No Love For The Villain - Chapter 32
Eli settled Sierra into the back seat of the car. As he slowly guided her head, cradled in his hand, back against the seat, Sierra trembled, breathing rapidly.
Then, a large jacket was draped over her shoulders. Buried under the suit jacket Eli had placed over her, only her head peeked out. She followed Eli with her eyes, unable to look away, as if from a vanishing mirage.
Like a fever that only surfaced in his presence, her palm, pierced by the glass, throbbed belatedly. Sierra clenched her cut hand tightly.
She wished he didn’t know about her wound. While she desired his care, she also wished he wouldn’t pity her. She held onto her tattered pride with her wounded hand.
Meanwhile, Eli closed the rear door and headed to the driver’s seat. As he took the wheel, the sight before her and the memory she had been recalling overlapped.
Remembering the day she had said she wanted to go home, and how he had taken her back to the Red House, Sierra spoke urgently.
“Don’t send me back home.”
Her eyes met Eli’s in the rearview mirror.
“I have no intention of sending you back.”
At his words, Sierra felt relief. The car started moving again. Eli didn’t say where they were going, and Sierra didn’t ask where he was taking her.
She wished he would take her anywhere.
Eli drove, looking ahead, but occasionally glanced at the woman in the back seat through the mirror. Their gazes met in the silence.
For what reason does he bestow his usually indifferent gaze for so long?
For what reason does he give her his clothes, care for her through a feverish night, come running at a single phone call?
She searched his eyes, but they were too cold for pity, too emotionless for mere interest.
Not knowing their destination, she watched the snow-covered winter scenery pass by the window. Just as they were leaving the outskirts of the village, Sierra closed her eyes.
The sound of a piano drifted around her ears like a dream. Eli had turned on the radio, the volume low, like a lullaby.
***
When Sierra awoke, the scenery outside the window had transformed into an unfamiliar one. Unlike Stelsia, there were no trees, just endless stretches of grey road stretching on.
The car, having slowed down, headed towards a low, nondescript building by the roadside. Sierra read the sign that said <Gas Station>. Next to the gas station was a diner with a neon sign that read <Food>—a diner with one ‘N’ missing, a name that clearly stated its purpose.
Eli parked the car in front of the diner. The engine turned off.
“Get out.”
His commanding voice was icy. Sierra could only watch as Eli got out of the driver’s seat and came to the back.
When the door opened, cold wind rushed in. Sierra buried her head in Eli’s jacket draped over her.
Eli adjusted the jacket around Sierra’s huddled form. The man, both cold and caring, fastened just the top button for her before stepping back.
“Get out, Sierra.”
His voice commanded again, unavoidable. His downward gaze was cool, devoid of even a hint of a smile. Sierra got out of the car.
Should I follow him? Or should I stay here?
Accustomed to doing as she was told, her will had grown dull. Like a rooted tree, she simply stood and watched Eli’s receding back.
Eli, heading for the diner, looked back at Sierra.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
He was waiting. Afraid he wouldn’t wait any longer, Sierra answered quickly.
“I’ll eat.”
“Then come here.”
Sierra went straight to him. Though she walked diligently to close the distance, she couldn’t get too close, remaining a step behind.
Then, Eli held out his hand.
Sierra hesitated, then barely grasped his finger. Eli enveloped Sierra’s clinging hand in his own and led her into the diner.
The diner was quiet in the early morning. Sierra looked slowly at the unfamiliar scenery. Gleaming red leather booths, a shiny checkered floor, a jukebox with twinkling lights…
Sierra trailed behind Eli and sat down where he sat. A waitress with curly hair came over with cups.
“Coffee?”
The waitress asked, looking at Sierra. Flustered, Sierra just blinked.
“Yes.”
When she answered automatically, the waitress poured the coffee. Sierra stared at her.
“Thank you…”
Sierra answered in a small voice. The waitress, wearing bright lipstick, curved her lips into an arc.
“Shall I get you the breakfast special?”
Faced with another question, Sierra looked at Eli for help. He simply watched Sierra, who didn’t know what to do.
When their eyes met, Eli finally said, “Hotcakes.” As if he had been waiting for her to look to him for help.
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