I have never seen Vladim this peaceful in public, ever. He shut his eyes taking in the soft breeze. I couldn't tell whether he was sleeping or not but it was nice seeing him so relaxed. His lips were tugged upwards, not in their usual straight line. His body was straight as he laid on the rooftop, one leg crossed on top of the other. He had one hand placed on his stomach and the other on his forehead, shielding his face. I let my smile stay on my face for a few more seconds before turning to the sunset. The sun was moving softly and the clouds followed. The sunset was beautiful, I inwardly wished I had my camera. I pulled the suit jacket that Vladim gave me, covering my chest even more from the cold. The weather was perfect but the breeze was an issue. The silence between us was comforting, the only sound was coming from nature. I thought to myself if I should lay on my back like Vladim or stay seated. After we left the family house, Vladim drove us back home. It was a silent ride

Clyde is one hell of a cook. I'm not saying that because I'm hungry and anything I eat would please me but the flavors in his food.Very simple, yet it creates a taste to remember. He made some rice with vegetables and a sauce that I can't quite tell what it is, but it's black."How? How did you do this?" I asked, putting another spoonful in my mouth. Luckily he served a lot because I wasn't going to get served restaurant amount food and be happy."Could have been better, but we had to microwave it" He shrugged.Did I mention that he has a microwave in his room? Just sitting there? He's that much of an eater, I need to take inspiration from him.When he got the food out of the balcony, it was getting cool and he just threw them into the microwave."Basically, I made the rice using a technique and spices I got from India, and when you go to west Africa, they have a special way of making rice, called Fried rice. I used those two techniques together to get this and as for the black sauce

I had a long day at home, I didn't return until 8pm and I only realized it was 9pm because Vladim sent me a message asking if I'm returning. It felt cute, felt like he was worried about me. Even if he wasn't, I will take it as it is. It's good for my mental health.Hunter was supposed to drop me home, but Vladim already sent Ilya without telling me so I had to say no to a ride with Hunter and I missed Ilya anyway so it was OK.I hadn't seen him when I returned, he was out handling business but here he is picking me up at the end of the day. We spoke the entire ride back, I was telling him about Moscow, about Vladim’s father, I didn't go in very deep with that one because I didn't wanna insult my husband's father to his friend, it's disrespectful. After a short ride, here I am, at home, the safe house. Vladim is here apparently so he told Ilya to bring me here. The hallway was empty, no unnecessary guards inside, which was unusual but I didn't think much of it, and headed upstairs.I

"Do you have any idea the type of danger you put yourself in today!? Vladim scolded."It wasn't my fault, I have no idea who they were" I fought back."You have one, just one rule, to stay in the damn house and not leave without protection or Ilya" "Instead of giving me blank rules why don't you tell me why I can't!? Papa does the same thing to me and I have no idea why, give me a good reason why" "Our line of business is not safe, not for us and not for you. You are constantly at risk of getting killed! If we don't keep you safe, no one will!" He responded, trying his best not to sound mad."I don't need your protection" I sneered out of anger."And where did that leave you?" He asked.That felt like a stab on the chest, I didn't know what he meant by that but I had an idea. Was he referring to what happened to me in the past? If that was his point then point received but at what cost. It severely pierced through my heart.I didn't say anything and tried to take in his words, which