The Grand Viper

13. Decoy

The huge glasses showcased the city and despite the hustle and bustle, it was quiet and peaceful here. I could simply enjoy the marvelous view of the city I so longed to be in. A month back, I was living in the slums and here I am, right now living in the city. Despite the luxury, my heart was restless.

What am I even doing?

Why does father want with me after all this time?

I have to find answers to end my nightmares.

I only came to search for my mother's death and leave peacefully. Why does everything have to get so complicated? 

With every step I took, I was out left with more questions rather than answers. I was getting tired of everything. Tired of having to fight my feelings. My heart and my head were always at war. The feelings I had suppressed for so long decided to resurface at the worst time. But so had hatred. I couldn't remember who I had to direct it to.

Suffocation was not a distant feeling. But like this, it was killing me slowly.

***

Midnight.

I looked at my watch as I typed in the laptop. It had been three days since I had last seen him home. Getting busy, less talk- not that I was wishing for something- but it felt empty to only stay by myself in this huge apartment. 

I sighed and shut my laptop. Getting up from my bed, I walked towards the elevator to go for a little walk and take my mind off things.

Ting!

Before I could open the elevator door, it opened in front of me. Disheveled hair, a stained shirt, and tired eyes were looking at the ground. I grabbed the statue with my right hand, ready to attack if I had to. I had experience with burglars, I should be able to take this one down. I slowly took my steps back, quietly as possible. The man lifted his head and looked at me.

Reece?

My hands started shaking while he started walking towards me while I froze in place. He closed the distance between us and placed his head on my shoulder. He slowly slid his hand to grab the statue in my hand and grabbed it gently. Placing it in its place, he wrapped his hand around my waist.

"Re-Reece..." I stuttered. "W-what-"

"Shhh..." He breathed in my neck while I held my breath in place. "I'm tired, Ruby."

I didn't know the danger he possessed right now. His grip was strong around my waist. I wanted to scream, I wanted to run because I couldn't understand what was happening.

I placed my shaky hands behind his head and mustered all my courage to stroke it. He loosened his grip and placed it on either side of my hips. Reaching his big frame, he looked me in the eyes.

"Ruby...I didn't mean to scare you-" he said as he looked at me. I didn't even realize my eyes were tearing up until now.

"I don't understand, Reece!" I cried, trying to push him away but he pulled me, making me clutch his shirt.

"You shouldn't, Ruby." He stroked my hair gently. "You shouldn't."  

"I'm sorry." He placed a gentle kiss on my head and said, "I thought I could stay away from you, but you're addictive Ruby."

I didn't say anything, I couldn't. "Don't walk away Ruby."

He placed his hand on my cheek. My eyes started tearing up without me realizing it. He gently placed a kiss on my lips as I was in a state of trance. "Don't be afraid of me, please."