The Beast

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine
Taken

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HANNAH

   I ran away.

   Being completely overtaken by fear, I frantically packed a bag and called the only person I could visit who lived far enough to provide me comfort. Quinn.

   I hadn't told the truth when she asked the reasons for my visit. Nor did I confess what happened to Nico, when I texted him a warning not to go back home. He read the message as soon as it was sent and called when I boarded the train. He believed my pathetic excuse that Darwin had gotten violent, and that I wasn't sure what he was capable off. He thankfully didn't fight the issue and confirmed he would be staying with his dad until I came back. I waited until the call ended before letting my tears fall.

   Would Lev do something to Nico? Truthfully, I couldn't say for certain. Maybe he wouldn't touch him, so he could hold leverage over me. Or maybe, he'd hurt him because I left. Either way, I didn't want to risk it.

   When I got to Quinn's small studio apartment hours later, I repeated the same story, and she greeted me with open arms before offering her bed to share. But as we fell asleep, I tried to suppress my sadness but failed, now because I'd forced my friends to get involved in my problems when I never wanted to put them in a position that would hurt them.

   The guilt eased after the first two days. Quinn treated me like she always had. Took me to her favourite spots after she finished her shift. Brought me to her dad to visit.

   During the times I wasn't full of dread and terror, I tried to salvage my position at work.

   After Lev threatened me and my friends, I hadn't been thinking rationally. Not about myself, and most definitely not about my job. It wasn't until the next morning, when I could finally catch my breath, did I realize what I'd done. Thankfully, I woke up before I needed to arrive for work, so I had time to call ahead and explain a family emergency had emerged, but I was more than capable to work from home.

   As long as I didn't fall behind on my work, Marine had no issues. Lindy didn't agree with that sentiment. Fortunately, the owner overruled her opinions.

   Before the call ended, I carefully treaded toward the topic I wanted to cover most. Lev Somov.

   Marine barely let me get a word out before she warned, "Mr. Somov is one of our biggest clients, Hannah. If we make him happy, this can be very good for us. For me. I'm putting a lot of faith in you. Do not disappoint me."

   Her next few words stole all the air left in my lungs. "Plus, Mr Somov has adamantly stated that you stay as his designer. He wasn't shy in telling me that he would take his business elsewhere, so you better treat him well. I like you, Hannah. But if you ruin this opportunity, I will dirty your reputation so much that you won't be able to sell hot dogs on the street."

   The call ended with me promising the best service for Lev Somov, even as I trembled on the inside.

   Since then, I'd tried my best to work with Lev. I sent photos to understand what he'd like to expect in his office. Floor tiles. Walls. If he wanted accents, wallpaper, or a basic canvas. He never responded for over a week.

   On Sunday night, Quinn announced that she'd be having dinner with her dad, leaving me in her apartment alone. I worked most of the night, eating some of her leftovers and watching a relaxing movie in the background. Toward the end of the night, I traipsed toward the double bed but stopped short when my phone rang from the couch.