"Annette Ellsworth!"
The sharp call of my name made me freeze in place. I recognized that voice instantly. Slowly, I turned around, my stomach dropping.
And there he was. Vlad stood a few steps away, his arms crossed tightly, brows drawn together in a deep scowl. His dark eyes locked onto mine, filled with cold fury. That look alone sent a shiver down my spine.
"I.." I tried to explain myself, but before I could do so, Vlad grabbed my wrists tightly and began dragging me away from the place.
Kaitlyn bit her lower lip, concern flashing in her eyes. She gave an awkward wave, "Byebye..! Text me if you survive!"
I couldn't even reply—Vlad didn't give me the chance. He stormed towards the parking lot, pulling me along without a word, then shoved the car door open and pushed me inside. He got inside with me and slammed the door shut.
Vlad inhaled deeply, his eyes cast downward as he spoke in a low voice to the driver. "Start the car."
"Right away, Sir." The driver replied promptly.
I sat stiffly in my seat beside Vlad, subtly inching away to create some space between us. My body trembled from a mix of nerves and fear, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest like a drum.
Vlad leaned back, his head tilting up as he took a slow, deep breath, clearly trying to compose himself. The car rumbled to life and began to move.
The silence stretched unbearably until Vlad finally spoke. "What on earth were you thinking, Annette?" His voice laced with unrestrained emotion.
I flinched at the sound of his voice. My stomach twisted, flooded with guilt and dread. I felt nauseous. The softness in his tone only made it worse. I kept my mouth shut, unable to respond.
Noticing my silence, Vlad turned to me. His gaze softened as he gently took my chin, tilting my face towards his.
"I was worried sick about you, love.."
His eyes, filled with nothing but concern and desperation, stared straight into mine.
Without warning, he pulled into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around me as though he was afraid I'd disappear again. He buried his face in the crook of my neck and breathed me in deeply. "F*ck…you scared the shit outta me, you know that..?"
I flinched slightly at his touch, but I didn't pull away. The guilt inside me grew heavier with each passing second. I didn't know how to explain myself, so I stayed silent, letting him hold me.
After a few long moments wrapped in each other's warmth, Vlad slowly loosened his embrace. His hand remained tightly wrapped around mine as he slowly pulled back, just enough to look at my face. His eyes searched mine, patiently waiting for an answer.
I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze. Instead, I looked down.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I…didn't wanna be a bother."
I took a shaky breath and continued,
"Kaitlyn texted me the other day asking to meet. I should've said something—I should've picked up your calls. I just… got lost in the moment, I guess…"
I finally looked up, my eyes pleading, painting the picture of an innocent regret.
Vlad let out a deep sigh, his fingers brushing tenderly through my hair. "You're never a bother to me, Annette.. just promise me you won't do that again without letting me know.."
"Sorry.." I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, hoping he'd let it slide.
His hand reached for my chin, lifting it up gently until our eyes met. "No more going out without my permission, understood?" he said firmly, though his touch remained soft.
"Why..?" I asked quietly.
Vlad's eyes softened at my question, his thumb gently brushing my cheek as he held my chin.
"Because you don't remember who you are," he said quietly. "You don't remember who to trust… What places are safe… or even the kind of people who used to hurt you."
His voice cracked ever so slightly as he continued, "I don't want to lose you again, Annette. Not again."
I stayed silent, my heart thudding in my chest.
He leaned a little closer, voice dropping to a near whisper, "You're everything to me. So please.. don't put yourself in danger like that. Not while I'm still breathing.."
I didn't expect Vlad to be this worried.
This side of him.. was new. He wasn't being overbearing or immature— he was being genuinely protective. It wasn't the usual teasing, childish man I'd gotten used to. And yet, even though he still felt like a stranger in so many ways… Why does my heart flutter when he speaks like this?
"Can I still hang out with Kaitlyn..? I asked softly, trying my best to look innocent. "I don't have any friends, you know.."
Vlad exhaled, turning his face away, avoiding my gaze, "Do you have to..?" He muttered.
"Why? Do you not trust her, Vlad?" I asked, tilting my head slightly.
"I know her better than you do, Annette. She's… a little troublemaker," Vlad said with a sigh. "And she always finds a way to drag you into her ridiculous ideas."
"Wait, were you friends with her too, Vlad?" I asked, squinting suspiciously. "The way you two talk about each other, it's like there's history or something!"
Vlad's expression twitched slightly, he crossed his arms with a huff. "She's.. my sister," He muttered, looking away like he was embarrassed to even admit it.
My jaw dropped. "Wait—Whaaat?! S-seriously?! I blurted out, eyes wide. There was no way these two chaotic opposites were actually related, right..?
Vlad rolled his eyes playfully, "Yeah, why on earth would I even lie about that..?" he muttered, clearly not too thrilled about the topic.
My mouth was still open in disbelief. I can't believe this.. but seriously—how come you never told me?!"
He hesitated for a moment, eyes lowering. "I.. have my reasons," he said, his voice quieter now, almost avoiding the subject.
I leaned in closer with a teasing smirk, arms crossed. "Ooh, sibling rivalry? Did she steal your toys or something?" I joked, laughing softly.
Just then, a thought struck me, and I reached for my purse. "Oh! I almost forgot— I have a photo of you as a kid! It's a little torn, but you were so cute...!" I grinned as I pulled it out.
Vlad's face flushed a deeper shade of red as he muttered quietly, "Please don't tell me it's that one photo in my drawer.."
"It is! And I'm keeping it." I grinned. "Oh, do you wanna see it?" I teased, already reaching into my bag.
"No! Gross! Just toss it already!" Vlad said in panic, lunging for my bag. "Come on, hand it over!"
I burst into laughter. "Aw, is someone feeling shy? In that case, I'll definitely keep it!" I teased, pulling the purse away from his reach.
Vlad groaned, still trying to grab it. "Out of all the pictures, you seriously couldn't find a better photo of me to keep in your purse?! Give it back!"
I laughed harder, clutching my bag tighter, hiding it behind me. "Nuh uh. Finders, keepers." I said, "I'll give it back when we reach home!"