Chapter 27

WHEN CHARLES entered the Vazquez household, warm hugs welcomed him and Wynter. Wyn's father even caught up with them before he attended an emergency meeting.

All three of them even had a small talk about their last mission in the meantime. Once they finish their final mission, they will have a break time before being given another set of missions.

"Whatever you do, make Angelo's safety your priority," said Mr. Vazquez.

“May I ask why is he our mission?” Charles could not restrain his own mouth.

The man glanced at his daughter before he looked at him. “Angelo’s presence made the enemies’ blood boil in excitement. Ever since they knew something about Angelo’s little to no knowledge about the Mafia, he seemed like an easy target. The enemies couldn’t touch both Wynter and Autumn since they knew how capable my daughters are when it comes to blowing up their heads, but Angelo… He doesn’t know a thing about it.”

Charles was oblivious to it but both Wynter and her dad noticed his sudden rage. Because of what he found out, his desire to protect the young man rose. I thought making him forget me would keep him safe but I guessed wrong. His fists clenched as well as his jaw.

Mr. Vazquez let out a sigh before he continued speaking. "Anyways, I'm trusting both of you." He looked at his daughter. "I know that you'll take good care of your brother."

“As if I’ll let them hurt him again, dad.”

The old man nodded. "That's good enough for me." He looked at him. “Mr. Williams, I believe that you’ll be doing your best to keep my son safe, am I right?”

Charles was even more determined as he nodded his head. “I would not let anyone hurt him in any way, sir.”

The man stared at him slightly then looked at his daughter. The two shared a look but Charles didn't give them any of his attention. He was focused on thinking of ways to make Angelo safe.

When they finished talking, the old man came out of his office first and they followed. Mr. Vazquez was still going to attend a meeting so they quickly ended the conversation. It was related to their organization but both of them aren’t part of the discussion and since they have a mission of their own, Charles and Wynter are excused from the meetings.

“Hey, both of you should eat. You two need rest and you will also leave tomorrow,” said aunt Summer when they met her on the stairs.

“Thanks, mom.”

Summer just gave her daughter a smile. At the same time, they walked to the dining area to eat dinner. And since Mr. Vasquez won't be able to join them to dinner, Aunt Summer is in the middle seat, Autumn and Angelo are next to each other, while Wynter and Charles are next to each other.

"Let's dive in," Aunt Summer said happily after they prayed. "How have you been lately, Charles?" she asked to start a conversation.

He politely smiled at her. “I’m doing fine, tita. How about you? ”

"Just a bit busy with the business, but other than that, everything's fine." Charles nodded and was about to return to the meal when the lady spoke again, "How are you and Wynter?"

Charles noticed Angelo's momentary pause before it acted as if nothing had happened. “We’re fine, tita. Wynter is still a troublemaker as usual.”

His best friend frowned. "I am not."

He couldn’t help but roll his eyes at her. “Yes, you are. There’s no sense denying it, Wyn,” he teased.

The lady's glare fell on him. "Don't start with me, Williams."

Charles let out a chuckle then looked at Aunt Summer who was watching her son. “Tita, look! Wynter's quick-tempered. ”

The lady laughed softly at the tone of his speech and was planning to stop the two from any more trouble when she noticed Angelo's gaze on Charles.

Summer had her hunches before but actually seeing her son look at someone with pain and jealousy in his eyes almost confirms it. So what I heard from Autumn and Wynter’s previous conversation about Angelo and Charles was true after all.

Summer just smiled back at Charles before she continued eating her dinner.

On the other hand, he didn't want to admit but Charles could feel Angelo's gaze. Why are they even sitting opposite each other? Charles tried to focus on his plate and would only talk when asked.

Summer felt what was happening so she didn't speak anymore and they just finished the dinner quickly so that they could go back to their respective rooms where they could all rest.

"That'll be your room tonight." Wynter pointed to the farthest door.

“You already said that this afternoon,” Charles grunted.

The lady teasingly smirked at him. “Gabby’s room is that one.”

He couldn't help but roll his eyes. “Whatever, Wyn. I’ll go ahead and rest.”

"Are you really tired or just planning to get tired?" the maiden meaningfully pissed him. He just glared at her, which made the latter smile. “Fine, fine. I’ll let you do your business, whatever it may be.” She still continued to tease him before suddenly lowering her voice. "Fair warning, your room isn't soundproofed, but Gabby's room is." She smiled at him before turning around and saying goodbye. “Buenas noches, mejor amigo. Divertirse.”

Charles just shook his head at his friend's behavior. He went inside his room and threw himself on the bed. He wanted to rest his body but Wynter’s words won’t just leave his mind.

“Aish! Wynter, you freaking teaser!” Charles frustratedly messed up his hair and sat up. He was planning to take a cold shower when his phone suddenly rang. Seeing Angelo's name, he quickly answered the call. “Uhh… Gab?”

(Hey… were you about to sleep?)

Charles shook his head as if the person he was talking to was in front of him. “Not yet. Though I was about to take a shower.”

(Oh… Is that so?)

“Mmm-hmm… need anything?”

(Ah? N-Not really.)

They have been talking on the phone for a few days but they still don't get rid of each other.

(Nick?)

Charles was suddenly taken aback by what he heard. “Wh-What did you just call me?”

There was a short deafening silence at the other line. (Nick… I don’t know. But I just feel like calling you 'Nick'.)

Charles cleared his throat. “Are you in your room right now?”

(Yeah, why?)

“Are you going to sleep any time soon?”