Hey guys! Sorry for the late release. I just wanted to make a longer chapter than usual (and a bit more dramatic too). Please let me know if you have any questions or requests or anything. Also, there is strong language and violence involved (not much), so be careful if you have any triggers.

Hope you enjoy!

Vlado POV

Everything was getting prepared for the celebration. Again.

Everyone worked quickly to get everything done before the party. It had to be held soon, otherwise, the Semenov's would no longer want to have an alliance and do something stupid. Although, if they were smart enough, they wouldn't try anything dumb.

Amelia and Mary were helping Clarke set up the tables and chairs, making sure there was enough room for everyone, while Theo, Rowan, and Scarlett hung up the decorations.

"So, the Semenovs will get here in the early evening, so everything has to get done by then," I informed Romero as he walked next to me into the decorated dining room. He nodded.

"I want two people stationed at every entrance and exit, as well as a few in every room."

"I'll make sure that happens."

"Yes, you will." I gave him a look and he nodded then left.

My eyes found Clarke and Leah's best friend talking to each other, but no Leah insight. Clarke met my gaze and said something to Mary before heading over to me.

"What's up?"

"Where's Leah?"

She looked over her shoulder. "I'm not sure. Are there any other places that needed to be ready before the party?"

I thought for a moment. "The food needs to be organised, but that's getting delivered." Maybe she's outside waiting for the trucks. "I'll leave you to it."

Clarke gave me a curt nod before walking back over to help Amelia and Mary.

I did a final look over the room before walking outside in the direction of the kitchen. Trucks came into view and then Leah, about to fall over with a large box in her hands.

"Woah!" I quickly ran over to her just as she was about to fall, taking the box out of her hands. Her cheeks were slightly red as she looked up at me with a shy smile.

"Thank you." I smiled down at her.

I set the box down a few steps closer to the door for the kitchen. "No problem." I turned around. "Why are you doing this alone? Shouldn't somebody be with you?"

"They had to go somewhere," she said, rubbing her arm. Go somewhere? People don't just 'go somewhere'. I would ask her to elaborate, but I doubt she would know anything.

"Well then," she looked at me, "do you want any help?" She looked at all of the boxes in the trucks then back at me.

"Yes please."

So we agreed that I would take the bigger boxes and she would take the smaller ones because we didn't want her to have bed rest again. That's already happened way too many times.

Time passed quickly as we talked and carried boxes, and before we knew it, we only had a few more boxes to go.

"Leah?"

She peeked above her tall box. "Yeah?"

"You know that there's another celebration, right?"

She put her box down and turned to me. "Yeah, Theo told me."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you're not anxious?"

"Oh, I'm scared as hell. I would stay in my room, but you probably need me there to help pass around food and stuff, right?"

"Not necessarily. I was actually wondering if you would let me take you...again."

Her lips pursed into a straight line. "I'm not sure. It has nothing to do with you. It's just that maybe..." She hesitated.

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe it'll attract some attention."

Leah didn't say what she was thinking, that was clear. But I knew exactly what she was talking about.

I stepped towards her. "Are you saying you think that's why they crashed into you?"

She smiled. "I know that's not why, but I can't help feeling that it helped."

Her wording confused me. 'I know that's not why'? What other reason could it possibly be? "What do you mean that's not why?"

Her eyes widened at her mistake, and she quickly turned around and walked into the kitchen. "I misspoke."

I caught onto her lie easily and followed her, grabbing her arm softly to turn her around. "Leah." She refused to look at me. "Leah, look at me."

When she still didn't, I grabbed her chin and tilted her head up, and she finally looked at my eyes. "Leah, I want to help you. I want you to feel safe, but I can't do that if you won't tell me what's wrong."

I could see the battle with herself in her eyes. Like a battle between the truth and lies. I knew there was something she wasn't telling me, but I don't want to force it out of her. Not after what happened last time.

"It's really nothing. I just said the wrong thing." I didn't like that answer. She knew I didn't like that answer. But there was nothing I could do about it unless I never wanted her to speak to me again.

I let go of her chin with a sigh. "Alright then." I looked around at all of the boxes of food. "Guess we better get started on putting away the food, otherwise it'll all go bad."

She nodded, seeming glad at my resistance for her real answer, and started to put food into the fridge. It didn't take long to pack, and it felt even quicker as we talked.

By the time we finished, it was almost time for the party.

"Well, I guess I should be getting ready," I said, putting my hands into my pockets. She gave me a smile I wasn't really sure meant, but it looked sad.

She didn't say anything and I turned to leave, halfway through the door when she said my name.

"Vlado?"

I stopped and looked over my shoulder. "Yes?"

She looked at me shyly. "What was...what was his name?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Whose?"

Leah looked down at her feet. "The man who drove me."

I didn't answer immediately. "Albert."

"Albert..." She repeated softly, lost in thought. She didn't move to get ready. She just stood there. I needed to get ready too, but she looked so sad.

I let go of the door and walked over to her. I didn't say anything. I just bent down and scooped her up in my arms. She didn't react, except for leading into my chest. I couldn't help placing a quick kiss on her forehead as I carried her out of the room and into hers to get ready.

I walked silently. Leah cried quietly. They weren't good circumstances, and yet, it felt peaceful.

And that was something I didn't feel often.

"Thank you." I looked down at her. Leah was already looking up at me, her eyes slightly red. I wanted nothing more than to wipe away her tears and spend the night with her, but I couldn't.

"There's nothing to thank me for," I said once I had let her down in front of her bedroom door. She smiled and went to open her door, but something stopped her. My own slight smile faded when she turned back around.

"I'd love you to take me to the party." She dipped her head down shyly, and I could barely hear her next words. "As your date."

Those words stunned me. And yet, the smile on my face had never been so big. "As my date?"

"Only if you want to," she mumbled.

Somehow, my smile managed to grow. And I carefully grabbed her chin and made her look up at me. "I would love that."

All of her nervousness faded away and was replaced with a grin. What shocked me even more though, was when she leaned up and placed a quick kiss on my cheek.

"I'll see you later." She quickly turned around, but looked over her shoulder with a blush on her cheeks. "Thanks again, Vlado."

She closed the door before I had overcome my shock. "Bye..."

God, how can someone be so awkward?

* * * * * * * *

Leah POV

I stood in the crowded room, and I felt like I was having déjà vu. All the same people were there, and all of the decorations looked similar, but it still put me in awe.

I was standing with Theo as he waited for his date. Clarke and Mary had wandered off somewhere, and I don't know where anyone else was in the large crowd.

And I didn't know if he was in the crowd.

"Do you know when Lana is coming?" I asked Theo, taking a small sip of my champagne.

He shook his head. "No, she said that she would get here as soon as she could, but she has work, so I'm not sure." He took a small swig of his beer. "Who are you waiting for?"

"Vlado. He asked me to be his date." Theo's head spun around so quickly his head could've flung off. And I laughed at his expression. "What?"

"He asked you to be his date?"

My head swayed from side to side. "More or less."

"Shit! He finally got the balls to ask you out." He smirked, noticing my red cheeks. "I swear, with the amount he talks about you, I thought he was never going to-"

Somebody cleared their throat behind us, and Theo froze.

"Talking about me?" Vlado smirked, standing next to me.

I smiled up at him, and he smiled back before it quickly turned into a glare at Theo. "Please, don't let me interrupt you, Theo. Finish what you were saying."

Theo looked like he had seen a ghost.

He suddenly pulled his phone out of his pocket, and looked at it closely. "Oh, Lana's here! I gotta go, like - you know." He stood there awkwardly for a moment, then turned quickly in the opposite direction. "Yeah."

Vlado and I laughed at Theo's sudden lack of confidence. I looked up at him. "Hi."

"Hello." He smiled, putting his hands in his pockets. I tried to be discreet, but I couldn't help giving Vlado a once over.

He wore a black suit with a white shirt underneath and I didn't miss the shine of his rings. His hair was combed to the side, with a small amount of gel to keep it in place.

How can he look so good with so little effort?

My eyes wandered up to his face and when I saw his smirk, I knew I wasn't so subtle about it.

I immediately looked away to the doors. Surprisingly, I saw Theo talking to Lana.

"Leah," Vlado drew back my attention and I looked back at him. "You look beautiful."

I looked down at my dress shyly. It wasn't anything special, just a knee-length red dress. But it made my heart skip a beat. "Thank you."

"Do you want to dance?"

I smiled up at him. "Sure."

He smiled back at me and offered me his arm, leading me onto the crowded floor.

Vlado took both my hands in his and led me through the dance. I wasn't very good at dancing, but Vlado led me through the dance with ease.

He didn't make fun of me when I tripped over my feet. He just smiled at me encouragingly.

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face as I danced with Vlado. And a familiar feeling bubbled in my stomach.

I knew exactly what this feeling was. I had felt it before. Well, I thought I had. With Lucas. But this felt a little different.

Like I was making the right choice.

But that's what I thought about Lucas, and he teared me apart. Would Vlado do the same?

"What are you thinking?" His voice broke through my thoughts, and I blinked up at him. He just smiled. "You looked like something was on your mind."

I chuckled softly. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

I paused. "About you."

I don't know where this sudden confidence came from, but I didn't regret it. If I wanted to be happy, then I had to go for things. For what I want.

And I want Vlado. At least, I think I do.

He looked shocked for a second before he regained his composure. "What about me?"

"If you will hurt me."

His grip on me tightened ever so slightly, but loosened almost immediately. "I want to make a promise to you, Leah."

I stared up at him and nodded lightly, waiting for him to continue.

"I promise you that I will never do you any harm. Emotionally or physically." He twirled me. "You deserve so much, and I will do everything I can to give that to you."

My heart fluttered. Lucas had made me promises that I knew he wouldn't keep. But when Vlado made that promise, I believed him. I trusted that he would keep his promise.

"I hope I can do the same for you." Vlado stared down at me, and I felt so happy. So giddy. So cared for.

Before I knew it, I was leaning in, and so was Vlado. My heart hammered in my chest, and the closer I got to Vlado, the faster it raced.

"Vlado." He groaned, his jaw clenching with irritation. He turned around, but kept my hands in his.

"What do you want, Romero."

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Vlado, but this is important." He sent me a quick glance before he leaned in to whisper something to Vlado.

Vlado visibly tensed, taking a deep breath before he brought his attention back to me.

"I'm so sorry, Leah, but something important has come up. Are you alright staying here for a little bit?"

I hesitated. I didn't really want to be alone or a third-wheel. "Can I come with you?"

"I'm sorry, but you can't." I frowned. "But I'll be as quick as possible. I'll see you soon." He left with a quick peck on my forehead and rushed off with Romero. I let out a sigh, walking back to the drinks by myself.

* * * * * * * *

I don't know how long it's been, but it's definitely been at least an hour.

Vlado said he wouldn't take long. I don't know what was happening, but I hope everything was alright.

But I couldn't wait anymore. I was getting anxious. I didn't know most of these people, and I don't know how many more awkward conversations I could handle.

I wandered down the hall, trying to find Vlado. There were people scattered around the place, but none of them were the person I was looking for. In fact, I didn't know any of them.

Thankfully, I did spot someone I knew further down the hall.

Rowan walked down the hall, heading in my direction. A smile instantly came across my face at the sight of someone familiar.

"Hey Rowan," I walked over to him.

He noticed me and smiled, walking directly towards me now. "Oh, hey Leah! Everything alright?"

"Yeah, I was just wondering if you knew where Vlado was."

He thought for a moment. "I think I saw him go to the basement. You know, that door in the hallway with the bolts?"

I instantly knew what door he was talking about. I remember I was going to see what the door lead to, but Vlado stopped me before I could. "Yeah, I know what you're talking about."

He nodded. "Do you want me to take you there?"

I looked off in the direction of where the door was then back at Rowan. "No thanks, I should be fine."

He nodded and said his goodbyes and I left.

It didn't take too long to get there, but now that I was actually in front of the door, I was nervous. It looked like something from a horror movie. And like the stupid character, I'm choosing to go in there like it's a completely rational decision.

My hand reached out for the door handle, but its coldness made me jump back.

All I wanted to do was talk to Vlado, did I really have to go through the spooky door?

"How did you get in?" The voice was muffled, but I still managed to make it out. I put my ear against the cold door, trying to hear whatever was being said.

I couldn't help it, I was curious.

"I asked you a question. How," there was something that sounded like flesh hitting flesh. "Did. You. Get. In."

This was just making me more and more curious. And because of that, I made a stupid decision.

I opened the door.

I would have walked away, but I was just too interested at this point.

The other side of the door was dark, but I could see a set of stairs. A small part inside of me told me to close the door and just walk off, but the other, bigger part of me told me the opposite.

So I went down the stairs, closing the door quietly behind me. WIth every step I took, it echoed, and I felt more and more nervous.

Why did I do this?

"I'll give you one more chance." The voice was louder, much louder, and even though I knew they weren't speaking to me, I felt terrified. Or maybe that was because I let myself go through the creepy door.

"How did you get in." The voice only got louder and more terrifying as I walked further down the stairs.

The steps finally stopped and there was a big open space in front of me. There was a wall a few steps away from the stairs, and I headed towards it. I saw something in the middle of space, but I could get a better view from the wall.

I quickly made my way behind the wall, making sure my heels didn't make too much noise against the concrete floor. Everything in here was made of concrete, actually, but there was more light than by the stairs.

"I will tell you nothing." Somebody spoke with a thick Italian accent, and I peeked past the wall.

And I felt my stomach drop.

A man sat in a chair, tied with ropes on the armrests and legs. Blood dripped down his chin, covering his clothes. In front of him were another two men.

They had their backs to me, but I could tell which one was in charge. His black sleeves were rolled up, and his fists were bloodied. My heart raced faster than I remember it ever could.

"Well," he rolled his sleeves past his elbows, "I'll just have to make you."

I jumped when his fist collided with the man's face, spreading the blood on his face.

The man let out a short groan and leaned back in his chair. "You think a few punches is going to make me tell you anything?" He laughed humourlessly. "You are pathetic."

"I see," he turned to the man standing next to him. "So then we must turn it up a notch then." The man nodded and left for a moment before coming back with a thin box.

"Let's see," the man opened the box and pulled something out. It took me a moment, but when I noticed what it was, I felt like I was going to pass out.

It was a knife.

The man twirled it around in his hand for a couple of seconds. "Will this do?" He asked the man in the chair, not even waiting for an answer. "Nevermind, I guess we'll just have to see."

My stomach twisted as he began to drag the knife across the man's torso. His scream echoed the room, and I cringed.

Lucas used to do that.

It was like my stomach was wretched out of my body when he started laughing sadistically. He was getting tortured, what was so funny about this? This was sick.

"It doesn't matter how we got in," he laughed. "All that matters is that it's too late. We're getting her, and there's nothing you can do about it."

The man held the knife to the guy in the chair's neck. "Who's 'her'."

He narrowed his eyes at the torturer before he broke out into a massive grin. "She didn't tell you?" He barked out a laugh. "Well, that just makes this all the more satisfying."

The man turned around and when I saw his face, it was like everything shattered.

Vlado. It was Vlado.

That, was fucking. Vlado.

This can't be real. This can't be real.

"I don't have time for this." He stated and turned to the man next to him. "I have to find Leah and get her somewhere safe." He handed the now bloodied knife to his partner and I could guess who he was.

Romero.

How could I do this? How could I let us stay? There should have been signs. There was no way there wasn't.

"Oh, you don't need to worry about that." They both turned to the man tied to the chair. "She'll be taken care of."

No. No no no no no no. This can't be happening. This really, really can't be happening. I knew it would be a mistake coming down here.

How could he have already broken his promise? He kept it for less than two hours. Was it that hard to keep?

I have to get out of here.

I didn't care about how loud I was anymore. I just needed to get out.

I needed to leave. I needed to get Mary and get her out of here.

I bolted up the stairs faster than I have ever run before. I was up the stairs in seconds and I slammed open the door.

I sprinted into the crowded dining room and desperately looked for Mary. What if she was with Clarke? Is Clarke involved too?

I whipped my head from side to side, but I didn't spot her.

Maybe she was outside.

I ran out the doors and the house and searched around for her. The crowd was smaller than inside, but I still couldn't spot her.

I ran around, the crowd dwindling the further I wandered.

Where the hell could she be?

A cloth slammed over my mouth and an arm wrapped around me tightly. I tried to scream, but nothing came out.

"You're a very difficult person to get to, my love," a harsh, familiar voice whispered in my ear. My stomach jumped again.

No, not him. Please, not him.

I was forced around to face him. The man of my nightmares. The man who did nothing but hurt me. Who did nothing but tortured me.

Lucas smiled sadistically, keeping his hand clamped on my mouth.

"But you were naive to think you could escape me."

Those were the last words I heard before everything went black.