Chapter 26: Chapter 26

SEAN POV

After Valerie showed me the text, I was furious, furious at myself that I let this happen. Hell, I couldn't even think that I just drove to my house knowing that it'd be safer for her since she's now in danger.

I called an emergency meeting immediately with all my guys to fill them in about the situation. They knew who Valerie was to me now and they knew not to mess with my girl. I assigned Hunter to keep an eye on Valerie whenever she was out of the apartment to make sure she was protected. But then I added another guy, Jack to do the job as well because two guys are better than a guy alone.

I had booked a flight to Chicago for tomorrow but I hadn't told Valerie yet since I was busy planning how to attack those bastards and this time, I'd send them all for good. No more threat to my girl and my business.

Valerie was still at school now and I was waiting here in the car in front of her campus. After a lot of arguments, Valerie didn't work at the cafe anymore which made me pleased. I know how much it drained her and she had to catch up with her school work too.

She spent a lot of time at my house lately which was my idea because it'd give me peace of mind knowing she was safe near me though I always left her with Mrs. Rhodes or Georgina due to my meeting. But we'd always have our own time afterward by watching movies or going to dinner.

I was deep in thought until I caught a glance at my beautiful girlfriend walking towards my car. She was wearing tight jeans shorts which made her legs looked fucking amazing. Thanks to her, I felt my pants tightened. Shit.

Before I could react, she opened the passenger door and slid inside the car. I tried to keep my face straight, trying to ignore the pain between my legs. She seemed to realize my state and being the caring girlfriend she was, she asked me with concern in her eyes. "Are you OK?"

"What?", I asked dumbfounded. "I'm fine, totally fine", my voice felt funny, and let out a cough.

"Are you sure? You look like you're in pain", she said innocently. Oh, if only you knew.

"What are you talking about? I'm perfectly fine, babe", I smiled nervously.

"OK", she frowned and I sighed quietly because she didn't ask further.

I started the engine and drove away to my house. Valerie constantly checking to get a phone the whole ride making me anxious. "Something's wrong?", I asked.

She seemed hesitant to tell me. "I'm just waiting for a call from someone"

"May I ask who?", I asked curiously. Call me possessive but I needed to know her social circle.

"It's Liam", she answered carefully. It's the guy again. I hated the fact that she spent a lot of time with that dude.

"What about him?", I said trying to be calm.

"He Uhm... doesn't like me spending time with you", she mumbled. Well, why I wasn't surprised. That kid liked her. I could see it from his eyes.

"Let me guess, it's because of who I am, isn't it?", I said with clenched teeth. When I didn't get a reply, I got my answer.

To be honest, that kid would give her a better life than I ever would. She didn't have to be afraid of talking to someone without thinking that person could hurt her. I wasn't the guy that she could take home to be introduced to her parents. That Liam kid could give her that and she could have a normal life. But I was a selfish bastard that wanted her all to myself.

I turned to glance at my girlfriend but she fell asleep with her head pressed to the window. She must be exhausted. I could see bags under her eyes making me frown. But luckily we were almost at my house so she could catch asleep

I rolled down my window to press the passcodes to my gate before it opened slowly allowing me to drive in. I parked my car inside the garage and killed the engine off.

I got out of my car and walked around to the passenger door. I bent myself to carry her out of the car slowly not to wake her. I quietly close the door and she stirred a little, her head pressed closer to my chest like a child. I smiled a little at her adorable state.

I walked inside the house to be met with my guys. They all instantly went quiet when I stepped inside while carrying Valerie. I ignored them and walked past them to the stairs and my room.

I placed her on my bed and put the cover until it reached under her chin. I sat at the bedside watching her sleep. She stirred slightly facing me away and when her hands felt the fluffy pillow she hugged them tightly towards her body. I wish I were the pillow. Wow, I sounded like a pervert.

To dismiss my dirty thoughts, I decided to go downstairs and had a meeting with the guys to prepare for tomorrow. I leaned forward to her petite figure and placed my lips on her cheek before I exited my room.

Once I was downstairs, I was met with Larry and told him that we'd have met in 5 minutes. He nodded and went to tell the guys.

I headed to the kitchen to grab some water then I bumped into Georgie on the way making her yelp in surprise. "Woah, bro watch where you're going", she threatened playfully.

I gave her a playful smirk and bumped her shoulder purposely earning another yelp from her mouth. I walked towards the fridge when I heard her "Hey, that's not nice"

I just chuckled and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge, letting the cool liquid filled my mouth then to my throat.

Mrs. Rhodes was baking some cookies and I suddenly felt hungry because of the heavenly smell. I decided to take a piece but then my hand was slapped by Mrs. Rhodes and I watched her in disbelief.

"Don't even think about it", she threatened playfully.

"Oh, come on Mrs. Rhodes. Not even a piece?", I pouted and she chuckled shaking her head no.

"If I let you, they'll be gone not in an hour", she said putting them all in a jar and kept them in one of the cupboards.

"You know sooner or later I'll eat them, right? Why don't I just do it now", I said trying to open the cupboard.

"Ah, ah not a chance. I just baked them and I don't appreciate them being gone now", she chirped locking the cupboard.

"Fine", I said rolling my eyes. She was like a mother to me but sometimes she could be getting on my nerves.

I headed to my office and was quickly greeted by my guys. They all went quiet once I was in the room and I kept my emotionless face intact.

I sat on my chair facing the guys then scanned some papers on my desk which were about the shipping of my goods. I read all the reports carefully and was pleased with my guys doing a good job. I placed the papers aside and turned to talk about the serious matter.

"So, as you guys know that we'll be going to Chicago tomorrow and I want all of you in this room to come with me", I started. They all nodded in agreement and I continued.

"I want all the weapons that we just shipped to be ready by tomorrow, no questions asked", I said with a serious tone.

"You two", I pointed two guys near me. They both looked startled but recovered. "Greg will come to deliver something, so I want you both to go to this address to meet him", I said giving them a piece of paper. They took it and read it before nodding.

After the two guys left, I continued. "Once we get there, there will be some of you keeping tabs on Jonathan and Peter all the time. I want you to follow them everywhere then report back to me every hour"

"And if you spot 'the rat', bring him to me, alive. I want to be the one killing him", I spat. The thought of that traitor made my blood boiled. "Is that clear?"

They all muttered 'yes' in response. "And if you guys mess this up", I let out a humorless laugh. "Don't think I will not hesitate to put the bullet on each of your heads", I said taking out my gun.

They all gulped nervously but nodded in understanding.

"Good, now off you go", I said dismissing the meeting. "Hunter and Jack, you guys stay", I said while the others scurried out of the room leaving only Larry, Hunter, Jack, and me inside.

"Yes, boss?", Hunter said with Jack behind him.

"I want you both to stay here to keep an eye on Valerie. If there's anything wrong, anything suspicious, you call me, understood?", I said with a serious tone.

"Yes, boss", they said in unison.

"Alright, you're dismissed", I said grabbing some papers on my desk, reading other shipments we had.

The door was shut closed and I let out a loud sigh as I scanned the papers.

"I don't mean to be rude, but what the hell are we getting from Greg?", Larry sounded irritated. "I thought you guys are. I don't know,  not get along?", he raised his eyebrows.

"We do get along, in business", I said still examining the papers.

"And what business you're having with him?", he asked curiously.

"You're asking too much", I rolled my eyes.

"I'm your best friend and your second in command, of course, I need to know", he stated.

"I'm just asking for a favor", I said placing the papers back on the desk.

"What favor?", he asked again making me annoyed.

"Look, just trust me, alright? I know what I'm doing", I began standing up.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about it?", he said.

"You're just exaggerating. Nothing to worry about. It's just a small business between us", I said patting his back.

"Okay", he muttered, giving me a skeptical look.

"Good. Anyway, I'm going to my girl now, don't call me unless it's an emergency", I said going out of my office.