“Do you like it?”
I turn my head to Drake. “I love it.”
“Good because—one day—you’ll be seeing a lot more of this.”
I frown, but have no time to dwell on what he’s just said as he opens his door and then mine quickly after. I notice a man standing by my door, and I smile as I get out. Drake is soon there, helping me, and for the first time in my life, I don’t feel like a child. I feel like a lady.
“Welcome to my home.” Drake takes my hand, his eyes light up, and he seems to lose all the anger he had from earlier. “Let me show you inside.”
I can’t help the huge grin on my face. I don’t feel scared any longer. For once, I feel safe. I have seen the rage inside of this man, but, for now—in this moment—all I can see is his kindness.
We take the stairs which lead to a big, wooden brown door. Inside is a huge round hallway, and an equally huge grand staircase. The lighting is bright, making me look up to its source. Hanging from the ceiling is the most impressive chandelier I have ever seen. That alone must be worth more money than what my house costs.
“What do you think?”
Biting my lip, I try hard to suppress a smile. “I love it, Drake. You have a beautiful home.”
This seems to please him as he walks me in farther. “I will show you it all tomorrow morning. For now, we must find you some bedclothes and get you to bed. You’ve had a long night.”
I frown. I don’t want to go to bed yet. I’m too wired to. “I can stay up a little—”
“No more discussions, Evelyn. You need your beauty sleep. I can show you to your room, and I’ll have Henry bring you some hot chocolate.”
“Who’s Henry?”
“My cook,” he answers. “Don’t worry. You can trust him. No one here will hurt you. I promise you that.”
Smiling, I nod my head and he leads me up the big staircase. Once on the landing, we travel a short distance down the hallway where he points to a door. “This is my room. If you need anything during the night, this is where I will be. But, please, only come inside if it’s urgent, okay?”
The way he asked me was as if he was pleading. I have never heard Drake plead before. Why is it that I can’t go and visit him during the night? Does he think I’m hideous or something?
I quickly scrap that thought when I think of all the trouble he’s gone to tonight to make me safe. I don’t know why the thought of me needing him during the night displeases him, but it’s one I note down just in case.
“You’re room is right next door.” He pulls me farther down the hall and opens up a big, white door. Inside is the biggest bed I have ever seen. Without hesitation, I walk in, noting the plush cream carpet, massive red velvet drapes, white chaise longue, and soft tan walls. “Wow,” I say again, walking up to the huge windows that seem to dominate the room. “You have a pool!” I squeal.
Drake laughs behind me, but soon joins me by my side as we stare out into his garden. The pool is big and currently glistening in the moonlight. It looks so inviting. I would give anything to jump in there right now.
As if sensing my thoughts, Drake turns me to face him. “All in good time, Evelyn.”
“Sir,” a voice sounds behind him. I snap my head towards the voice and see a young-looking maid with dark hair placing some items on the bed. “This is for Miss Montgomery.”
“Thank you, Louisa,” Drake answers before she quickly retreats. She didn’t even look at us.
“You must get some rest, and I must get some work done.”
He goes to move, but I grab him. “Aren’t you going to stay with me for a little while?” I see something pass over him, but I’m not quite sure what it is. Could it be frustration?
“No, Evelyn. You must go to bed.”
Hearing the harshness in his words, I feel it wise to nod my head. Drake sighs and is about to leave the room when he suddenly turns and stalks towards me.
Placing my face in his hands, he commands my attention. I look up into his deep brown eyes and for the first time, I sense a hint of something different inside Drake.
“Just remember one thing for me, Evelyn. No matter what I do, I am not a monster. Okay?” He holds my stare, awaiting my answer. When I nod my head, Drake exhales, kisses my head, and walks out the door, leaving me as confused as ever.
Age Seventeen – Present Day
I don’t see Drake again for another two weeks after that day out at the cinema and subsequent dinner. Later that night, he dropped Mandy home, and the whole journey back, I was itching to feel his lips on mine again. It never happened. He knew I wanted it, but felt compelled to hold back. He said, “If I kiss you again, I will take you home now and never let you go.” A part of me was disappointed, and another part of me was relieved.