Dark Layers Volume 1: Volume 1

  Dark Layers

  (Volume 1)

  About -

  Dark Layers

  (Volume 1)

  Prepare to be obsessed and possessed by the most unprecedented love.

  Law graduate Anile has recently finished university. She's now ready to venture into the working world. Anile has suffered two discriminating and scrutinizing interviews but still remains sanguine with her attitude. She refuses to let anyone bring her down.

  She reaches Darks Lawyers for her third interview - she's optimistic, but nervous.

  While waiting for her interview, she meets a man who's dangerously beautiful. He's enigmatic, prepossessing and smart beyond any of her expectations - she has no idea who he really is, and she runs out of time before she can find out his name.

  Anile inevitably finds him - Elijah Darks. He wants to possess her and lure her into darkness - he wants to indulge in his desires, as well as show Anile her own.

  Are his intentions good or bad - is he good or bad? He has secrets, he has an agenda, but is there more to his obsession with Anile than meets the eye?

  She cannot seem to find any information about him, he's reticent - and so is the internet - but she cannot help her desire for him, regardless of the unknown.

  The danger, love, and trust issues ahead of her life are going to be challenging - will exploring a deviant man be the making or breaking of her?

  First published in Great Britain in 2014 by Amazon

  This edition published worldwide in 2014 by - writer/author, A L Gray

  Written by A L Gray

  Copyright© 2014

  by A L Gray

  All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission in writing of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  This is for your use only, at no point can you re-submit or share this edition.

  verified by A L Gray -

  Writer and owner, Anita Leanne Gray, in England.

  Copyright© February 2014

  www.algrayauthor.com

  Dedication

  I dedicate Dark Layers to one of my dearest friends who has recently passed on. Harry, you always said you would support my writing and I am deeply sorry that you did not get the chance to read any of my books. God needed you more than we did and I know you are now in heaven with the other angels, living in paradise.

  I also dedicate my book to my oldest and most cherished friend, Farah. Your love and inspiration drives me to write on a daily basis. The female *signs* in this story are also dedicated to you. You are forever imbedded in my mind and help me focus, I will love you always.

  My final and most important dedication is to my wonderful family, Shane and Bradleigh.

  You both deal with my absence on a daily basis and yet you still force me to finish my stories because you know it is my passion, that encourages me to pursue my dreams and I have you both to thank for that. I love you two with all my heart.

  Table of Contents

  Fitchers Bird - Part One

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Fitchers Bird - Part Two

  THERE WAS ONCE a wizard who used to take the form of a poor man, and went to houses and begged, and caught pretty girls.

  No one knew whither he carried them, for they were never seen more.

  One day he appeared before the door of a man who had three pretty daughters; he looked like a poor weak beggar, and carried a basket on his back, as if he meant to collect charitable gifts in it.

  He begged for a little food, and when the eldest daughter came out and was just reaching him a piece of bread, he did but touch her, and she was forced to jump into his basket.

  Thereupon he hurried away with long strides, and carried her away into a dark forest to his house, which stood in the midst of it.

  Everything in the house was magnificent; he gave her whatsoever she could possibly desire, and said, "My Darling, thou wilt certainly be happy with me, for thou hast everything thy heart can wish for."

  This lasted a few days, and then he said, "I must journey forth, and leave thee alone for a short time; there are the keys of the house; thou mayst go everywhere and look at everything except into one room, which this little key here opens, and there I forbid thee to go on pain of death." He likewise gave her an egg and said, "Preserve the egg carefully for me, and carry it continually about with thee, for a great misfortune would arise from the loss of it."

  TO BE CONTINUED

  Chapter One

  I'M LAID ATOP of my bed, missionary, and I feel frustrated. How the hell have I still not landed a job? I desperately need one if I am to get my damn father off of my case.

  Although I'm not the strongest person emotionally, and I tend to shrink into myself at times, I have a smart mouth and I over come my weaknesses in the face of a challenge - which usually gives me the upper hand. My friends worship this trait I possess.

  My smart mouth and my best friend Sophie were the prompting forces that gave me the willpower I needed to study Law.

  'Become Athena in the new world, have the power to penetrate others minds.' Sophie told me.

  Yeah, if only it were that easy!

  I have recently finished university, passing my degree with a high grade - but it doesn't seem to be enough. I secretly blame Sophie for making me waste four years of my life - well, she will be on my hit list if I don't land a job soon!

  My phone suddenly rings interrupting my line of thoughts - singing, Nancy Wilson, My Love Has No Beginning, My Love Has No End. I scramble out of bed and rush through my pile of clean ironed clothes, desperately trying to find my phone on the dresser. Once everything is thrown onto the floor in a chaotic pile, I stare impassively at the screen. Holy shit! It's Darks Lawyers - I applied for an internship there a few weeks ago but I didn't expect a call back.

  Answer before the phone shuts off!

  "Hello, Anile Gooden, speaking. How can I help you?" I say, trying desperately to exude endurance.

  "Hello, Miss Gooden. This is Ms. Prynne, calling from Darks Lawyers. I am calling to invite you to attend an interview today at eleven a.m. I understand that it's short notice but one of the partners saw your Curriculum Vitae and they are looking forward to meeting with you, but they can only make time today."

  I like the sound of her voice, she sounds older and wiser than I am; I also sense comfort from her.

  "Yes, I will be sure to attend, thank you. Would you like me to arrive early?"

  A euphoric sensation fills my tummy - how I landed an interview there is beyond me. My father told me that company is extremely hard to get into.

  "Yes, please do arrive early, twenty minutes early if you can. If you could insure you have your Curriculum Vitae at hand, it would be very appreciated. Do you know your way here?"

  "Yes, I do, thank you."

  "That's brilliant Miss Gooden. Once you enter Darks Lawyers, you will see a block of lifts - please take lift number three to the twentieth floor, turn right, and then follow the white hall all the way to the end where you w
ill see a sign for internship interviews."

  "Excellent, thank you again and see you soon." I reply but I hang on the line - I don't want to be the one who hangs up first, I think it will seem rude.

  Once the line finally goes dead, I stand biting my lip in hope that I can land this job. I would finally become a real lawyer; would that make my nasty father proud? Hmmm, probably not.

  Darks Lawyers are almost centred in the middle of London - not that far from me. I don't really know much about the company but I'll do a little research on the tube to get the gist of them. This will be my third interview for a law internship and I'm desperately hoping this will go better than my first. My first interview with Jurisprudence & Co was intense, formal and completely discriminating. I don’t mind being under pressure but I don't like to be scrutinized in any form. My system emotionally shuts down when I'm in the face of a predator - I become bitchy and enter into lawyer mode, and this is usually a problem for me; another personal problem I need to overcome, alongside finding a job.

  I walk out of my bedroom after quickly dressing - knowing time is of the essence - and I check myself in my aging French mirror to be sure I look just right for my interview. I'm wearing a fine black cotton suit with trousers. I think it looks perfect - I just hope they do to. I'm desperately aiming for professional, sangfroid and collected, but I doubt I ooze any of my desired description.

  "Oh, this is hopeless!" I moan.

  I feel too nervous, and I don't want to come across all hair and makeup. Powerful companies like Darks Lawyers prefer their employees to emanate dominance and appear influential. I'm angelic looking and skinny like a teenager, but I force my posture into position so I can try to come across enigmatic - I'm not sure it works though.

  I finish quickly applying my makeup, annoyed with my lips as always - they are too thin and force me to overuse lip-gloss which usually ends up all over my chin.

  "Just for once, can you go right!" I gasp in the mirror.

  Upon giving up on my appearance knowing I'm almost out of time, I force my blonde wavy hair back into submission. I confidently grab my bag and I start heading down to the underground with wishful thinking.

  THE WALK TO THE underground is daunting but exciting; I desperately need this job so I can pay my father back for my university and apartment fees, and depend on myself for once.

  Once I'm uncomfortably seated on the smelly overcrowded train, I start searching my IPad for Darks Lawyers, focusing on only the important information. I don't have much time because they are only one tube ride away. I should have done my research before I even applied for the internship and this starts to daunt on me - but it's too late now; I just have to think fast on my feet and hope that I make it through my interview without falling flat on my face. To my surprise, every search engine comes up in repeats of how ruthless the company is and how the company owner - the now retired Mr. Darks - holds a one hundred percent rate in all conviction cases. He's good because he specialises in convicting rapists but he was very high profile and did whatever it took to win a case, whether it meant settling out of court or bargaining. Almost every blogger names him The Bastard of Law! Jeez! The thought of having him interview me sends formidable shivers down my spine. How would I get through it? Hmmm, probably by repeating, 'yes Sir, no Sir, three bags full Sir.'

  "No, I must remain strong, I must force myself to stay focused and controlled." I admonish out loud.

  I look up from my IPad. I notice a wrinkly old lady with warm eyes smiling wryly at me. I shrug my shoulders, trying to look sweet but I know I look mentally insane speaking to myself.

  The train stops and I quickly barge my way off - as does everyone else - searching for the time. Annoyingly, I notice I've arrived early - three quarters of an hour early to be precise. I'm usually late for everything, but I suppose early is better than late. I just hope I don't have too much time to wait around, encase I bite off all my nails and give everyone the chance to see my anxious personality visually! Maybe a coffee will kill some time, and hopefully my nerves!

  As soon as I step onto Northumberland Avenue, I spot Darks Lawyers with its shiny black and white advertisement sign. Wow, that place looks powerful. It's at sky scraping height and commands most of the buildings here. I shake my head in annoyance because I don't like how it's made from perfectly crafted modern steel, as appose to old fashioned bricks. London will soon look space age and lose all of its old charm.

  I swallow hard, collect myself and take my first few steps in, hoping that this will go in my favour. I walk into Darks Lawyers through huge glass revolving doors. I spot a small white cafeteria sign and immediately walk in that direction, enjoying the refreshing smell of coffee that lingers in the air, hmmm.

  I suddenly stop in my tracks and I mentally take note of my surroundings. Holy shit, it's so clinical - like a science laboratory. Everything is white and art deco plastic; literally everything, including the people! And I jaw-droppingly notice every woman that passes me motionless is brunette - crap, that's not going to go in my favour! The theatres would go nuts if they got just one glance at this place. They would probably use this visual aspect to represent heaven.

  I curiously touch the tables while I slowly walk through the cafeteria, wondering how such a vast space can show no sign of a designer or even a personality. A simple picture would do it all the world of a difference. The tables are cold like the amidst air, but soft without any imperfections - possibly like its owner! I giggle to myself. I would love to write my name on one of the tables, just to exude my presence - maybe I will one day, if I land a job here that is.

  I take a huge gulp, repressing my instant dislike, and go get a coffee knowing I feel intimidated by the fakeness of the interior.

  A very clinical brunette appears at the high counter. She has an astoundingly beautiful smile and wrinkle free cheeks.

  “Hello there, what can I get you?” She asks.

  I gaze at the small counter top menu, noticing there are too many coffees - who needs ten different coffees on one menu?

  “Um, there are so many!” I mutter to myself, addressing the brunette.

  “Perhaps a latte?” A man asks.

  I turn to acknowledge him kind of blasé - I know where this is going.

  Whoa! - I take that back! My mouths agape, my eyes are wide. Bloody hell, he's smoking hot! His glowing olive skin reminds me of a man from the Middle East, and perfectly matches the contrast of his long inky black hair. Hmmm. I stare him up and down, stopping at his eyes while I take mental inventory. He has the most unorthodox lagoon blue eyes that purposely undress me. Oh boy! I glaze over while I unknowingly smile.

  "What are you smiling at?" He asks equipped with a kindly returned smile.

  Wow, he has quintessential laugh wrinkles that almost make me jealous of his girlfriend that I'm not sure exists! Down girl!

  “Um, nothing," I mutter shy, "yes, a latte, would, will, be great, thank you.” I reply to the clinical brunette while still gazing at Mr. Blue Eyes.

  “Very good. Here on business?” He asks unaffected.

  My mouth starts to water while I register his dominant deep voice.

  “A, an, um, an interview for an intern.”

  I clench my tummy muscles in an unknown bid of desperation. I look around nervous. I notice we are holding up the line, but no one bothers to ask us to hurry along. I look back at him. He raises his eyebrows and looks intrigued - I think, I cannot be sure. Jesus his eyes are gorgeous!

  "What time is your interview?"

  "Um, eleven."

  “What level - do you know your way? People tend to get lost here.” He whispers. He leans closer to me, hunching his neck to look down at me. His arm brushes against mine - a gesture I'm sure he forced. The contact brings my blood flow to a halt. I catch a whiff of his scent. Hmmm, he smells like musky spices - his own garden of forbidden apples. I have no choice but to bite down on my lower lip while I try to gather myself, hoping to hide some of my anxiety.


  He's gazing at me, impassively - how frustrating that I seem to have no affect on him! He looks sort of curious but maybe that's my hopeful thinking.

  "Level twenty, and um, yes, thank you Sir."

  "Sir?" He says clipped. His eyes widen. He appears to be holding his breath.

  "Sorry, um," I don't carry on, I fear I've offended him.

  I look down at the floor, hoping that his eyes will stop judging me.

  "Is your interview with Mr. Darks?"

  “I hope not, after what I’ve read up on him!” I reveal joking.

  I meet his eyes once more. I peer up at him, trying to use my angelic appearance to my advantage.

  “And what do the writers of today have to say about him?” He says.

  I whisper a one liner thinking it's funny, and in hope that I can create some banter.

  “They call him the Bastard of Law; rude I know, and hopefully not true." I say sweetly, blinking rapidly.

  He rolls his eyes looking comical as he digests my joke. He laughs. Thank heavens! His voice is so throaty, and deep.

  “Good luck, Miss?” He elongates the ‘Miss’ hinting for my name.

  The brunette passes me my coffee over the counter. He takes it before I have the chance to get my hands on it.

  “Anile. It's nice to meet you, Mr.?” I say.

  He shakes his head, ignoring my request for his name and he passes me the coffee. I take it with jelly fingers. I'm struck with a strange vibe as our skin touches for the first time. Something euphoric pools around in my tummy - oh my! I instantly step back from him, wondering what the hell is happening in the air between us. I suddenly find it hard to breathe.

  "Be careful not to burn yourself." He says. He turns away from me. - "Put that on my account." He tells the brunette.

  I stare him down, hoping he will answer me, but he smiles to himself while shaking his head. He places his huge hands in his pockets and walks off sombrely. I’m left open-mouthed, staring like an idiot while he gracefully floats through the cafeteria. I feel, deflated - how did I not manage to even get his name? I observe his powerful posture while gawping at him. He's so tall, and beautiful - he's also not wearing white! - this only now registers. He's wearing a dark blue suit. The expensive material caresses every inch of him.