HEART BOUND

THE FLIP

(Season 1)

CHAPTER 34

Kalen walked into the big living room and he made himself so comfortable like he was a regular guest in the house that has become really familiar with the whole surrounding. He knew Michael wasn't expecting him and that too not alone, but just had to show his face before the real game begins.

After a while as expected Michael walked out, Kalen wasn't really surprised to see Sophie walking proudly beside Michael. Maybe because he already saw it coming.

"You have no fear walking in here unarmed Kalen" Michael said with a smirk. Kalen gave him a small chuckle and crossed his legs like a boss ready to give out orders.

"One thing you don't know about me is the fact that I prefer working alone and about being armed, you don't go armed to a friend's house" Michael was really amused with how nonchalantly Kalen was behaving.

"I can see you got yourself a partner" Kalen said his eyes fixed on Sophie.

"You are here for chit-chat Kalen...we know you are here for the girl" Sophie sneered but kalen's face remain indifference like what ever Sophie just doesn't matter at all.

"I can't believe the great Kalen vex would actually fall into such a simple trap...... This is actually very ridiculous" Michael said mockingly but Kalen remain quiet, he did not say a word, he was just tapping his finger continuously on the armrest of the chair.

"I told you he would walk right into our trap as long as that girl is involved....... I saw the way he looked at her the last time I saw them. He won't admit it but he cares about her" Sophie said with confidence...... Kalen let out of light chuckle that was almost filled with amusement.

Kalen's tapping on the armrest stopped as he leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving Michael's.

"The girl," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Where is she?" Michael's smirk grew wider.

"Oh, you'd love to know, wouldn't you?" Sophie chimed in, "But you'll have to play nice if you want to see her." Kalen's expression didn't change, It remain calm and indifference. He leaned back in his chair, relaxed.

"I'm listening." Michael leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a triumphant glare on his face......

"You know what I have always wanted from you all these years." Kalen leaned forward again, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"Michael I never said I came to take the girl with me......" Michael's smirk faltered for a moment, and Sophie's eyes narrowed..... They both exchanged a confused look.

"what are talking about?" Sophie asked shocked and confused.

"I know you want me dead Micheal, I also know the moment I walked into this house. It's surrounded by a lot of your men and it is sealed" Michael was not even surprised that Kalen know all that..... He also know Kalen wasn't so stupid to walk into his den all and that too unarmed but Michael was sure he was up to something.

"Old clock tower in red hook......I think you should check that out" Michael stared at Kalen with a confused look. He took out his phone and after a while his face twisted in disbelief as Kalen leaned back, a smug grin spreading across his face.

" You son of a b***h" Michael said angrily His voice was low, venomous, and barely contained. Amaro chuckled, the sound scraping against Micheal's nerves. Michael took a step forward, his fists clenched, every instinct screaming to rip Kalen apart that very second. But but he stopped him self and took a deep breath...... Sophie was confused, she doesn't understand what was going on anymore.

"Kalen I already know you don't have a heart for anything but like they say every man has a weakness.............i think you would like to see this" Michael pulled out a phone and tapped the screen. A moment later, a vedio of Ryan tied up and knocked out appeared. Kalen's expression didn't change, but his fingers gripped the armrest tight.......Michael smiled coldly. Sophie was also shocked, how do he manage to get Ryan too without her knowledge?. This wasn't the plan at all.......

"You care about him that much, uh?" Michael sneered. Kalen's face was a mask - no emotion, just calculation. One thing Kalen hate the most is when you touch his family, he might show his care or love for them but he believes no one was allowed to hurt his family no matter what.

" Now how can you save the two of them....... Each of them have just two hours and they are at least an hour drive apart, so who is it going to be" Michael wasn't bothered about the fact that Kalen have something on him too because he know either way...... His friend will not make it alive.

"Two of them......" Kalen answered confidently, for a second Michael admire kalen's confidence but his arrogance was getting on Michael's nerves.

"Good!!!!..... I will let you give it a shot. The girl is in an old warehouse out side the city and the boy is in the city clock tower. You've got less than an hour Kalen" Kalen stood up, towering over Michael and Sophie.

"Midnight. Red Hook.....he is safe as long as they are " He turned to leave, his movements fluid and calculated. But Michael called out.

"Kalen, one more thing." He paused at the door, giving Michael the go ahead to say what he wanted to say. "Don't bother trying to save them both. You'll all end up dead." Kalen's expression didn't change, he looked over his shoulder and chuckled.

"Worry more about yourself ." He turned and vanished into the NYC night......The penthouse door clicked shut behind Kalen, leaving Michael and Sophie with tense room filled with anger, confusion and frustration. " this wasn't the plan, he wasn't supposed to leave here alive!! " Sophie said in confusion. But Michael's grin was razor-sharp.

"You do not think I'm a fool right?...... He would try to say them But we've got a surprise waiting for him ." He nodded to the device on the table.

"Get the team in place. Let's make sure Kalen doesn't walk out of that warehouse alive." Sophie's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Game on."

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The moment Kalen stepped out Michael's house and get into his car, he felt like he was hit by a strong force.... It was so strong that he actually winced because of the intensity of the pain..... It was just like the last time but more power. He felt like Life was slipping away from him. But the terrible pain he was feeling did not stop him..... His strong will to save both Ryan and Liora kept him going. It doesn't matter what happens but he has to save them.......

The bright moon loomed over the deserted warehouse, its lights casting eerie shadows. Michael's team fanned out, blending into the night. Sophie's voice came through his earpiece,

"Kalen's approaching. No sign of backup." Michael's smile was cold.

"Good. Let's see how he plays this." He nodded to Sophie. A figure emerged from the shadows - Kalen, he was actually dragging himself towards the entrance of the warehouse. But why is he walking like that? Sophie asked herself in confusion.

Kalen stopped at the warehouse entrance, eyes locked on the heavy door. Michael stepped out of the shadows, gun trained on him.

"Welcome, Kalen. I can't believe you actually chose her over your dear brother, that is harsh!!." Kalen's gaze slid to Michael, unreadable. Michael's grin was cruel. Kalen's eyes flicked back to the warehouse entrance, then he reached into his jacket. Michael's team tensed.

" if you make any move my men won't hesitate to shoot "Michael said with warning but Kalen raised his an eye brow and smirk.

" it does not matter Michael, they will shoot either way "Kalen said and continued walking but a bullet hit him on his back..... He winced but he did not stop, kept moving and the bullets kept coming. Sophie actually panicked seeing how weak Kalen was, she glanced at Michael and he was distracted smirking at kalen's misery.

"Hold your fire else I'll shoot" she yelled pointing her gun directly at Michael. Michael's men frozed in shock....

TBC