THE DREAM SNATCHER

CHAPTER 9

Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears.

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Ria's pov-

Zeeve.

My eyes widened as a new wave of panic struck me. He can't find me! Taking support of the huge tree I was leaning against, I quickly stand up, ready to run if he comes closer.

"Ria!" I could feel my muscles screaming in pain but I had to run. Forcing my feet to move forward, I try to avoid the stray brances and the sharp rocks.

I can't afford anymore injuries.

"Ria! Come out, love. Don't test my patience!" His loud voice indicated the lack of sufficient separation between us.

I need to hurry.

Using trees as a shield to hide my clumsy and cold stature, I keep moving forward. The pit patting sound of the rain did a good job at covering my noisy movements.

"Ria!" I could still hear him, but it was a bit soft.

Good.

Slowing my pace considerably, I reduced my sprinting to a brisk walk. Rubbing my palms together, I tried to generate some body heat.

The gray sky gave the forest a creepy vibe. The ocassional rumbling of the clouds and the spark of lightening didn't help either.

Continuing to move ahead with my brain focused on getting away from Zeeve, I don't notice the abandoned stone blocking my path.

"Ouch! You little bitch!"

Glaring at the stone in sheer anger and annoyance, I try to get up but a sharp pain shoots up my left ankle.

Rubbing the area to soothe the pain, I look around for any indication of my current location, but my eyes see nothing other than tall green trees making a canopy above my head.

Did I land up in the Amazon or something?!

"Ria?!"

I turned my head towards the deep smooth voice and my eyes widened at the sight of my captor.

Shit fuck!

"Ria baby please don't run. We can talk about it like adults."

"Baby? And then an adult?! I think the rain is getting to your head Zeeve," I said while directing a mean glare at him as I slowly stood up.

"Ria."

"That's my name. I know it."

"Ria stop this fucking bullshit!"

"No! I won't! I am tired of you treating me like shit! I am not someone you can own or control! You had your chance, you rui-" a tingly sensation in my nose put a stop to my angry rant.

"Aachhooo!" Rubbing my nose furiously, I tried to get rid of the funny feeling in my nose.

"Ria! Love, are you fine?! We need to get out of here, you're already catching a nasty cold!" He was by my side in a flash and then covered my body with his jacket.