Obsession (Endurance) Read Online Free PDF Page A

off the hook.  “Padme.  It’s fine.  I’m
fine.  I know I have to fully recuperate and I realize my parents are
going to need reassurance for a long time that I’m safe.  I miss running
and riding.  I miss…”  Padme and Bianca shared a look over my head
and I was glad I hadn’t completed my thought out loud. 
    Entering
the apartment, Fiaaz was there to greet me with a bow before taking my good hand
and kissing my knuckles.  My driver was descended from Persian royalty and
very beautiful.  Thick black hair and pale green eyes were the icing on an
elegant and well-muscled form. 
    I
suspected he was involved with Bianca but was too shy to ask.  They often
went riding on the two horses Fiaaz stabled on the estate.  Breathtaking
Arabians of perfect lines that he’d agreed to breed for my father. 
    I
often wondered where my parents found the people they hired to protect
me.  I was always given a single paragraph bio and told “they checked out”
as if their criminal background were all I’d find interesting. 
    “It
is a blessing to have you with us again, Elliana Monica.”  Fiaaz always
used my full first and middle names when he spoke to me.  I found it so pretty
and it made him unique.  He continued, “There are many things I wish; I am
unable to express them adequately.  For now, it is enough to see your eyes
bright and the beginnings of a smile on your face.”
    “Thank
you, Fiaaz.”  It was good to be back with my team.  Padme and Bianca
helped me settle into my bedroom suite that was too large to contemplate or
explore right now. 
    To
my horror I took a long nap and had to be awakened an hour before dinner. 
    It
was Bianca who wrapped my casts and assisted me into the enormous shower
stall.  Once they were certain I was secure on the medical chair placed in
the center, I took my time washing my hair and body. 
    Turning
off the water and grabbing the thick bath sheet from the hook just inside, I
wondered if I could make it from the shower to my chair.  I’d wrapped
myself in the towel and placed both hands on the chair rails when Bianca’s
voice stopped me cold.
    “I
know…absolutely know you aren’t going to try to leave a wet shower with
two broken limbs.  Because that would be incredibly stupid and needlessly
prideful, two character flaws that do not generally afflict you, Ellie.  I
know you were waiting for help.  Am I right?”
    Giving
her a bright smile, I lied through my teeth and gritted them as she helped me
to the chair and back into my bedroom.  “God, I hate this shit.”
    Meeting
my eyes, her reply was strangely gentle, “I know Ellie.  I swear that I
do.  For a woman who has been sheltered as you have, you are admirably
independent and brave.  Still, the true mark of bravery is in knowing when
to call in reinforcements.  Knowing when to ask for help so you don’t make
a bad situation worse.  Do you understand?”
    I
sighed with a small nod.  “I didn’t think about how my parents would react
if you had to tell them I’d been injured due to stubbornness.  Thank you,
Bianca.  I’m sorry.”  I meant it. 
    Padme
had already laid out my clothing and Bianca left me alone.  For simplicity
sake, I pulled on a flowing sundress that came to mid-calf and panties. 
    There
was a healing wound under one shoulder blade from my attack and wearing a bra
was impossible.  The stitches had dissolved but it still itched like
mad.  Someone had ordered me a wardrobe that offered support in
butter-soft materials that wouldn’t irritate my skin. 
    When
Padme knocked I told her to come in and she brushed my hair, pulling it back
from my face.  “Would you like me to do some makeup, Ellie?” 
    I
rolled my eyes dramatically and asked, “Pad, when do I ever wish to wear
makeup?”
    She
grinned at me in the mirror.  “I have to try, Ellie.” 
    Padme
pushed me from my apartment to the elevator, Fiaaz and Bianca on either
side.  In the formal dining room,