Silk, Secrets and the Vow with De Santis

The night was cold, but my skin burned with adrenaline. There I was-running, stumbling really-in heels too high and a glittering mini dress that suddenly felt like a terrible choice. My heart pounded louder than the footsteps echoing behind me. They were getting closer. Faster. Relentless. But nothing was going to stop me. Not this city. Not the fear clawing at my ribs. And definitely not the men hunting me like prey.

"You can't keep running!"

"Run all you want-you won't escape us!"

I ran harder. Faster than I ever thought possible. My lungs screamed for air, my legs threatened to give out, but my will was stronger. I had to get away. I had to survive. The clock was ticking. Every second felt like poison in a slow-dripping hourglass. How did I even end up here?

Except-I wasn't alone. Not anymore.

"Bad move!" he shouted.

I turned. My breath caught in my throat. "YOU?!"

Two gunshots. And then-silence.

But I wasn't afraid. Not anymore. Because in that moment, I finally believed he meant those words he said: "Till death do us part."