Dark Secrets (Dark Hearts Book 2)

by P. L. Midnight

  I wondered where we were and how long I’d been unconscious. I had a feeling I was no longer in Ohio. I’d ask the doctor and see if he’d tell me. Now it was time for me to get back into bed. I didn’t want Dr. Darness to get upset with me if he caught me out of bed.

  I carefully untangled myself from the heavy brocade drapes and took a few minutes to look around. The room was much larger than I realized. A large fireplace covered almost an entire wall. It had a rough wooden mantelpiece and a fire blazing in the hearth. The room looked almost like the inside of a cabin with its polished oak walls, primitive-looking wooden furniture and rather large antler chandelier in the middle of the room. It didn’t look at all like a hospital room.

  A large part of one wall was dedicated to several shelves of books. The thick burgundy drapes matched the bedspread, as did the throw rugs scattered atop the polished wooden floors. I actually liked the rustic feel of the room, but I wasn’t crazy about the throw rugs especially when my foot caught one of them and I started to tumble towards the ground.

  I let out a small yelp and the doctor was immediately beside me. He caught me and easily lifted me into his arms. His arms under my knees and one at my back held me cradled against his hard chest. He carried me back to the bed and helped me get into a comfortable position then covered me.

  “I thought I told you to stay in bed. What were you doing?”

  “I was just stretching a bit.”

  He looked at me and back at the drapes that were still moving a bit. He knew I was lying again. He sat on the edge of the bed and took my chin in his hand, forcing me to look at him, “Emma, I know you’re lying again. If you wanted to look out the window, I would have taken you over there. You are not a prisoner here.” Not yet, I thought. He continued as he looked deep into my eyes as if looking for answers. “You will learn to obey me. I overlooked your earlier lie, but I will not tolerate your disobedience again, especially when it comes to your safety. Do you understand? I’m only trying to protect you. I can be your friend if you’ll let me.”

  His voice gave me pause, as it was no longer quite as friendly as it had been. There was a veiled threat in his tone. When I would have moved, he held my chin firmly in place as his lips came toward my mouth. I was afraid that he was going to kiss me. At the last moment, his lips gently grazed my forehead.

  “My dear sweet, Emma, soon you’ll be joining me for dinner.”

  Then he rose back up and handed me a glass and two pills he’d taken from a bottle on the oversized stand near the bed.

  “This will help with the pain, Emma.”

  I didn’t want to take any more medicine, I’d rather have the dull aches. I needed to be alert in case my parents or one of my shields was brought to this place. Maybe I’d at least be able to see them and know they were alright.

  “I really don’t need anything for pain. I’m fine, thanks.”

  Doctor Darness didn’t care for my refusal, “You don’t think you need this?” Before I knew what he’d planned, he grabbed my arm and pulled it towards himself, which caused me to scream in pain at his brutal treatment. He held the pills near my mouth and said, “See you need these more than you realize. If you were healed that wouldn’t have hurt so much. Open your mouth, now, Emma. That’s a girl. You know I’d never hurt you on purpose, honey, but you must take your medicine.”

  I don’t know which I found more annoying, his I’d never hurt you on purpose, after he deliberately pulled on my sprained arm, or his calling me honey. That name was reserved for Alexander only. I’d never be his honey. I was hurting enough that my barriers had slipped down and Andre heard my thoughts for he answered inside my mind.

  Eventually, you’ll be that and more. I’d settle for being your friend for now, Emma. I’m not the enemy. Your obstinate refusal to take your medicine caused your arm pain. You should consider yourself fortunate; many women would jump at the chance to have my friendship and more. I only want to help you get well for now, so please do as I ask so I don’t have to demonstrate how badly you are hurt.

  I put my barriers back up to protect my thoughts from him. He was most definitely the enemy. I didn’t trust his smiling face any more than I did William Dark. I’d have to be careful around him in the future. He had a cruel, sadistic side and I only just glimpsed it. I didn’t need any more demonstrations; my arm was still throbbing from this one.

  I was surprised when he sat back down on the bed beside me and took my hand in his. He began to gently massage the hand and up my sore arm. I didn’t want him to touch me, but his light touch was relaxing me. I didn’t know if it was the medicine or his touch, but I was starting to feel less pain. He’d put some kind of ointment in his hand and it was definitely helping.

  I wanted to pull away from him, but the longer he gently rubbed the sore muscles, the more relaxed I became. My eyelids were becoming heavy, as his hand seemed to be going higher on my arm, closer to the side of my breast. I finally succumbed to sleep…

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Days passed and my arm was finally removed from the sling. My ankle had been put in a walking cast now. I did my best over the past few weeks to ignore the sadistic doctor, who had two sides, just like a coin. He was tender and caring, but if crossed totally merciless. I’d avoided that, too, however a servant had done something he didn’t like and he was brutal with him. At least, I’d seen little of William Dark during my recuperation.

  Unfortunately, that was about to change. Actually, my world was about to become much different and even more difficult.

  I’d managed to keep the contacts intact, hiding the real color of my eyes. I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d be able to continue the ruse as they were starting to get sore. They were the thirty day lenses, but it had been over three weeks already. Soon they’d have to be removed. I didn’t think it would matter to anyone really, but I just didn’t like having the same color eyes as those two creeps.

  I’d just finished breakfast when Andre came in with a big smile on his face. He insisted that I call him Andre now that I was getting better. “How’s my favorite patient doing today? It looks like you’ve eaten all of your breakfast. That’s good. I don’t want you losing any more weight. I like you just the way you are.”

  I’d always hoped a man would appreciate my curves, but not him. My shields liked me for the person I was, not so much how I looked. I didn’t care what the doctor thought. It was hard to consider him a doctor any more after a few of the stunts I’d seen him pull, but I knew better than to make a smart remark. I ignored his remarks, as I always did. As soon as my ankle was better I’d get out of here or else. I wasn’t sure what the or else was, but I’d get out. I had to believe it or go crazy.

  There was still no word of my parents. I’d become friendly with one of the female servants, Barbara. If she was to be believed, she hated William Dark as much as I did. He’d slain her parents and baby brother according to her. She said she hadn’t heard word that my parents had been found, but promised to let me know the minute she heard anything.

  “I’m judging by the pink in your cheeks that you’re feeling better. I think a little exercise is in order. I’m going to give you a tour of the house. If you get tired, let me know and we’ll finish our walk with me pushing you in a wheelchair.”

  He pulled off the covers and took a look at me that wasn’t entirely professionally before he continued, “Since you got so upset the last time I tried to help you, I’ll send in one of the servants to help you bathe and change clothes. I’ll be back in an hour to collect you for our walk.” He gave me an almost predatory smile as he said, “I’ll see you later. I shall miss seeing you in those nightshirts.”

  I looked away so he wouldn’t see the heightened pink in my cheeks. My shields would kill him if he ever took sexual advantage of me. I decided that they’d have to wait, because I’d ask them to hold him while I kicked the shit out of him. I was glad when Andre left. As the days passed I’d become more and more uncomfortable around him, wh
ile he seemed increasingly interested in becoming more than just friends. I only thought of him as Andre because Dr. Darness reminded me too much of William Dark’s name. I definitely didn’t want to think of that bastard.

  One of the maids assisted me in the shower. This afforded me the usual privacy I’d gotten daily, since I’d argued with Andre about my need for concealing my body. He hadn’t liked it at first, reminding me that he’d already seen me naked and that he was a doctor, but I’d insisted. I reminded him it would give him more free time to spend with his other patients. I actually doubted he had any other patients as much time as he seemed to spend with me, but it had worked.

  Finally, he’d relinquished. I got a daily shower and privacy while I dressed in my clean nightshirt, which he insisted I wear while I was recuperating. He claimed it was easier for him to exam me with just the nightshirt on. I was most grateful for the small concession of privacy. Today I’d get to wear real clothes again. I was excited about that part, anyway, the tour of the house with him, not so much. Well, it would be good to know the layout of things in case I got a chance to escape.

  I got a shower and dressed in a pair of those expensive, uncomfortable, up-your-crack-tight, designer jeans and a purple sweater that was also a bit tight for my taste. In the pile of high heels, I found one Nike, which just happened to be the one I needed and I was ready to go. I wouldn’t have bothered with makeup or perfume, but the servant girl begged me to let her finish with my attire or she’d be in trouble. Really, I thought was William Dark anal or what?

  My hair was put up in a clip at my request with a few strands that wouldn’t stay put, which framed my face. It was a nice casual look for an afternoon of snooping, which was exactly what I planned to do. I wanted to know every nook and cranny of the place.

  Andre arrived exactly when he’d said he would. He seemed pleased at my attire as his eyes swept up and down my body. He took my hand and helped me stand up, then walked me to the door. “Did I tell you that you look amazing. I think I could get used to seeing you in Eileen’s sweaters. She was a bit smaller in the chest than you, but the look works for you.”

  I said nothing at his comment. I knew he liked the tight sweater, for a doctor that had seen it all as he put it, his eyes seemed to have a hard time focusing on my face for very long before they drifted to my boobs. What a jerk.

  “Shall we go?”

  “Yes, we’ll start with the main level first. Then we’ll proceed to the cellars. Most of the second and third floors are assigned private rooms for Dark’s employees. The lower level you might find of interest. It is a training center with a pool area. The fourth level consists of several private bedrooms, such as yours, for patients. Much of the level is also assigned private rooms, but my pseudo-hospital takes up about one fourth of the level. If I walk too fast, or if you start getting sore or tired, let me know and I’ll get that wheel chair we discussed.”

  “That sounds great. It’ll be nice to finally get out of that room.” I tried to limit my conversation with the doctor. I didn’t want to encourage him nor did I really care to be his good buddy. I still didn’t trust him. I never would.

  I needed to concentrate in this cesspool of Dark Hearts. I also needed to memorize as much of the layout as possible. Since there were apparently many private rooms, I hoped to be able to remember the rest of the house.

  The main floor was gigantic and featured most of the public rooms. Just off the front doors was an oversized foyer and waiting area. Beyond that to the left was an enormous living room. To the right were William Dark’s private office suites, which, of course, weren’t on the tour. The living room was interesting, though, with its large brown sectionals, three of the overstuffed leather things sat in the center of the room facing each other.

  I was rather surprised at the wall of windows that faced the front of the house giving one an almost panoramic view of the mountains and woods that surrounded the place. The only thing that hindered the view was the high wall that I’d seen from the window upstairs. There was a massive stone fireplace built into the far corner of the room. More bookshelves lined the rest of the wall, as did dark paintings that looked like they’d been painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The head of Medusa was particularly horrifying, but was perfect to the last detail and more than likely the original painting itself. The dark paintings fit the rich, dark décor of the entire room from the deep blue drapes to the dark flooring and brown furniture.

  Tables were scattered throughout the room with old-fashioned tiffany styled lamps depicting hunting scenes on their shades. The cathedral ceilings in the room finished the antique, luxury, hunting lodge décor of the room. After we left that room, we went into another such room with more chairs. This room was done in hunter green and deep gold.

  The large theater room had a floor to ceiling screen that was at least twenty-five feet high with seating for over two-hundred. I wondered what kind of planning was done in that room. It, too, was decorated in deep shades, consisting of burgundy and black.

  The great dining room, as Andre called it, was a complete surprise with seating for at least three-hundred people. The kitchen separated the other dining area from this one and it had seating for at least seventy-five people. The place was massive.

  The kitchen itself was the average size of a three-bedroom home with five walk-in freezers, five huge stoves, ten refrigerators and at least twenty-five cooks working on dinner as domestic ran in and out of the kitchen carrying large trays.

  Andre stopped long enough to introduce me to the head chef, Lee Braden. He was an older man who looked to be in his sixties with grey hair and a round face to match his rotund body. His handle bar mustache seemed at home on his upper lip. He was in the process of making some kind of a gourmet cake for tonight’s dinner.

  Andre didn’t think twice about sticking his finger into the bowl of batter. While it smelled heavenly, I was surprised at the chef letting him get by with that kind of behavior. Instead of licking the sweet confection off his finger, he brought it to my lips. I hesitated only a moment. Upon seeing the look in his eyes, I opened my mouth.

  He stuck his finger between my lips and into my mouth. I was not expecting it. He darn near choked me, he’d shoved it in so far. Then he pulled it out and slowly pushed it back in, a couple more times. I licked it clean, as quickly as possible. I didn’t want him sticking anything in me. I was so getting out of here. The chef, who snickered at my pink cheeks, did not miss the intimacy of Andre’s gesture. Neither did I.

  “Can we go now? I mean, I don’t want to miss anything.”

  Andre whispered something to the chef and they both chuckled. He then took my hand in his and laced our fingers together as we left the room, leaving the chef in no doubt as to his intensions towards me.

  He settled down again, now that he had no audience and showed me the rest of the main floor. This also included a massive library that housed over five-thousand books, an art gallery of more dark paintings, five bathrooms scattered about and a large group bath and changing room. There was an escape exit to the outdoors in every one of the rooms, which could prove to be handy for me when I was able to walk again.

  I was informed that William Dark’s private quarters were on the fifth floor overlooking the gardens at the rear of the house. He had his own private dining room, kitchen, bath and several bedrooms.

  The size of the place was overwhelming. I wondered how I’d keep from getting lost. We went to the lower level via one of five elevators that opened into a large are, which looked like some kind of relaxation salon complete with overstuffed lounge chairs dotted among the tall plants that overshadowed the room. There were people relaxing in the padded lounge chairs with headphones on as they read magazines or just watched the ornate marble fountains that stood in the center of the room. A bar took up the whole right wall. I was told they served all kinds of health food and non-alcoholic cocktails laced with some kind of super vitamins.

  This was the only room
that had some brightness. The furniture was all white wicker. There were several screens hanging from the ceilings as well as a few video games placed between the plants. Andre explained that they were more Zen kinds of games as the room was designed for relaxation and unwinding.

  This was the recreation area Andre had mentioned earlier. I was surprised with so many people occupying the room it was very quiet. Most of them seemed to be meditating or watching the changing nature scenes on the screens.

  A training room and football-field sized swimming pool took up most of the lower level. The wine cellar was the last place we visited. It had a door in the far corner that looked as if it led somewhere, but Andre said it was just a dead-end passageway. I immediately wondered if it was a way out and longed to at least open the door and look.

  “This has been an interesting tour. Thanks, but I guess I’m a bit out of shape. I’m getting tired and my ankle is starting to bother me a bit.”

  “It’s no problem, I’ll get a wheelchair as promised. Can you stand right here for a few minutes? I have to go upstairs and retrieve one of the wheelchairs for you. If you want I can get you seated in the rec room.”

  “It’s not necessary. I’ll be fine here. I’m sorry to be so much trouble.”

  “It’s never a problem to take care of you, honey. I hope to take care of all your wants and desires someday.”

  I almost gagged at his innuendo, but just smiled as he blew me a kiss as he left the room. He was getting bolder with his comments and actions. I hoped he didn’t try to touch me more intimately. I didn’t know what I’d do if he did, but I didn’t plan to give my innocence to one such as him.

  When I was sure he was gone, I stopped thinking of him and walked to the door. It opened with some persuasion. I looked inside and found a tunnel. I was certain it was a secret passageway leading away from the place as evidenced by the way it was built. This was no natural cave tunnel. It had been man made, and therefore it had to lead somewhere.