Max placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Ella. I’ve not been here for you. But I am now. Come and stay at my place, just for a few days.”
Ella frantically rubbed at the stubborn, dried-on food, trying to distract herself. “I’ve just gotta clean these first. Then everything will be all right.” There was no way she’d glance in her dead husband’s direction.
“Leave them.” Max forcefully removed her fingers that tightly gripped the crockery. “Leave it, Ella. It doesn’t matter.”
It proved too much to bear. The emotion erupted from deep inside her as Max cradled her once more in his arms. “Make him go away,” she sobbed against his chest. “What’s happening to me? I think I’m going crazy. I think I’m losing my mind. Kirk’s sitting at the table, covered in blood. I know he’s dead, but he looks so real, Max.” Instead of slowly disappearing with the passage of time, the images of her dead husband were getting more real and frightening. Blood oozed from his still-open eyes and ran down his cheeks. His mouth was open, his tongue protruding. Even though he seemed to stare at her, his expression remained vacant and lifeless. It was as though he accused her from beyond the grave.
“Shhh, Ella.” Max stroked her head, comforting her. “It’s not real, baby. The fear will pass, and life will become worth living again.” She heard Max sigh. “Right, no argument. You’re coming home with me.” She went to speak, but he would have none of it. “It’s not negotiable, either. The sooner you agree, the sooner we can pack you a bag.”
With a sense of relief, she answered, “Okay.”
Chapter Five
Max breathed a sigh of relief as he turned the Porsche onto his property, and followed the sweeping drive up to the front door of his purpose-built home. He always loved seeing the dream house he’d designed and built himself, nestled so peacefully between several Eastern Oaks. Even more so, now he’d persuaded Ella to come back with him. She definitely needed a sanctuary to relax in.
There were no windows on the outside of the property, giving him complete privacy, just the way he liked it. A sophisticated and expensive CCTV system gave him perfect views of his ten-acre estate. He would know in an instant if anyone were approaching the house. Some might call the square building plain, but to him, it was an architectural masterpiece. The house had been built to his own exacting specification, using only the finest materials. It boasted an impressive central courtyard, with all rooms facing inwards. Each room had one wall of floor-to-ceiling glass that could be fully retracted, giving access to the opulent central enclosure—his inner sanctum. A swimming pool, fountains, and an impressive selection of imported tropical plants were visible from every room. In the evening the scent of lemon, olives, and bougainvillea would drift seductively through the spacious interior. One could walk around completely naked without being seen from the outside. He enjoyed total privacy, which was exactly what was required, as he liked to practice his BDSM lifestyle discreetly, well away from prying eyes.
Ella seemed in a daze as he parked the car and eased himself from the driver’s seat. He opened the huge oak door of the house, and then collected her bag from the trunk before helping her from the car.
He should have contacted her long before she got to the distressed condition he now found her in. It was obvious she was having a hard time coming to terms with Kirk’s death. He knew she blamed herself for it. But he was far more culpable than Ella. Just why hadn’t he noticed the signs when he’d last seen Kirk? Guilt over his best friend’s death invaded his thoughts as he placed an arm around her shoulder, and guided her down the corridor to the largest and most luxurious guest bedroom.
Max opened the door and placed her overnight bag on the bed. The automatic lights in the courtyard had just started to come on. Their kaleidoscope of colors subtly illuminated the impressive inner space, giving it an almost magical appearance.
“Why don’t we meet by the pool in, say, a half hour? That will give you time for a shower and a change of clothes. Then we can have a chat, and maybe a nightcap. That’s if you’d like to.”
Ella nodded. “Yes, Max. Thanks, I really don’t want to be on my own.”