Elemental Fear by Ada Frost Read Free Book Online

penetrate my haze. The cool refreshing scent of the ocean calmed my senses just as the blackness came, finally.
     
    *****
    I opened my eyes, wincing at the pain I felt at my shoulder, back and ribs. I couldn’t even bring myself to acknowledge the burning between my legs. I gripped at the sheets, fisting clumps. I wanted it to stop. The cotton under my hands felt soft and warm, familiar. I inhaled deeply, adoring the safe sensations the aroma of my clean sheets created. Willing myself to focus, I turned my head, noticing a figure sitting on the edge of my bed, near me.
    “Hey .” Dominic turned his torso toward me, lifting his hand to stroke my hair away from my face.
    I half smiled. Blushing profusely at the situation, I tried to sit, but Dominic’s hands wrapped around, me pressing me against him.
    “How...”
    “Sorry, I didn’t know what to do, so I brought you here. Your mum and dad are still out. I texted Alan to tell him what happened. We should really get you to a hospital...”
    “No!” I said, raising my voice slightly. I winced at my sudden movement.
    “Okay, okay.” He held his hands up in a surrender sign. “But you could have seriously damaged something, Eve. God, you were so bloody pale.” He nodded towards my body.
    Stunned , I stay silent for a while. I hated lying to him, but who would believe Elliott had done this,
    and worse the shame of explaining it? I'm just thankful Dominic came by when he did . I just didn’t know what he knew. Had he heard –
    As if hearing my inner thoughts , Dominic spoke, quietly, almost a whisper. “I heard you...you sounded in pain, so I called to you, but you didn’t answer, and then I heard a thud. I ran up the steps to the house and heard you scream out. I’ll never forget that sound, Eve...” He paused as if recollecting the incident. “You didn’t move for so long, Eve, you were beyond pale. I thought...”
    “I’m okay, just clumsy.” I laughed weakly, hoping he would believe the lie.
    He looked pale himself and I noticed the worry in his eyes . He looked exhausted. He’d discarded his jacket and rolled his shirt sleeves up. His top button was open and his tie tugged loose. He was captivating to look at, like a piece of priceless art you were afraid would vanish if you didn’t memorise every aspect. His light brown hair stood in messy spikes, as if he had sat constantly running his fingers through it, and his daily growth of facial hair left a dark shadow along his jaw. He turned his head. A small reassuring smile caused his little cheek dimple to appear, making me blush at the thoughts that elicited.
    “I'm sorry...for causing you to panic .”
    “I’m sorry I did panic. I didn’t know what else to do. You were out of it .” He truly looked lost. I hated that I had put that vulnerability in his eyes.
    I couldn’t speak, I certainly couldn’t look at him. I fought to get the covers from me, wincing with the shooting pain as I moved. Dominic looked startled and tried to hold me back without hurting me. He still had his back to me on the bed , so I shuffled behind him to the base of the bed, while Dominic twisted to try and catch me.
    “Please don’t , Eve,” he begged
    I pushed him away, struggling to gain some balance as I wriggled from his grasp. I needed to get out. I looked for the door.
    “Arrrgh !” I cried out, feeling my shoulder resist under the weight.
    “Eve, stop. I’m trying to help you .” He was beginning to panic.
    “I don’t need your help ,” I snapped, angrier than I meant to be.
    He grabbed my hand . “Yes, you do.”
    “No .” I pulled my hand free. I needed to get to the door. I struggled away, clumsily throwing myself from the bed and reaching for the door handle as I opened it a crack. It banged shut. I looked up to see Dominic’s hand above my head. I stared at the door, my body shaking, my heart hammering so loud I heard nothing else. He was so close, I could feel his warmth, but he didn’t touch me.