Chapter 3 -Layla - Rules

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“Alright, I’m laying down the rules, and once I do, there’s no turning back,” Andrew said, his tone sharp and unwavering. He handed me a sleek black bracelet, the metal cool against my palm. “Rule number one: never think you can run away from me. This bracelet has a tracker embedded in it.”

I stared at the bracelet, a mix of defiance and unease swirling within me. “A tracker?” I repeated, my eyes meeting his. The idea of being monitored didn’t sit well, but I knew he wasn’t someone who took no for an answer.

“Yes,” he said, his gaze unwavering. “It’s for your safety. If anything goes wrong, I need to know where you are. Viktor won’t hesitate to use every trick he has, and I won’t lose you on my watch.”

I swallowed hard, sliding the bracelet onto my wrist. It felt heavier than it should, like a symbol of the burden I now carried—and the protection I needed to survive.

“Understood,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt.

Andrew’s expression softened for a moment, almost imperceptibly. “Good. We start your training tomorrow. You’ll need to be ready for anything.”

With that, he turned away, leaving me alone to process what this new partnership meant. I glanced down at the bracelet, its presence both reassuring and suffocating. One thing was clear: this was only the beginning, and I would have to trust Andrew if I wanted to get through it alive.

“But I have to study for my law degree,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm and reasonable. “Being a lawyer isn’t easy, you know…” I trailed off, hoping he’d understand. “Can we start another day? I promise I won’t let you down.”

Andrew’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of amusement crossing his features before his expression hardened again. He stepped closer, closing the space between us just enough for his presence to feel intimidating yet protective.

“Layla, I understand your commitment, but this isn’t negotiable,” he said, his voice low and steady. “If you want to survive, you need to prioritize your safety. Viktor won’t wait for you to finish studying before he makes his next move.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. “We’ll find a balance,” he added, the edge in his voice softening. “But the training starts now. No more delays.”

I sighed, realizing there was no winning this argument. The determined glint in his eyes told me he wouldn’t compromise.

“Alright, Andrew,” I said, a hint of resignation in my voice. “I’ll make it work.”

“Good,” he replied, a slight nod signaling his approval. “Meet me at the training facility at dawn. We don’t have time to waste.”

As he turned and walked away, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of what was coming. This wasn’t just about studying law or regaining my old life. It was about staying one step ahead, about survival—and Andrew was making sure I’d be ready for whatever came next.

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