering look of pity. I didn't want to return home. The memories of the last two nights were still fresh in my mind. And even if I did go home, who knew if Beatrix wouldn't call Johnny over again.

I had no place to go. Sophie lived alone in a tiny studio but we weren't that close. I didn't want to bother her. Plus, showing up at her doorstep looking as battered and bruised as I did would bring questions. Questions I didn't want to answer.

That's when I noticed that I'd walked aimlessly into a dark alley. I look behind me and see a figure with their hood up, their footsteps following steady behind me. I walk faster and their pace increases too. My shaky fingers reach into my pocket for my phone.

All of a sudden, a large hand grips my elbow, turning me to face them. I fight against their hold, kicking and screaming.

“Brownie calm down, it's me.” The person holding me booms.

I pause, looking up, teary eyed at Bastian. I look at this attire. He was wearing a three piece suit, as always. I sneak a look at his head, no hoodie.

“Someone was following me.” My breath, hitching and shaky. I looked around him for a sign of anyone in a black hoodie.

“Let's go.” Bastian must see that I'm at the brink of a panic attack because he lifts me into his arms, carrying me out of the alley towards his car parked by the sidewalk.

“How did you find me?” I whisper. He gave me that agitated look, like I'd offended him and I pressed my lips together, swallowing my inquisition.

“I had business in the area.”

He tucks me in, settles in the car and motions the driver to go.

The drive is filled with tension. It plunged my mind black to the alley. Someone had been following me. Or did I imagine it?

Was it something my frightened mind cooked up because of the recent happenings?

No.

I'm pretty sure I did see the dark hoodie.

The relief I'd felt when I saw Bastian still makes my bones shake. I wonder what business he had that brought him all the way out here. I chanced a glance at him. He was dressed like he'd been out on business. I don't know why I'm so curious.

“Do you always stare so much?” His gaze was fixed on his phone as he spoke.

“I- I'm sorry.”

We rode silently until we pulled up in front of the huge entrance doors.

“Go up and rest.” He gave me a sideways look. “We'll talk in the morning.”

I scrambled after him as he climbed out of the car. “Bastian.”

He stopped without turning around.

“T-thank you. For saving my life.”

He stood there for a while before nodding and walking into the house.

The house is quiet as I find my way back to the room I woke up in.

A feeling of anticipation and excitement blooms in my chest. I can't wait to find out what Bastian wants to talk about.