Chapter 16

-Who could have done something like this?

-I don't know sir but I promise I will find their boss.

-Yeah, you better do. I have to take some calls, take care of Vivien.

(Marcus) I turned to Vivien who was sitting on a chair with a big blanket wrapped around her frozen body. I dragged a chair closer to her and sat myself on it. She was looking at the ground, visibly tired from everything that had happened.

-You should go and rest.

She raised her head and looked at me, her eyes still swollen from the crying.

-He knew so many things about me...things that I have never told anyone. Who could have been?

-Vivien, those people were simple workers, filled with information to scare you.

-Then who is the leader? And how does he have so much about me?

-I don't know. Did you tell your father about what they told you?

She shook her head, pointing it back towards the ground.

-I can't...she said softly, her words barely leaving her lips.

I grabbed her hands; they were still cold and full of little bruises all over. I slowly caressed one of the areas, concentrating on them before I could refocus on her.

-Hey, it's gonna be okay. I am here now.

-I know. I just...I shouldn't have run away from you.

I sighed and looked at her hands, I let them go and I raised her head, to make her look at me, putting my finger under her chin.

-You can't turn back now, all that is important is that you are safe and from now on I won't let you leave my side, okay?

She nodded and her big brown eyes stared into mine like in a trance.

-You should go to sleep now. I said letting her chin and parting myself from her. She blinked like she just woke up.

-Yes, you are probably right. See you tomorrow?

-Of course. Good night.

-Good night.

I waited for her to leave and then I went to my room too. After I took a shower I put myself in bed. My mind was filled with questions about the kidnapers' boss. Who could that be? And what did he have with Vivien. I decided to start researching seriously on the guys' past, to try and find a connection between them and their mysterious leader. I thought of Vivien, of how relieved I was when I saw her in the middle of the street. I was so desperate to find her. After she left I tried to follow her but she had a quick start and I lost her easily. I immediately took the car and drove carefully hoping that I will see her, but I didn't. I drove for hours until I saw a white van with a man and a woman beside it, their car broke in the middle of the road. After I helped them I asked about Vivien, in my surprise they had seen her getting in a car with two men about one hour ago. They showed me the way and I drove as fast as I could, I noticed the road was going to Manhattan. It was almost night when I saw the figure of a girl roaming in the middle of the street, after a closer look I noticed it was Vivien. My heart pumped into my chest and I stopped the car in an instant. She jumped into my arms when I untied her hands, I felt a sudden pain when I saw her tied and full of bruises. I wished I could have caught her, I wished I was fast enough to stop her from running. I clenched my fists in the bed thinking about the idiots who took her. I looked at the clock, it was late, I had to sleep, I wanted to wake up early and start on searching the main guy. I closed my eyes again, my mind filling with the memories of our kiss; I could still feel it on my lips.

I woke up to a scream. I got out of bed and ran to Viviens room. I entered smashing the door open and saw her crying on her bed. She raised her head and put it back into her hands.

-What happened? I heard you scream, are you okay?

-I am sorry if my scream woke you up; I just...had a bad dream.

I walked slowly towards her and sat on the side of the bed, in front of her.

-Was it about those guys?

She nodded and covered her face with her hands again, moving them to her forehead and her hair.

-I know it is stupid, it was just a dream and I woke you up...

-Vivien, it's okay. It's normal to not feel safe, you've been traumatized.

-I feel like they are still watching me. Marcus, what if there are more?

-If there are we will find them. Don't worry okay? I am here to protect you.

She looked down, her eyes saddening a bit.

-I know, it is your job after all

-Look, it's not only about the job. I really want you safe Vivien.

Her head was raised again in my direction, her eyes struck by hope as she heard those words.

-I care about you.

-Me too.

She closed her eyes and came closer to me. I bowed my head and leaned towards her when the lights were turned on.

-What's happening here?

We both opened our eyes and saw Mr. Collin standing at the door, his expression full of confusion and anger. I stood up in an instant and distanced from Vivien.

-I came here after I heard Miss Collin scream, sir.

-He was just helping me get over a nightmare dad.

-Nightmare?

-Yes, I-I dreamed about those guys. She said embracing herself with her own arms and putting her head down.

-I understand. Marcus, you are dismissed, I want to talk to my daughter alone.

-Of course sir. Goodnight.

-Goodnight.

I left the room and closed the door behind me. I caught one last sight of Vivien before heading towards the hallway. I headed back to my room, the picture of our almost kiss still fresh in my mind.

Three hours later I heard a door closing leaving a hard noise behind. Vivien's father must have left her room. I fell asleep remembering the visible annoyance on his look.

-Marcus?

I opened my eyes, Vivien was in my room.

-Sit.

-Sorry?

-Come here.

I spread my arms indicating her to come beside me in the bed. She looked back at the door then laid by my side. I covered her with my sheets and I slid my arm under them, capturing her body with it. She moved her body closer to mine, her back touching my bare chest.

-Marcus?

-Yes?

-Do you think we'll get away with this?

-What do you mean?

-This is not what a boss and an employee usually do.

-Don't worry, no one will know.

-You think this will end good?

-No, but I am ready for a risk.

She turned her face to mine, my sleepy eyes were struggling to stay open to see her.

-Why would you take such a risk?

-Why not?

-I haven't treated you right.

-You changed.

-Marcus?

-Yes?

-Do you think we'll catch does guys?

Suddenly I was completely awake. I opened my face to meet her worried gaze. I put my hand on her cheek, moving it gently towards her shoulder.

-Of course we will. Don't worry, you are safe.

-I feel safe right now.

I held her tighter, her head resting on my chest.

-We should get up before someone notices I'm not in my room.

-I know a place we can go, to be unbothered.

She looked at me and smiled, then quickly got up and smirked in my direction.

-I'll be ready in one hour. Don't be late.

-Yes, Miss Collin.

I chuckled and after she left I got up too. We met again in the car one hour later. We looked at each other as I started the car. I turned and directed the car to a special place, our special place. I slowly reached for her hand, she looked at it and curled her fingers around mine.

It was a beautiful morning, the fresh wind could slightly be felt. We filled our lungs with the cold air as we stepped out of the car. I reached for her hand again and led her near the cliff. There I grabbed her other hand, studying our hands embracing each other. I moved my eyes to hers, her dark brown color inviting me to come closer. I leaned over until our breaths became one. With one more short glance, I let our lips meet in a longing kiss.