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Viktor’s snarls were getting louder. I was sometimes surprised at myself that I didn’t panic. I felt in my bones that I was safe with him.
A string of curses escaped him as he hung up the phone. I ignored it, leaning my head against the net like that would somehow get me closer to actually being outside.
Warm hands settled on my hips, and he pressed himself against my back. “I’m sorry, ?????. There is something I need to go do.”
I nodded slowly. I couldn’t blame him for having work to do. Granted, it was a weekend, and he was supposed to stay with me today, but given that I didn’t really know what he did for a living, I couldn’t say if he had a regular work schedule. He pulled me against him, kissing the side of my head.
“I will ask around for others to take you downstairs. Only during the daytime, at least until I get back. Yes?”
I sucked in a sharp breath, turning around. “Really?”
He cupped my face, leaning his forehead against mine. “I do not want to cause you any pain by forcing you to wait until I get back. Just promise me you will stay close to security. And only a little while. I will take you walking when I get back.”
Elated, I wrapped my arms around his middle, hugging him tightly. He curled himself over me, surrounding me with his warmth.
“Thank you.”
“Anything for you, ?????. Give me a little while to set it up. I promise you will not have to stay in all day.”
* * *
Viktor had to leave right away afterwards, but he kept his promise. Less than two hours later, there was a knock at my door. When I peeked out, Gabi and Britney were waiting for me. Gabi beamed, tipping her head towards the elevator.
“Ready for some fresh air?”
Relieved, I opened the door a little more, but when I caught sight of Yuri at the end of the hall, I froze. Britney noticed my trepidation and shook her head.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s just here as back up. A few guys are already downstairs, making sure it’s safe. It was either him or wait until Viktor got home, and we figured if me and Gabi are there, you’d be okay.”
I didn’t want to wait until Viktor got home, but Yuri made me nervous. Still, I didn’t want to waste an opportunity to go outside. I promised Viktor it wouldn’t be a long trip, so I wouldn’t have to be with Yuri for long. I nodded and when Gabi offered me her hand, I took it gratefully, letting her lead me to the elevator. She and Britney stood on either side of me, effectively blocking me from Yuri, who didn’t seem to care much. He was glued to his phone, a frown on his face.
“What is the point of signing up for the app if you are unwilling to meet people?”
Britney frowned, leaning to look at his phone.
“What app?” Gabi asked, watching the numbers as we rode down to the main floor. I hadn’t been downstairs since I got here, and I was both excited and terrified at the same time.
Britney snorted. “He’s on Tinder. Maybe they don’t want to meet you because you’ve got the douchiest profile picture ever.”
He made an indignant sound. “It is an excellent picture! Look at my abs!”
Britney and Gabi snickered, offering him suggestions on how to improve his profile as the doors slid open and we stepped out onto the first floor. It was almost like a company entrance. Gabi had mentioned that the first few floors of the building were a business. There were marble tiles on the floor, enormous windows along the walls making the area bright. The elevators were off to one side, blocked by a bank of security turnstiles and a massive front desk. There were also several security guards who were very obviously armed, standing just beyond them.
Gabi nudged my elbow. “See? I told you, this building is very safe.”
So did Viktor, but I had no idea what they meant until now. It was reassuring, and I relaxed a little, eagerly following Gabi to a little gate where one of the security guys let us through.
When we finally stepped outside, the relief was dizzying. I took in a deep breath, glad that Viktor had convinced me to take my meds this morning, so it didn’t hurt as much. The sights and sounds of the city surrounded me, easing my anxiety and clearing my head.
“I get the anxiety. When Vlad tries to trap me upstairs, I get antsy to get out. I don’t know how you do it, Gabi,” Britney commented.
Britney and Gabi stood a few feet behind me, talking amongst themselves. Gabi shrugged.
“I’m not really outdoorsy. Besides, I go out plenty.”
Britney made a face. “Yeah, to Jo’s or Mariana’s. You never went to the club whenever Amber and I invited you.”
Their conversation continued, but I decided to shut my eyes and just breathe for a little while. Already, I felt some of the anxiety ease. I missed being outside. I was like Gabi before. I wasn’t very outdoorsy, but living half the year on the streets changed things a little for me. I enjoyed taking walks by the water and exploring the city. Only at night, because it was easier to sneak around, but I never sat still and it was fun to find new things, even if I couldn’t go inside to experience them.
