Chapter 7 Glad You Found It

• Tory treated Eloise like a delicate flower that would crumble if she was too rough. Little does she know Eloise has been treated like someone’s slave for God knows how long.
• Tory’s actions calmed Eloise’s nerves, and she soon relaxed and enjoyed the comb flow through her freshly washed hair. She snips here and layers there, not asking how Eloise usually wear it.
• After Eloise’s hair is blow-dried and styled, Tory moves to her nails, buffing and polishing. She paints them a deep purple, then does the same to her toes.
• When she finishes, Anna beams at Eloise with delight. She thanks Tory and shows her out.
• Eloise sat in the chair and looked at her hands and feet. All the dirt and stains are gone, and they look pretty. ‘Wow, they look normal again.’
• “I hope that was all right, Eloise,” Anna said, returning to the bathroom. “I’m unsure if you’re tired, but I must start lunch. I’ll leave you be. If you need anything, just call me.” She points to the intercom. With that, she left.
• Eloise looked in the mirror, and her heart leaped. There she is, the old Eloise, hair cut long to the middle of her back, loose curls halfway up, natural highlights peeking through.
• She reached up, running her fingers through what felt like silk. If only she felt like the old Eloise on the inside.
• ‘Ugh, don’t sweat it. This is a start.’
• She looked down, remembering the last time someone washed her and did her hair. She shook her head and forced that memory back down.
• ‘Okay, I need to get out of this room.’
• Eloise found herself heading into the closet, hoping something might fit. To her surprise, everything is her size, even the shoes.
• She slipped on a pink cashmere sweater, perfect for her back, and a pair of tan jeggings with flats. She took in how small her waist had become.
• ‘Christ, how long was I gone?’
• One last look in the mirror, and she thought she might be able to face people now that she was feeling a little more human.
• She opened the door and stepped out into a long hallway. Her hands grow cold when she realizes she has no clue where she is going.
• She took a deep breath and headed to her left. Luckily, after a few minutes, she found a large staircase that spirals around to an entryway.
• Her stomach churned as she heard a low voice. She wanted to turn around and return upstairs, but she pushed on.
• ‘Breathe, Eloise.’
• “Must have been about ten to fifteen slashes across her poor back, and she’s such a tiny thing,” she heard Anna say. “I think you’re wrong about this one, Pierce. She’s as innocent as they come.”
• ‘Wrong?’
• Both heads turned when Eloise stepped around the corner into the kitchen. Her carrier—Pierce—catches her eye. His jaw drops as he looks at her.
• Eloise realized he really was a good-looking man with his gelled black hair, dark eyes, and broad shoulders. She instinctively lowered her gaze, having learned to avoid eye contact with her prior captors. Sensing her reaction made them uncomfortable, she forced herself to look up.
• “Eloise,” Anna said warmly, “you look beautiful. I’m glad you found the clothes.”
• Pierce pulled out a chair for her. “Hello again, Eloise. You look lovely. I see Tory got her hands on you. Please have a seat.”
• Eloise hesitated for a moment but complied. He sets a prearranged plate in front of her with bacon, eggs, toast, hash browns, and a glass of orange juice. Her stomach twists, but she fought back the nausea.
• They sit on either side of her island, sipping coffee and talking about their days.
• Eloise knew they were trying to act normal for her, but it wasn’t working. Frankly, it is all a bit strange.
• She can’t help wondering what is going on here. What kind of place is this? So many questions fill her head, making it ache.
• She raised her hand and rubbed where the bump used to be, but now it was just tender. She saw Pierce watching her, and his eyes had an odd effect on her. She can’t quite place the feeling.
• “You really need to eat, dear,” Anna said.
• Anna was right, but somehow, Eloise couldn’t find the will to do so. She just wanted to cry. Perhaps coming downstairs was a mistake.
• They continued talking as she picked up a slice of toast and smelled it out of habit. It seems fine. The first bite is all right, but the second is quickly rejected. Food and stress do not co-exist in her world anymore.
• Anna sighs as she sets her cup back on its saucer. “Would you like a tour of the grounds now, dear?”
• She would, but she also has a ton of questions and doesn’t know where or how to start.
• Seeming to understand her dilemma, Pierce turns to her with his mug in his hands. “Eloise, I’m sure you must be confused about where you are and what is happening. We’ll get together later this afternoon, say around four. Is that all right with you?” Eloise slowly nodded, unsure why he couldn’t talk to her right now. “Anna will show you where my office is.” With that, he checks his watch and stands. “Enjoy your day, ladies.”
• “You too, and I’ll be sure to have Eloise there at four,” Anna said. When he left, she gathered her dishes. “Come, dear, let’s go for that tour.”
• She stops and waves her hand. “First, the kitchen.” It is larger than my entire condo, with a view of a lake nestled in front of two mountains. “It’s always stocked with food. Please help yourself. If there’s something you want that’s not here, just let me know, and we’ll get it.” She opens the huge stainless fridge that is packed with everything imaginable.
• “There are always at least eleven people working here, plus those who live here full time, so this is what you’ll typically find.” Eloise shook her head. She was just glad she didn’t have to do the grocery shopping. “There’s a wine cellar behind that door if you fancy yourself a glass.” Anna winked at her.