Elle POV.

We are so having a conversation about these fake draws later..

Who the hell has fake draws in a kitchen?! Apparently Zak!

I didn't know they even existed?! What is the point of them?!

I was beginning to question what was winding me up more, the handcuffs, the keys I couldn't reach or the fake draws?

Right now, the fake draws were getting to me....

I try and reach the keys again, hoping my arm had grown in the last few minutes. Considering I almost popped my shoulder out on the first few goes.

Screaming in frustration is entirely out the question unless I want us to end up in hot water or possibly shot, so for now, I struggle on in silence.

I had tried pulling my hand out the cuff too, knowing that to be the last resort. But I almost snapped my thumb and when my whole hand turned a shade of red/ purple, I gave up and pushed my hand back through, letting the blood rush back to it.

Now it looked swollen from my attempts not to mention a little sad looking. What on earth was I thinking?

I even turn and try to use my leg but it's difficult to manoeuvre around.

Eventually, I sit on the floor, I push myself away from the cupboard enough until I can stretch my leg out and try to hook the keys with my foot. Hope builds in me as I slide them towards me an inch.

"Come on you bitch.." I whisper, trying again.

When they are close enough, I grab them and begin trying the keys in the locks.

I'm stressing, my hands are working too fast and I keep missing the key hole until I stamp my foot and growl quietly at myself to calm down. If it's serious, Zak would have come and got me, right?

I consider that it's none of my business and Zak might not want me in the room. It's only then that I am able to try the keys properly. There are a few different keys on the bunch, but each one fails to unlock me from my new prison, only escalating my anxiety even further.

We are going to have to find bolt cutters. But how the heck am I going to get the cuff off my wrist?!

I'm ready to give up, even call for help to get out of this situation, when silver catches my eye.

Led on the floor, is one key that has fallen off the loop. One I have missed and one that could be the key I was looking for.

Hearing Zak's voice increase, I dive to the floor as best I can, and try to get that key whilst I still have a chance.

******

Zak POV

Her flirty behaviour and luring eyes are going to be the death of me. Standing cuffed to the draw with her flushed cheeks, swollen lips and hip popping stance. Elle had her attitude about her, but I like how quick I could contain or ingulf it.

However, there was a bigger problem afoot and that was the police..

I am a law abiding citizen but I can't help walking to the front door with anxiety crawling through my gut, worrying about what I may have done wrong, because that is why they are here. Not for a home visit and a chat..

"Hello Officer!" I say loudly as I greet the police, hoping Elle has got the cuffs off.

But when she doesn't appear, I'm forced to look at the police officer who is stood looking at me and waiting to get down to business. He doesn't look happy either...

"Mr Bagans, am I right?"

I nod. "Yes sir, you can call me Zak."

"May I?" He gestures to be let in, and I step back, welcoming him in.

"Is there a problem?" I ask. Walking over to the lounge area so that we can sit down.

"I just have a few questions, that is all." He says, sitting down and placing a folder to his side.

"Questions... Do I need a lawyer?" I ask, sensing a shift in the room.

"I'm not here accusing you of anything, just to help me with a few enquiries.. If you would feel more happier with a lawyer, we can ask these questions down at the station?"

The idea doesn't sit well with me, so I shake my head and remember my right to remain silent. After all, I don't want to talk myself into trouble..

"We are following up a report of a missing person." He says, opening the folder and picking up a photo.

When he places it onto the table, I recognise the woman instantly. "Do know this woman?"

I gulp. "Y-yes. That's Elle. She's my, well we haven't put a label on it, but if we had to, I would say she's my partner. We are in a relationship."

The officers brow twitch.

"Hang on missing person?" I ask looking at him.

"Friends and colleagues have been unable to contact her for the past few days. Having a medical condition, we are eager to ensure her safety. Her disappearance is out of character."

"You think she's been taken?"

"Like I said... We are eager to ensure her safety."

"She is safe." I tell him feeling my defensive side take hold.

"And how can you be sure?" He probes.

Because she's handcuffed to the draws in the kitchen?

"When was the last time you spoke to Elenor?"

"Elle.. You think I've taken her?" I ask, offended.

I would never, never hurt her!

Although it is kind of true that I have taken her and kept her for myself this past week, but I haven't been keeping her hostage! She knew she could leave at any time.

God, please don't let this cop walk into my kitchen...

"I am not accusing anyone of any acts of crime. I'm just asking if you have seen her. Her friend... Mia, reported that they both had an argument, regarding you and your past." He says picking up the file to look in it. "You've been arrested-"

"Over half my life ago!" I interrupt. "I am a completely different man now. Elle is my partner, why would I want to kidnap or hurt her?"

"Mr Bagans, we live in Nevada, crime has risen by 69% in the last three years. We are only following up a report of a missing person-"

"Who is missing?" Elle asks stepping into the room.

My eyes shoot down to her wrists to find no trace of the handcuffs anywhere. I notice one of her hands is a shade of red, but I'm too relieved that she walked in to ask.

"Mia reported you missing. Maybe kidnapped... By me." I tell hers

Elle's eyes widen into saucers "Oh my god, are you kidding me?" She asks looking at the officer.

"Ma'am, I'd like to ask you a few questions..." The officer says before glancing at me.

It's a hint for me to make myself scarce, so I stand up and walk over to her.

"Don't worry." I tell her softly before heading into the home theatre.

"Questions..." Elle says confused. "About what?"

"Regarding your whereabouts the last seven days." The police officer says.

I can see Elle from where I am stood, her face is still filled with confusion. "I've been here.. With Zak."

"And what have you been doing in that time?"

Her face shifts into a frown. "Living, like a normal person. Look what are you trying to get at? Have I done something wrong?"

The officer looks up from the folder and towards Elle, I can't see his face, only the back of his head. "I am only here to ask a few questions. I asked to speak to you alone for your own safety."

"Safety? You think Zak would hurt me? I- What exactly has Mia said?"

"I'm not allowed to divulge in the information passed onto us-"

"Why not? It's about me and I have the right to know, do I not?"

"Within limits. Elenor-"

"It's Elle." She bites.

"Elle... A missing persons report was posted by Mia, your friend. She is concerned about your whereabouts and has been unable to get hold of you. In fact, a few people have tried countless amount of times to reach you. Mia also mentioned you have epilepsy?"

"Yeah.."

"Because of your medical condition, medication and how out of character this was of you, we deemed you a high risk case."

"But it wasn't out of character? I text my boss, Mia's boyfriend." She says.

The police officer looks down at his notes. "This was mentioned, but with a text message,  anyone can send it."

Elle scratches her forehead "I can't believe this is happening, it's a complete waste of your time and your resources."

"I understand this must be frustrating for you. Due to the report being made and the risk level, we had to enter your home."

"So you've essentially broke into my home too? Who is going to pay for that to be fixed?" She asks.

"The landlord was present, they opened the door for us whilst we searched your premises."

"Oh.. Right."

"He did try to contact you too.."

Elle sighs. "My phone has been on aeroplane mode. I didn't want Mia hounding me. I- She doesn't approve, of me and Zak."

"And why is that?"

"Apparently he is no good. But she hasn't met him to judge him that way. She went digging and found some dirt. Wielding that like a righteous sword, she tried to warn me off. We had an argument and when I suggested getting away for a while, Zak suggested here." She says lifting her hands to my house. "It's within Vegas, private, I have access to everything I need and I am safe with someone."

The officer nods.

"Zak has been looking out for me and is also aware of my condition. He has an alarm set for 11am every day to remind me to take my medication and the stress which causes the seizures have been obliterated. I am in good hands."

I tune out as the officer asks some more questions,  let my head fall back against the door, unable to believe that Mia had reported Elle missing. And why didn't I know that Elle had put her phone on aeroplane mode? Was the stress really that bad for her? Why hadn't she spoke to me? 

Here I was, starting to think that I could read Elle's eyes, when in fact they shielded a lot more than I could imagine.  I just can't get my head around the idea of her being so upset about their argument that she had to disconnect her phone.

This whole entire week, her friends had thought that she was in danger, when the whole time she was here, living with me, laughing and enjoying herself.

I felt bad, of course I felt bad. Because the thought must have been terrible for them, worrying that she was somewhere alone, possibly hurt.

Well not alone, they thought I had taken her, like some predator and that's a little fucked up.

Elle may not want to chat after this meeting with the police, but I think we should sit down and talk about this bust up with Mia and find out exactly what the best course of action is.

Do I try and convince her to reach out to Mia? Do I reach out to Mia and speak to her? Do I let it run it's course and hope for the best? Or do I stand down from being the thorn in the side of their friendship and bow out, letting go of Elle?

The last idea left a bitter taste in my mouth but if it meant that she was happy, or happier and that she had her friends back, it would be worth it... Right?

We humans, we are social animals, we were never meant to isolate away from each other or live lone lives. It has a knock on effect on our health. As much as I adore Elle, I don't want to become her everything. I like that she is a strong and independent woman, who isn't clinging onto my every movement and word. I've dated women in the past who have text me constantly, rang me nearly every hour and asked if I would switch the location on my phone so that they could see where I was too. It drove me insane.

Elle, was not that.

Hell it was me coming home from the museum earlier because I wanted to be around her, checking the house security cameras when I was alone and watching her mill about my home, talking and playing with Gracie or reading a book on the couch.

The difference between me and Elle, right now? Was I had her, the museum, the show and the crew. Whereas for the past week, she has had me and Gracie.

She needed more, she deserves more.

*****

When the front door closes, I slowly appear from the home theatre and find Elle stood with her hands on her hips, shaking her head gently.

"Are you okay?"

She turns and offers me a smile, but I know it's not a real one and tweak my head towards the couch, knowing that we were going to talk, she heads over and crashes down. "I am so sorry-"

"Don't be ridiculous. You have nothing to apologise for.. Mia was jus-"

"Just being an overbearing bitch?" She suggests.

"Being a good friend. She was clearly concerned." I answer.

Elle looks at me as if I've grown a second head. "A good friend? A good friend would be supportive, they may not agree with the choices you make, but they support you nonetheless."

I don't want this to be an argument between us, so I nod my head letting her know that I understand. "El, why haven't you spoke to me? About the argument? About how much is has clearly stressed you out?"

She wets her lips "Because there is nothing to speak about. Mia overstepped the mark, I got upset because she said some pretty hurtful things. That's it."

"But you put your phone on aeroplane mode, nobody has been able to contact you..."

"It's not my fault though. I text Henry telling him I was taking some time out. It was as simple as that. People drop off the map all the time, switch off their phones and disappear for weeks, even months. But because I have a medical condition, suddenly I'm a high risk? Even now, Mia is showing me that she doesn't think I can look after myself! I can look after myself!" She fumes.

"I get it-"

"No! No you don't because you are not me!" She snaps pushing her hair back. Her eyes shut as she takes a few breaths to calm down. "I'm sorry.. For shouting that was uncalled for."

"Sweetie.." I say softly, trying to defuse her tension. "Look at me."

Elle peers over to me, through her honey eyes.

"Let yourself accept that falling out with Mia has hurt you. That it's fixable too."

"She won't accept you-"

"I don't care about me. What I care about is your feelings, how you are coping, not who does and doesn't like me. I've gotten use to people hating me, it's part of the job."

"She overstepped the line."

"And I agree." I tell her. "But maybe Mia has tried reaching out to fix this and you haven't seen it?"

Elle cocks a brow "Mia is the most stubborn woman on earth. If anything she has probably messaged me asking for my apology."

"She wouldn't do that-"

"You don't know her.." She mutters. "Look Zak, I know you mean well. I do. But she turned spiteful that day we met up. I've never seen her be that manipulative, Sophie too."

"I don't want you to lose years of friendship over me." I tell her, hoping she can see it from my perspective. "El, I love having you around, but what if it's causing more damage between you and Mia?"

She looks at me. "Are you-" She pauses. "Are you suggesting that I stop seeing you because Mia doesn't approve? Zak, she isn't my mother or my carer. She is my friend."

"Exactly. You need your friends."

"And what if I need you to? What if I feel... Happier, confident and free spirited when I'm with you? Am I suppose to give that up and go back to feeling like a burden on everyone I'm with? Knowing that they are waiting for me to hit the floor at any minute?"

"No, I'm not saying that-"

"Then what are you saying?!" She shouts, tears filling her eyes. "If you're having second thoughts about this, us, then just fucking say it! Because I am fed up of being toyed about with by everyone I care about! It's not far!"

I feel my chest tighten at her tears and the idea of letting her go. I don't want to do that, as much as I want this to be fixed for her, I don't want to lose her. I scoot along the seat.

"No, no, no." I whisper, pulling her closer to me. "I'm not having second thoughts, I'm spewing ideas because
I want you to know, I will do whatever it take, to make you happy."

And that, boys and girls, is the truth..

"You. You make me happy. This whole week has been amazing. Yes I have been feeling a little stressed out but then I see you, doing something weird and wonderful and it all goes away. Zak, I don't want Mia to ruin this. We both deserve better than that." She says looking up to me.

I can tell she truly means that and it touches a part of my soul that has been kept hidden away for a long time.

A smile tugs the corner of my mouth "You mean that."

"I do. So please, don't pull the rug out from under me."

"I won't. I promise." I tell her hugging her tightly.

Sensing that she needs some time, I pull her back with me on the couch and lie down, letting her head rest on my chest. She hums gently as I run my fingers through her hair and wait.

Around the 5 minute mark, I tilt my head and find her asleep on my chest, holding my shirt as if I'm going to disappear on her. I smooth out the frown on her face and lay back, enjoying the moment, when my eyes lock with something.

Don't do it...

Looking down at Elle again, I decide to ignore the voice in my head and pick up her phone. She must have turned it back on when the officer was here as large volumes of missed calls and messages litter her screen.

Ignoring it all, I swipe across on the call notification on Mia. Lifting the phone, I put it against my ear and wait.

I worry that my thumping heart will wake Elle before Mia has answered the phone, but when it connects, I feel triumph.

"Elle-"

"It's Zak." I interrupt causing Mia to stop talking instantly.

A part of me thinks that it's a bad idea, speaking to her, but then I remember the look on Elle's face, the worry in her eyes and how she was led here now, clinging to me as if I was going to run out on her.

My anger returns for the woman who has put Elle under immense stress, whether she wants to admit to it or not. That last seizure was down to stress caused by her two closest friends...

"I think it's about time me and you met."