Page 14 of Impure Love

I start grabbing essentials, shoving them into a small duffel bag. My movements are hurried, frantic, like if I stop for even a second, I’ll lose my nerve. Jeans, a couple of T-shirts, underwear. My hand trembles as I zip up the bag, the sound of the zipper loud in the silent room.

The small stash of money I’ve saved up sits hidden in an old book on my shelf. I grab it, my fingers brushing against the worn pages. It’s not much, but it’ll have to do. Cheap hotels, maybe a couple of nights at a friend’s place if I can trust them. My breath hitches, and I force myself to focus.

With a sigh, I grab my phone and head to the kitchen. The cool tiles beneath my feet do little to calm the storm inside me. The coffee pot sits empty on the counter, a reminder of the routine I’m about to shatter. I lean against the counter and try to wrap my head around the decision I have to make.

I grab a pen and a sheet of paper from the kitchen drawer. My hand shakes as I press the pen to the paper, and take a deep breath to steady myself. I can’t afford to fall apart now.

Sophia,

I need to leave. I'm worried it won't be safe for either of us if I stay. I can’t let you get hurt because of me. I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, but I know you'd try to stop me. Please don’t try to find me. It’s better this way.

I wipe away the tears that threaten to blur my vision. Each word feels like a betrayal, but I know it’s the only way. My hand trembles, making my writing look jagged and uneven. I pause, staring at the note, and push down the fear and uncertainty gnawing at my insides.

The door creaks, and I freeze, heart hammering in my chest. It’s just the building settling, but my nerves are frayed. I force myself to continue.

I’ll be okay. I’ll find a way. Take care of yourself.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. This is the right decision, I remind myself. I fold the note and place it on the kitchen table, weighing it down with the saltshaker.

I glance around the apartment, my home for the past few years. Every corner holds memories, but I can’t dwell on them now. My duffel bag sits by the door, ready to go.

I take a deep breath, holding back the tears that threaten to fall. The apartment is silent, except for Sophia’s soft breathing from the next room. She got home from work about an hour ago. I throw up a silent prayer that she doesn’t fucking hate me for what I’m about to do. Taking one last look at the note, grab my bag and head to the door. It creaks as I open it, and I freeze, heart pounding.

I glance back at Sophia’s room, but she doesn’t stir. With a shaky exhale, I slip out, locking the door carefully behind me. The hallway is dim as I \make my way to the stairs throughthe silence. My heart races, making me constantly look over my shoulder, hoping my stalker doesn’t pop out of the shadows.

I reach the bottom and let out a sigh of relief. The fluorescent lights cast a harsh glow on the empty space. I take a deep breath and push the door open, stepping into the coolness of the early morning air.. The city buzzes around me, the sounds of traffic and distant chatter a stark contrast to the quiet tension inside me.

I keep my head down, blending into the crowd. Even in the middle of the night the city really never sleeps. Every shadow feels like it’s watching me, every stranger a potential threat. I grip the strap of my bag tighter, my knuckles white. The streetlights cast long shadows, and I can’t shake the feeling that someone’s following me.

I push the feeling down, forcing myself to focus. I need to find somewhere safe. The thought of leaving Sophia behind gnaws at me, but I can’t let this guy's obsession ruin her life too.

A figure looms ahead, and I instinctively step back, my heart leaping into my throat. It’s just a man waiting for the bus, but my nerves are shot. I push past him, my pace quickening. The city feels like a maze where every corner is a potential trap.

But I’ve got to keep moving. Staying in one place is too risky. With that, I adjust the strap of my bag, and head towards the subway station. The underground might offer some semblance of safety, at least for a while.

As I descend the steps, the sounds of the city fade, replaced by the distant rumble of trains. The platform is nearly empty, just a couple of people waiting. I find a corner and press my back against the wall, trying to make myself as small as possible.

The train arrives with a screech, and I slip inside, finding a seat near the door. I keep my eyes down, avoiding the gaze of the few passengers scattered throughout the car. The doors close with a hiss, and the train lurches forward.

I don’t know where I’m going, but anywhere is better than here.

The subway rattles, jolting me slightly as it speeds through the dark tunnel. My mind races, weighing my options. Find a motel and lay low or get as far away as possible? Each choice has its risks, but I can’t afford to make a mistake.Hecould be watching me right now. The thought sends a shiver down my spine, goosebumps cascading down my arms.

The train slows as it approaches the next stop. I stand, gripping the strap of my duffel bag tightly. I need to stay smart and vigilant. The doors hiss open, and I step out, blending into the flow of people. The station is bustling, a sea of faces moving in every direction. I keep my head down and move quickly, forcing myself to breathe and focus. There’s a dingy motel a few blocks from here. It’s not much, but it’ll do for now.

8

DANTE

The phone's shrill ring pierces the silence of my bedroom, yanking me from the thin thread of sleep I’ve been clinging to. I grab it, practically growling, “This better be fucking important.”

“Boss, the girl has left her apartment.”

I sit up, the sheets tangling around my legs. “Where did she go?”

“I lost her at the subway station.”

The phone nearly cracks under the pressure of my grip. “Lost her? How the fuck did you lose her?”

---