Chapter 5: Missing Person

I woke up on the cold, bare floor. 

I opened my eyes and saw that I was still in the dark room. I had been in here long enough that I didn't know the time. If it was still nighttime or morning already. The closet walls were all lined with shelves and huge storage spaces. There was no window in sight. The air conditioning is extremely high. 

The entire room was far too cold. How long was I asleep for? My head hurt like hell. I could feel my body throbbing. I'd cried for a while until I saw that he really wasn't coming back. I'm well used to sleeping on the cold floor down in the basement back at home. It isn't something I hope to continue with Nathan. 

I sigh wearily. Everything felt hot and sweaty, it was painful to breathe. I held my face in my hands and closed my eyes tight. There was no way this was happening. I really shouldn't have brought up the girl. 

I slowly got up from the cool floor and walked towards the doors. Rubbing my arms and trying to get some sort of feeling back into my skin, I tried to open the door and realized that it didn't want to budge. 

Still locked. Shit! I really hoped he hadn't forgotten about me. Leaning against the door, I tried listening to hear any sounds from the other side. Everywhere was deathly silent. Suddenly, the doorknob turned, and the door pushed open as I scrambled back, tripping on my own feet. Almost landing on my ass, my body stopped mid air as Nathan's arm caught and held me. 

He pulled me up and into his arms, staring down at me. I stared at the man who now held me, saying nothing. I didn't know what to say or do. My words stuck in my throat. I didn't know if it was fear or caution that made me swallow the words on the tip of my tongue. How hurt I was by how he'd treated me. I looked away. His gaze burned into me and I couldn't look back.

"You okay, beautiful?" he finally asked, not letting go of me.

I swallowed, not sure how to answer that question."I'm... okay." It came out more like a question than anything else, and I couldn't believe that I said it. I wanted him to let me leave me alone, but I also didn't want him to go. I was hurt, but I'd still missed his presence. 

Nathan took a deep breath, releasing me from his grasp, and then led me out into the bedroom, sitting me on the bed. Opening all the windows and turning on the lights. I took in a burst of fresh air, glad to be out of the dark closet with its chilly air conditioning. I looked out the glass windows; it was already morning. 

Nathan stood over me for a moment, looking down at me. I watched him quietly, wondering what was going through his head. I leaned back against the headboard, watching Nathan. He sat next to me, reaching over and taking my hand. He squeezed it gently, pulling me closer to him. "I apologise for the way I behaved last night. I don't know what came over me. You mentioned the girl, and I lost it. I was worried about you. You can't let in strangers, Faye."

I nodded mutely as he spoke. 

"I know I hurt you, my darling. You can hate me all you want."

My heart rate sped up even more. Why did this man always make my heart beat faster? He made me feel safe. I shook my head quickly, giving his hand a squeeze of my own. "No, I don't hate you." How could I? He was the only one who had ever cared about me. The only one who cares. 

His gaze hardened on mine again. "And you shouldn't believe everything anyone says. Faye, if you'll be with me, then you have to trust what I say. And do what I say." 

He paused and sighed heavily, squeezing my hand lightly. "It'll be okay, Faye."

I smiled at him weakly and nodded. This man really knew how to reassure me. I didn't want to be on Nathan's bad side, that's for sure. 

"Good," Nathan replied, leaning down to give me a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Now, let's get you cleaned up. I have something planned for you."

"Something? Like what?"

"Well, I can't say now. It's supposed to be a surprise. Something to cheer you up." He pulled me up, brushing my hair out of my face. 

I washed up and dressed in the outfit Nathan had made ready. 

I headed downstairs, where we had a late breakfast, and walked outside together. 

It was my first time out of the house and on the grounds. The air was fresh outside, the trees around providing cool shades.

The black Ferrari parked in front. He opened the front door, letting me in and buckling my seat belt, and then crossing over to the driver's side.

He entered the car but didn't buckle up. Driving out onto the road that lead to the highway, I saw we were far away from other people. 

Flat stretches of trees and scrub stretched on both sides of the road, and the blast of cool air coming through the car's open windows whipped feathery strands of hair against my cheeks.

 Keeping my voice determinedly pleasant, I finally broke the silence. "Will you tell me where we're headed now?" 

He looked over at me." To the spa. I'm dropping you off there. You're going to get a full body massage and, well, any of the things that seem to please females. And I'm picking you up much later. We have an appointment with a wardrobe designer back home. You need more clothes." He replied. 

My mind whirled with excitement as I considered what he was saying. Not just the visit to the spa. The shopping for clothes too. I was going to live with him now. I wouldn't go back to my father. I grinned happily at the thought, settling further into my seat. More miles ticked by, and signs of civilization grew increasingly.

"Where will you go when you drop me off?"

"I have to go into the office, but I'm going to be back early." He said, glancing over at me.

I wanted to ask what he did, but I couldn't. I was afraid to ask too many questions. I couldn't destroy this opportunity now that I'd finally gotten it.

We pass designer store fronts and swanky restaurants that line the bright streets. Everything about this area screams luxury.

“We’re here,” Nathan murmurs in a low, gravely voice. 

He parks in a designated spot and turns the car off. We make our way to the elevator, riding up a few floors. 

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped out. I'm shocked to see an impeccably dressed middle-aged woman standing before us. She has three younger women with her, all dressed in the same uniforms. The older lady greets us and leads us through the opulent lobby to an inner space. 

It was obvious Nathan had told them beforehand that we were coming.

I marveled at the reception we got. No one ever took notice of me anywhere. Maybe they weren't even taking notice of me now, but of Nathan.

"Elise, this is Faye." Nathan said, as soon as we sat on a plush sofa in what looked like the woman's office. Elise Nathan called her.

"She's someone who's precious to me." He said casually.

"Of course Mr Carver. She'll receive our best spa treatments and I'm quite certain she'll enjoy it. Will you be waiting?" She asked, and I assumed she meant if he'd remain with me. 

"No. I'll be on my way now." He turned to me with a warm look on his face. "Enjoy your day here, beautiful. I'll be back for you." 

"Yes." I nodded, blushing as he dropped a kiss on my lips. I'd gotten no sort of affection freely. To have a man show me affection in public was something I was definitely not used to. A tingle went through me, and I decided I could get used to this public display of affection. 

Nathan promptly took his leave, and I felt myself shrink into myself a little. I'd never been in this sort of environment before. It felt too opulent and luxurious for me. I got a full body massage, deep cleansing, facials, a pedicure and manicure. The massage relaxed me some, but I loosened up a little more right before the full body wax, which was helpful because it turned out to be more than I expected. There was a lot of chatter among the girls and I relaxed. 

By the time they led me to the salon to style my hair, my whole body felt as soft as a baby's skin and I'd never felt more pampered in my life. 

"Here."one of the girls said, offering me a seat in front of the full floor to ceiling mirrors. It was a lush swivel chair and I sat down, ready for a transformation.

"You have such beautiful black hair." The girl said.

I smiled at her, "Thank you," I'd always had such pride in my hair, and I took great care of it.

"It's black. Which is kinda different. The girls Mr Carver brings here are usually blond… uhhh, never mind." She stuttered to a halt. 

My expression falters as I realize what she was about to say. I'm dark haired but the other girls are blonde. The girls Nathan brings to the spa. I shook off the descending gloom, deciding that even though I'd been thinking a little while ago that I must be special for Nathan to bring me here, it didn't matter if he'd done it with other girls. He was a man. Extremely good looking at that and obviously wealthy. Of course, he'd had other girlfriends.

I glanced at the mirror in front of me, looking to distract myself from my thoughts. I could see the TV In the mirror from where I sat. It was directly behind me, so it was reflected in the mirror. 

I forced myself to relax and pay attention to the TV even if it was just a news flash currently on it. 

I gasped as I saw a familiar face on the screen. I pushed the swivel chair around to fully face the TV, startling the girl doing my hair. I stood up to get a closer look at the picture, my palm flying to my mouth to stifle a shocked scream. 

My picture was on the screen. With the full bold caption of 'missing person' underneath it.