Chapter 69: FAMILIAR FACE

Arianna

The blasting music around me was starting to sound muted, like I was underwater. All the noise and movements around seemed to blur in the background as I made my way through the hall where the big neon sign read - EXIT.

It was just some steps away, but my vision made it look like the door was miles away from where I was walking in a fast-paced stride, almost running. The heartbeat in my chest felt loud even with people around me, and my shallow breathing didn’t help either, as my lungs screamed to stop and look back where I left Vincent.

The door was so close. Just a little more.

Noticing the absence of the bouncer or any armed individuals, I run through the doors, into the fresh night, colliding with a body.

There was a line of people who wanted to get in, so, apologizing to the person I just ran into, I paid them no mind as I ran further away from the club, panting from running in heels and from the thoughts of abandoning Vincent, letting him defend himself alone.

When I was far enough, I found myself in a dark alley. Only the sound of cats meowing by the dumpsters made any noise. Even cars weren’t driving past at this time of the night when I stopped to catch my breath.

Shivering from the sudden cold, I looked around and saw flyers flying around from the wind, which picked up as the temperature seemed to drop. Even my own body seemed out of it, like I was still floating around but not really here. The numbness just settled over my bones like cold fingers, trying to keep me rooted on the spot.

Questions swirled in my mind like bees, flying in circles around the forbidden flower as I leaned against some brick wall, hiding from any passersby. I couldn’t risk someone seeing me in this remote dark corner.

Especially someone from the club, drunk on their minds. From experience, I knew that there are many greedy people who take advantage of someone weaker than themselves. I couldn’t be that victim tonight.

Thinking back, many things happened tonight.

The first one was the murder of my assaulter. Still couldn’t believe that Vincent killed him on my behalf. It was like that fact made me numb, not knowing what to think or react.

Then, there are people after us. Probably because we killed Brian Wilson.

If that’s the case, how can we defend ourselves if they keep coming and taking revenge on their boss? How can we evade the attacks so as not to arouse some unwanted attention from the government? I’m sure Vincent can’t hide the truth forever. What then? What will happen if they find out that the killings are happening by their most trusted source? How can we escape alive?

Head hurting from all the dark thoughts in my mind, I slid to the ground, still in my short dress, feeling cold stone digging into my backside as I sat down, hugging my knees to my chest.

Not sure what to do next, I didn’t know if I should head back or try to call someone for help. Vincent just took off, and so did his men.

I was completely alone.

Fresh tears escaped my eyes, and I rubbed the wetness off, smearing my mascara in the process as I tried to formulate my intrusive thoughts, but it was hard for me to be calm when I knew that Vincent was still out there, fighting someone to protect me.

What will I do if he gets hurt or worse? How can I live without him?

The imagery plagued my mind like a virus when I stood back up, on shaky legs. Shivering from the cold breeze in the air, the summer soon will come to an end in less than a month, but nights were cold like it was spring on a bad day as the trees swayed from the wind, rattling their branches, seemingly reaching their twisted fingers to the sky.

Blowing out a harsh breath, I tried to keep my nerves under control as I struggled to get my footing back. Coming out of the shadows, there was no time to react when a hand out of nowhere grabbed my shoulder.

My first thought was to freeze, thinking they had caught me and probably would kill me on the spot, but then I turned to see a familiar face.

Tomas. One of Vincent’s associates who works under him.

Relief with disappointment filled my heart when I realized two things.

At least it’s not an enemy but a trusted friend of Vincent’s, but I really hoped it would be Vincent himself. Now, I couldn’t help but wonder what happened for him to find me instead of Vincent.

“Thanks god, you’re alive, Ms. Capri. He would kill me if you were hurt or killed,” he rushed out in a hurry, still clutching my shoulder as I looked at him over and noticed blood all over his suit.

Dread swept over my mind,” Whose blood is that?”

He waved my question away like a fly,” Don’t worry. I’m glad that I found you. He ordered me to find you before something happens to you. I will take you home,” guiding me along in the empty street. I stopped abruptly.

“He’s alive and well? Where is Vincent?”

Tomas paused and looked over to me with something like guarded expression, not knowing if it’s right to say anything,” Well…yes. He is handling everything right now to ensure you’re safe so it’s time to go home. The car is ready, right across the street in the parking lot,” he shows with his palm up the direction of the transport location but I just furrowed my eyebrows.

“Where is he exactly?” Not moving forward, I crossed my arms over my chest, determined to hear the answer and hopefully truthful, as I dared him to lie.

The man grimaced and sighed,” He and my other colleague, Gabriel, took the men who attacked us to a warehouse for questioning. He didn’t want you to see him punish them, so he ordered me to take you home without any questions.”

I widen my eyes at this information, trying to process it,” He decided that on my behalf, not even considering my own feelings?” I felt myself getting angry.

While I run and hide, feeling anxious and terrified of what might happen to Vincent, he just makes someone take me home, not even letting me know if he is safe or hurt. I couldn’t just stay home, not knowing anything. He promised to be there for me and be my partner in crime against my enemies. He needed to expect from me the same.

The guard sighs again, like he is tired and didn’t want to be anywhere but here with me,” He wants you safe. That’s all. Will you come now?”

I nod, making a decision,” If you take me to him.”