Matvei has a home gym, of course, fully decked out. I get a good sweat on, and damn, it does feel good. I walk on the treadmill and do some body-weight movements, nothing too intense.
And yet, as I move about his house, making food, doing laundry, something feels off. I know I have to trust him, and I do… to an extent. But I have the nagging feeling that his mission today had something to do with what I told him.
I know that he’s got an intense job description, so it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that he’s doing anything from going to pick up more ammo, overseeing a gun trade, or kicking the teeth in of someone who betrayed them. I have no idea what the fuck he’s doing, but I can’t shake this eerie feeling. Something isn’t right.
My phone buzzes with a text, and I look to see if it’s Matvei or Polina, but instead, it’s an unknown number. I stare at the screen, and before I click the button, I look out the window just to remind myself that there are armed guards at every entrance of this place.
Why do I feel… scared? I’m not usually afraid, but I am now. It feels like the stakes are higher. For the first time in my life, I don’t want to run. I don’t want to leave. I found a home, a place where I want to be.
I click, surprised to see it’s actually… Cillian O’Rourke.
Cillian
You need to leave, Anissa. Now. You’re in danger.
I hesitate.What? He doesn’t send warnings without reason.
Who? What are you talking about? Is it Interpol?
Cillian
No, thought it was, but they’ve got bigger fish to fry. Looks like it’s someone within
What the fuck is he talking about? The Irish aren’t the ones coming for me, the law isn’t?—
Cillian
You need to leave
I check my surroundings again. Matvei isn’t here, and I know he’s getting revenge. For me. He doesn’t need me to approve it; he’s doing it because that’s who he is.
I dial his number, and to my surprise, he answers right away. He’s breathing heavily into the phone.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah, but I got—I got a text from O’Rourke," I tell him.
"What’s he saying?" He grunts into the phone.
"He told me that I’m in trouble and that I have to run. He says there’s someone in the family, Matvei."
"That’s impossible. Fucking O’Rourke. We’ve all taken oaths to each other. It couldn’t be. Stay there. I’m coming back for you soon."
"Are you sure?" I ask, feeling strangely uneasy.
"I’m sure. I want you to go to our bedroom and lock it from the inside. Do you understand me?"
I nod, even though he can’t see me. "Yeah. You said you have guards here, that it’s safe."
"It is. My house is a fortress. But I want to be able to find you right away when I get back, alright?"
"Okay."
Matvei exhales sharply. "Stay strong, love.."
My heart thumps in my chest.
I want to tell him I love him. I want to tell him that I will be here when he comes back, but the urge to run is so damn strong…
