Chapter 12

Dylan

When I came back after a whole week of being AWOL, everyone in my department bombarded me with questions on where I had gone and what happened. As said in my medical certificate, I told them I had an accident and brushed off any further details. I told them I didn’t want to talk about it.

Miles and Aiden, on the other hand, weren't having any of it. They wanted to know every little detail of what happened. I made a more believable explanation instead. It wasn’t exactly a lie since it really did happen. I told them that I visited my family and the medical certificate was fake.

It didn’t take much of my convincing powers since I do have the capability to produce a fake certificate and they knew I hadn't really visited them for a very long time so it was only reasonable.

Honestly, the certificate was anything but fake. It was real, authentic, legit. I knew she could easily obtain things like that but it never ceased to amaze me. Imagine having power and money like her. I don’t have to suck anyone’s ass here, especially our asshole manager.

And of course, as expected, he didn’t believe my excuse despite the proof and real ass signature of a doctor. He believed the hard copy but he didn’t believe me which doesn't make sense at all. When he narrowed his eyes at me, I knew the coming weeks would be extra harder for me. I’m just glad he didn’t threaten to fire me.

The company was really far from the penthouse, probably almost an hour. That includes heavy morning traffic. One of Cara’s men, Piero, was nice enough to drive me. I was hesitant at first because the car was obviously expensive. The car this time was different, an Audi. I certainly didn’t want to be seen with that so I asked him to just drop me off five minutes from the building despite knowing I’d be late. I didn’t want to raise suspicions. They’d probably think I seduced a rich old widow.

I was minutes late the first day I came back and that only added to Hudson’s motivation to slave me. I was the last one to log off that night. I returned home really late. I was kind of surprised that no one was around- well, except Piero who suddenly appears and disappears bringing something either food or some news.

The next day, he gave me a key which I found out that it was for a car. He said it was mine to use. I was shocked even more so when I realized it was an average car. Not unbelievably expensive but believably would fit me, an average earner.

I was slightly hesitant and suspicious. I wanted to ask him but he only shook his head to stop me from speaking.

If she treats her ‘employees’ like this then I’d rather kiss her ass than my bosses back at Nexus.

Days later, Cara still hadn’t come back. I wondered if she went back to her country. I was tempted to go back to my apartment. Though the penthouse was luxurious and huge and it had everything, the extra space made things lonelier there.

It was on the fifth night that Cara finally reminded me of her existence. It was quarter to seven when an unknown number called me.

“Ciao, tesoro.” I didn’t need any other hints to know who was on the other line. “Go back to your apartment tonight.”

I was about to ask her why but she ended the call right after her command. There she was again. I don’t think I’ll ever get her.

Ever since I came back, Hudson made sure to give me extra work so I could punch out late. I was always the last one to go home.

Two weeks later, I’m back in my apartment. I threw myself on the couch and placed my bag beside me. I was completely drained. The whole week was torture- correction. The whole two weeks was pure torture. I just want to get away with this shitty life for once.

My mind reeled at the events that happened last, last week. The beach… the family bondings, my well deserved long vacation that’s probably impossible to happen unless Cara plans to low key threaten my family’s lives again.

The door flying open with a loud bang woke me up from my reverie. I rose in alarm knowing the sound was anything but good. My eyes widened in shock at the person who stood by the now destroyed door.

My sight glued at the familiar snake that was intricately inked in his hand.

“We meet again… Link.” He sauntered towards my frozen state. I couldn’t move at all. My feet were completely on the ground. My heartbeat rose at his sudden appearance.

If he’s here then he found out, didn’t he? Then what happened to Cara? Did he kill her?

“Wha… w-what are you doing here?” My feet finally started to move on their own- backwards.

“What do you think?” He calmly crossed his hands behind him as he continued to walk towards me.

I gulped in fear.

“We had a deal. And with your family’s lives on the line, I thought for sure you will not dare to do anything that would not make me happy.”

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I stopped, knowing I don’t have enough space to run away from him. He’s not the only one here anyway. His men were probably outside waiting for his orders.

He narrows his eyes as he stops in front of me. “My men securing the parcels in my warehouse,” He made sure to emphasize the word ‘my’. “were all killed. What’s fascinating is that they never took anything from the warehouse. If there’s one thing this problem made me think… is that this was set up as a warning.” Pointing at my chest with his indexed finger. “You said it will be untraceable. You guaranteed it. Why the hell did they find out our location? Do not think about lying to me. You know the consequences.” He threatened.

“I don’t know, okay. Maybe they have better men who could track the shipment back. I don’t know. I did what I told you to do.” Though I sounded so sure I was beyond scared.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I know it’s about time something like this happens.

“Well then, I guess you’re useless.” He grabbed his gun from his back and pointed it at me.

My heart stopped, sweat trickled down my forehead and neck. My skin heated at the intensity this man was emanating. I’m really going to be killed tonight. I’m positive about it.

I shut my eyes in fear, surrendering to my inevitable fate. I heard the clicking sound of the gun and I knew what’s going to happen after that.

“I suggest you put down your gun.”

My eyes immediately opened, stunned at the familiar voice.