I walk through my rough neighbourhood with my heels in my hands. The taxi wouldn't drop me off all the way because he was scared that he would get robbed so now I have to walk past all the usual drunks and druggies.

"What's up Elodie?" Freddie the drunk holds his beer bottle up as he sits in a tent and I smile.

"The sky." I smirk. "And rain of course." I look up at the night sky and feel the heavy rain fall on my face.

"What are you doing out here by yourself? You know it's dangerous." He scowls and I shrug.

"Felt like having fun so I went out." I watch him eye my plastic bag which contains my food and I sigh. He's probably more hungry than me. "Here you go?" I pass the bag over to him and he looks at it with wide eyes.

"Elodie, you don't have to do that." He shakes his head, refusing to take the bag.

"I insist. I'll just have a bowl of cereal." I smile and place the bag down in front of the man. "Bye Fred!" I wave and rush into my flat building.

Another sigh falls from my lips when I see the lift is out of order. My legs are too tired for the stairs.

I groan and begin the climb up to the tenth floor. I can feel my muscles burn the further up I go, I make sure to observe the floor I'm walking on because sometimes I see old syringes on the floor.

Ew.

I release a huge sigh of relief when I make it to my home. Yes it's not on the best side of town but it's my home and it's all I can afford right now.

I walk inside and smile. I tried my best to make it as cozy as possible. Shutting the door quietly behind me, I make sure to use every lock I have attached.

Don't want a repeat of last time.

Then I think to what happened tonight with those two beautiful but very intimidating men.

The truth is I wasn't crying because he said my dress was ugly, I was crying because he was touching me inappropriately but I didn't want to seem weak in front of those men so I lied.

I'm used to those things happening to me anyway, what would it matter if I had told them the truth? It will probably happen again in a couple days time and it's not like I'll be seeing those men again.

I strip out of my dress and make my way into my bathroom to take a quick shower. As soon as I'm finished I make myself a bowl of cereal and then make my way into my bedroom.

I switch my bedside lamp on and climb under the fluffy covers and begin to eat. My God I've never felt so alone like I do now.

It would be nice to have someone to cuddle with.

I love cuddles.

I suddenly lose my appetite and put the bowl on the table next to me. My eyes sting with tears but I do my best to blink them away.

No friends. No family. Just me.

And I guess I'll get used to it after a while. I'll be okay.

•••

"Hello Susan." I beam as I walk into the beautiful smelling bakery.

I walk round the back, putting my bag away and grabbing my lilac coloured apron that has my name on it.

"Has it been busy?" I question her and the old lady nods her head.

"I've got someone coming in for a special order at six just before we close. I won't be here for the hour so you will have to sort it out. Is that okay, sweetie?" I grin and nod my head.

"I'll be okay." I reassure her and Susan smiles before going back to work.

The start of my shift at the bakery goes smoothly but I soon find myself getting anxious once it hits six o'clock. Susan told me that it is a fairly large order as it's for a party. The person has ordered a massive three tiered cake along with over one hundred mini cupcakes.

My mouth waters at the smell of chocolate and vanilla.

I decide to put the whole order together so when the customer arrives it will be all ready and they can leave straight away. Once I've done that I decide to shove a chocolate cupcake in my mouth.

"Mmm." I hum, closing my eyes and then the door opens. My eyes widen and I begin to chew quickly.

I turn around and I come face to face with Enzo!

This is for him.

"Hello, darling. Fancy seeing you again." He smirks, putting his hands in the pockets of his suit trousers.

I check the computer to see that his name is in fact on the list to pick up this massive order.

"I hope you don't plan on eating this all by yourself." I smile and he chuckles shaking his head.

"I wouldn't know where to begin but no it's for my little sister. It's her twenty-third birthday and my parents like to throw her a big birthday party." I slowly nod my head at his words.

It must be so nice having a loving family. I want that one day.

"Happy birthday to your sister!" I beam.

"Thank you very much, Elodie." He rasps and I feel my face heat up. I take a second to admire the man in front of me, from his tan skin to his light brown hair which is shorter on the sides and long on the top. I didn't notice it last night but he even has a nose ring which enhances his attractiveness.

He's not as muscly as his friend, Mr Killian, but he's still very lean and just as beautiful.

"Darling?" I blink and give him another smile.

"Your order is all here and ready." I point to the white boxes which holds the cakes. "Would you like help taking it to your car?"

"I'll be fine. I saw on the door that you close at six, would you like a lift home?" He tilts his head and I shake mine, too embarrassed to have him see where I live.

"It's dark outside, how will you be getting home?" He furrows his eyebrows, looking down at me with what looks to be concern and I gulp.

No-one has ever been concerned about me, so what is so different about him? I'm probably looking into it too much.

"I don't live too far from here, I'll be okay walking." I put on my best smile but the frown on Enzo's face does not change.

"Please, I insist. It's not safe for you to be walking around by yourself when it is so dark." He gives me a stern look and I sigh.

"I'm sorry we just met yesterday and that was only briefly-you're still a stranger." I point out.

"Why did you lie?" I furrow my eyebrows at his question.

"Sorry?"

"I checked cctv this morning. You weren't crying because that man said your dress was ugly, he touched you. He touched you were he fucking shouldn't have and he's being dealt with as we speak." I gasp a little at his words.

I avert my eyes from his intense stare.

"Why did you lie? Don't make me have to repeat myself for the third time." He questions again and I gulp.

"I-I didn't think you would be that bothered, I apologise for lying to you, Enzo." I whisper timidly and I watch as his mouth falls open a little and he looks at me in shock.

"It's fine, darling. Just don't lie again, Killian is not very happy about you lying." I nod my head, looking down at my feet. "Look at me." My head shoots up and he smiles gently.

He makes my stomach fill with butterflies when he speaks.

"Good girl." He whispers, reaching forward to stroke my cheek.

Loads of butterflies.

I'm in a daze for a couple minutes before I blink and step back a little.

"Your cakes." I point and he smirks, nodding his head.

"I'll put them in my car and I'll be waiting for you outside after you close up. No ifs or buts." He says in a serious tone and I find myself nodding my head.

"Okay."

🧡