Dalton’s man rushed into Van's Hardware store, heading straight to the front desk. Ellora had used her credit card here, and he wasn't leaving without getting some answers. Approaching the desk, a young woman with wavy auburn hair stood ready. Her name tag read Bree. He took the photo out of his pocket and held it up.
“Do you remember this girl coming in here about a month ago?”
Bree glanced at the picture quickly and shook her head. “Nae, can't say as I ’ave.”
“Look AGAIN!” he demanded, shouting so loud she jumped where she stood. Her eyes widened with alarm. There was something really off about this foreign stranger, and she decided it was best not to tell him anything. “You must be crazy! Do you know how many people come in here in one day? You really expect me to remember a girl who came in here a month ago?”
He leaned in and grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward him. She went cold at his touch, shivering as his features seemed to take on the look of an extremely psychotic monster. His mouth twisted into a sneer, and his eyes were wild and as black as coal. She flinched when his grip tightened. Bree gasped as the pressure turned her fingers blue.
“Have. You. Seen. This. Girl?” He slowly hissed out each word.
Bree faked bravado, lifting her head high, brushing him off as she pointed to Isaac.
“He's the cashier. If anyone would remember, it would be him.”
“If I find out that you’ve lied to me… I’ll come back for you,” he promised. Dropping her arm, the man slowly turned on his heel and made his way over to where Isaac stood.
Her shoulders slumped the moment he freed her from his paralyzing glare. She didn't know why, but she slowly started shivering. There was something really wrong with that man. He horrified her. He was a walking nightmare come to life.
He was trying to find Ellora. She knew all about how she was helping Grady. Kristy had told her when they spoke briefly, the night she’d come in for a drink when she helped waitress. The girl seemed sweet, and obviously cared for Grady a great deal.
This terrifyingly creepy man definitely did NOT have good intentions, whatever the reason was that he wanted her for. She knew Isaac would not say a word either. He had a huge crush on Ellora. She just had to call the pub and let everyone know someone seemed to be hunting her down.
As The Man left Van’s Hardware store, he was approached by a freckle-faced, bleach-blonde woman.
“I know what you're looking for. Aye, n’ I can help you, too, if you help me out in return.” She lifted up one eyebrow, knowing she had his full attention.
Dalton’s man shook his head from side to side, as he cornered her against the building. “That’s not how this works, sweetheart. Tell me what you think I want to hear, and I’ll let YOU know what its worth to me.”
Behr and Ellora strolled into Grady's hand in hand. Not a few moments went by before they would look over at one another. Their connection had deepened after their long day out together, which gave her hope that everything could be okay here. As they strolled through the pub, hoots, hollers, and approving nods followed them. Behr guided her to a bar stool, kissing the tip of her nose as she sat down. When Ellora finally had the power to drag her eyes away from his, she noticed the overjoyed looks on the faces that surrounded them.
“I see the fresh air did you both some good. I'd ask how your outing went, but the proof o’ that is as plain as the nose on my face.” Kristy’s’ warm gentle eyes looked over them fondly.
Grady lifted his head with pride. “I knew this was a match that would work from the very moment I laid my eyes on you two! Aye, you'd have to be a fool not to see it.”
“Geez, are we that transparent?” Ellora snickered, embarrassed but happy that everyone seemed to approve.
“You sure weren't, Ellora. You're a tough cookie to crack. You are really hard to read, but Behr over here, he was as clear as water,” Gavin teased, giving them a thumbs up.
Patrick, looking bored as he slid down the bar where everyone gathered, shook his head in disappointment. “’Bout time you stepped up and claimed this lady as yours. I was startin’ to wonder whether or not you liked women at all.” Slapping Behr on the back, he passed him a drink.
Behr just took the taunting, teasing, and attention in stride, shaking his head in amusement. A smile threatened to appear on his face. Looking down on Ellora, he leaned in, kissing the corner of her mouth. “Aye, you dinnae make it easy on me either, didja? Stubborn, cute little devil that you are. But you were well worth the wait.”
After a few groans, and threats of puking from the others, Ellora stuck out her tongue and switched topics to the beautiful finished hardwoods. “Wow, Grady, they turned out perfect! They look brand new! What a difference they make in here.”
“That they do. Shine up like a new prized coin. I couldnae be any happier with the work that's been done here. Turned out far better than I could've imagined, and I ’ave you to thank, Ellora. You've done a fine job. Your father is looking down on you with pride, my dear, as am I.”
Moisture collected in the corners of her eyes at the very mention of her dad. Ellora could only let out a hoarsely whispered, “Thank you.” After swallowing several times to force the knot she had stuck in her throat, she went on. “That means a lot to me, Grady. Thank you.”
The room became thick with emotion, so she changed the subject again. “Well, now we just have to decide on a paint color that is not already taken by the other pier houses on the harbor.”
Patty, ever the instigator, had to get a jab in. “Too bad pink is already taken a few houses down, lass, but dinnae be discouraged. There are plenty o’ other colors to choose from.”
Ellora lifted her brow. “Ha, ha, very funny, ol’ man.”
Grady walked around the bar and stood in front of Ellora. She turned in her stool so that they were face to face. She looked over this wonderful man’s face who had become like family to her, and realized how much happier and healthier he looked since she’d first met him.
He looked down warmly at the raven-haired girl who’d brightened his stale world, like a father would his own daughter. Grady cupped her cheeks with his calloused hands. “My dear sweet child, I’ve thought a lot on this. Had Catie still been alive to see this day, I know her well enough to guess what her decision would be. She would choose the beautiful color o’ your eyes, dear girl, because o’ all the love and kindness you’ve shown us all. It means a great deal to me, and I am thankful for the night you stumbled into this bar when you did. You’ve brightened up all our lives, and given me another reason to keep on going. No other color in this world will do.”
Adelle agreed enthusiastically. “A rich emerald green it is then. No other building on the harbor has the color. It is perfect!”
Behr burrowed into Ellora’s hairline. He kissed her earlobe, awakening little flittering butterflies in her stomach. Whispering low, his breath tickling the sensitive skin on her neck, he told her, “I believe in fate, love. This was all meant to be, just as you were meant to be in my arms.”
With the approvals of the others, Adelle passed out drinks as they all toasted to second chances. With a thunderous “AYE,” the night had started memorably.
As the pub started filling up with patrons, Gavin and Adelle glanced at each other from across the room. They silently agreed on something with a nod, then shouted out above the chatter. “We have a surprise for you, Grady, and you, too, Ellora. Word spread quickly through town about all the excitement that's been going on around here. Well, a few frat boys from the local college were in here the night of your fever, and they thought you worked yourself sick. While you were in the hospital, they said they wanted to help with your efforts, so they donated their pool table for the pub’s entertainment.”
Adelle walked over to a huge object tucked away on the left side of the bar, which had previously been empty. Grabbing hold of the sheet, she dramatically yanked it off, letting it fall to the ground. Vanna White had nothing on her. The table showed si
gns of wear, but it was obviously well taken care of. Adelle snatched up the pool stick, and with one brow raised, asked, “Anyone up for a game?”
“This is perfect! I love pool!” Looking up at Behr, Ellora silently questioned if he wanted to play. A soft kiss on her lips was the answer she wanted.
“DOUBLES,” he shouted, scooping her up playfully as he made his way over to the table.
“Oh, you’re ON, brother. You are so dead!” Gavin shouted back at his friend, jogging over to the table.
They did kill them, too. Adelle turned out to be quite the ruthless pool shark. After their embarrassing defeat, she proceeded to annihilate anyone else who dared challenge her.
The night had peaked, but a few townies stayed behind for one more drink, a good story, and a game of pool. The rest of them went about helping Grady with clean-up.
Ellora was in the middle of wiping down a table and collecting empty drinks onto her tray, when the hair on the back of her neck stood up in warning. An icy chill slowly prickled its way up her spine, like spiders crawling across her skin. Goose bumps broke out all over her body from head to toe. Ellora felt someone’s eyes on her. She felt them burning a hole right through her, spying on her. She was too afraid to look in the direction she knew he would be in. This feeling couldn’t be real. She must be imagining it. Raising her head slowly, she worked up enough courage to look up. Everything around her moved in slow motion, while Ellora remained frozen and shivering where she stood. Unable to think. Unable to breathe.
A few bystanders walked past her line of vision. When they finally passed, her eyes immediately zeroed in on the one stalking her. Ellora’s heart pounded painfully in her chest. All the blood drained from her face. She couldn't move. Her feet were frozen on the spot. She recognized him. He worked for Dalton. His eyes narrowed on her. Now, everything around them sped up in a frantic pace. He’d found her safe haven. She thought she could disappear here. She was dead wrong!
Behr looked over at Ellora, and was alarmed by her pale, ashen grey color. A shockingly horrified look was plastered across her face. Her eyes were wide open and intensely staring, not daring to blink. He followed her line of sight to the man across the bar, in the dark, sitting on a stool. The man was staring daggers directly at her. Behr looked back at Ellora, and she looked absolutely petrified.
It was the man Ellora had been running from. He knew it had to be by the look they gave each other. Behr didn't think twice before rushing him. A sick feeling twisted in his gut. He had to get her out of there. He had promised to keep her safe from her attacker. Without saying a word, Behr smashed his fist so hard into his face it felt like it would go right through him. Behr’s large fist practically covered the man’s entire face. Blood exploded out of his nose and mouth, spraying in all directions. He flew off the stool and skidded across the newly polished floors.
“ELLORA, RUN!” Behr thundered out so loud everything in the bar shook, including Ellora. It effectively snapped her out of her trance. She jerked in response, dropping the tray and drinks. When Behr looked back, he saw Ellora sprinting out the side door as fast as she could.
“Gavin, Patrick, over ’ere NOW!” Behr charged over to the bloodied man, grabbing him by the shirt collar and lifting him up easily. He cocked his fist back to deliver another punishing blow. The man shouted frantically, shielding his face with his arms.
“Stop! I’m Detective Dominick Antonelli. I’m a former police officer from Syracuse, NY. I’m here to help. Was that her? Was that Ellora?” Dominick rushed out quickly to avoid being hit again from the beast that hovered over him.
Behr shook him violently. “Dinnae you dare say her name again! She’s scared to death. Why are you in ’ere?”
Dominick yelled louder, “I’m here to help! She’s in a lot of danger. There are some ruthless people after her who’ll do whatever it takes to find her. I’m sure, if I was able to find her… they will, too. Don’t let her out of your sight!”
Behr let go of his shirt roughly, and pointed to Gavin. “Watch him, I’m going after her.
Gerard came barreling around the bar, holding his hands up, halting Behr on the spot. He turned to the detective, asking, “Some folks at Van’s Hardware called tonight, saying a man was there asking questions… wanting to know where Ellora was… Was that you?” Dominick’s eyes grew wide, and that was the only answer Behr needed. He plowed through the bar, bursting through the side door. He had to find Ellora. Fast.
Dominick shook his head. “No. He’s already here!”
I can't believe he found me. Ellora raced out of the door and down the narrow alleyway in between the two buildings. She didn't even know where she was going. She just knew that she had to run as fast as her legs could carry her. Despair filled her as images of the brutal attack she suffered months earlier flashed back at her. Her heart was pounding so hard she could feel it throbbing in her ears. Breaking out into cold sweats, she cried out, “This can't be happening. This will never end.”
She was approaching the end of the alley which headed to the back of the buildings. Glancing over her shoulder once again, to make sure that no one had followed her out the side door, Ellora almost stumbled on the loose gravel in the darkened alley. When her head turned back around, a large figure lunged out of the dark at her.
His strong arms snatched the petite girl right off the ground and dragged her back in the opposite direction. Ellora screeched out loudly and immediately fought, kicking wildly. She scratched her attacker’s arms that held her in his iron, unmoving grip, hysterically trying to break free. Taking in a deep breath, she let loose a loud ear-piercing scream. His other hand slapped down over her mouth, trying to silence her. His remaining arm snaked its way around her neck, locking her in a tight chokehold.
She fought back as hard as she could, tugging and pulling desperately at his arm. He slowly squeezed her airway. Ellora caught quick little breaths whenever he let up a bit. He was much larger and stronger than her, dragging her easily down the length of the back alley.
She managed to bite down on his arm once, HARD. He roared out as pain exploded in his forearm, loosening his grip on her neck. As he ripped his arm out of her clenched teeth, she hissed out an excruciatingly painful breath. Ellora spit out a piece of the flesh that she tore off. Taking advantage of the precious seconds she had free, she screamed as loud as her lungs would allow. She sucked in another breath and let out one more hoarse scream, before he knocked his fist into the side of her temple with a force so hard, she crashed to the ground. Ellora’s head bounced off the pebbled path. Trying fruitlessly to crawl to safety, she groaned as bright stars flashed across her vision. Her eyes clouded over and slowly faded to black. The man grabbed her ankle, dragging her over to him, then threw her limp body over his shoulder.
Sharp stinging pain was what woke her. Ellora’s cheek throbbed rhythmically like it was going to burst. She was being slapped repeatedly, and her head pounded with each strike. Trying to get her eyes to open proved to be more difficult than it should have. The assault stopped abruptly.
“I know you're awake.”
Ellora jumped at the sound of his voice so close to her ear.
Concentrating hard, the dizzy girl managed to lift her heavy lids. She squinted as she opened them all the way. That’s when she realized her hands were bound, when she tried to lift them to rub her eyes and couldn’t. Pulling at her bindings, she tested their strength… zip ties?
Ellora sat in a short wooden chair with her hands behind her back. When her eyes opened all the way, she came face to face with the living nightmare she feared most in this world. Except, she couldn't just wake up from this nightmare and have it mercifully disappear. There was no escaping this time. He’d finally caught up to her.
As she looked around, she tried to focus on her surroundings. To her relief, she realized that she was still in Skye. The building was empty inside, abandoned. Definitely a warehouse of some kind, it looked a lot like the old hardware store Behr brought her to
. The walls looked to have a stucco finish, and there were several inches of undisturbed dust on every surface. Desperately, she looked around for something -- anything that she could use to fight back or break free with.
“Looking for something to kill me with? I admire your survival instincts, sweetheart.” The man dropped a very heavy sounding duffle bag right in front of her. A cloud of dust blew up around them and slowly settled back down. The bag was quite large, at least two-feet by three-feet in length. She watched with dread as he unzipped the bag and took out several knives, varying in size and shape, along with box cutters, duct tape, and a large plastic sheet.
Ellora lost control of herself as her fear tore her calmness to pieces. Oh my God, he really plans on slaughtering me. And it didn't look like it would be quick, not with all the terrifying tools he laid out in front of her. She said a silent prayer, pleading for protection. Ellora knew she had to stall him until she could figure out how to get out of this. She bravely looked right at him.
“What is your name?”
Swiveling his head, he glanced over at the bound girl with a questioning brow. “Is that really the question you wanted to ask?”
They stared at each other for a tense moment. “You're going to kill me either way, aren't you?” she shot back at him. He just shrugged and nodded, agreeing with her statement. The idea didn’t seem to faze him at all.
“My name is Giddeon.”
“It was you who killed my parents... wasn't it?” Ellora hiccupped the question, barely able to get it all out. She couldn't hide the grief in her voice when she spoke of them. It still hurt so much, and she was possibly looking at the very same man responsible for their deaths.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he rose to his full height and faced the frightened girl. “Joseph's stubbornness and moral righteousness is what killed them both.”
“THAT'S NOT AN ANSWER!” Ellora roared out with such an outrageously thunderous shout that she didn’t even recognize her own voice.
Forever Marked (Marked Series Book 1) Page 20
