Page 42 of The Bratva's Secret Twins

Chapter 13 – Vivian

Don’t stop! He could be right behind you!

That voice screamed in my head as I ran without turning back. My breath was heavy, and my knees were quaking, but I wouldn’t slow down. I needed to get as far away from him as possible.

He must’ve figured out that I’d taken off and might just as well corner me at any time, so I didn’t have the luxury of stopping to catch my breath.

If you don’t stop, you’ll pass out. I think you’re far enough now; slow down.

I refused to listen to that voice, too scared of what he would do to me if he caught me. Men like him didn’t take being played for granted, and Daniil didn’t strike me as someone with a forgiving heart. I’d started this, and I needed to see it through to the end. What use was it to attempt an escape, only to get caught again?

There was no plan in my head, nothing at all. My mind was blank, and I didn’t care; all I wanted was to get away from my captor. Anywhere would suffice as long as it wasn’t his place.

Vivian, slow down.

No!

I kept running, oblivious to those around me. My shoes were pounding on the ground, almost rhyming with the sound of my heartbeat. My breath was becoming too hard to catch, and my feet hurt so much. I couldn’t continue to ignore these signs, lest my heart give out.

The sun had set and given way to darkness and the shadows lurking within. Reaching for an alley wall, I slowed, panting like a relay racer. My nostrils weren’t enough to help me breathe, and I had to use my mouth, as well. I could hear the muffled sounds of my heartbeat. My legs could no longer carry me, and I reflexively leaned my back against the wall and slid all the way to the floor.

My hoodie was flipped over my head, concealing my identity, and a trash bin was by my side, painting a scene like I was a homeless beggar. Well, that wasn’t far from the truth; I was homeless, and I didn’t have any money on me—nothing. How ironic!

I tried to stand, but my entire body was aching. The street I’d found myself in was quiet, with the soft glow of the street lamps casting eerie shadows on the sidewalks.

With my palm over my face, I sighed, contemplating my next move and questioning my decision to run.

Did I make the right choice?

At the time, yeah, it sure seemed like it. Now, though, I’m not sure running away was the best idea.

Of course! It was that voice that always complained but never offered any solution.

That’s really not helpful.

My voice of reason said, But it’s the truth. Neither of you listened to me when planning how Vivian would escape, so you got her into more trouble.

I think you should stop talking now; the girl is stressed…. She’s confused.

Yeah, that happens when you don’t listen to that tiny voice in your head—you know what that’s called? Disobedience.

Okay, you need to shut up now.

Do you remember what happened the last time she was alone in a spooky street like this?

I said, shut up.

I'll remind you: She fucking got kidnapped and was almost shipped to God-knows-where to be used as some sort of sex slave or something.

Okay, that’s it. You’re done.

Enough, both of you! I screamed in my head. Will you just be quiet for one second? I’m trying to think here, Jesus Christ!

Ohh, she’s pissed.

She said to shut it.

“Argh!” I groaned out loud. “It’s official; I’m losing my mind.”

---