Taking back control
1259 Words
Two days later, I was in the spare room of Liam’s house when I heard him shouting downstairs. I couldn’t make out what he was saying but he was angry. Making my way to the stairs I saw him standing at the front door. I couldn’t tell who was in the other side of it because they were just out of view. Step by step, I walked down stairs to see what was going on.
“I don’t care, this ain’t your house mate and if you don’t leave now then I will have you done for harassment!” He yelled.
“What’s going on?” I asked as I stood beside Liam. I noticed Dan standing there looking extremely frustrated in his work uniform.
“What do you want?” I snapped and Dan looked over at me apologetically.
“Can we talk Elle? I only want 5 minutes” he pleaded. I looked at Liam who was glaring at me.
“5 minutes and then you leave me alone for good?” I bargained. He accepted and I stepped outside the door. Liam grabbed my wrist gently as if to warn me to not give him the time of day. I stroked the hand that grasped my wrist and said quietly “it’s okay”.
“If you touch her again then I swear I’ll kill you myself” Liam threatened him but Dan just laughed. Lia shut the door and I folded my arms.
“What?” I pressed.
“Elle, I’m so sorry for what I did, that was completely out of character for me. It haunts me every night and I wish it had never happened”
“You attacked me Dan. You full on beat me up and left me there” I reminded him and he looked down in shame.
“I know, I’m so sorry” he replied.
“Why? Why did you do it?” I snarled shaking my head at his pathetic apology.
“I saw red, I can’t stand that dickhead and the thought of you staying late at work with him drove me mad” he explained.
“So you attack me?” I rhetorically asked. He stood there quietly for a moment and then stepped closer to me, to which I instinctively stepped back.
“Please Elle, just give me one more chance. I will never lay a hand on you again, I swear” he promised. For some reason Gemma’s words were running though my head and it was encouraging me to stand my ground, no matter how much I wanted to believe him.
“It’s not just about the punches you throw, it the words you use too. It’s the way you’ve been treating me for the past few weeks and you’ve only got worse. I can’t forgive you Dan and I definitely can’t forget” I finally said.
“I’d like you to leave now”. Dan’s face dropped and I sighed when he didn’t leave immediately.
“Elle...”
“Go Dan” I raised my tone. When he didn’t move again I decided to make sure he couldn’t say another word to me. I opened the front door and slammed it behind me. I thought I would have some feeling of accomplishment for finally taking back control, but all I felt was heartache from the years I had wasted with him. Liam walked over to me and didn’t say a word, instead he wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly.
“I’m proud of you Elle, you did the right thing” he consoled me as I sobbed in his arms. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him again. My emotions were all over the place and I wasn’t sure of what I felt towards Liam. All I knew was that whenever I was in his arms, I felt strong and safe. We let go of each other and he stroked my cheek.
“Are you okay?” He asked and I nodded.
“I think I’m ready to go back to work. I don’t want to be stuck in this house anymore, as lovely as it is” I smiled.
“Only if you’re sure” he replied to me.
Working the next day was strangely up lifting. Things were getting back to normal and I wanted it to stay that way. All of my work colleagues were happy to have me back, especially Liam. He was constantly walking around with a massive grin on his face. It made me feel safe at work to have him there.
“I’m so glad you’re back, Victor was doing my head in whist you were away” Bex said. She worked in the office a few doors down from Liam. She was so kind to me and always made me feel welcome at work.
“Ugh, he’s impulsive” I replied to her and she chuckled.
“He kept getting the emails mixed up and wrote the appointment times wrong. It’s good to have a bit of order in the system again” she laughed before walking to her office. Right, let’s get started. I made a note of any messages I needed to relay back to my colleagues and called up the clients that were booked in by Victor. I made sure that the times and dates were correct. Now I have sorted Victor’s mess out, I can get on with booking in the clients on the waiting list. After calling a few clients I noticed an email pop up in the right hand corner of the screen.
Liam
How am I suppose to concentrate knowing you’re at the end of the corridor wearing a tight little pencil skirt?
I blushed at his flirtatious comment and refrained from replying. I thought he may have got the hint that I was busy but then another email came through.
Liam
It’s very rude to ignore your boss you know
My cheeks were hurting from smiling so intensely. I wasn’t sure whether to return his flirty comment or to explain that he was distracting me. I smirked.
Elise
My apologies sir, would you like me to find something more appropriate to wear tomorrow. I wouldn’t want you to be struggling whilst at work.
I giggled at the reply I sent and continued with what I was doing.
Liam
Struggling? I wouldn’t say I was struggling. I think the word tempted would be more accurate. Maybe find something that shows a little less skin. I wouldn’t want the other staff members complaining about the amount of skin you are showing... even if it is to gain my attention
Elise
You are mistaken boss, I thought I would wear this skirt today because it goes with my suit jacket. You hadn’t even crossed my mind when I was getting dressed this morning. Sorry to disappoint.
I was giggling to myself like a little school girl.
Liam
Liar.
I smiled at the screen before continuing with my work. The day eventually came to an end and I turned my computer off. Liam opened his door and locked it whilst I was filing all the lose papers away. He walked towards me dangling his keys and staring at me. I stood up straight to face him.
“So tomorrow is Friday... I was hoping maybe you were free in after work?”
“Well, that depends on whose asking?” I smirked and leant against my desk with my forearms. He chuckled and then replied “I was asking, I thought maybe I could take you out somewhere. I know how hard the past few weeks have been for you so I thought a change of scenery might help”.
“Hmmm...” I hummed.
“I was thinking maybe go straight from work at about 4pm... that is if your boss is okay with you leaving early” he said sarcastically and I bit my lip trying to stop myself from giggling.
“I will have to check with him but it should be fine” I replied and he tapped my desk.
“See you at 4” he laughed still role-playing.
“See you at home!” I called back.
- Writer
