9: Tick Tock

Elara’s POV 

“Two hours.” Marco’s breathed in my ear. “I'm not a patient man.”

With that, he leaned upright, and took the longest three seconds to study my fake confidence, while he rubbed the tip of his fingers in ridicule. Satisfied, he turned to leave. 

What was the time for? My mind was all over the place in confusion. But whatsoever it meant, it was dangerous. 

Evelyn was still frozen on her spot, flustered by the tall demi-god in his dangerous regalia. Like a shadow, he breezed past her, not sparing her a glance, nor a word. 

The quite hard cushion hurt my butt when I collapsed in it, too weak to stand for another minute. 

“Lilian…” Evelyn rushed to where I was. “Gosh!” 

I sucked in cool air through my clenched teeth. “I thought you needed an ambulance.”

She pulled closer, rubbing bodies with mine as if to validate her presence. “Who was that fine-ass, perfect chocolate-dripping diabetes?” Her tone was a soft moan as she rubbed her neck and fanned her sweaty face. 

“He isn't far gone, you can have all the bars.” I waved her off, too occupied with my troubles and his threat. 

“Lily?” She tugged on my arm. 

“He's just someone I randomly met.” I hissed a lie. For someone who knew nothing about my past, she wasn't a hard nut. “And like the bunch of psychos out there, he wants a mistress… Screw that. A slave!” 

She jerked at my harsh tone. 

“Nice. I mean uh…” She swallowed, still fascinated. “So, what's he proposing?” 

Nothing- I stopped myself immediately. No stranger would show up at my door and want sex in exchange for nothing. 

“Ten thousand dollars.” 

Her eyes popped out at my lies. “And?” 

I blinked. “I'm not that cheap.”

“Damn!” She palmed her face. “Tell me you didn't reject it.” My silence was all the answers she sought. “For one freaking thousand, I'd switch places.” 

“Good luck with that,” I frowned. 

Gently, she rubbed my arm, pacifying me. “Lily, think about Violet.” she started. “I'm not saying you should sell your body, but look at it this way. It's good sex and good pay.” 

Her words made me uncomfortable. It brought back memories I fought so hard to suppress. 

“Violet’s father would want you to move on too. It's not your fault he died.” She pouted. 

To her, the dickhead died in a fatal car crash. The day I lied about my history, I really wished he had died that way. And now, I hope it would be a truck breaking his bones and his devilish soul departed to hell! 

“Enough, Evie.” I heaved a loud sigh. “I know you're trying to help, at least let's make Violet cupcakes and cookies. You know how she loves them.” 

I stood up, proactive. “When she wakes up, I don't want her starving.” 

“Sounds like a plan.” 

Putting Marco and his sensual spell behind us, we giggled over cakes and cookies, baking with our hearts and the last ingredients. By the time we were done, it was about two hours and thirty minutes. 

‘Two hours. I'm not a patient man.’ 

“Lily?!” Evelyn’s voice pulled me back to herself. “Come on already.” 

I hurried down the walkway, which was a mix of petals and pebbles, joined her in the cab she had stopped, and we drove to the clinic. 

Evelyn paid the rider and let me lead the way. She was holding the bag of snacks and Violet’s favorite fruit drink. She was a sweet little girl, and considerate too. Whatever mama made was her best. Tears glistened in my eyes. She was the only good thing from Marco’s loins, the only reason I would miss my way over again. 

“Lilian!” Alice’s voice drew unwanted attention. 

She pulled her maxi bag over her neck and hurried towards me. Reading the room, she didn't yell. “It's so nice to finally see you.” She hugged me and patted my back. “I decided to stop by before going home.” 

Stop by?! 

“Hope you weren't hurt from the attack?” She continued, unaware of my conflicting mind. “Poor pretty pie.” She tilted my chin. 

Alice was acting weird, matter of fact, creepy! I made extra snacks to formally apologize to her for messing up her gig. I had only told Evelyn about the accident while baking earlier. So, how did she know? Hearing her rap, I was forced to believe in witches. 

“Don’t beat yourself up, dear.” She held my hand and pulled me along. “I have called my friend and pleaded on your behalf.” 

Evelyn looked away, so I assumed she had a hand in this. 

“Why would you stop by?” I spoke the first thing that came to my mind. “I mean, you've been here all day and I'm thankful.” 

“It's nothing.” She smiled. “You showed up at such an impromptu call, Violet must be proud of you.” 

“Call?” I stopped, dead on my track. “I lost my phone that night.” 

I noticed Alice’s face flow from cheerful to confused. “I called to inform you that I needed to pick up an urgent mail, and you texted me back.” 

She dug into her bag and searched for the phone. “See.” 

‘I'll be right there for Violet.’ 

It didn't sound like me, but hopping on my impulse, I sprinted for my daughter’s room, with my heart beating heavily against my chest. 

Holy heavens, let this please be a prank. 

I pushed the door like a tout, almost falling face flat on the ground. 

The bed was scaringly empty! 

Violet wasn't on it! 

I went rigid for a moment. Dashing for the restroom, hoping to find her there, it was also empty. 

“My baby…” I stuttered, labored breath from a panic attack. 

“Lilian,” Alice’s shaky voice beckoned. Her lips and hands trembled, slowly taking her whole body in waves of tremors. 

I snatched her phone, brain in a hyper state as I read through text:

‘Tick Tock. 

Your daughter is safe… for now. 

Your Master.’