Ch. 66..70: Until I Met You Chapter 66-70

Chapter 66~GRAY~

I unbutton my dress shirt and shrug it down my arms. I toss it on the couch and undress myself. I saunter to the bathroom and switch on the shower. I stand under the shower with both my hands on the cold wall. The warm water rinse down my skin and all I could think is her. How I fucked up.

How I put her life in danger and how she makes my heart beat with just a smile.

I missed looking at her.

I missed staring at her deep brown eyes, and I missed waking up next to her. I can’t even think about anything else but her.

I badly wanted to stop calling her. Grant her the space she wanted but I can’t. My mind has never been at ease after she told me she wanted to stay away from me.

I clean myself and put on a t-shirt and sweats. I pick up a cigarette and light it. Someone knocks on my door and I order the person in. Reid. Most times he acts like my father, while other times he acts like my nagging boyfriend. But truth is, Reid’s a full straight man. He’s too annoying sometimes and I hate the way he looks at Ariel when no one’s watching. Like he liked her a lot.

” We need to talk.”

” Yeah. You probably need to explain to me why you chose to fuck Meghan.” I scoff and puff out the smoke.

I walk to my bedroom swimming pool and look into the water.

” She’s hot. And we never dated.”

” And she drugged you. Who even told you I’ve got an underground warehouse?”

He chuckles and shoves his hands in his pockets. I didn’t even tell Ariel.

“You claim we’re best friends and you had to lie about that. You couldn’t even tell me. Are we still friends?” He asks.

” Reid , who told you about it?”

” No one. I guessed it and it was even true. What type of friend are you?”

I turn to look at him and puff the smoke in his face.

” You do some shitty mistakes sometimes. Things like what you did with Meghan are the common reasons I didn’t tell you. I built that has a back up for summit’s future. And you want me to tell you. So you could go out and party with girls like Meghan and let them get you drunk so you could spill out my fortunes. The fuck man. You would have done the same if you were in my shoes. I’m just being careful and not secretive. I have a reason for calling you my closest friend. And that’s because you’ve been for me since i was a boy.” I scoff and inhale the stick.

Reid sighs and stands next to me as we look into the water.

” I’m sorry about Meghan. We only fucked three times. I stopped when she started acting weird and pushy. She’s always corny.” Reid explains.

” And you decide not to tell me?”

” I have my reasons Gray. I can’t just tell you I fucked Meghan and she started acting corny.”

” That bitch had been working with Vladimir because I fired her ass. Who does that?”

Except a desperate hoe.

” Are you gonna kill her?” Reid asks.

I chuckle and walk to my table where the ashtray sits. I butt the cigarette on it and drop the already smoked stick. I stuff my hands in my pockets and puff out the smoke.

” Reid you know the rules.” I say and walk to his form.

” I know she fucked up because of jealousy and anger. You should spare her.”

” And why? For wanting my girl dead or for working with an enemy who sabotaged me to the Chinese because of a fuckin drug deal.”

” Do you have feelings for her Reid?” I ask when he doesn’t answer.

” Of course not. She’s worked with you for a long time.”

” And that’s the reason she needs to die. She went too far. Rat me to Vladimir. Work with him and spie on me.”

” Boss.” Manny knocks on my door.

I look at Reid and walk to the door. I open it and step outside.

” Down the basement.” Manny says and I nod.

” Go, I’m coming.” He nods again and looks at Reid before leaving.

” Gray , there are other punishments you can give to her.” Reid says on our way to the basement.

” Punishments like what?” I scoff.

” What if it’s Ariel. What if your so-called girl rat you out to the cops.”

Fuck , she won’t even do that. I can’t ever imagine hurting her. It’s like I’m hurting myself. I stop and glare at Reid.

” Why don’t you stay back and don’t follow me to the basement. You said you stopped fucking her , why are you being emotional?”

” Don’t forget she’s Jhene’s sister.”

” Like I give a fuck.” I say and climb down the stairs.

Meghan is tied to a chair with a duct tape on her mouth. She tries to fight the restrain but it’s fruitless. Sarai already passed out due to the sedative. I walk to Meghan’s front and remove the tape.

” Fuck Carter , what do you want from me? Why did you have to tie up Sarai?”

” So you know each other?” I ask and smirk at her.

She blinks her eyes and stays quiet. Damn , she just fucked up. I snap at Steve and he gives me a chair. I take it and sit in front of Meghan.

” Meghan. You worked with me for so long. Two years right? And then you abused Ariel and made Jhene tell her shit in Malibu. I fired you and you thought it was nice to work with Vladimir to get back at me by hurting Ariel and also hurting me. You even had to drug Reid to get informations about a fuckin underground Warehouse. Fuckin hoe. You’re so dumb. What makes you think I wouldn’t find out.”

She didn’t say a word. Her face and breathing do the talking. She’s about to panic.

” I bet I pay you a lot. You were a fuckin slut when I picked you up from the strip club. I gave you a job , made you and I fuckin paid you. Why would you think of betraying me?”

She twists her lips and bites her bottom lip before answering.” I did what I have to do.”

” Because you didn’t get me to sleep with you or because you didn’t get me to fall for you?”

She looks at me briefly and stares at Sarai before looking at me

” Oh, please. Jhene liked you a lot. Maybe I liked you too. Before you employed me , I liked you. Let’s say I wanted you and luckily I get to work for you. I tried to hit on you because i wanted to be your queen. Your mafia queen. It hurts when you didn’t even blink at me. I was furious. And then some tiny little college student walked into your life and stole your heart. I was hurt. She made me loose my job. A job that changed my life , I was fuckin hurt. And then i thought of a way to hurt her. Yes , I drugged Reid , he told me you’ve got a warehouse. I talked to Vladimir and I told him the way to get at you after the Chinese deal gone wrong for him. I wanted her to suffer and then i told him you’ve got a girl. And we became partners with major objectives to hurt you both.”

” Because I refused your pussy. You thought you should work with someone who hates me to get at me. Now tell me what should I do to you.”

Her chest rises and falls as she tries to mask her scared state. I stand up and walk behind her. Her breath caught up her throat as I lean my hands on the armrest behind her.

” What should I do to you? You committed a really huge sin. You planted a mole in my business. Try to fuckin take me out and you had to rat me out because of your stupid reasons. If I shoot you , you ain’t gonna feel pain and I want you to feel a lot of pain.”

” You’re fuckin crazy Gray. I’m not sorry that I broke the Omertà and I’m not sorry that I try to hurt your precious little girl.” She cackles.

” Okay.” I smirk and look up at Manny. He gives me a syringe and i take it. Meghan whimpers and shakes on her chair.

Sarai already wakes up. She looks at Meghan and begin sobbing. She looks so innocent and it’s a pity she’s gonna get hurt because Meghan had to manipulate her.

” I thought you weren’t scared.” I whisper to Meghan who won’t stop shuddering. I trail the needle on her cheek to her neck.

” This will make you bleed to death.” I tell her and she panics.

” Don’t fight it. It’s just bleeding but you’ll feel a little pain.” I chuckle and pierce the needle on her neck.

” No , please don’t.” She plea as i inject the fluid into her system.

I toss the empty needle on the ground and pat her cheek nicely. I walk to stand in front of her.

” Now take a deep breath. In less than thirty minutes , you’ll feel uneasy and you’ll start bleeding. I’m not sorry that i injected you.” I whisper and smile.

” You’re a such a fucker.” She screams.

I turn to walk to Sarai but stop. ” I lied by the way. The fluid was heroin. And you’re gonna die of an overdose anytime from now. Your family won’t suspect a thing. At least you won’t bleed but you’ll die.” I smile at her.

“No!” She wails.” You can’t do this to me.” She screams and tries to fight her shackles.

I turn around and meet eyes with Reid. He stands at a corner with his hands in his pockets.

” Once she pass out , get rid of her. I’ll handle Sarai later.” I say and look at Sarai before leaving.

.

~ARIEL~

.

Today’s Sunday. After the beach visit yesterday , Alexa took us to a club last night. And they are all hungover including me. My head aches and it pounds. It feels like someone just run a marathon on my head. I groan and roll on the bed. I open my eyes and search for my phone. Hopefully I didn’t get a call from Gray but my parents called. I look at the time on my phone and it’s afternoon.

I sigh and get up. I search the nightstands for any aspirin, luckily I found it. I swallow it dry and saunter to the kitchen with only a single t-shirt that belongs to Gray as I pick up a bottle water. I never knew I brought his t-shirt along until last night. I sit on the stool and drop the bottle water. I’m so hungry and my head beats really badly. I pour cereal on a bowl with milk and i begin eating.

” Did you even brush your teeth?” Alexa asks as she walks in. She rounds the counter and sits opposite me. She wears a Nike sport’s bra and rip shorts with the button out.

” I’ll do that later.” I shrug and eat. Alexa chuckles and pick up a spoon to eat from my cereal.

” Today’s Sunday and we’re leaving tomorrow. Let’s storm a party tonight. It’s gonna be fun.” She suggests.

I roll my eyes.

” I’m still suffering from last night’s hangover.”

” Oops. That wasn’t my fault. We wanted to loosen up a bit. I feel dehydrated right now.” She gulps the bottle water and sit it back.

” Alright. I’ll check my bag for a dress.” I say.

” Thought about your decision once you reach New York?”

” Maybe. Focus on my job at Sterling’s. Talk to my parents about Leslie and I don’t know…” I shrug.

” What about Gray?”

” I’m still on a break.”

” Ariel.”

” Don’t worry Alexa. I’ll be fine and I know what I’m doing. I miss him badly , yes but I need time to think. I really wanna live with his choices but I’m thinking about the circumstances that comes with it.”

Alexa laughs.” This is not the time to think. You were supposed to think of this decision the very first day he barged into your car or maybe the first day he pulled out a gun like you explained to me. That was the time you were supposed to make these decisions not now. You’re already deep into this. You’re in love with him and you can’t even fight it.”

I bite the inside of my cheek and take in a deep breath.

” I can’t spend my life running from criminals.”

” Pft. It won’t last forever. I believe Vladimir is dead. So who’s gonna come after you? No one.”

” People who hates Gray. People who are jealous of him. People who wants him down. You know what’s a mob Alexa. There are lots of rivals.”

” And yet they still live the way they want. Rivals doesn’t matter. They won’t come after you. They won’t dare. No one starts a war with Gray. They end up loosing everything , except you don’t know the man you’re dating.”

” What about Cage?”

” Cage?” She blinks her eyes and crosses her arms.” What happened to De Luca’s son?”

” I don’t know. Maybe rivals.”

” Cage isn’t a bad person honey. He would never hurt you because of Gray. So forget about Cage.”

I sigh and nod.

” What’s for breakfast?” Brandon asks as he walks in.

Alexa motions to the cereal. I smile and chuckle.

” I’m hungry as fuck. My head pounds.” Piper says as she walks in.

” We should order for food.” Brandon says and looks at Piper. ” Miss refreshments and food.”

We grin and smile at Piper. She rolls her eyes and pick up her phone.

” Alexa said we’re partying tonight.” I tell them.

” I’m in.” Piper squeaks with her phone pressed against her ears.

Brandon rolls his eyes and picks up the bowl of cereal. He sits next to Alexa as Piper returns.

“I just ordered taco Bell.” She says and picks up a spoon to join Brandon.

•••••••

Alexa parks the car in front of the club as we step out of the car.

“This is one of the best clubs in Miami.” She says and starts walking. I look at the parking lot and it’s covered with expensive vehicles.

We step on the club as the loud music attacks my ears. I look around and every corner is covered with leather seats and wealthy men. We find a seat and we sit down. I look around the club for Nick or maybe Toni and Spencer. But there’s no one.

” I’ll go get the drinks.” Brandon says and stands up.

” Have you been here before?” I ask Alexa loudly because of the music. She sways to the rock music and nods.

” You travel a lot.” Piper compliments loudly.

” I’m a freak , I get that a lot.” She giggles.

Brandon returns with shots and a bottle of vodka including three glasses of cocktails. We pick up the shots and throw our heads back to chug down the shots. The liquid burns my throat as I swallow. I pick up a glass of cocktail while the others get wasted on the vodka. I sip slowly and zone out of their conversation as i scan the club. I see Nick. I bet he smirks at me from where he’s sitting with two girls.

We drink and I’m already tipsy. Piper drags us to the dance floor and we dance. We giggle and dance for a long time. I excuse the guys and saunter to the bar. I sit on the stool and lean on the counter. Being drunk is so annoying.

” Fancy meeting you here.” A familiar voice says beside me. I turn to my right and I’m staring at these familiar green orbs.

” Cage.”

” Hi. What are you doing in Miami?”

I sigh and remembered what Alexa said. I wanted to move away from him but i remembered she said Cage isn’t the enemy.

” Vacation.” I reply.

He smiles and orders the attention of the bartender.

” What do you want to drink?”

” Um…” I sigh and finally answer.”cocktail will do.”

” Just a shot will do for me.” Cage tells him.

The bartender nods and leaves.

” You look beautiful.” He turns around to look at me.

” Thanks. Can I ask a question?”

” Sure.”

” Our first meeting, you said you were looking for me.”

He smirks and nods.” You look familiar.” He says vaguely.

” Seriously. ” I chuckle. The bartender comes back and gives us our drinks.

” Why’s Gray not with you? I saw his men around the club.”

” Like I said I’m on vacation with my friends.” I say and sip my drink after disposing the Lemon from the rim.

” And I heard that.”

I roll my eyes. The air feels thick and I feel uneasy again. I take out the straw and gulp the drink.

” You’re gonna get drunk , Ariel. You need water?” Cage asks with concern.

” No I’m fine. I’m just gonna go back to my friends.” I turn around to look for my friends. Alexa sits with a guy and i couldn’t see Nick except Spencer or whatever. Piper is flirting with a guy and she’s drunk. I can’t see Brandon. A guy with a black jacket and jeans walks into the club.

Oh not just a guy. Another guy follows. And another guy follows. Now they are three. All with black jackets.

” Fuck.” I hear Cage mutters.

” What!” I ask above the music.

Cage looks alerted all of a sudden. I look back at the party as one of this strangers pulls out a gun and shoots Spencer. That was all it took for the atmosphere to change. The crowds wails and I don’t know i stop thinking. This stranger turns swiftly and our eyes meet.

” Ariel , down now.” Cage orders and drags me down.

Bullets flies to my direction as i panic. What do they want? Why are they aiming at me. The glasses and bottles at the bar shattered as people screams. At every bullet that’s shot , this strangers approach Cage and i. Nick and Toni shoot back at this strangers and it was deadly to watch. Cage hold tight to my arm and look at me assuringly. Why’s he acting like he knows me or something.

” Come on. Let’s get you to safety.”

” No.” I whimper and look at Nick. He looks busy because they won’t stop ducking and shooting at each other. Nick is already bleeding on his arm as he winces.

I can’t find my voice. I can’t even see properly. Everything’s blurry and the atmosphere is different as people wail and scream. Blood and bodies fill the ground and I can’t see my friends.

Before I could decipher what I’m doing , I’m already leaving the club with Cage.

Chapter 67

I hug myself as I whimper. Why can’t I live life like every normal adult. Always running from gun men who wants me as captive to get to Gray. It’s almost midnight and I’m inside Cage’s car. We drove out of the club to some isolated area and he parks his car there. At first I thought he was gonna kill me. I still don’t know why he tried to save me.

The tension between us is so thick and I barely can look at me.

” Are you cold?” He asks.

I swallow and nod. He smiles and turns on the heater of his car.

” Better?”

” Better.” My voice croak out.

” Who were those people?” I ask.

” I don’t know. Maybe gangsters.”

” Why were they after me?”

He chuckles.” Your boyfriend is a dickhead maybe.”

I scoff and look away.

” Look, this always happens as long as you’re a Mafioso. He’s popular, he’s powerful and people like that always attract rivals. Maybe they wanna hurt him and since they can’t hurt him , they have to hurt you to hurt him. They were Russians” He explains.

Same Russians again. I thought since Vladimir is dead , this should be ending.

” Why did you save me?”

” I don’t know. Considering the fact that I don’t really have a good relationship with Gray.”

” And why?” I ask and look at him.

” You ask a lot of questions.” He smirks.

I shrug and sigh.” I’m just curious. You could have left me to those gun-men but yet you chose to save me. Thanks though.”

I take a deep breath and pick up my phone to call Alexa again. I’ve been calling since we left the club and they are not picking. I dial Piper’s number and after several rings she picks up.

” Ariel.” Her voice panics on the phone.

” Piper. Are you guys okay?”

She sounds weak and out of breath on the phone.

” Is that Ariel?” I hear Alexa’s voice on the phone.

” Ariel…” Alexa says on the phone.

” Where the fuck are you?” She asks on the phone.

I sigh and turn to look at Cage.

” Cage.”

” Cage? Come home right away. We need to talk and plan our departure tomorrow morning. Are you safe? Are you okay?”

” Yeah. Yeah , I’m fine.”

” Good. We’re waiting.”

I nod slyly and hang up. I exhale sharply and toss my phone on my lap.

” Can you please take me home?”

” Sure.” He smiles warmly and starts the car.

He drives into the dark night. I feel nervous and a bit scared. I couldn’t call Gray because I wasn’t ready to face him right now. I turn on his radio because I’m badly in need of sound. I lean into his car seat as he speeds into the night. I give him the direction to the beach house till we arrive. He parks in front of the gate and I turn to look at him.

” Thanks.” I tell him.

” Goodnight.” He answers.

I open the door and step out. My phone rings in my hand and I look down at the caller ID. I turn and wave at Cage. He smiles warmly at me and drive away. I swipe the answer icon and press the buzzer.

” Who’s there?” Alexa’s voice asks from the intercom.

” Alexa, it’s Ariel.” I say as the gate opens.

Gray hasn’t said any word to me on the phone. I sniffle gently and walk in.

” Ariel , are you okay?” His voice says on the phone and that literally melts my heart.

” I’m not fine Gray.” I sob and climb the steps.

” Where you shot? Where are you?”

” I’m safe , I wasn’t shot. Cage saved me.” Maybe that might sound nice to Gray’s ears. There’s a long silence on the phone as I walk into the house.

Brandon , Piper and Alexa turns to look at me at once.

” Cage? Did he touch you?” Gray yells on the phone.

“Hell. No , he didn’t. He saved me.” I roll my eyes and puff out.

” I’m sorry. I’m sorry for risking your life Ariel. I’m sorry that I hurt you and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save you.”

I scoff and bite my lip. I’m angry and stressed right now. How am I supposed to act like my life isn’t in danger and just go back to Gray and hug him. Tell him I’m fine with this non-stop shooting. I really don’t know what I’m supposed to do with my life. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to do with Gray. No matter what ever drama or risk he puts my life into , I just can’t forget the fact that he barged into my car almost six months ago and he stole my heart along with him.

” Ariel , are you there?”

” Yeah. I gotta go Gray. Talk later.” I sigh and hang up.

Alexa looks at me as she sighs deeply. Thank God none of them was shot and they are all fine.

” Okay , the silence is done. Someone is telling me what the fuck happened in that club? Who were those gun-men?” Brandon asks.

I take off my shoes and relax on the couch. I’m not feeling too well and seriously I can’t even feel my feet. These shooting incidents are not leaving my head anytime soon. The bloods are too much.

” Alexa.” Piper calls out, motioning to us for an explanation.

Alexa exhales sharply and sits down. She leans her elbows on her knees and ruffles her hair.

” I don’t know guys. You guys were there , some men walked into the club and started shooting at people.” Alexa says.

” Okay. I know I was scared and I hid under a table but I could swear this shooters were aiming for Ariel. Nick was even there and they were exchanging bullets. I believe Nick works for Gray.” Piper says.

” I don’t know what to say. I don’t even wanna think about it. This is so fucked up.” She stands up and walks to the bar to get a drink.

She opens the alcohol and chug down the content.

” Ariel , say something.” Brandon pressures.

” I don’t know what to say either. I’m glad none of us was harmed and also I had no idea they were after me. I don’t know guys.” I say and rub my palms down my arms.

I need a long bath.

” Fuck. I’d never thought maybe I was ever gonna witness a gun fight. Tonight was like a war zone and I thought I was gonna die.” Piper says.

” Thankfully we weren’t shot. Some people died at spot. I almost puke at the sight of blood and injured people.” Brandon says. And I thought i was the one overreacting at the sight of blood.

” I need a bath and a long rest. We should be leaving early tomorrow morning.” I say and pick up my shoes and stand up.

I stalk to my room and throw my shoes aside. I rub my temple and I’m feeling a throbbing headache. I fall flat on my bed with arms spread on the bed as I stare at the ceiling.

My life has turned into a movie. A messed up , fucked up movie. This is just too much for me to handle. I shut my eyes and all I can see is that shootout. The guns , blood and few people that was hurt. What must have happened to Lucifer or maybe the other guys who Gray sent to look out for me. I can’t believe they get hurt just to save my ass.

I scurry to the shower and get undressed. I step under the shower and let the warm water kiss my skin. I shut my eyes and images of Gray sneak right into my head. His soothing voice and touch and I deeply wish he was here. I step out of the shower after taking my bath. I search through my bag for something to wear and i finally settle for Gray’s t-shirt. It drops at my mid thigh and hopefully it covers my panties. I lay on the bed and pull the comforter to cover my body. I’m hungry. I step out of the bed and stalk to the kitchen.

Brandon sits at the kitchen. He looks quiet just like the first time we arrived here.

” Shit.” he jolts when he sees me. ” You scared me Ariel.” He says and smiles.

” Sorry.” I laugh softly and sit opposite him.

” Are you okay? Or you’re thinking about the shootout?”

He shrugs and shakes his head.

” I’m fine Ariel.”

” You can talk to me if you want.” I assure him. He nods and rub his temple.

” Who broke your heart?” I ask as he turns to look at me. Brandon is cute and always so plain. But since we got here, he has been acting all broken just like me.

” He’s an asshole and maybe a coward.” He scoffs.

” What happened?”

” Mom’s homophobic. Cautioned him to give me ten feet and he cowardly did. Is that what if feels to like someone?” He inquires sadly.

” Is he your first serious date?”

Brandon nods.” Yeah. Always wanna mess around and focus on college. Turns out I wanted more.”

I breathe out and hold his hands.” I’m sorry about that. You’re gonna find someone who worth you.”

” Thanks. Did you fight with Gray? You’ve been awkwardly sad too.”

” I’m fine Brandon. Family issue is eating me up.” I say half the truth.

” Leslie being pregnant?” I nod and tap my fingers on the countertop.

” Sort of.”

” You’re gonna talk to your parents right?”

” Yeah. I have to. She’s broke and she needs a family.”

” That’s so sweet. I mean after everything she did to you , you still wanna help. That’s pretty cute.” He chuckles and smiles.

We talk and laugh till we retire to bed. I look at the bedside clock and it reads 12:am. I take a deep breath and shut my eyes to sleep. The bullet sounds flash through my brain as I open my eyes at once. I switch off the bedside lamp and say a silent prayer.

I barely could sleep. I turn and turn till I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to go through the texts Gray sent me. Our old conversations. This made me think of him the more and it’s aching. I toss my phone on the bed and close my eyes to sleep. Thankfully I fall asleep but it didn’t last because I jolt up at a nightmare. I push the duvet aside and get off the bed. I saunter out of my room to the kitchen and everyone’s fast asleep. I sit on the kitchen stool and pour a glass of water for myself. I’m still wondering why Cage saved me. Clearly enough, most people don’t like Gray. And he had to save me. A rattling noise snap me out of my thoughts as I look around. The next thing I heard is a silent scoff from a male voice and footsteps follows. I jump up from the stool and go to the living room. The wall clock says; 3:am.

I hurry silently to the kitchen , half delighted that the lights are out except for the kitchen.

” God , what if those killers who attacked us at the club decides to pay us a visit.” I thought.

I turn to rush to the living room but I stop on my track when the footsteps get closer to the front door. I panic and rush to the kitchen and scamper for any weapon. I try to muffle my scared whimpers and I pick up a knife. I tiptoe to the windows and pull down the blinds and all I can see is a shadow. I barely could tell what it looks like but it’s a man. He wears a hoodie and the hood covers his face. He pulls out his phone and pace around as he dials a number. I see that as an opportunity to come out and so I did. I quietly open the front door still deciphering if I should wake the others. I close the door and hide the knife behind me as I walk to this invador. He looks busy with his phone as he paces to the backyard. I hastily follow and thought of a way to attack a trespasser without hurting them. I walk closer and he swiftly turns around when I am about to charge at him.

” Whoa.” He grabs the arm that’s holding the knife as he spins me around so my back is pressed against his chest. How can I ever forget this cologne. What’s he doing here at 3:am.

” You don’t want to kill your boyfriend.” He says quietly.

” Gray.”

” Yeah?” I can feel him smile against my skin. He takes the knife from me and turns me around.

” What are you doing here? How did you get passed the gate without pressing the damn buzzer. Why were you roaming around like a thief?”

He smirks.” I believe the word you’re missing Is, you miss me.” He taunts.

I groan and turn to walk into the apartment. He follows behind. What’s he doing here at past midnight. How dare he makes me think a thug or maybe one of this dreadful mobs are here again. I walk into the house silently so i won’t wake up the others. I cross my arms once we arrive at the kitchen and I spin on my heels to look at this man who’s cause me nothing but trouble.

He drops the knife on the countertop and remove his hood. I so much missed him. I can’t believe he had flew to Miami to make sure nothing happens to me. He walks to my form and stop in front of me. His eyes travel down my body and he smirks. I get it , I’m wearing his t-shirt after ranting about him leaving me alone.

” That looks good on you.”

” Gray , cut it. What are you doing here? It’s past 3 in the morning.”

He sighs and nods.” I was worried. The Russians shot Spencer , including Nick. They are receiving treatments. I couldn’t stay back and hope that you’re safe. I wanted to see you. I wanted to make sure nothing happens to you and no one hurts you.”

” And you decide to fly to Miami.”

” I have to. I can’t stand the thought of something happening to you.” He looks down at me for any scar as I roll my eyes.

” I’m fine Gray. I’m fine and nothing happened to me. It was fruitless cause I’ll be home by morning.” I scoff and drop my hands at my sides.

” You’re stressed.”

” Of course I am stress.” I say trying to bite back the anger.

” Gray , I’m tired. Why can’t I have my normal life back? Is it too big to ask for. I wanna be that girl who’s not a target to some mobsters who can’t afford to see you progress. I’m tired of being in the middle of your mess. I decide to come to Miami to have a proper thought about my life and yet they found me. I almost got shot again.” I yell at him.

He takes a deep breath and wraps his hands around my waist.

” Gray stop.”

He smiles and pulls me to him as he embraces me. For once I feel safe. I feel happy. I missed him and it’s strange I’ve not wake up to hate him yet. No matter the circumstances I found myself with him , I can’t stop loving him.

” Tinkerbell.”

My heart melts to his voice close to my ear. He kisses my temple and run his fingers down my hair.

” I’m sorry. I wanna make it up to you.”

” I should be far from you Gray.”

” I know. I’ve brought you nothing but pain and I’m selfish. I get it , I’ve hurt you too much. Let me make it up to you.” He whispers still hugging me tightly.

” I love you so much and I can’t stand to loose you.” He mutters.

” Come with me.” He says and release me from the hug.

” Gray , i ca..”

” Please. I want you to come with me and I’ll drive you back at dawn.”

” Why should I leave the house with you? I’m already a mess and I just want to breathe properly.”

” I’ll do anything you want and I promise I’ll stay away from you if that’s gonna guarantee your safety.”

What’s he saying. Yeah , I want him to give me some break but I didn’t want him to give me up like that.

” I’ll stay away from you , and tell the world we’re not together if that’s gonna make you happy. If me staying away from you is gonna stop them from coming at you, then I’ll stay away. Far away.” He tells me.

” And then get another girl?” I ask. My voice is about to betray me. His he giving up on me. I’m about to cry.

” I want you to be safe. And I want you to be happy. Come with me?”

” Gray you’re not giving me up are you?” I ask and sob. I’m so vulnerable.

He smiles and lifts me up to sit on the countertop. He stands in between my legs and trails his fingers on my expose thighs. He grabs my waist and nuzzles my neck.

” I so fuckin missed you. I’d do anything to have you back. I’m really sorry for everything…” he whispers and kisses down my neck.

How’s he making me feel all this emotions in one piece. I bite my lip and let him caress my skin with kisses.

” What makes you think giving me up will stop the attack ?” I ask. He didn’t stop kissing me.

His hands trails under his shirt that I’m wearing as he caresses my bare back. I shut my eyes and throw my head back as i squirm on his hold.

” I want you back Ariel.” He whispers and pulls his head to look at me.

” Then I’m here. I don’t want a break anymore. My world is already fucked up and I don’t care. I wanna be with you , Gray.”

I barely could believe we departed. Of course we didn’t , cause he was always calling.

” Kiss me Ariel.”

I cup his cheek and kiss him at once. He wastes no time but kisses me back desperately. When was the last time we make out. The pit of stomach burns in desire as I moan in his mouth. One whole week without him was stupid. I can’t live without him no matter how hard I try. He has messed up my world and I don’t care. No matter the mess he created, I’m always gonna be with him because i can’t be without him.

We stop kissing and our foreheads lean against each other. We stare into each other’s eyes and our breathing mixes.

” I’m traveling.”

” What?” I pull away from him.

” Did you come to Miami to tell me you’re traveling ?”

” No. They try to hurt you and I if I don’t give them a message they won’t leave you the fuck alone.”

” Why did the Russians want me dead?”

” Vladimir’s got a brother. He’s pained and wants to take revenge by taking you out. Ariel I need to be far from you.”

” No , you’re not leaving. One whole week and it was shit. What now , you wanna travel.”

” They’ve started a war by trying to kill you. I would have loved to ask you to leave the country but you won’t agree. I need to leave and make this right.”

” When will you be back?”

” I don’t know.”

” You don’t know? You wanna leave me and you don’t know when you’re coming back?”

” This is dangerous. My world is dangerous. I don’t even know what’s gonna happen to me the next minute. You’ll be fine and no one’s gonna come after you when I leave. I wanna solve this mess. And if i don’t come back after a month always remember the day I gave you that promise ring. I’ll always be back for you…” he pulls me to himself and leans his forehead against mine.

” I don’t want you to leave. They won’t hurt me anymore.” I mutter.

He chuckles softly.” I can’t watch them hurt you. It’s better they take me out instead. I can’t loose you , not for anything. They’ve started a war and I want you out of it. Don’t come to my apartment , I won’t be there…”

Chapter 68

~LESLIE~

I take a deep breath and look at my reflection in the mirror. I’ve lost everything. Friends , family and even school. I hate my life. How can I make such a terrible mistake? Ariel was the least person I ever thought I was gonna beg. I can’t believe i had to kneel down before her because mom cut me out of the family.

I wipe my eyes and look down at my stomach. There’s no baby bump yet and I’m grateful. Most times I sit down and ask myself what made me sleep with a professor. I don’t really know. Maybe I wanted to prove a point to the world. I forget the fact that you can’t really please this miserable world. I shut my eyes and remember what Lawson told me.

‘ you’re pregnant? Now what do you want me to do? Divorce my wife and marry you?’ he yelled at me.

I stood like a moron in front of him that day. I look stupid and foolish.

‘ so what do you want me to do?’

‘ do what every girls do to things that you’re carrying. What makes you think I would wanna have anything to do with you or even that thing.’

He called my baby a thing. A fuckin thing. And i can’t even blame him. I made a lot of bad decisions and this was one of them. I couldn’t bring myself down to apologise to Ariel for what I’ve done.

‘ Lawson , i can’t abort it. The doctor said i was gonna get complications if I plan to take it out this time.’

‘ I don’t fuckin care about you, Leslie. Stay the fuck away from my house and my family. Go get yourself useful and get rid of that thing you’re carrying. I warned you. I told you if you ever get pregnant I’ve nothing to do with.’

‘ how Is it my fuckin fault? You fucked me bare and you got me pregnant.’

‘ goddamnit Leslie , you told me you were on the pills.’

True , but because of irresponsibility , I skipped it. How pathetic i am. I wipe my tears and walk out of the bathroom. I can’t believe I’m already dropping out of college. How am I ever gonna cope. I don’t even have a job. Who’s willing to hire a pregnant girl without a certificate. I knock on Ariel’s door and open it. She turns to look at me and smiles. She just returned from Miami and she looks so fancy. It hurts I envy her. She’s got everything. Family , a boyfriend like Gray Carter and Alexa. Alexa was closest to me but now she’s with Ariel.

We’re visiting my parents today and Ariel wants to talk to my dad. He listens and he’s soft hearted just like Ariel.

” Sorry , Les , give me a minute.” She says as she brushes her hair.

” Sure, take your time.”

I hate this world, it’s so small sometimes. I never knew I was ever gonna need help from Ariel anytime soon. All thanks to karma , I’m now a walking piece of shit without a family or a job. God I hate my life. Ariel stands up as she picks up her car keys. She looks lively and pretty. Dumb me , she’s dating Gray Carter . Who won’t look lovely. A lot of women will kill just to be in her shoes.

” Come on.” She says and escorts me out of her room.

We take the elevator together in silence and I don’t stop praying for my parents to take me back. We slide into her Ferrari and I fasten my seatbelt. I admire the interior of her car and sigh. I’ve never been inside before. This is so beautiful and expensive. I envy her. I still wish I had her life.

” Breathe Leslie , everything is gonna be fine. Even if they don’t take you back. You can still get a good job , give birth , hire a nanny and go back to college.” Ariel says and flash me a smile

She just said it like it’s the easiest thing in the world. I mean if she gets pregnant she will never be stranded even if our parents choose to cut her out. Gray would get her a job in one of the biggest company in New York even if she doesn’t have a degree. She’s gonna travel to Spain for vacation, and he’s gonna buy her a penthouse. That’s the gig for getting a wealthy man who loves you a lot. Most times I wish they break up. But hell no , karma has a way for making me eat my own shit.

I had to give the baby to Reid because i thought he could be normal like his friend Gray. Apparently , he’s a freak psycho.

” Can I switch on your radio?” I ask Ariel calmly.

” Sure.”

I nod and turn it on. The tension Is too much. I can’t take it. I feel uncomfortable. I don’t even fit into this type of leather seats. Hazel refused to take my calls. I don’t blame her. I’m a fuckin bad friend. A bad sister and maybe a bad daughter. I lean my head against the window and doze off. Before I open my eyes , I’m already at my parents house. Ariel parks the car and sighs. She turns to look at me and gives me a reassuring smile.

We step out and I’m already about to panic. I shove my hands inside my jacket pockets and stride behind Ariel. We step on the front porch and Ariel rings the doorbell. I still can’t meet Ariel’s eyes. I feel like a burden and a disgrace. I hear footsteps at the other side of the door. The door opens and alas, dad stands in front of us. He smiles warmly at Ariel. He scans the porch and his eyes land on me behind Ariel. I was once the daughter they were glad to meet. But what happened? I fucked up.

” Ariel?”

” Can I come in?” She asks and walks inside without waiting for my dad’s reply. Dad looks at me sadly and walks in. I enter and shamelessly shut the door.

I take a deep breath and walk to the living room. I hear mom singing to her favourite countryside music.

” Ariel. What you doing here? You’re supposed to be at school and also class.” Mom speak up. She hasn’t seen my yet.

” Mom we need to talk.” Mom looks around the living room and her whole demeanor changes.

” You slut. What are you doing here?” Mom yells at me. I start to sob.

” Mom , stop. Calm down and sit down.” Ariel tells her.

Dad looks sad and his eyes is fill with pity. Mom’s the dad here. She makes the decisions and my dad dares not to interfere. Mom clicks her tongue and sits down. I dare not sit down. I fiddle with my fingers and stand at a corner. Ariel sits close to dad as she sighs.

” She’s sorry. She regrets everything and she’s deeply sorry. This is the time you guys should be for her. She needs a family because she regrets everything.” Ariel says. I keep my eyes on my dad.

” She’s sorry?” Mom laughs.

” Why’s she sorry?” Mom asks. Her voice is lace with humor.

Ariel turns to look at me, urging me to talk. ” For ruining the family’s name. It was a mistake. I swear I’m sorry. Mom please forgive me. I don’t know what do with myself. Daddy.” I sob.

” Do you remember Laureen?” Mom asks with a smirk.

” Your senior in highschool back then. The mayor’s daughter. The one you usually liked to party with. Do you remember her?”

Who doesn’t know Laureen?

She was my friend. Senior and cheer captain. Her father’s a mayor and everyone likes her. I made friends with her so I can also be recognized too. She’s also dating school’s most popular boy and she secretly had a crush on Freddie. Ariel’s bestie. I would sneak out every weekend to go party with her. We bullied Ariel together.

” Yes.” I reply nodding.

” She graduated from Cambridge on top of her class and not on top of her professors, like you.” Mom scowls at me.

She was bright and also rich so she can easily work that out.

” Leslie , what were you thinking?” That’s dad.

” I’m sorry dad.”

” You’re sorry? Don’t try to act wussy and sob like a virgin because you want me to take you back. You ruin the family’s name Leslie and you thought I’m gonna spare you. Because you’re what , my precious daughter. You need to learn your lessons. If you don’t taste the hard side of life you won’t learn how to take care of the thing you’re carrying. I just hope it’s not a girl , because you’re gonna rub your slutty existence on her.”

” Mother please.” Ariel plea with me.

” Ariel take her out . I don’t wanna get angry at you. Don’t beg for her. She’s not getting back to this house and also you’re moving out of the apartment at school because I ain’t paying a dime on that apartment, except your boyfriend is willing to pay”

” Mom, please. I’m sorry I don’t know how it happened.” I cry and drop on my knees.” Daddy please talk to Mom. I’m sorry and it’s a mistake. Please Daddy.”

” Mom you can’t do this to her. You made her this way.” Ariel says.

” Oh really?”

” Yes , mother. You knew she was whoring around but you choose to ignore her. Because what? you don’t want me to know about your little secrets on how you both cheated. You wanted me to live a perfect life when yours aren’t clean. You hid yours very well. You can’t just throw Leslie out because she got pregnant at sophomore year.” Ariel says.

Mom chuckles.” Don’t try to get pregnant too because you’re gonna end up like her. I will not tolerate and house daughters who decides to go against the family rules and bring back bastard children. Now take your sister and leave my house.” Mom yells.

Ariel flares as she stands up. I sob and wipe my eyes.

” Come on Leslie , let’s go.” Ariel says and reach to take my hand.

” Daddy please talk to Mom.”

” Rebecca.”

Mom raise her forefinger to stop dad.” Don’t. You started all of this mess when you couldn’t keep your dick in your pants. You had to sleep with Mia Carter. Because of what Exactly!” Mom yells at dad.

” Oh really. And you had to give your cherry to your boss. Rebecca your fuckin boss. Because of what? You wanted to avenge a stupid mistake.” Ariel scoffs at their argument.

They raise their voices and begin arguing. Ariel’s already outside and i race after her. I slide into her car and turn to look at her. She looks mad probably because of what my mom said

‘Don’t try to get pregnant too , cause you’re gonna end up like her.’

~ARIEL~

I watch Alexa as she makes milkshake for herself. She giggles and looks up at me. I’ve been miserable without him and I’m back to being depressed. This is the second week. No calls no texts. And I’m extremely worried. After my last visit to my parents , I talked to Leslie to let them be. They don’t deserve to have children at all.

” You missed him right?” Alexa asks.

” Yeah.” I breathe out and rest both my elbows on the counter as i cup my cheeks.

” He’s gonna be back and he’ll be fine.”

” What if something already happened to him? What if he’s hurt?”

” Of course not. It’s not even up to a month. He’s fine , just think positive and stop overthinking. You’ve started taking these antidepressant and i don’t like it.” Alexa says.

I huff. She pushes a cup of milkshake to me and I smile at her. Leslie walks in with Hazel. They are friends again and lately Leslie had been acting normal. She’s got a per time job in a hotel and the pay is manageable.

” Hey guys.” Leslie waves at us.

” Hi Les. Hey hazel.”

Hazel smiles and waves at Alexa.

” How are you Leslie?”

She sighs.” I’m fine.”

” And the baby?” I ask.

” All good. It’s a girl.” Leslie answers and crosses her arms.

” Wow, a girl. That’s a great news. She’s quite stubborn to be a girl. But I’m still wondering , how come you were pregnant this last three months and you never knew.” Alexa says. I look at her and snarl.

” I always had the monthly flow.”

” Damn. You were pregnant and you still flow? That’s like a miracle.” Alexa grins.

” We’re gonna leave you guys. Come on Hazel.” Leslie says as they leaves.

” I think we should always wish pregnancy on our enemies. It changes them.” Alexa whispers and winks. God she’s insane.

” So Meghan is truly dead?” Alexa asks as she slurps her milkshake.

Meghan was found dead in her room two weeks ago. We found out on the news. She died of heroin overdose. I never knew she did drugs. Jhene was sad including their mother. She recorded a sad video on Instagram the following day Meghan died. It was emotional even if Meghan was a druggie.

” She might be a shit face but I felt sorry for her.” I say.

Alexa smiles insanely.” You poor soul. You’re supposed to be an angel not human. You care too much about people and it’s fucked up. She harrased you , Ariel.”

I roll my eyes. ” You want me to be a savage like you?”

” Hell no. If you’re savaged, then you’re gonna be worse than me. Keep doing good while I flaunt my black cold heart. Fuck i need a job.”

” Then apply for an intern.” I suggest.

She widens her eyes and chuckles.

” Hell no. I don’t see myself working as an intern in the next thirty five years. I wanna work for a mob. Is Gray searching? I’m a good fighter. Good shooter. Good temptress and seductress. I’m a badass and…”

” Alexa. He’s got Sarai.”

” Who the fuck is that?”

” Some blonde girl who works as a seductress for Gray.”

” Fuck.”

” Why the mafia?” I ask.

” Because that’s where the fun lies. Shooting and smuggling.” She cackles. Oh god, she’s crazy.

” I’m gonna talk to Gray, don’t worry about that.”

” That’s the mob spirit. You need to learn all of these things cause you’re a mob queen already.”

” Alexa , stop calling me that.”

She rolls her eyes and turns on the faucet to wash her cup.

•••••••••

.

I ignore every worker at Sterling’s as I hurry to Theodore’s office. I’ve been a mess since Gray showed up at Miami and that’s like a month ago. I haven’t heard or even seen him since then. I ran into Cage often times but I’ve not seen Gray since then. I don’t even know if we’re back together or not but i badly want to see him.

We haven’t contacted ourselves for a month, and like he claimed he wanted me to be happy. Like being without him was happiness. He’s my happiness and I noticed that the second he left the state. He didn’t tell me where he was going and as usual he said he was going to handle business. I had sleepless nights the first few weeks and I fell back into my depressed state. So much for wanting to stay away from the one man who walked into my life and changed everything. I don’t even care if he’s involved with the mob, I just want him back.

One month was worse than hell.

Each time i dialed his number, it’s always switched off or maybe it goes straight to voicemail.

I want him to hug me. Caress me. Touch me. Tell me he misses me and i want him to make love to me. I wipe the tear that slip out of my eyes as I knock on Theo’s door. His deep voice orders me in and I enter.

” Miss Peterson. You’re early , thanks to God. Carry the files , we’ve got a board meeting to attend to.” He smirks at me. Always a pervert.

He’s always checking me out but never had the balls to ask me out. Of course he won’t dare.

” Sure thing Sir.” I smile at him and carry the files.

We walk out of his office to the board room. Most of the board members are already seated. The manager smirks at me and finally glares at me. We’re never going to like each other. I see Belinda. She stands close to the accountant , Brooke. Theo sits on the head seat and I stand a bit far from him still holding the files. He outstretch his hands out for me and i give him the files.

Their meeting begins and they talk about their business progress and clients. I zoned out at the manager’s piercing glare.

” There’s a big business deal that will help this company’s fortune. The thing we need is a bigger amount of money or maybe we actually need a company who would wanna support us.” Brooke says. He’s the accountant.

” Why should we need money to strike some random deal?” Theo asks.

” Because this will definitely change Sterling corp. And your father suggests we talk to Gray Carter.” Kevin , one of the board members says.

” Gray Carter?” Theo scoffs and briefly looks at me.

” Yes. I understand you’re not in good terms with him but i think we need a loan or maybe a fundraiser.”

” No. We’re not getting a fuckin loan from Gray.”

” Theo calm down. It’s just a loan. But if you don’t want a loan because of the company’s ego then maybe we should ask for a fundraiser.”

” That’s like charity.” Theo yells.

I swallow and sigh.

” It’s not. Children Cancer research also needs a fundraiser and if you wanna know we’re the host behind it. We can’t fail them and we need this business deal , Theo.”

” So what are you suggesting?” Theo asks.” As long as I’m concerned , I’m not calling Gray Carter for some damn cancer research fundraiser. I’m Theo Sterling for fuck’s sake. We’re not even in good terms and i don’t even know how to support this type of decisions.”

” We know. Summit and Sterling aren’t in good terms, yes, but he’s gonna give us this fundraiser and we won’t even end up paying.” Brooke says.

“So you’re expecting Gray to throw away 50 million dollars at Sterling.”

” Maybe he will. This is were your intern comes in.” The manager says as she smirks at me. They all turns to look at me.

Okay this isn’t good.

First I haven’t seen Gray for over a month and I haven’t even heard from him.

Now they wanna use me to get some fundraiser for what?

Is he even back?

” Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

Everyone smiles and nods at me.

” Miss Ariel Peterson , this is were you come in. He’s your boyfriend and we want a fundraiser. You’ll have to help us.” Kevin adds.

” Why me?”

” Because he’s your boyfriend and like I heard he values you a lot.” The manager snarls at me.

I scoff.

” So it’s settled. Miss Peterson is helping us out and Brooke is gonna accompany you.”

” I’m not sure he’s around.” I say.

” Of course he’s around. I bet I saw Gray yesterday.”

They saw Gray.

And he didn’t even check on me.

One whole month and I’m about to see the man who left me for a whole month without a single “Hello” I feel like passing out.

Chapter 69We take the elevator to Gray’s office. I’ve not been here since the day we had sex in his office. I’m never looking at that office differently again.

” You look nervous.” Brooke tells me and i ignore him. Fundraiser. Children Cancer research. Fuckin hell.

The elevator dings and we step out. Cassandra raises her head to look at me with a sneer. So he’s back and he didn’t bother to call me. I feel the pit of my stomach twitch and I’m uneasy. What’s he gonna look like after a month. He always looks hotter each time i see him after a long time.

” Is Gray in?” I ask Gray’s PA, Cassandra.

” What? Go on and check for yourself Mrs Carter.” She scoffs.

I glare at her and walk to Gray’s office door. I raise my hand to knock but i halt. My heartbeat is rapid and i can see myself freaking out with just looking at him. I’m nervous and afraid. What if he has finally given me up. Then I’m committing suicide. I knock and wait for a response.

” Cassie what?”

It’s really him. That voice. I bite my lip and twist the knob to walk in. My mouth is already dry and my feet are week.

” Cassandra.” He calls out from the inside.

I take in a deep breath and walk in. His swivel chair is facing the glass wall that views the city. Brooke shuts the door and adjusts his tie.

” Cassie , I’m on a break. I told you to skip…” He turns around and halts.

Oh God.

He looks so good looking. Better than I can ever imagine. His black dress shirt is without a tie and the top buttons are out. He looks surprised and he blinks his eyes in surprise. God , my heart flutters and I wanna run to him and hug him. How come he’s around and he refused to check on me. He smirks and looks down my form. It’s like we’re just meeting for the first time and I look like that nervous naive girl again.

” Ariel. Who’s this?” He asks looking down at Brooke.

” Good day Mr Carter.” Brooke greets. Gray doesn’t reply.

His eyes are lock with mine and I can’t find my voice.

” Sit.” He says.

I nod and help Brooke with a sit. I didn’t sit.

” I’ll stand. Thanks.”

He takes a deep breath and looks between me and Brooke.

” So…”

” We need a fundraiser.” I rush out.” I’m sorry. I um… he’s Sterling’s uh.. I..”

” Sterling’s accountant.” Brooke completes for me as he looks at me weirdly. I know that was a bit weird. I swallow when my eyes scan the desk.

Memories drift into my head and I’m already getting wet. He notices my uneasiness and he knows I’m already getting sexually frustrated with just his lustful grey eyes. He smirks and looks down at the desk. I got laid on that desk few months ago.

” Fundraiser?”

” Yeah. For cancer research and for the kids. Sterling needs a support and you’re the best option.”

” Why?” Gray asks as he looks at me.

Brooke gulps and looks at me.

” Well. Uh… you’re a nice person and we…” Brooke looks at me and urges me to continue.

” How much?” Gray asks and bites his lip.

I’ve been biting my bottom lip like forever. He notices my movement and the way I clench my legs tightly. I badly want him to touch me right now and i also wanna yell at him for abandoning me for over a month without a hello.

“Fifty million. Please we’ll be grateful if you…”

” Okay. Go to the front desk. My PA will send the transfer.” Gray says.

” Oh my God. Thank you very much sir.” Brooke stands up and thank Gray repeatedly.

” Come on Ariel.” Brooke motions for me to follow him.

” Ariel wait. You can go Brooke. I wanna have a word with her.” Gray tells Brooke and my heart stop working.

” Uh..” i stutter.

” Leave Brooke.”

” She’s Theo’s intern and she will be needed at work.” Brooke says. He’s trying to ruin everything with his crazy persistence.

Gray rubs his temple and shove out a gun. He pulls the hammer and point it at Brooke. Brooke panics and swallows.

” Are you leaving or not?”

” Sure sir. See ya later Ariel.” Brooke says and turn to rush out of Gray’s office.

” On a second thought.” Gray says as Brooke stops to look at him.

” Tell Theo he owes me and I want an interest too.”

” What?” Brooke asks surprisingly as he looks at me. Breathe accountant, I also thought the 50 million was free.

” I’m not a charity organization, Brooke. I’ll never throw away fifty million to Sterling fuckin Corp. I’m expecting 56 million in return. He shouldn’t keep me waiting when I might need it. Leave.” Gray orders Brooke.

He swallows nervously and runs out of Gray’s office.

Gray looks at me and sighs. He drops his gun and stands up. His hands bury deep in his slacks pockets as he walks to my nervous form. One whole month and I feel like I was gonna die. I can’t live without him. It’s impossible. I lied to myself that I can live without Gray but hell no , I can’t. I lean against his desk and try as much to stay angry at him. He just point a damn gun at my colleague. What type of man does that?

” Miss me?” He asks and smirks.

I don’t reply.

I just stand nervously opposite this grey eyes delinquent. I remember no matter how hard i tried to avoid him , he’s always coming back to me. He has stolen my heart , everything.

” Damn. I miss you.” He breathes out.

I don’t a say a word. He just left a month ago because he wanted to make sure I’m fine and now he’s back telling me he missed me. Who does that?

” You left.” I say barely above a whisper.

” I know.” He replies calmly.

My breath hitch the more he leans closer to me. He smells so good. Like always. My back leans against his desk as his eyes locks with mine . He is something words can’t describe. Beautiful , sweet, dangerous , cold and finally he’s got me wrapped around his mighty fingers.

” You look nervous.”

“I’m not…” I stutter. He’s right. He’s just about to freak me out with those damn eyes of his. We’re so close right now and i don’t even remember if we actually had issues a month ago. I can’t breathe properly with just his delinquent figure in front of me.

“What if I kiss you right now?” He asks and that seems to make my heart beat skip.

What the fuck is he waiting for?

We’re just inch apart and all i could feel is his hot breath against my neck.

He wraps his hand around my waist and whisper against my neck. I swallow and fight the urge to run my fingers through his locks and trail my fingers down his body. How did he do this to me? I’m hypnotized and it feels like I can’t find my voice.

God Ariel , he owes you an explanation. Right now he’s acting like he didn’t just abandoned me for over a month without a damn ‘Hi’. I should be angry at him but hell I can’t stay angry at Gray. He’s my worse distraction. And yes , he’s gonna be the end of me and i don’t even care.

“I’m not feeling very well…”he tells me, trailing his fingers on my naive form.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I want you to be my nurse. Kiss me till I feel better. Or maybe…” He whispers leaning closer to me so i could feel him .

“Babysit me tonight.”

I scoff and stare at him. Is he serious? What is he , ten? How do you even babysit a man like Gray. Oh I get it , put on a sexy lingerie. Let him lay on your laps while you tell him a cute romantic story. Good God.

” Gray you owe me an explanation. One month. Four whole weeks. You said you’re leaving the city and you refused to call me or even text me. Have you gotten a new girl?” I ask bitterly.

” And why should I get a new girl?” He smirks and looks down at me.

” I don’t know. Maybe because you’re Gray Carter.”

He chuckles and trails his fingers down my hair.

” I miss you so damn much.”

I shake my head.” No you don’t. I was worried and scared. You didn’t even check on me Gray.”

” I know. Come over tonight and we’ll talk it out.”

” So what if I didn’t show up at your office?”

” I was gonna pay you a surprise visit. Come over tonight.”

I sigh and cross my arms. Gray wraps his hands around my waist and sits me on his desk.

” Gray , Brooke might be waiting.” I place my hand on his shoulders to stop him from what ever plan he has in store for me.

” Fuck him.”

He stands in between my legs with his hands firmly around my waist.

” I’m so sorry. For everything. One month was stupid without you. I missed you.” He says and looks into my eyes.

” I missed touching you so badly…” he whispers as he runs his fingers up my curves.

” And I’m sorry that I brought you troubles. They won’t come after you ever again.” He assures me as his eyes rakes me down.

I can’t find my breath. My heart beat is rapid and it hammers against my chest.

” How much do you miss me?” He asks. His forefinger trails down the buttons on my white dress shirt.

” A lot. I was depressed.” I admit, avoiding his eyes.

” I’m really sorry.”

I look up at his facials and it is sincere.

” Why didn’t you call?”

” That’s a story for tonight. I wanna feel you while i tell you. Be my babysitter?” He smirks and leans down to plant a soft kiss on my neck.

My eyes flutter shut as I heave out a deep breath. He takes out one button on my shirt as he kisses my neck. My fingers grace his back through his dress shirt. His left hand work out on my buttons. He smiles at my body and that made my core clench. He makes me wet with just his seductive stares. Gray kisses down my neck , he trails it down to my boobies. I moan when his teeth graze my skin. He’s marking me.

” I miss you so damn much.” He says in between the kiss.

” Are you still on the pills?” He whispers and kisses my earlobe.

“Yes..” i squeak out.

” Good. You’re spending the night.”

The thought of us making love after this long break makes my panties wetter. He notices my nervousness and he smirks. He cups my cheeks and kisses my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck as I kiss back. His arousal press against my heat and I moan in his mouth. We kiss desperately as my hands tug gently on his hair. He makes me want him , love him and even hate him sometimes.

” Fuck , I love you so much.” He says and bites my bottom lip.

” I love you more , Jamal.”

” Don’t call me Jamal.”

” Jamal.” I say and chuckle.

He smiles widely and look up at me.

” Thanks for loving me through my worse shit.”

I stay quiet as we stare at each other. Mob boss , criminal, murderer and I don’t fuckin care. He has stolen my heart and I don’t mind.

 

Chapter 70

I lean against the bathroom washbowl as I brush my teeth. It’s almost 6:30 pm. I rinse my toothbrush and look at my reflection. My black locks are braided into pigtails and I’m nervous. One month was like a nightmare for me. I’m nervous and i don’t even know what to do with myself.

” Ariel.” Alexa shouts my name. She’s always visiting since Gray left. Brandon and Piper knew he traveled but they don’t know the story behind it. I can’t tell them what Gray is and why he left.

They always made sure I’m okay and they are always visiting. She knocks on my bathroom door and I open the door for her. She looks down at my towel form and smirk. I’m just with only my towel.

” Oh , shit. Expecting someone?” She grins.

I chuckle and step out of the bathroom as we go to my room.

” Gray’s back.” I say and sit on the chair of my dresser.

” Oh my God.” Alexa slumps on my bed.” And you guys are planning to make babies tonight. I’ve got two condoms in my purse…” she says as she opens her purse.

” God , Alex. What are you doing with condoms ?”

” You’re going to fuck your boyfriend and you don’t want a condom?”

” You don’t have a boyfriend , what are you doing with a condom?” I ask. She stops her search and pouts.

” Wait! Are those birth control pills? God Ariel.” I quickly pick up the pills and throw them inside the drawer.

” You’ve not had sex with Gray for over a month plus but yet you keep contraceptives. I bet that answers your questions about why i keep condoms.” She chuckles.

I take a deep breath and smile.

” I’m nervous.”

” Why? You don’t know how to smash again. I’ve got good tips. How to ride a boner and how to give a really good head.”

” God , Alexa stop. I don’t wanna hear it. Thanks for your terrible speech. I’m just nervous because it’s been a month since i last saw him. And…”

” You’ve been horny since then.” She winks. I groan and roll my eyes. Such a dickhead.

” Make sure you don’t wear panties. Or you can pick out a really sexy lingerie. I like red , it turns the mood on.”

I laugh and get up.

” I need to take my bath.”

” Whatever. I’m out to disturb Leslie. She’s got a baby bump already. I can’t believe she’s really expecting a baby. Professor Lawson. I’ve been suggesting names for her but she doesn’t like anyone.”

” Alexa. Seriously , the baby is not even out yet.”

She scoffs and stands up.

” Do you have food in this house? I’m hungry.”

” Check the kitchen.” I tell her and go to the bathroom.

” Oh Ariel.” Alexa shouts my name.

” Yes , Alex.” I groan as I remove my towel.

” Don’t forget to shave your legs and wax. You wouldn’t want Gray to get lost in those fountains of pubes down there.”

” Shut up Alexa , I always wax.” I say and turn on the shower.

” I’m just trying to be a good cousin.”

I chuckle and step under the shower. After lathering my skin , I rinse off the lather and step out. I clean my skin and my hair. The braids are already out. I snake through my closet and decide to wear a black strap dress with a V-neck. I blow dry my hair and decide to straighten it. I step on my shoes and pick my purse. I go to the living room and stop at the kitchen to see Alexa. She’s cooking.

” Be safe and have fun.” She says. I nod and walk out of the house.

*****

I take a deep breath and step out of my car. I shut the door and look at this house I’ve come to miss. A month ago , Gray wasn’t here including the men who guard the house and work for him. It was dead. I smile at Carl and he help me with the door. I look around and see Nick with Manny in the kitchen.

” Oh god. When last did I saw you?” Nick asks when he sees me.

” A month ago.” I tell him.

” Damn. You look beautiful.”

” Really Nick? She’s your boss’s girlfriend.” Manny tells him.

” My bad , he’s upstairs. In his room.” He smiles as I nod. I give them a small smile and take the stairs and i almost bump into someone. God Reid. We can never be in good terms.

He’s always cold around me and it’s obvious we can never be in good terms.

” I’m sorry.” I say and walk past him. He didn’t reply or look back at me.

I exhale and knock on Gray’s door. I twist the doorknob and walk in. The drapes are push to the end so the room isn’t that dark. There’s no Gray in here. A song plays through the stereo and it’s a little low. I drop my purse on the couch and look around. The swimming pool in his bedroom bubbles as Gray swims out. He sweep his hair back with his palms and smiles at me.

” Hey.” I say and look down at him.

His eyes rake down my body taking in my outfit. He’s making me feel naked.

” You know nothing’s gonna happen if you stand there with your clothes on, right?”

I bite my lip and smile.

” Lock the door when coming in.” He tells me and I nod.

I walk to the door and lock it. I remove my shoes and keep it aside.

” Ariel.” Gray calls my name as I walk to the pool.

” I wanna watch you take it out. Stop being shy.” He says and smiles widely.

I nod and take a deep breath. This feels like our first time. I hold the hem of my dress and pull it above my head. His eyes stay focus on my body that’s clad with red lingerie.

” I’m waiting.” He says. His eyes are already dark and it burns with desire.

I unclasp my bra and take it out. His seductive stares is making me wet more than normal. I toss it away and slowly pull down my panties. My eyes lock with his as I take it out. Now I’m naked. He swims to the edge and motion for me to come in. I slowly sit on the deck as Gray wraps his hands around my waist. I shudder to his touch as goosebumps rise in my skin. My nipples are already hard as I clench my legs together. Gray grabs my waist and pull me into the water with him. I swallow when his fingers touch down my back.

” Why are you nervous?” He whispers and swims to the middle with me.

” I still can’t believe you’re real.” I answer. Gray smiles.

” I thought about you through out the day and night. I couldn’t wait to run into your arms again.” He says and wraps his hands around my waist.

” What took you so long?” I ask and rest my hands on his shoulders.

” I was handling business.”

” Murder?”

He nods.

” Why’s it always compulsory?”

” That’s how the Mafia works. You can’t change it. Moscov , Vladimir’s brother refused money. It was a shitty battle.”

” Did you kill him?”

He stays quiet and sighs.

” Don’t tell me you did Gray.”

” I didn’t. But I dropped a message. If he ever comes near you again. I’m hitting him real hard.”

” How?” I ask Gray.

” He’s got a baby mama.” He shrugs and trails his hands down my back to my butt. I shiver.

” You’re beautiful. More beautiful than I can remember.” He smiles and I blush.

” Why didn’t you call me?”

” I told you I don’t handle business with my device on. I just got back and I really wanted to pay you a surprise visit.” He tells me.

” I’m supposed to be angry at you. You know that right?” I ask him.

” Yeah. And I’m really sorry.” He whispers and kisses my cheek.

” I won’t be easy on you though.” He mutters and smirks before continuing.” I miss you so much. Everything about you. I miss how you make me feel when I’m inside you.” He whispers and pulls me closer to him and I feel his arousal press against me.

He kisses my neck to my collarbone as my eyes flutter shut. My arms rest around his shoulders and I moan. His fingers travel down my spine to my butt cheek and he grabs it.

” I miss how you moan my name.” He says in between the kiss.

He pulls back to look at me as he clasp his lips on mine. Our mouths move in slow desperate moves and that makes my core clench. He lifts me up and sit me on the deck of the pool. He stands in between my legs and we resume kissing. I tug on his wet hair while he grabs my hips. He runs his fingers on my thighs as our lips move.

” Fuck , Tinkerbell.” He breathes out and leans his forehead against mine.

I run my fingers through his damp hair. His wet lashes flutters and he kisses me again. I moan in his mouth and kiss him deeply and so desperate. It’s been long we kissed. How dare he abandoned me for a month? Gray kisses down my neck to my collarbone. I throw my head back and moan. His teeth graze slowly down my skin as he tastes me. His warm lips wraps around my nipples and I gasp out a moan. His tongue flicks on my hard nipple as he swap to the other.

I squirm and run my fingers down his tone back. He bites my nipple and kiss down my stomach. Gray looks up at me and smirks. He raises my legs and rest them on his shoulders. I breathe in to what he’s about to do. I rest half my weight on my elbow that’s lean on the floor of his room while Gray stays inside the water. He kisses my stomach again to my abdomen as his fingers run down my slit. I shiver and breathe in sharply. Gray kisses my inner thighs and swap to my other thighs.

” Oh God…” I moan and look down at him.

He smirks and laps his tongue on my core as I moan out profanities. He reaches to my chest and grabs my boob. His warm tongue works me out and I moan out his name. I squirm and cuss as Gray rubs his thumb around my hard nipple. He stops assualting my core as I try to catch my breath. Before I could take in deep breaths , Gray’s finger slides into my wet entrance.

” Fuck . Oh shit. ”

I look down at him with lidded eyes as he thrusts his fingers in and out of me. I throw my head back and squirm as his fingers work me to the edge. His thumb rub circles on my core and i nearly give up.

” Oh God.. I’m close.”

He slides his fingers out and latch his tongue on my slit.

” Oh my God…” I moan as I feel my stomach twitch.

” Fuck…” Gray groans. He looks up at me and smirks. He grabs my waist and pull me out of the deck with him.

My legs wrap around his waist as he walks me to his bed. He tosses me on his bed and I giggle. That’s what happens when you miss someone too much. He climbs on the bed like a predator and get in between my legs. His lips come in contact with mine and we kiss. He tastes like me . Gray spreads my legs with his knees without breaking the kiss. He stops kissing me and I feel him thrust slowly inside me.

I moan silently as my walls stretch to accommodate him. Gray groans as he thrusts deeply inside me.

” Fuck, i missed you so much.” He moans.

” God, i missed the way you make me feel. You’re so damn tight. You feel so damn good.” he moans against my neck as he slowly thrust out and glides back.

He kisses me again as he penetrates in and out of me. I moan and throw my head against the pillow. This feels too good.

” Look at me baby.” Gray whispers as he continues to penetrate in and out of me.

I moan and nod as I lock eyes with him. My hands caress his tatted arms to his back. My nails dig into his skin as we make love. He groans and moans and it feels like music to my ears.

” Fuck. You’re driving me crazy.” He continues the pace and leans down to flick his tongue on my nipple.

I moan loudly ignoring the fact that there are people in his house. His tongue licks my nipple as he moves to the other.

” Fuck. Oh God.” I cuss.

He pulls out and swiftly turns me around so I’m on my fours. I arch my back a bit as he thrusts inside me. He leans down to plant a kiss on my shoulder blade to my back. I press my face on the pillow and it muffles my moan. He groans my name as he increases the pace. He grabs my waist to meet his thrust. I breathe out and cry out moans as I lean against the pillow.

” You don’t know how much i missed you Tinkerbell.

I’m already close to my orgasm as Gray continues in his faster pace. He cusses and groans and moans as he thrusts into me from behind. My legs feel week and they almost betray me to give up. Gray leans down to kiss my back. With every thrust of his , he’s pushing me to my edge. I feel my stomach twitch and I’m already close. My legs weaken as I reach my edge. I feel him twitch inside me.

” Fuck…” he groans loudly and release himself inside me.

My breathing is rapid and ragged. I take in several breaths to catch my breath. He pulls out and i turn around. He smiles and press his build against me to take my lips. We kiss as I wipe the line of sweat off Gray’s forehead.

” I’m sorry.” He mutters in between the kiss.

” It’s fine. You’re here that’s what matters.” I tell him and bite his bottom lip.

He chuckles and kisses my forehead.

” Come on. You need to clean up.”

” I’m tired.” I whine.

He huffs and carries me off the bed to the bathroom. I giggle and try to fight away from his grasp. He’s stronger and he didn’t budge. Gray turns on the shower and he step under it with me on his grasp. He slowly drops me on my feet as I turn around to shower. The warm water rinse down our skin. I rest both hands on the wall as Gray plant soft kisses on my neck. He kisses my neck down my shoulders as he gently bites it. I moan when I feel his arousal press against my back. He’s hard again.

I turn around and run my fingers down his chest. My eyes lock with his as I trail my hands to his lower region. I wrap my fingers around his length as he shudders. I kiss his chest and taste his skin to his nipple.

” Fuck , Tinkerbell.” He moans and grabs my ass.

I bite his nipple and he groans. I stroke his length slowly and kiss his defined tone torso. I go on my knees and look up at him. His grey eyes are dark and covered in desires. He thread his fingers through my hair and look down at me. I give him one last stroke and take him into my mouth.

” Shit…” he breathes out. I guide him inside my mouth and slowly take him out. I stroke the end of him as I take him in and out of my mouth. Gray grabs my hair and thrust into my mouth.

He throws his head back and moans. Gray pulls me up and lift me off the ground with my legs around his waist. He press my back against the wall and lean to kiss down my neck. I’m pretty sure there are countless hickeys around my neck. I shudder when he thrusts inside of me. I wrap my arms around his neck and moan countless profanities.

.

••••••

I blink my eyes and slowly open them. The bright ray of sunshine attack my eyes. I rub my eyelids and blink my eyes several times to get use to the sunlight. It’s morning and I’m still naked on Gray’s bed. I barely could have any little amount of sleep. Gray wouldn’t let me cause we made love till dawn. I throw the blanket aside and get out of bed. I see Gray’s shadow at the balcony and he’s smoking. It’s like he doesn’t know about lung cancer.

I stalk to his closet and put on his black t-shirt without panties. I can’t even find my clothes. I stop by at the full length mirror and I look like shit. My neck is covered with several love bites and my hair look like bird nest. I sigh and rub my palms down my hair to keep it still. I walk to the balcony and wrap my arms around his torso. He smells like hell. I kiss his shirtless back and smile.

” Hey.”

” Morning.” He responds.

” Morning.”

” Slept well?” He asks.

I giggle. ” You know you deprived me of sleep Mr Carter.”

” Sorry about that Mrs Carter.” He says and I can feel him smiling even if his back is against my chest.

” You know there’s a word called lung cancer right?”

” Yes. What about it?” He asks and looks down at me. So much for being petite. Gray flicks the butt of the cigarette on the ashtray that sits on the railing.

” It’s caused by smoking, Gray.” I tell him. He chuckles and turns around to look at me.

God he looks so handsome in his morning Glory. His hair is a bit messy and I did that because of too much tugging. He smirks with his cigarette between his lips. He takes the cigarette out and puff the smoke above my head. He drops the half smoked cigarette on the ashtray and wraps his hands around my waist.

” You shouldn’t worry about me princess.” He says and kisses my forehead. I shut my eyes and breathe in.

” You know it’s my duty to worry.”

” Yeah. And i want you not to worry.”

I nod and smile.” What’s up with Kennedy?”

” She’s fine. I ask Jhene not to bring her. I’ve too much to handle lately. You miss her?”

” A lot. She’s like your twin but the younger version.” I tell him.

He shrugs and nods.

” I wanted to ask something.” I say.

” Go on.”

I take a deep breath and look up at him. ” Meghan. You know how she died? Report said it was a heroin overdose.”

Gray rolls his eyes and look above my head. Did he do it?

” Gray?”

” I injected her.”

” What? Why would you do that?” I flare and remove my hands from around his torso.

He scoffs and pulls me back to himself so i won’t run.

” She had been using Sarai to steal informations from me. Planned with Vladimir to hurt you and all that.”

” What?”

” Yes , Ariel. She wanted you dead. And she decides to use Sarai to get informations from me. It’s passed Ariel.”

” What about Sarai? Did you kill her?”

” I fired her with a last warning. I’m keeping an eye on her. I bet she left the country to start afresh.” Gray says and tuck my loose strands of hair behind my ear.

I sigh and rest my head on his chest.

” You don’t have to kill everyone Gray.” I mutter.

” I don’t kill everyone. I would never hurt any innocent soul. That’s wrong. She was a mole and moles don’t get to live in a Mafia.”

I sigh and nod.

” I miss you so much , Jamal.” I tell him and wrap my arms around his torso. I rub soothing circles on his lower back.

” I miss you too.” He says and kisses my temple.

” Alexa wants a job.”

” What?” He asks and looks at me. I chuckle and shrug.

” She’s a freak and can possibly fit in for Sarai’s position. She would never hurt me or even steal from you. She likes your mafia.”

He chuckles and bites his bottom lip.

” She dated Vladimir remember and also a Sicilian mob boss.”

” Reasons why she’s fit for it. She won’t tell anyone and she was sworn into the code of silence. The Omertà.”

” Wait. Who told you that?” He asks surprisingly.

I laugh and pout.” I’m a genius. I know about it and you got it inked on your skin. Your back. Who gave you that?”

” Sinclair.” He replies. I smile and nod.

” I’ll ask Nick to bring Alexa. And you my queen , I’m teaching you how to shoot a gun.”

” No way.”

” Yes way. You’re dating a mob boss Ariel , you have to learn how to shoot a gun.”

I can’t even hurt a fly and he wants me to shoot a gun.

” It’s not a request , I’m teaching you. Today.”

I roll my eyes and huff. I can’t fight it. It’s just learning I’m not gonna kill anyone.

” I heard you’re on vacation. Semester is over.”

” Yes. I’m totally happy.”

” Hawaii?” He asks and smiles at me.

We’re traveling to Hawaii?

” Hawaii.”