Page 44 of Mayfair Madame

I thought she’d object, but she rested her head on my shoulder. “Thanks, I’d like that. I hope they’re not too much longer.”

The police arrived, and we watched the drama unfold before us. The police interviewed the man’s friends, their disapproval evident. The paramedics came to see Ellie, insisting she go to hospital, but she shrugged them off.

“I’ll be fine. I’m just cold and want to go home.”

“You should really be checked out,” one of them said, but she shook her head.

“I’m good. Get him to the hospital.” Reluctantly, they stood and walked away.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” I asked, her chilled hand in mine.

“I’m sure. A long, hot bath is all I need.”

Eventually, we gave our statements to the police. Ellie told them they could contact her at the station if they had any further questions, and then finally, we were headed to my apartment in a taxi, my arm wrapped protectively around her shoulder.

I offered a brief nod to Walter as we made our way to my apartment, and the moment we stepped through the door, I pulled her to my chest.

“Fuck, Ellie. I thought I’d lost you for a moment. When you didn’t come up straight away, I felt sick. Never scare me like that again.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. It was hard to see, and I almost missed him. I caught sight of his hand and grabbed hold of it. I don’t know how I got him out, Naomi. He almost dragged me down with him. Somehow, I got my arms under him and pulled.”

“You could have died.” I whispered. My stomach dropped at the realisation. But by the grace of God, she’d come out of it alive. It could have had a completely different outcome, and I wasn’t happy with that.

“I’m a little warmer now, but wouldn’t say no to that bath. Is the offer still open?”

I led her to the bathroom and sat her on the stool in the corner. Steam filled the room as I ran the hot water. I added a good amount of bubble bath and frothed the water.

“How about you get undressed and I’ll leave you to it?”

“You can stay. I don’t mind, but would you mind getting me a glass of water?”

“Of course.” I touched her arm gently. I couldn’t help but think it was a distraction, so I didn’t see her naked, or perhaps I was overthinking.

I walked in just as she sat down with a splosh, her back in full view.

“I’ll just pop your water on here. Are you sure you want me to stay?”

She held her hand out to me and smiled. “I’d like that.”

What had changed? I didn’t know, but I wasn’t going to argue.

I sat on the floor next to her, my legs curled beneath me.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m not sure.” She hugged her knees to her chest, and her shoulders shook.

Damn, Ellie.

I picked up a washcloth and gently stroked her back, washing the filthy lake water from her skin. She continued to cry, and I continued to soothe her with gentle words and actions, until finally, the tears subsided. She lay back and submerged herself in the bubbles.

“It’s okay, Ellie. I’ve got you.”

“Thank you. If I’m honest, sitting on the bench, watching the paramedics do their stuff, saving his life, I realised how damn close I was to losing mine. He was a dead weight, but letting him go wasn’t an option.”

“Well, they say people find unbelievable strength when faced with situations like this. Maybe that’s what happened.”

“I don’t know, but I had another realisation, one that surprised me.”