Chapter 4 – Zanae
4
ZANAE
I clung as best I could to the huge man carrying me, heading to the couch to lay me down. With the little strength left in me, I whispered softly, “Sugar.” I couldn’t even be sure if I said the word aloud or just thought about it, but all I knew was that I fell asleep on that couch as soon as he laid me down.
A few seconds later, he returned with a chocolate bar.
“Sugar,” he said loudly, approaching me. It was like he knew about my condition, because he was too calm, too prepared.
I felt his chest against my face, his scent a mixture of cigarettes and men’s cologne, both sweet and rugged.
He gently lifted my head and positioned me to sit up, opening the chocolate bar and placing it in my mouth. “Eat,” he instructed.
Wait… that’s my favorite brand? How…? He gave me Patchi chocolate bars? But they’re Lebanese…
I met his gaze, dizzy and surprised. But his jaw clenched from impatience.
“Open your mouth, Zanae and eat that chocolate bar, now.”
I tried to comply, not having the strength to resist any longer. Our eyes locked, while I began eating the food. Despite my efforts, my head felt so heavy, and even after finishing the chocolate bar, I remained weak. I was so tempted to drift back to sleep on the couch, just a little longer…
To my surprise, he said nothing, settling at the end of the couch and engrossing himself in his phone.
Though my eyes were closed, I still sensed his presence— suffocating .
Feeling dizzy, I eventually managed to rise after a few minutes. He said nothing but got up as well. I looked around, kind of lost, unsure of what to do. Just then, the elevator opened, revealing Nikolai and another man, slightly smaller, dressed similarly in a suit. The newcomer had dark skin, short curly hair framing his face, and a prominent scar around his neck.
“We’re here; how is she?” Nikolai said, genuinely worried.
“She is diabetic,” Elijah answered curtly, moving away as if annoyed and bored.
Nikolai followed him, instructing the other man, Ben, to check on me. He approached me and helped me back in a sitting position. “Hello, my name is Ben,” he greeted with a smile. “I may not look like I know what I’m doing, but trust me, you won’t have any more headaches in a few minutes. Okay?”
He handed me a glass of water and a fatigue medication and advised me to rest my head against the chair for a few more minutes. He was nice and genuine. I didn’t pay much attention to him because I was too tired, but his face just screamed ‘trust me’.
He smiled one last time, checked my pulse and got up. I began to feel better a few minutes after taking the pill. Ben joined the other two, and after a brief discussion, they emerged from the room.
Ben and Nikolai headed toward his office, while Elijah made his way to the elevator.
Before leaving, Nikolai approached me with a reassuring smile, “I’ll call you before the end of the week to tell you more. Rest, and you’ll give your answer at the same time. Elijah will take you back. Have a good day and be careful, Miss Dellé.”
I got up, feeling better, nodded and made my way towards the elevator, somewhat lost, and not entirely sure what just happened.
“Faster, Milaya , I hate to wait,” Elijah remarked, his tone cruel and cold.
I hurried into the elevator, stealing a glance at myself in the mirror. Pale, weak, and always with that giant psycho behind me, shooting death glares my way.
The elevator doors closed with a soft hum. Elijah leaned casually against the elevator wall; eyes fixed on me. “See, Miss Dellé, I must admit, seeing you in this weak state makes me wonder if I should just put you out of your misery.”
I shot him a dark look, my guard never fully down, you never know with men... “How considerate of you, Elijah, that’s your name right? I’ll be sure to send you a thank-you card if I survive, I promise.”
The same smirk appeared on his lips, as if it was amusing for him, even exciting. “I was thinking about saving that murderous urge for when you’re looking a bit more... alive . It would be a shame to waste such a fierce woman in her weakened state. It’s not even amusing.”
I raised an eyebrow, confused. I really didn’t like this man, why was he this irritating? “You think I’d feel flattered that you want to kill me when I’m at my best? Really?”
He shrugged casually and said, “Death is a gift, you know. You should actually be flattered that I’m offering it to you. Don’t be so capricious about it.”
“You’ll have to wait for that,” I managed to let out, between heavy breaths.
He leaned against the metal wall more comfortably and said in a deep voice, “There’s something intriguing about patience, especially when it involves you. Perhaps when you’re not on the verge of collapsing, I’ll consider killing you.”
So kind of him.
I forced a strained smile. “I’m not— I’m just tired.”
The elevator dinged, and Elijah stepped back, his gaze cold and emotionless. “After you.”
His car glided rapidly through the city as he stole curious glances at me. I couldn’t figure out why he was eyeing me like this. “Why are you staring?” I finally asked, breaking the silence.
“I stare if I want to. And, I was just thinking,” he replied casually.
“About what?”
“Keep asking me questions and I’ll drop you off in the middle of nowhere. To be honest you could feel the thrill of the chase... You might even enjoy it before I catch you,” he said with a strange nonchalance.
I managed a weak chuckle, the headache still clinging to me like a hammer. “Interesting. But I’d prefer a more predictable destination, like the cafeteria, maybe? Let’s keep that idea in mind. When you catch me, I’ll open your chest and see for myself if your heart has a picture of me in red and with corns.”
He let out a low laugh and returned his gaze to the road. “The cafeteria it is then. You’re a tough negotiator. And as for the heart theory, you may have to try to see for yourself.”
“Don’t tempt me.”
He looked back at me, his deep green eyes urging me to gaze at them and focus solely on that rich color. “Why wouldn’t I? Go ahead, try it if you want.”
“You may have psychological problems, really.”
Who would say that with such a cold smile?
I was too tired for this, so I leaned my head against the window, attempting to regain some semblance of composure.
“I do have some.” His gaze traced my features as if analyzing every inch of my face. “You look like you’ve been through hell. Surviving my company is no small feat,” he replied as we neared our destination.
“I’ll add it to my CV.”
We pulled up in front of the cafeteria, and he turned to me, still scrutinizing me. “Now, don’t get yourself into trouble. You might find yourself in big problems if I’m not around.”
“Are you suggesting that I can’t take care of myself?”
“I’m simply implying that things tend to be more interesting when I’m involved. You’ll enjoy my company.”
“Doubt it.”
Stepping out of the car, I closed the door and turned back to him, feeling a mixture of heat and relief. With a forced smile, I said, “Thank you for the not-so-thrilling ride and the rescue mission, Elijah. It’s been a real nightmare being with you. I hope I’ll never have to see you again.”
He returned a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Anytime, Miss Dellé.”
I lingered for a moment; our eyes locked in a silent exchange. Green, vivid and so confident.
“You can go now,” he finally said, breaking the eye contact, “and you know, staring at people isn’t very polite.”
I didn’t understand why I was still here, watching this man, but there I stood, feeling both amused and intrigued by him. “I was simply curious about my surroundings. Thanks again for the chocolate.”
Fear, warmth, and a lot of unanswered questions filled my head, as I made my way into the cafeteria.
I turned back to steal a last glance at the car, only to catch him winking at me before speeding away.
Such a jerk.
Miranda caught sight of me as I entered the place. She knew me well, and when she saw how pale I was, she just led me toward the table where June was sitting. I settled in, and my phone vibrated in my bag.
Unknown Number
You’re welcome for the chocolate. But staring at our surroundings insistently is still inappropriate. – Volkov
A chill ran down my spine.
How did he get my number?
‘No need. I already have it.’ That’s what Nikolai had told me. How did Elijah have my number? After all, in this world, finding phone numbers was a standard affair for those entwined in the underground world.
But why did he have it even before I spoke to Nikolai the night in the cemetery?
Elijah Volkov... Interesting.