Deadly Vows (Avilov Bratva #2)

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Talia

Finally, the last board came loose, and a stream of cold air rushed into the room. I peered out, my heart lifting as I saw the tree within reach. “We can do this,” I whispered. “We can get out of here.”

I could hear the sound of my breath, rapid and shallow, along with the rustling of the autumn leaves. The sky was colored orange and pink, signaling the approach of evening. Maxim had been my partner in this desperate plan with his sharp mind and quick reflexes. Sasha, younger and more fragile, clung to me, her hands grasping my shirt. They were Aleksandr’s blood, and that made them targets. I had to get them out of here.

My hand instinctively rested on my abdomen, a reminder of the life growing inside me. I was nearly four months pregnant, and the fatigue was hitting me hard. I didn’t have the luxury of rest, though. We had to escape.

“Maxim,” I whispered. “Are you ready?”

He nodded, his face set in a determined frown. We had been working for hours to loosen the boards that covered the window, using anything we could find in the room—a rusty nail, a broken piece of wood, even our bare hands. Finally, the last board gave way with a creak, revealing a small opening that led to the tree outside.

“Okay, Sasha,” I said softly. “You’re going to climb out first. Just like we practiced, remember?”

Sasha nodded, her eyes wide with fear but filled with trust. I helped her through the window, holding my breath as she reached for the nearest branch. The old oak tree with thick, gnarled branches was our lifeline. Slowly, she began to climb down, her movements cautious but steady.

“That’s it,” I whispered, my heart pounding. “You’re doing great.”

Maxim went next, his movements quicker and more confident. He paused once to look back at me, his blue eyes bright with determination. I gave him a reassuring nod before he continued his descent.

Finally, it was my turn. I squeezed through the window, feeling the rough bark against my hands as I gripped the branch. The descent was slow and nerve-wracking, every rustle of leaves sounding like a gunshot in the stillness of the evening. But we made it, all three of us, our feet finally touching the hard ground below.

I took a deep breath, my heart gripped with fear and relief. The guards were stationed at the front and back of the house, but the tree had been our salvation, allowing us to escape unnoticed. We crouched low, moving silently through the underbrush, the forest our only cover.

We moved quickly but carefully, every snap of a twig underfoot making my heart leap into my throat. The forest was dense, shadows growing longer as the sun set below the horizon. We didn’t stop, not even for a moment, the urgency of our situation pushing us forward.

My strength was waning, my steps growing heavier with each passing minute. The strain of the pregnancy was taking its toll. Just when I thought I might collapse, Maxim turned back, his eyes filled with concern.

“Talia, are you okay?” he whispered, his hand gripping mine tightly.

I nodded, forcing a weak smile. “I’m fine, Maxim. We’re almost there.” The footsteps behind us sent a jolt of fear through my body. I turned and saw one of Vic’s men emerging from the shadows.

“Run!” I screamed, pushing Maxim and Sasha ahead of me. “Run!”

We bolted, the adrenaline pumping through my veins, but I knew we couldn’t outrun them forever. I had to think of some way to keep the kids safe. The trees blurred around us as we ran, the ground uneven and treacherous.

Suddenly, Maxim stumbled, and I caught him before he fell. “Keep going,” I urged, my voice breathless. “Don’t stop.”

We burst through the edge of the woods, the city skyline visible in the distance. My mind raced, thinking of places to hide and people to trust. But time was running out. I could hear the men behind us, their shouts growing louder.

We reached a road, and I saw a car approaching. Desperation fueled my actions as I waved my arms, screaming for help. The car screeched to a halt, and the driver, a middle-aged man with kind eyes, jumped out.

“Please,” I gasped, “we need help. They’re after us.”

The man took one look at the children and nodded. “Get in. Quickly.”

We piled into the car, my heart about to burst as the engine roared to life. As we sped away, I glanced back, seeing the men emerge from the woods, their faces twisted with anger. But we were safe, for now.

The woman next to the driver twisted in her seat to look us over. “Are you hurt?” she asked concerned.

“No, thankfully. We just need to get away from here.” I pulled Sasha and Maxim into my sides and silently prayed she would help us.

She thought about it momentarily before deciding not to ask any other questions. “We’ll take you somewhere safe.”

The couple introduced themselves as Carol and Richard, their voices soothing and filled with genuine concern.

“We’ll take you to a truck stop not too far from here,” Richard said. “Do you need the police?”

“No, I don’t want the police involved. I just need to call my sister.”

“You can call her from the truck stop. I’d give you my cell phone, but the battery is dead.” Richard shook his head, chiding himself for not bringing the phone charger.

“Thank you,” I replied, my heart finally starting to slow its frantic pace. The children huddled close to me, their bodies trembling with exhaustion and fear. I held them tight, whispering reassurances.

As we drove, the forest gave way to open fields, and the sky above us deepened into a rich, velvety blue. Stars began to appear, twinkling faintly against the dark sky. Carol turned to look at us again, her eyes kind. “You’re safe now,” she said softly. “We’ll make sure of it.”

I managed a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Carol. Thank you both so much.”

Maxim leaned forward, his curiosity momentarily overcoming his exhaustion. “Is the truck stop far from here?”

Richard glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his eyes gentle. “Not too far, son. Just a few more minutes.”

The minutes felt like hours, but before long the truck stop appeared, its bright lights flickering in the distance. Richard parked the car, and we hurried inside. The warmth and bustle of the place were welcomed after the ordeal we just endured.

I approached the counter, my voice steady but urgent as I asked to use the phone. The cashier, a burly man with a kind face, handed it over without hesitation. My first instinct was to call Aleksandr until I realized I didn’t know his number. Taking a steady breath, I decided to call Sandy. My fingers trembled as I dialed the number, praying she would answer.

After a few rings, I heard her voice, weary and filled with worry.

“Talia? Is that you?”

“Yes,” I whispered, tears springing to my eyes. “It’s me. We’re safe. We’re at a truck stop but need Aleksandr to come get us.”

“Hold on,” she said as she spoke to someone in the room. “Dimitri is here with me, and he’ll get the message to Aleksandr,” she said, her voice firm and reassuring. “Stay there. Don’t move.”

After I gave her the name of the truck stop, I hung up, turning to see Carol and Richard waiting patiently near the front door. I managed a small smile, gratitude flooding through me.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice choked with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

Richard nodded. “We’re just glad you’re safe. We’ll stay with you until your friend arrives.”

We settled into a booth, and the children huddled close to me. Carol brought over hot chocolate and sandwiches, the simple kindness filling me with more emotions than I cared to deal with. I hadn’t realized how hungry and cold we were until that moment.

Maxim took a bite of his sandwich, his round with delight. “This is really good,” he said, licking crumbs from his lips.

Carol laughed softly. “Eat up, sweetheart.”

Sasha sipped her hot chocolate, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. “Will Uncle Aleksandr be here soon?”

I brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Yes, he will. He’s on his way right now.”

As we waited, I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me. We had made it out. We were safe. And soon, Aleksandr would be here. The thought of seeing him again, of feeling his strong arms around me, brought a sense of comfort I hadn’t felt in days.

Carol and Richard stayed close, their presence a comforting reminder of the kindness that still existed in the world. Richard spoke softly to Maxim, distracting him with stories of his own childhood. At the same time, Carol kept a watchful eye on the door, ready to alert us when Aleksandr arrived.

The truck stop bustled around us, truckers and travelers moving in and out, oblivious to the drama that had unfolded. My hand rested protectively on my growing belly, the life inside me a reminder of the future I was fighting for.

When the truck stop’s door finally swung open, I saw Aleksandr stride in, his eyes scanning the room frantically until they landed on us. I felt a sob of relief escape my lips.

He rushed over, gathering Sasha and Maxim into his arms. His eyes were filled with relief and fury. “Thank God,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “Thank God you’re safe.”

The children clung to him, their bodies shaking with relief. His gaze softened when he looked at me, and he pulled me into a tight embrace.

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you for keeping them safe.”

I buried my face in his chest as he stroked my hair. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“I’m okay,” I assured him. “I just want to go home.”

Hooking his finger under my chin, he lifted my eyes to his. “Let’s go home,” he said softly, kissing me gently.

Aleksandr thanked Richard and Carol for helping us and then escorted us to the vehicles in the parking lot. After settling the children into the backseat of the SUV, he pulled me to the side. “Can you describe the place where Vic was holding you?” he asked, keeping his voice low.

“Yes,” I answered, narrowing my eyes suspiciously. I told him what the house looked like and where it was located.

“Thank you, kiska, “ he whispered, kissing my forehead. “Go home with the children. I’ll be there soon.”

“No, don’t go,” I begged, tugging on his arm.

“Everything will be alright. Lev and Nikolai will drive you home. You’re safe now,” he assured. “And I’m going to make sure it stays that way.”

Without saying anything else, he got into the car with Anton, Dimitri, and two other vors. I watched as they drove away, a chill creeping up the back of my neck.

“Talia, get in,” Nikolai urged, holding the back passenger door open. “Let’s get the children home.”

“Yes,” I agreed, wrapping my arms around myself. I took one last look at the road, then climbed into the SUV next to the children. “Let’s go home,” I said, forcing a smile for their benefit. Leaning my head back, I sent silent prayers to heaven for Aleksandr to return safely. Then I closed my eyes.