Chapter 4

Once I'm calm enough, I check my phone to see it's 5:45 and realise I've only got 15 minutes until I need to wake up anyways. I reluctantly get out of bed, still being vigilant of my surroundings.

This is going to be one hell of a day. I'm always extra paranoid when I get nightmares. I've always felt like nightmares are a tell-tale sign that something bad is about to happen.

First I met an egoist ass, and now these god damn nightmares, within 24 hours. What else could go wrong?

Shaking off my thoughts, I step into the bathroom, and lock the door -again, anxiety's a bitch- and turn the shower on a scorching hot temperature. While I wait for the sower to warm up, I stare at myself in the mirror.

You're not there. You're safe. Safe from them, safe from him. I tell myself over and over, for 15 minutes. That's how long it took to somewhat convince myself I was right. I strip and slide underneath the blazing water.

After a long 30 minutes, I'm in my closet getting dressed.

I apply moisturiser to my face and add a nude lip.

It's now 6:35 and I have to leave now so I can get the Dominico Winery by 7. Anxiously, I leave my house, continuing to overly observe my surroundings...

Boy, it's gonna be a long day.

*

It's currently 12:45pm and I'm sat behind the desk. My lunch break starts in 15 minutes, and I cannot wait. All day, I've been running around doing little errands, or I've been filing documents and answering phone calls.

Right now, Carlo is in a meeting that's due to finish any second now. I file the last document in the pile just as the phone rings and the elevator pings at the same time. Not being too interested at who's just come in at the moment. I take the phone call.

"Hello. This is Zachery Winery. How may I help you today?" I answer joyfully.

Just as the woman starts speaking, my gaze catches a glimpse of an expensive suit and equally expensive shoes, strolling down the corridor. His perfectly gelled hair has a few stray stands resting on his forehead, which just makes him look even more perfect.

I lightly shake my head trying to shake of the way he keeps making me feel, and continue talking to the woman on the other end of the line.

He comes up to the desk and asks me where his uncle is, despite the fact that I'm currently mid-conversation with a customer. I briefly move the phone from my face to my should and quickly answer.

"In a meeting." and then continue the finish my conversation.

"Hmm." he hums looking at me, almost as though he's studying me. Trying to read the effect he has on me.

Ignoring him as best as I can, I finish talking with the customer and ask if I can help her with anything else.

"Thank you for your call. Have a good day."

Ending the call a little cheerily as I remember my lunch break is almost here, I suddenly become a little uneasy as I notice that Cole is still staring at me. Clearly my throat awkwardly, I seem to drag him from his thoughts.

"Can I help?" I ask, not wanting a repeat of yesterday.

"Not at all bella."

Beautiful... Ha, yeah right. With all my scars I'm soo beautiful. I roll my eyes at him, and I catch his jaw clenching slightly.

"Good joke." I mumble, ignoring the fact I'm probably pissing him off, but I don't care. I just want out of here and away from him.

"Huh?" he asks, confused at my comment.

"Nothing."

Please don't ask. Please don't ask. Please don't a-

"Oh come on. Tell me. I don't bite." he smirks.

What else could go wrong?

"I said 'Nothing'." I state, blandly, desperately wanting to change the subject. I roll my eyes and glance at my watch.

Five minutes and I'm gone.

The elevator dings again but Cole is blocking my view, not that I particularly care at this point in time.

He moves around the desk and begins to caress my skin, slowly and softly. I close my eyes, secretly relishing in his musky scent. Just how I remember it. God he smells nice.

I'm broken from my thoughts by a pair of heavy footsteps approaching us. I open my eyes to see two relatively attractive men in suits walking towards us.

The one in the back is dressed in an all dark navy suit and a black glossy tie. However, my attention is immediately caught by the other man.

He is a medium build with short blond hair. His eyes are and icy blue, and his attire makes my breathing hitch. Cole -who I forgot was even here- stands beside me, studying me once again as he follows my gaze. The man is wearing an all black suit paired with a blood red tie. His shiny shoes reflect the sunlight seeping in the the floor length window. The light brings my attention to his right wrist which is glowing.

Huh?

My eyes follow to where his hand is on the handle of the briefcase that he's carrying, and that's when I see it and I swear, I can feel my heart stop and feel the colour drain from my face when I notice the handcuff strapped from his wrist and connecting to the handle. I don't even think about why he has a briefcase cuffed to his wrist, too stunned in the moment to care.

Flashbacks to my nightmare this morning flash through my mind and I begin thinking of the worst.

That's exactly what Vladimir wore that night.

Is he here?

Did he send these men to remind me I'm not safe?

Did they finally find me?

Did he find me?

My eyes are still glued to the handcuffs when the meeting doors open and Carlo walks out. The two unidentified men stop when they see him and shake his hand. Carlo says something to them and approaches me with worry written of his face.

"Cassie, cara, are you alright?" [dear]

His voiced is laced with concern and worry as he looks at my pale face. Cole turns to me and lightly taps my shoulder. I can't be here. I need to leave. NOW!

I grab my bag and bolt towards the elevator and outside. I breathe in as much air as I can, praying that no one followed me outside. I lean against the brick wall next to the Winery and look up at the sky, refusing to allow any tears to flow.

God, even after 6 years...

Vladimir Volkov has ruined me.