A Welcome Distraction

Vivienne’s POV

Ruslan was halfway across the room, in conversation with someone who looked vaguely familiar. A footballer, definitely, one of those ones whose names you learn and forget in the same sentence. He was tall, tanned, and laughing, some story animated on his lips.

And then Ruslan saw me.

It was instant. His words trailed off. His jaw slackened just a little. The smile froze, like someon