***
I stared at my outfit for work, taking a deep breath to settle my frazzled nerves. Two weeks out of work had been heavenly but the urge to get back into the grind and distract myself from the search for Noah that was turning up information was also strong.
My conversation with Diesel yesterday was more informative than I anticipated. Knowing that they were growing a little closer everyday to finding Noah was reassuring but the realities of what my best friend was up to on the sidelines was scary.
How could he possibly be involved in this insane world? A world of bloodshed, secrets and despair?
Confusing thoughts swirled through my mind. Thoughts I chose to ignore and focus on the day ahead.
Satisfied with my look which consisted of high waisted dusty blue palazzo pants, a white tank top, a matching blue blazer and white Louboutins, I grabbed my white bag before heading out of my room and down the stairs.
Lily smiled at me whence I walked into the dining room, the wide variety of breakfast platters making me grin wide.
“This is new. Definitely going to make my ass fatter than it already is.”
I groaned, settling down just as Lily chuckled in response to my statement.
“Well, you have Mr. Alexander, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Hikori to thank for this. Whenever they have breakfast together, we ensure a large variety is presented.”
Lily explained, her insight into the daily life of my husband of whom I had barely seen for the past couple of days intriguing me. It was yet another facet of his life to add to my growing plan for his destruction.
“Soren was here?”
Lily nodded.
“Yes but he left thirty minutes ago with Mr Hikori. Mr Hunter is yet to leave I believe.”
Her words spurned me to action, reminding me of my resolutions the precious night whilst I tossed and turned, processing his revelation.
The investigation to find Noah was moving at a steady pace which meant that I needed Make some big moves in order to leave my contract with Soren.
“I’m sorry, Lily, but I have to catch him before he leaves. I promise to devour dinner with as much enthusiasm as I planned to eat this breakfast.”
I apologized, earning a small shake of the head from the kind woman before she handed me a travel mug.
“Have this, then. Mr Alexander asked us to make you a fresh cup of iced coffee.”
She responded, her words making me flush just as much as she did. It was these small gestures that made it all the more hard to plan anything against my husband.
He was a conundrum, a puzzle I was yet to truly figure out. Was he messing with me? Did he do this so as to get into my head?
Shaking off the thoughts and filing them for later, I grabbed the mug and took off towards the elevator where two familiar guards now stood, each of them granting me a small nod before one input the passcode that would open the doors for us.
“I’m guessing I can’t get access to that passcode? Seeing the same walls every day is kinda making me lose my shit.”
I muttered once we got in, their silence clear enough answer as we made our way down to the basement.
“Alright. Worth a shot.”
I made the Mental note to complain to my husband later, and try to convince him to give me the codes. The elevator opened into the garage, revealing a set of expensive cars.
I grinned wide, enjoying this facet of married life. It is no secret to any one of my friends that I was a speed junkie.
I loved cars, most especially sports cars. Ash and Noah had found it ridiculous that the only reason I had not bought a car yet was because I was saving up for one fast enough to satisfy that side of me.
Seeing the wide array of choices that I could make, the expensive speed machines that I could drive to work, filled me with elation.
“Your boss is many things but I cannot dispute his impeccable taste in cars. Alright then, boys. Till later. Can’t say I will miss you.”
I waved to the two men behind me, a part of me confused as to why they were not with Soren as they always were.
Maybe they have an off day away from him? Heaven knows that's necessary what with how mercurial he can be...
I didn’t really care as I took in the Aston Martin’s, Porsche, Ferrari and Mclarens before me. My gaze found the sleek Mclaren that Soren and I had used on the day after out wedding.
A wide grin settled on my lips as my legs instantly pulled me to it.
“f**k yes. Now this is what I’m talking about. I have waited, dreamt of driving you for so long.”
I groaned, my hand instinctively reaching for the driver’s door.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Alexander, but we can’t let you drive that one. We are under orders to take you to work and the SUVs are the designated ride for such.”
I was so out of it, I didn’t realise that the two men were still behind me, one of them speaking up. His words washed over me, freezing me in place for a moment before the annoyance clocked in.
“Well, f**k that. You can tell Soren that I don’t give a f**k about his orders. I am going to drive this beautiful damn car, no matter what.”
I stressed, Levelling the two men with a no nonsense glare before reaching for the door handle once more. A hand instantly reached out and held the door in place, the slew of tattoos on their knuckles making me instantly recognise them.
“Get your hand off the door, Diesel, or I’m going to break your fingers.”
I threatened, knowing damn well that the deranged psychopath beside me would not falter in his decision. True enough, a chuckle escaped his lips as his other hand adjusted the golf kit on his shoulder.
“Kinky...I would let you try but I’m afraid I am under strict orders to keep you in line and to make sure you are being a good girl. Now, listen to Ace and Clover and get into the SUV before you’re late for work.”
I glared at Diesel’s amused smirk before turning my anger towards Ace and Clover who seemed to want to be anywhere but under my hard look.
“f*****g hell, Diesel. They can follow me from behind or something! For once, can I just do something that isn’t ordered by that stuck up, grumpy as hell, mercurial, insane, asshole?!”
I groaned, angrily banging my hand against the car door. I knew better than to show my frustration so openly in front of my enemies but Soren really did make my blood boil.
“I don’t need his protection. I can take care of myself just fine. “
I stressed, earning a shrug from Diesel.
“True but he isn’t taking any chances. Neither one of us is during this war. So take the easy way out, sis in law. Because I’m not gonna let you drive this car.”
The determination in Diesel’s eyes were reminiscent of when he spoke about Ash.He meant it. He would not let me drive this car, no matter what.
And that made me burn with anger, all the frustrations that had been keeping inside bubbling forth. The urge to do something, anything to read myself of this incredible anger was strong.
And so I latched onto it.
Granting diesel a serene smile that made the three men pause in surprise, I tend to fully face them.
“So you won’t let me drive it, huh? Alright then.”
I turned to walk away from the car, ensuring that they had their guards down before I grabbed a Golf Club from diesel’s kit.
The action was so sudden, the three men were frozen in place, unsure of my next move.
Placing my handbag and coffee mug aside, I held the club tightly in my hand, practicing the range of motion I had.
Rage scorched my veins as I took off my shoes before launching onto the bonnet of the Mclaren, a place where Soren and I had shared a moment before.
“You want to know what I think about your boss’ stupid, f*****g order?!”
I seethed, holding the golf club with two hands before I began the m******e on his car, unleashing all of my rage. I subtly noted Ace and Clover stepping forward, almost as if to stop me but each paused at Diesel’s order.
The mad man was grinning wide, clearly incredibly amused by the sight before him. He made no move to stop me as I completely destroyed Soren’s car.
All my anger, frustration, sadness, confusion...
Every single thing I had been holding inside was now out on display. I destroyed the car with everything in me, releasing my pain in the only way I could.
Breathing heavily several seconds later, my senses were restored, my eyes landing on the completely wrecked speed machine before me. It was a mess, showcasing my rage.
A wolf whistle alerted me to the fact that Diesel was now standing beside me, slowly clapping as he took in the wrecked car.
“f**k, you really do have a talent for violence. Pretty hot. But Soren’s probably gonna kill you for this.”
His nonchalance and amusement were sincere, his mirth filled eyes settling on my own. I did not feel the anger, the fear that came with his true statement.
I knew the consequences of my actions way before I decided to wreck my criminal husband’s favorite car.
“I know but he won’t have a chance if you get me everything on this list.”
I responded, grabbing the paper from my bag and shoving into Diesel’s hands. A confused frown settled on his face that shifted to understanding then disbelief.
“Holy fuck...You really do wanna a start a war with him. You are f*****g insane...but why would I help you like this? Why would I betray my brother?”
Diesel asked, raising a brow as he leaned against the destroyed bonnet of the car. I shrugged, knowing this question was coming. It was why the answer came just as easily to me.
“Because you need me. I am the only one who can help you get Ash. I am the only one who knows her like that. Help me and I will help you. Don’t and I’ll make sure Ash stays the f**k away from you.”
Diesel’s eyes darkened, the playfulness gone and replaced with the danger that he always hid just below the surface of his madness.
Hold your ground, Emilia...this is the only way...
“Are you blackmailing me? Threatening me? Because I have killed people for less.”
His voice was low, dangerous. Clover and Ace took a step forward, clearly ready for anything.
“Yes, I am threatening and blackmailing you. Come after me and I won’t hesitate to put you down like I plan to do to your brother. Make your choice, face tats.”
Silence reigned for a few seconds before a loud, boisterous laugh escaped him, louder and more sincere than I had ever heard or seen from him.
“You are the f*****g bomb, Sis in law! The true Queen of Sin. Alright then. If your plan is to go on a suicide mission then so be it. I will enjoy watching this play out. You have a deal.”
I shook his hand firmly, returning his grin with my own as the other two men watched on in clear awe, speechless.
“I expect them soon. Only when you deliver them will I give you your end of the deal.”
I responded, grabbing my shoes, coffee and bag before heading towards the SUV that would take me to work.
Diesel chuckled before saluting me, a wide and happy grin on his lips.
“Aye...aye...Expect them tonight.”
Clover and Soren were quick to follow, the two of them settling into the car before driving out of the garage and away from a happy dancing Diesel.
I’m sorry, Ash, but this is the only way I can win this...I promise I’ll make it up to you...
***