𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 | ✓

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩 𝟏𝟕

As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, I hear footsteps approaching from the hallway and Vivienne emerges from her bedroom, looking drowsy and half asleep.

I couldn't really fall back asleep last night after I left her room. I never thought she had suffered from panic attacks, and while I don't know a whole lot about her problems, I know personally that panic attacks are the worst, and they aren't something you want to be alone with.

I pour some coffee into a mug before holding it out to her, her small hands wrapping around the ceramic and bringing it to her lips for a sip, shooting me with a look of appreciation. I study her face, debating if I should open my mouth or not, I do.

"If this happens again, come to me, I enjoy my sleep." With a slight curve of my lips, I utter my words, showing a sense of playful sarcasm mixed with a hint of seriousness before returning back to my own coffee.

I didn't want to bring it up again, but I do want to make sure that she doesn't suffer alone. I want her to come to me every time she's in need. Or for anything really, I'd drop everything for her.

My phone suddenly begins to vibrate against my leg, interrupting this 'conversation' I was enjoying, it's not often that we're in the same room together. But already knowing who the phone call is from, I can't ignore it.

I slide a cigarette in between my lips and head out onto the balcony, getting met with a cold breeze. I pull the phone out of my pocket, swiping across the phone to answer the call from Vito.

"Shoot." I brought the phone to my ear, my words coming out in a mumble as I struggled to light the cigarette that dangled from my lips. He spoke into the phone with a blunt tone, "They've collected information on the girl. Her name and her parents, and perhaps a few photos of her."

I nearly choke on the smoke entering my lungs, quickly pulling the cigarette out from my lips. "What the fuck do you mean, how is that possible?" I practically yell down the phone. Vito was supposed to be doing his part in this, avoiding any information about Vivienne getting into their hands, while I kept her protected. And as far as I know, Vivienne is alive and well, in fact, I'm staring at her through the door right now. I've done my part.

"Listen, I'm sorting it out, don't worry about it." He makes a quick attempt to calm me down, knowing that I won't be scared to come down there myself, this is just as much his fault as mine. I take another drag of my cigarette before throwing it off the balcony and turning back to look at Vivienne through the glass. "Just focus on her. Don't let her leave your side too often, and keep your eyes on her one way or another." His voice was low and pressing.

From the kitchen, She turns and looks at me with a curious look on her face. She can't know what's going on, and she definitely can't know she's in danger, not yet anyways. Besides, I have it under control, nobody is going to get even remotely close to her. She doesn't need the extra unnecessary stress.

"I've got it covered," I say firmly, "Just deal with the rest, Vito. I mean it." With a deep sigh, I ended the call and slipped my phone back into my pocket before heading back inside.

He really pisses me off, one simple job, the only thing he's good at, and he can't even do that properly.

I make it back to the kitchen, picking my mug back up, though it's mostly cold now. "Sorry, business call." I state, taking a sip of my cold coffee, and pulling a visibly disgusted face at it before forcing it down. She nods slightly, still keeping quiet as she sips on her own coffee.

Vito's words play in my head. I don't want to risk her going out alone today, Plus, I wouldn't hate spending time and getting to know her. I awkwardly stare down at my coffee as silence fills the room, until I muster up the courage to talk. "Hey, what are you doing today?" I question, trying not to sound too interested with a nonchalant tone.

She responded in a hushed tone, Her eyes glued on the ground beneath her feet. "Probably just some shopping, like always," she muttered, her words lacking any enthusiasm. "Nothing interesting," she added, before finally lifting her eyes to look at me.

I nod, and suddenly words start spilling out of my mouth without giving my brain enough time to think. "Reckon I could tag along? I need to buy another suit for an overseas business meeting I have in a few days— if you don't mind." And while it isn't a total lie — I do have a meeting overseas — I probably don't need another suit, but for the sake of this, I'm willing to buy another.

A moment of hesitation passes over her. I couldn't help but feel a sense of shame for even asking. I wanted to retreat and take back my words, but before I could, a smile begins to play around on her lips and she's nodding, quickly growing fond of the idea. "I wouldn't mind," she responds, her voice soft and gentle, sending a sense of relief over me.

"I'll go get ready," she says, gesturing towards her room. With a small smile, she took a few steps back, heading down the hallway. "Take your time," I replied, grabbing the two mugs and giving them a quick rinse in the sink, I couldn't help but feel a grin spreading across my lips.

It's a win win for me I suppose, i'd kill to spend time with Vivienne. I'd buy the seconds if I had to, no matter the price.

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AN/word count - 1000