Why Him?

CHAPTER 8

Gideon POV

I woke up the next morning with a spinning head. I blinked a few times before I realized that I was only in my boxer and still at Uncle Damian’s house. s**t. What the hell happened last night? I can’t remember anything from last night. One thing is for sure that I was with her. That woman, we talked and drank some wine. Then we kissed. Oh crap, I even remember ripping her underwear and taking off my own clothes.

Did we have s*x last night? I peeked at my fully erect member behind my boxer. They looked a bit worn out. I think we did have s*x. Then why can’t I remember anything? It was very unusual for me to pass out like this. And where the hell is she? I checked on the toilet, and it was empty.

I also checked on the bedroom and found nothing. It was still in the same position as I left it last night. It means that she’s not sleeping here either. Okay, so I guess she’s not into cuddling after s*x.

But I can’t let her leave me like this. I am not a leftover dish that she could dispose of as she likes after she used me. I am starting to get pissed.

The loud sound of my phone ringtone startled me. I went over to check, and it was Uncle Damian. “Hello—“ I had to put some distance from my ear because he was shouting at me.

“Gideon! What do you think you’re doing?” he suddenly snapped at me. “Wait, what? What do you mean?” I asked him back, frowning a bit at his sudden outburst.

I heard him heave out a heavy sigh from the other side. “You had a fight in my club last night. Or do I need to remind you for your little heroic act?” he said, using a sarcastic tone on the heroic part.

I ran my hand over my face. “He forced her to come with him. You know I can’t see a woman get hurt.” I defended myself. “Well, Romeo… Do you know that the man is her ex? He’s now sending the cops to my club, waiting for you because he got hospitalized.” I was frozen at my place. s**t. I can’t believe what I just heard. I truly messed up this time. 

“I’ll meet you at the club. If they’re looking for me, then I’ll show up.” I replied after a while and ended the call. I picked up my scattered clothes from the floor and quickly put them back on.

I stopped my bike in front of the club, but I didn’t see any cops there. It was empty as it was supposed to be in daylight.

“Uncle Damian?” I walked in and called for him. “Right here, kiddo.” He called me from the second floor where his office was located. I quickly ran upstairs to meet him.

He was smoking his cigarette when I entered his place. “So?.. Where is the cop?” I asked him, raising an eyebrow. He looked overly calm right now for a person who just scolds me on the phone thirty minutes ago. “I’ve taken care of it,” he replied, blowing the smoke out of his mouth.

My eyes widened at him. “What? What did you do?” I asked him in disbelief. I was partly relieved that my parents didn’t have to bail me out of jail. Mom would kill me if I did. Being a mafia family, we were always hiding from the police. He let out an amused chuckle at me, then put his cigarette on the ashtray.

“It’s easy… There’s nothing money can’t do.” He then told me. “That asshat took the charges off after I gave him a large amount of money.” He admitted. I shot him a curious look. “How much?” I asked him. 

“One million.” He said casually, crossing one leg on top of the other. My eyes almost popped out from its socket. “What?! THAT MUCH??” I said, raising my voice in shock. He only nodded at me. “Yes, that much. Don’t sweat about it.” Uncle Damian added. How could he be so cool about this? It’s one f*****g million.     

“Why did you do that?” I asked him back. He got up from the swivel chair, walking towards me. “Listen, kiddo… Aside from my club’s reputation. Have you ever imagined what your dad would say if he knew about this?”

I looked away from his eyes before I turned back at him. “But it’s one million!? I mean…How can I pay you back?” I asked him in concern. He put both fingers on his chin while thinking of a reply.

“You can work here for me.” Uncle Damian then offered while scanning me from head to toe. I made a face at him. “What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t want to be a manwhore.” I told him. I even cringed just by thinking about it. There’s no way I am selling my body for money. I don’t want to sleep with a saggy old woman. That’s gross. Uncle Damian burst out laughing.

“Well, of course not. You can stay at the bar and serve the drinks.” He told me. “Wow, really? Then how long will it take for me to earn one million?” I asked him back in amusement.

“Five years?” he answered while messing my hair with his hand. “That’s not funny, Uncle Damian!” I snapped at him, hiding my smile. “I’m serious, kiddo. Think about it. It would be nice having you around here every day. Let me talk to your dad about this.” He offered, looking serious.

Come to think of it. I have to find that mystery woman again. And by being at the club, I figure that there’s a bigger chance that I’ll see her again. This could be a great opportunity. A blessing in disguise.

“Okay—“ I then answered him. Uncle Damian looked surprised. “Really? That easy? Where is the stubborn Gideon that I know?” he asked me in disbelief. He’s right, though. I was never this quick at deciding something. But ever since last night, I broke a few main rules that I’ve made.

I freaking told her my name. Dad always told me not to tell our names, or more precisely… our full family names. Because there might be a chance, they could report us to the police.

Our family engaged in dark business, selling drugs. We always avoided the police because we were their number one target. What I did last night was foolish. I was exposing myself to the risk.

I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I think she just cast a spell on me and made me her slave.

I rolled back my eyes at him. “I’ve made my decision,” I told him. His expression suddenly changed. “Great! Then it means party time tonight!” he claimed and was about to give me a big hug, but I avoided him.

“Yeah, well. Maybe after a shower.” I said with a small chuckle. He shot me a curious look. “What’s with the happy face? You were getting laid again last night with that woman, didn’t you?” He randomly guessed.

“I guessed so,” I replied while shrugging my shoulders. “Why do you sound unsure of yourself?” He asked me back, frowning. “Okay, so I kind of passed out, and I can’t remember anything,” I admitted while groaning. It was kind of embarrassing to tell him about this. I was sure that my face must be the same shade of red as a tomato right now. Uncle Damian tried to muffle his laugh, but then he finally decided to let it out and mocked me instead.

“You what? Passed out? Wow, I mean…How wild was she to be able to drain you out like that?” Uncle Damian asked in amusement. “I think it went great at first. We kissed…” I paused for a while. “Okay, good s*x always starts with a good foreplay.. then what?” Uncle Damian asked me again will full interest.

“Then I remember making out with her and stripping my own clothes. The next thing I know, I woke up alone at your place.” I told him. It took him a few moments before to process what I said. “You must be drunk.” He then told me.

“I don’t know, maybe I did. My head has been killing me ever since I woke up.” I replied to him.

“Uncle Damian, I need to see her again.” I then decided. He turned around, picking up the cigarette that he left on the ashtray earlier. “You liked her?” he asked. I was struck by his question. I don’t know the answer myself. Well, she intrigued me with her physical appearance. But aside from that, I’m still not sure. Why am I being drawn to her?

“It’s okay, you can tell me. I could tell that she’s gorgeous from the footage.” He said casually, smoking his cigarette. Yes, she’s indeed beautiful. But that’s not what makes me can’t stop thinking about her. We had a real connection. I could tell.

“Okay, enough about her for now. I’m leaving.” I told him, then turned around to exit the room. I could hear his laughter erupting before I closed the door.

What a silly old man. Gideon Barlowe is not that easy to fall for a woman.