16

I sat there for hours waiting for the unexpected punishment. Knowing Elijah he would attack when I let my guard down. The anticipation of Elijah's punishment had me ready to pass out out of fear. I knew I had pushed him, but he had hurt me. It was already difficult to accept him being with Faith.

I stood when the door suddenly opened and in walked Elijah. He shut the door and leaned up against as he watched me with dark eyes. I stood tensely waiting for his assault. I didn't have to wait long. Elijah grabbed me by neck and slapped me hard against my face. I fell to the floor holding my burning cheek, my tears falling fast.

Before I could get my bearing together Elijah hand grasped my upper arm and he pulled me to my feet. "Do you know why I'm angry Gabrielle?" Oh god. The calmness in his voice had my stomach churning with fear.

"I left the room," I whispered when I realized he wanted an answer.

"And what the fuck did I tell you?"

"Not to leave the room..."

"Not to leave this fucking room." I drew in a sharp breath. "So why did you leave?"

"I... I was hungry." I stuttered, hoping he would just accept that. He laughed, a scary laugh.

"What happened to your sudden bravery? You wanted to stay there... wanting to spend more time with Benjamin?" His jealousy was getting to him.

"No... I... I didn't-"

He smiled and I was sure my heart skipped a beat. "No? You didn't want to be with him? See, that's not what I remember." His fingers lightly touched my bruise cheek and I flinched.

"No, Elijah... I..."

He tilted his head. "You what?" Thinking about him and that woman, I felt my anger rise once again. I shoved him away taking him by surprise.

"You have no right to come here and scare me... you want me to stay put while you go with that woman."

His brows drew together in confusion. "Woman?"

"Yes, that woman. She was sitting on your lap and you... you were kissing her." It was quiet for a while. I shifted uncomfortably under Elijah's scrutinizing gaze.

"You were jealous? You openly defied me because you were jealous. Do you have any brains up there?" He said tapping my head. "A fucking headache is what you are. Why the fuck do I bother to deal with you." His words hurt. I hated how he made me feel stupid.

"I was bored and Mr. Cruz was nice enough to keep me company." His eyes narrowed.

"Fuck did you just say?"

"Mr. Cruz... he was a very nice man. I'm sure he would be happy to deal with me." I lashed out, wanting him to hurt the way I was hurting. Elijah smiled. I was not prepared for the slap I received, it felt like my jaw broke. Elijah grabbed my arm, breaking my fall.

"Tell me again how Mr. Cruz would be so willing to deal with you."

"Why? Jealous?" It hurt to speak.

"Yes, yes I am jealous." My eyes widened. "What? Were you expecting me to deny it." Well, yes. "You don't want to be making me jealous sweetheart, you will only end up hurt in the end."

"So you can do what you want, but if I bring up another man I get hurt... how is that fair?"

"Fair? This is not about fairness. You belong to me and only me. I'll do with you as I see fit." His words shocked me to the very core.

"If you continue being with other women then I will also be with others." I said before I could stop myself. I don't know why I said it, it was like a reaction.

"The fuck did you say?" His hand once again found my neck but this time he added pressure.

"I'll find someone else. I'm sure Mr. Cruz would be happy to accept." I was sure he was furious now, his hold on my neck tightened, cutting off my airway.

"You will fuck around on me? You think I will ever allow you to fuck with me? I'll kill you first! You hear me! I'll fucking kill you!" My heart was pounding in my chest. My hands struggled to remove Elijah's hand from my neck. My eyes became blurry and I silently begged Elijah with my eyes. "I'll fucking kill you." Was the last thing I heard before darkness.

My eyes fluttered open to once again find myself in Elijah's arms. I tried to move but he wouldn't budge. My throat was scratchy and sore as I tried to use it. Elijah must have felt my struggles because his hold on me tightened.

"Don't move," Feeling very confused, I stayed still. He kept my head to his chest as he lightly played with my hair. I did not understand what it was he was doing. He held me, as if he did not want to let go. It wasn't until the memories from yesterday's events came back to me did I tense. "I'm sorry," He mumbled shocking me to the core.

Elijah never apologize, or at least I never heard him. The time I spent with him he never once apologized or showed any remorse in his actions. But even knowing this I was not ready to accept it. He'd hurt me, not only physically but mentally and emotionally.

I went to stand and to my surprise Elijah allowed it. Not waiting, I went into the bathroom to relieve myself. I made the mistaken at looking at myself in the mirror, and I was sure a sight. My cheeks were red and swollen, and my lip were crack, but that wasn't what made me freeze. My neck was bruise... bad. It made my stomach churn with disgust.

I splashed some water on my face wanting to look more alive before going into the room to the devil himself. Elijah stared at me and a look of guilt flashed across his face.

"Go pack," My brows knitted together in confusion. Before I could question he left the room without so much of an explanation. Knowing that it is useless to fight with him I began to pack.

Elijah entered once I had finished getting dress. He eyed me out before telling me to come. We made our way downstairs and to my surprise there was no indication that a party had took place last night. Everything was so clean and put up.

We got into the car and without wasting another second Elijah pulled off, not saying a word.

We spent hours on the road. Elijah did not pull over once, not to rest or get food for that matter. He did not spare me a glance during the drive, not to mention speak to me. He ignored me the entire time, no matter how many times I tried to get his attention.

We finally came to a stop and I felt my heart skip a beat at the sight of my bakery. Elijah parked the car and made his way inside. Everything looks just as it did before.

Elijah looked around, making sure everything was good. He went upstairs and checked every room. Once he was done he turned to me for the first time since we been on the road.

Walking towards me, he grabbed my jaw and kissed me softly, as if he was savoring every moment... every taste. I didn't respond to the kiss but did not push him away. I was confuse as to why it is we are here.

"I almost killed you last night." His blue orbs gazed into mine, taking in everything. I stayed silent not trusting my voice. "The thought of you fucking around blinded me, if it wasn't for Noah walking in when he did I..." Noah? Noah had saved me. "This obsession I have for you is too extreme. It's unhealthy... for the both of us." Was... was this his way of saying goodbye?

"You were right, everything I did to you was for my own selfish needs. I wanted to make you suffer for not being the woman my mother portrayed all women to be. I wanted to break you but to see what I did to you last night." He lightly caressed my neck and I winced. "I realized I couldn't keep you with me anymore." I drew in a sharp breath and nodded my head stiffly. As I went to walk away Elijah grabbed my arm.

"Don't do that," I didn't turn to look at him. "Gabrielle, I'm fucking trying here." I know... I could hear the restraint in his voice. I heard him shuffling and turned to see a roll of money in his hand.

I quickly shook my head. "I don't need your money."

"Take it," I shook my head stubbornly. He let out an exasperated breath. "Fucking take it Gabrielle." Reluctantly I did take it, if for anything to keep the peace. Elijah nodded, satisfied with that.

I gasped when he suddenly pulled me against his chest, holding me tightly. No... he was going to ruin everything. I felt my eyes water and as the first tears fell I shoved him away and all but ran up the stairs, not wanting him to see my weakness. It wasn't until the sound of the door closing shut did I fully break down.

It was hard trying to forget Elijah. I tried to busy myself but I would find my mind forever drifting back to the cruel man. I had went back to my normal routine before Elijah came into my life. Emily was good to take care of the shop while I was gone. She was so surprised to see me here the day she came to open. She had asked a so many questions it was hard to keep up.

"Gabby, honey where have you been? I was worried sick... you left without so much as a note. How could you be so careless?" Oh poor Emily...

"I'm sorry, I had went away for sometime. I... I needed to clear my head." She eyed me out, trying to find any signs that I was lying. When she found none she let out a breath.

"Fine, just don't do that again. You gave me quite a scare." I nodded.

I loved serving my customers, seeing a smile on their face put a smile on my face, but still it wasn't the same. After Elijah I don't think anything will ever be the same.

As the months went on I began thinking about Elijah less and less, before I locked him out of my thoughts all together. Everything was running smoothly. I would open my bakery every morning and happily greet my wonderful customers just as I did before.

It was not until I started getting strange phone calls, no one would speak only the sound of harsh breathing. In the beginning I didn't think much of it but then I started receiving love letters and roses.

Soon I began getting threat letters. One night it got so bad that I called the police in a moment of panic. The police came and looked around before telling me that there was nothing they could do.

I ignored it and tried to convince myself that it was nothing to worry about. Emily had asked me to stay with her for the time being but I politely declined.

She have been a huge help and I did not want to bother her more, with her father being sick and all she have to travel a lot lately. I ended up giving her time off so she could be with her family.

It took a lot of persuading before she finally gave in. Sad to say it was lonely without having her around. One day as I was helping around the bakery a familiar face came in.

"Gabby, is that you?" Looking up I saw Mr. Scott staring down at me as if shocked to see me. I smiled politely.

"Hello Mr. Scott. How have you been?" He eyed me out strangely.

"Good... I haven't seen you around. You been M.I.A. for months." My brows knitted together in confusion.

"M.I.A?"

"Missing in action..." Oh... what a strange phrase.

"Well Mr. Scott, I have been very busy lately."

"Carter," He corrected. "Well, how about we catch up over dinner." My eyes widened at his boldness.

"I don't know... I have a lot of work to do around here."

"Do I have to beg Ms. Lane?" He teased with a frown. I felt myself giving in.

"No that won't be necessary." I laughed shaking my head. "A friendly dinner?"

"Of course," Hesitantly I agreed.

Carter was nice enough to wait around for me to close up the bakery. He took me to a nice diner, nothing fancy which I was grateful for. He was a very nice man, and kept the conversation flowing. I felt myself relaxing and enjoying myself. Somehow we drifted back to our last occurrence together.

"I'm so sorry about that, I didn't mean for you to get hurt." I said thinking about how bad Elijah had injured him. I'm surprised the swelling in his face went down.

"So are you and that man together?" Interesting question... were me and Elijah ever together?

I hesitated before shaking my head. "No... he was a good friend of Gran."

"Really? He acted like a jealous boyfriend." I laughed awkwardly. Thankfully he changed the subject.

We continued to converse for some time, before I called it a night. He drove me home and I told him good night, not bothering to say more. All in all the night was nice but I found myself constantly worrying about what Elijah would do if he was to find out. I pushed those thoughts aside knowing that he had probably forgotten me by now.

As the weeks went on I began to spend more and more time with Carter. He was always around to keep me company and also sane. It was nice having someone to talk to, with Emily being gone I do not really have anyone.

Carter offered to help around the shop, I had offered to pay him but he refused claiming he just wanted to busy himself. It was heart touching having someone around that actually enjoyed my companionship. Unlike Elijah, Carter was always eager to hear what I had to say, even if it was ridiculous.

One night as I was getting ready to close up the shop I received a package that I did not dare open. Carter, seeing my hesitation, took it upon hisself and opened it. He cursed before closing it, but not before grabbing the note from inside. His eyes skimmed over it, as I walked away not wanting to see it. I already knew what it was and most likely what it say.

"Do you have any idea who sent you that?" I shook my head and continued to put away the last few dishes. "How long have you been receiving them?"

I shrugged, not looking up at him to meet his gaze. "Almost three months..."

"Have you gone to the police?"

"Yes, they are trying all they can but there's nothing they can do without a suspect." I didn't want to think about it. It made it less real.

I felt him grab my arm, stopping my task at hand. "Gabby, if you need somewhere to stay-"

"No... I'm fine. I'm a little tired I think I should get some rest." He nodded and let me go.

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." I smiled and nodded my head.

Locking up behind him I quickly went upstairs. As I tried to force myself to go to sleep, I felt as if someone was watching me. I shook off the feeling but ignoring only it proved to be impossible. Not thinking I called Noah.

"Hello," I let out a relieved breath at the sound of his voice.

"Um... Noah..."

"Gabby?"

"Yes, I... I-"

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" He sounded worried.

"No, it feels like someone's watching me..." I mentally face palmed myself.

"What?"

"I... I was afraid. I'm fine now, goodbye Noah."

"Gabby wait-" I quickly hang the phone up, practically slamming it down on the receiver. I do not understand the reason my first instinct was to call Noah, I just needed a sense of security, but it was hard hearing from him after months.

The following day as I went to open my shop, I was shocked to find Noah downstairs helping himself to some leftover desserts. I did nothing but stare at him, trying to figure out if he was real. When it finally came to me that he was actually standing in front of me, I all but ran into his arms. I did not realize how much I actually missed him.

"What the fuck was that about last night?" He asked once I pulled away.

"Nothing," I mumbled. The way he looked at me was a look of pure disbelief.

"Nothing? What's going on Gabby?"

"I... I think I have a stalker..."

"You think you have a stalker?" I nodded. "And you are just now calling me about this." I nodded again. "How long?"

"Almost three months." He cursed under his breath earning a frown from me. "There's no need to use that kind of language."

"Why the hell are you telling me this now?"

"I didn't have anyone else to call." I whispered feeling my eyes build up with tears. The fact that I had no one to turn to hurt... it hurt a lot. If Noah was to not help me and leave I will have no one left.

He cursed again. "Don't cry Gabby, I'll stay with you until we get this figured out."

Hearing his words, a huge smile made its way to my face. "Really?" He nodded and I couldn't be happier. Before I had the chance to tell him my gratitude a knock on the door cut me off. I was about to go check it out but Noah stood and answered before I could so much as move from my seat.

"Who are you?"

"Carter Scott... and who are you?" I quickly moved to them.

"Good morning Carter. Noah this is Carter, he's my friend." I budded in, hoping to ease the tension that was now forming.

"It's nice to meet you." Carter said holding out a hand to Noah. Noah who only eyed him out.

"What is he doing here?" How rude. Here Carter was trying to be nice and Noah just brushed him off.

"Thought to make sure Gabby was alright." Carter said drawing his hand back to his side.

"Well she's fine, you can leave." My eyes widened at how rude Noah was behaving. Carter looked at me and I smiled sadly at him.

"I... I will see you soon." He nodded his head slowly before leaving. Once he was gone I turned and glared at Noah.

"There was no need to be rude."

"I don't like him." My brows drew together.

"And why not?"

He shrugged. "Just don't..." I shook my head at the man in front of me.

"That's no excuse to be rude to Carter. He did nothing to you." Noah did not answer me. His and Elijah's similarities always seem to surprise me.

"How about you fix us something to eat? A man got to eat." He smiled arrogantly.

"Aren't you forgetting something Mister,"

He rolled his eyes. "Please," I smiled and went to prepare breakfast.

During breakfast I told Noah about the stalker and the threats I have been receiving. He listened to every word carefully, taking everything in. Once I had finished explaining the situation to him he scolded me for not calling him sooner and I could help the smile that fell on my lips.

Noah stayed around for a few days giving me some sense of security. Carter also came around again, Noah did not like it but kept his opinion to himself after I had told him Carter was not going anywhere and he will just have to put up with it.

Everything was going great that is until Noah had to leave. Apparently he had a job he have to do. I begged him to stay although I knew it was no use. He could not tell Elijah no, if he was to do that then he would have to tell Elijah where he was.

"I'll be back in a few days,"

"I'm scared..." I whispered.

Noah looked torn. "I promise, three days to the most." Reluctantly I nodded.

Noah left the next morning and I was once again alone. I waited the next few day for him to return but it was a no show. I tried to convince myself that he was coming but after almost two weeks I was sure he was never coming back.

The feeling of someone watching me only seemed to worsen, I was sure someone was indeed watching me. One night I was sure I heard someone down in the bakery.

Somehow I gained up the courage and asked Carter if he would mind spending the night. Carter looked shocked but thankfully he agreed. I thanked him and went to clean up the guest room and prepare dinner.

"I don't understand why you won't just stay with me. I mean if you are that scared you shouldn't be alone." I knew he was right but I had no one to go to.

"I'm not alone, you are here." He smiled a my snarky response but did not push it. Once dinner was over we moved into the living room.

"Lets watch a movie." Carter suggested, wanting to ease the awkwardness. Not wanting to be rude I nodded.

If I wasn't scared before I was surely afraid now. The movie was gruesome. It was about a man that got off by kidnapping people and skinning them to death, then he would leave their remains in a public place for all to see. It was horrendous.

Somehow I ended up moving closer to Carter in fright, we were so close our legs were touching. I jumped as a loud noise came from the tv and Carter's arm fell around me instinctively.

Suddenly the door open causing both me and Carter to get to our feet. My eyes widened in shock and my mouth fell open although no words came out as I stared at the man who had entered. Elijah stood there in all his glory, his eyes dark as ever as he eyed out both me and Carter.