The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Five

[Matthias]

“No!! Please! S-stop!!”

I rolled my eyes at the mess they were doing. The floor was covered with blood and it’s making my head hurt. I watched some of my men kicked and punched Arnold without mercy. He was already down on the ground, his face covered in blood yet they continued beating him up. His screams echoed all over the basement room as he begged and cried for them to stop.

“Tell us everything you know and we might let you go!”

I blew the smoke of my cigarette one last time before throwing it on the floor and stepping on it. I watched Arnold struggle to crawl towards me. I crossed my legs and leaned my back on the chair as I stare straight into his dazed eyes. His lips were trembling and he was muttering words of forgiveness.

“Boss, please believe me! I’m telling you I don’t know anything at all! I – I d-don’t have any of the information you need to track down Han!!” He stopped by my foot and stared reaching for me but one of my men stopped him by kicking his face. He stumbled back on the floor, coughing and crying at the same time.

“What should we do boss?” one of them asked.

I only shrugged my shoulders and sighed. “There’s no point for you to cover up Han, Arnold.”

I watched as his eyes widened in fear. “I swear I know nothing boss! Please! Believe me!!”

I stood up from where I was sitting and stepped towards him. He cowered in fear as I close the gap between us.

“Tell me what Family he’s using now to hide from us.”

“Do you think he’s telling the truth?” Harry asked as soon as we climbed inside my car.

I looked outside the windows and saw the men securely closing the steel gate of the warehouse.

“He’s well aware of what’s going to happen if he lied,” I mumbled while looking down on the steering wheel.

Harry eyed me. “So are you going to kill Han now that you know where he’s hiding?”

I pulled another pack of cigarette from my coat and shrugged. “Dunno. I still have a Physics project to work on,” I nonchalantly said.

Harry stared at me before bursting into laughter.

Morning came and it’s time for another week in school. My head was aching and I didn’t want to go to school today. I curled up on my bed and pulled the sheets closer to me to continue sleeping.

I groaned after hearing my phone ringing. Damn it. I blindly searched for my phone under the pillow and when I found it, I lazily pressed the answer button.

I rubbed my messy hair as I put the phone in my ear. “What?” I snapped.

“I heard you interrogated Arnold last night.”

I moaned in irritation when I heard Damascus’ voice. Seriously? So early in the morning and his voice was the first thing I’m going to hear. Great.

“Yeah,” I idly answered.

He paused for a while before releasing a long sigh. “You’re still on bed? Don’t you have classes today, Matthias?”

I clicked my tongue before getting up. “Stop nagging about it, old man.” I sat on the edge of the bed. “What do you want anyway?”

“I’m going to send my men out to see if what Arnold said is legit.”

I ran my fingers through my tangled hair. “No need to do that. I can do the job by myself.”

“If you haven’t noticed, the family where he’s hiding isn’t a small fry, Matthias,” Damascus sarcastically said and I only rolled my eyes.

“Who cares? I just need to kill Han,” I scoffed.

Damascus sighed again. I could picture him shaking his head. “It’s not going to be that easy. The Adamoli Family is the one who’s protecting Han now.”

I gripped my phone in anger. “Listen to me. You gave me the order and I’m just doing my job.”

I heard Damascus hissed. “Fine. Just be sure to do the job well.”

I smirked in triumph. “Yeah, yeah.”

I was about to hang up the phone but stopped when he continued talking.

“...and please make it clean, Matthias. I don’t want any mess.”

I paused for a second before sighing.

“I can’t promise you that.”

I closed the door of my locker and sighed. I’m not in the mood to go to class today. I should just ditch it and have fun but –

My thoughts were interrupted when I sensed someone standing behind me but I ignored it, thinking that it was probably just a random girl who wanted to greet me.

“Good morning, Matthias.”

I felt my heart skipped a beat after hearing Earl’s voice behind me. I turned around and indeed he was there, standing with his head cast low as if he’s afraid to look at me.

I resisted the urge to smile at him. I couldn’t believe that just seeing him could make me feel like this.

I nodded my head at him to acknowledge him. “Yeah. Whatever.”

I glanced at the bandages wrapped around his arm and something ticked inside me and not in a good way.

Earl cleared his throat and that made me look at his face. “I finished some of the parts we left last time.”

He struggled to take his binder out of his bag to hand it to me.

“Really?” I teased and he only blushed. I took the binder and started skimming the papers inside.

I was astonished, to be honest. He wrote a very detailed explanation for every terms used in our project. I’ve always known he was smart and bright but seeing how he actually wrote something like this still makes me feel amazed.

After I read it, I smirked at him. “Glad you didn’t disappoint me,” I said in my usual teasing voice.

Earl only pouted at me but nevertheless, remained quiet. I put the papers in my bag and returned the binder to him.

The school bell started ringing and everyone in the corridor hassled to go their next class.

“See you later,” I said and he nodded.

“Okay.” Earl tried smiling but it failed. I chuckled at how silly his face was. “See you later.”

He was about to walk away but I stopped him. “Wait.” I reached out my hand to him. “Gimme your phone.”

Earl blinked. “Huh?” he dumbly asked.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Are you deaf? I said give me your phone before I get it from you,” I taunted.

He flushed different shades of red. “I-I’m sorry. I don’t have my phone.”

I stared at him. “What?”

“My phone broke two days ago and I don’t have the money to buy a new one so...”

I shook my head. I wanted to ask him how he broke his phone but I didn’t. “Damn. You really are good for nothing,” I playfully taunted.

He puffed his cheeks on me and I laughed inside. “Sorry. I accidentally broke it while I was at work.”

“Fine.” I pulled my phone from my pocket and threw it towards him.

Earl clumsily caught it before looking at me with wide eyes.

“Uh...I’m not sure why you’re giving your phone to me,” he innocently asked.

I smiled at his question. He’s really smart but stupid at the same time. A quality he had that amused me to no end.

“I don’t know. Maybe if you eat it, you’ll grow a brain,” I said with a widen grin and he scowled. All jokes aside, I finally answered him. “Use that for the mean time. I have my other number saved on that phone so you can contact me.”

He reluctantly looked at me. “O-okay. Thanks?”

[Earl]

I still don’t know why Matthias lent me his phone. I put his iPhone on my table and continued to stare at it. What should I do with this and why do I have to contact him?

An answer finally appeared in my mind. Maybe because he was my partner in Physics so it’s only natural for him to call me about our project or something like that.

“Mr. Harrison!!”

My whole body jolted when the teacher screamed my name. “Y-yes?!”

The whole class laughed in mockery. They were all looking at me like I’m the center of attraction in a circus. I immediately felt intimidated.

Ms. Catherine raised her perfectly curved brows on me.

“Can you answer the question I’m about to ask you right now?” she coldly asked.

I nervously gulped. “I-I’ll try.”

She walked towards me with her arms crossed in front of her chest. “Give us a brief explanation of molecular geometry.”

Molecular geometry? I desperately searched my brain to answer her question and not be humiliated in front of the class.

“Molecular geometry is the shape of the molecule.” I started.

Don’t panic Earl, you know this. You’ve been reading your Chemistry book since last month.

I looked straight into Ms. Catherine’s eyes to continue answering her. “The shape is governed by how many bonding pairs there are around the central atom and by how many of those pairs are participating in the bond. This is important so we could understand the properties and reactions of chemicals,” I recited without fail.

Everyone was still staring but they were now looking at me with wide eyes. Some were glaring while the others have raised brows.

I adjusted my glasses before lowering my head again. I couldn’t look at them, not with those eyes that seemed to judge in every move I make.

“Good work, Mr. Harrison. Seems like you’ve been doing your assignment even though you’re daydreaming. I’m impressed.”

She walked past me and I sat down.

“Hmph, what a geek.”

“The only thing he’s good at is answering questions and nothing else.”

“He think he’s so great.”

“He’s such a loser.”

I silently grunted after hearing their snide comments.

If only I could close my ears to make them shut up, I would.

I locked the door of the house and went straight to the kitchen to start cooking dinner. Look like dad’s late again because of work.

I walked to the fridge to take the ingredients out so that I could start cooking.

Half an hour or so, I finally finished cooking dinner. I carried my plate to the dining table to start eating dinner. After that, I’m going to do the assignments given to me by my classmates. Even though I don’t want to do it anymore, I’m afraid they would beat me up again if I won’t. As much as I wanted to fight back, I didn’t have the strength and courage to do it anymore.

Just few more years before you graduate, Earl. It’s going to be alright. I just have to hang on.

I perked up when I heard the door of the house open. Keys got thrown on the table and I stared at it before looking at Edward who was walking inside the dining room while taking his jacket off.

I gave him a timid smile but he only glared at me. Knowing he probably wouldn’t talk to me, I decided to continue eating. I’m not sure what happened but I could tell he’s in a bad mood.

He silently neared the fridge to take a glass of water. I watched him while eating my food. My brother has always been an aloof guy. He’s just like Matthias in attitude and personality but unlike Matthias, Edward was always alone. Matthias on the other hand was always surrounded by people.

Edward turned around to look at me. His eyes were cold and it made me shudder in fear. “Where’s my food?” he asked.

“Uhm, it’s in the kitchen, on top of the counter,” I answered.

He glared at me one last time before walking to the kitchen to get his food.

When he was gone, I sighed.

How many years had passed since Edward and his dad lived here with me in New York? Twelve years or so, I’m not sure. They started living here after mom died in a car accident. Although it was a hazy memory, I could still hear the screams, the explosion, mom’s last words and how she held me close. It was a tragic memory, not only to me but to Edward and his dad as well. I never really knew how Edward’s dad and my mom met but I didn’t even dare to ask because I know they’ll only end up beating me again. His dad hated my very existence but he still continued to live here with me. They didn’t really have a choice though because they’re the only relatives I have. I was too young when mom died and nobody was willing to take me in so I’m glad that they accepted me as a part of their family.

If I remember correctly, Edward lived with his dad in Germany before moving here in New York. I didn’t really got the chance to get close to him because we didn’t grew up together. I just knew him as a step brother and nothing more.

I scowled. I wish we could talk to each other because I really want to be friends with him.

Who am I kidding. No one wanted to be my friend.

Edward came back and it woke me from my grim thoughts. He put his plate filled with the food I cooked on the table before sitting on the chair across from where I was sitting.

“By the way.”

I looked at Edward who started eating his dinner.“Yes?”

“Give me all the names of the people who’re making you do their homework.”

I dumbly stared at him. “Why?”

I paled when he stopped eating to glare at me.

“Just give it to me,” he snapped.

“O-of course!” I marched to the living room where my bag was and pulled out all the notebooks of the people who gave me their homework. I went back to the dining room to give it to Edward. “Here.”

He took it from me and while eating, he was browsing the names written on the front pages of the notebook. He finally dropped his fork before pushing his chair back and standing up.

“Okay. I memorized it all,” he declared.

I was staring at him in confusion. Why does he want with their names?

“Why do you need them anyway?” I asked.

This was the first time he did this.

Edward shrugged his shoulders. “No reason,” he shortly answered. He grabbed his keys on the table. “I won’t be home ’till tomorrow.”

He walked out of the dining room and I followed him to the door. I watched him put his shoes on.

“Where are you going?” I asked again.

Edward looked back at me and I saw something flicker in his eyes. “None of your business.”

I stared at the ceiling before getting up and rubbing my hair in frustration.

I couldn’t sleep. I’m still thinking about Edward. I couldn’t exactly say it but I could feel something in him, something dangerous and scary. Like he’s a person who’ve done something really bad.

I sighed in defeat. As much as I wanted to be friends with Edward, I’m not sure if I could. He’s hiding too many things from me and his attitude really wasn’t helping me figure it out.

I turned my body sideways to stare at the night table beside my bed. I saw Matthias’ phone and it made me smile.

I reached out to get it.

“Hmmm fancy,” I mumbled while staring at it.

I’m not really into the latest technology so it’s my first time using an iPhone.

Matthias. I wonder when will he call me.

I froze at what I just asked myself. Wait a minute. Why did I suddenly thought of that? Why am suddenly hoping for Matthias to call me?

I puffed my cheeks and sighed again. Why would he even call me at this time of night? He’s probably busy. He wouldn’t have the time to call someone like me. Besides, what should we even talk about? We don’t have any common interest. It’ll only be awkward if we talk in the phone.

Another sigh escaped my lips. I’m thinking too much about the people around me. That’s the reason why I couldn’t sleep. I have to stop hoping because it would only hurt me.

I sadly smiled while putting Matthias’ phone back on the table.

Matthias belonged to a different kind of world. A world filled with fun and friends and parties and everything nice. Thinking of being friends with someone like him was impossible.

It’s like wishing for winter in a tropical island.

Hours of staring at nothing, I was finally fed up. I got up, walked towards the shelf and grabbed a random book. I marched back to my bed and sat on top to read so that I could take my mind off of whatever was bugging me.

Half-way through the book, Matthias’ phone suddenly rang. I almost jumped out of the bed because of the loud ringtone.

“Oh shoot, it’s just the phone,” I sheepishly said while calming myself.

I read the name of the caller. It said Other # is calling... on the screen.

“H-hello?” I carefully answered.

“You’re loud.”

I instantly recognized Matthias’ voice on the phone.

“Matthias?” I still asked, just to make sure it was really him.

“Who else could it be?” he sarcastically asked.

“Is something wrong? It’s already – ” I stopped and looked at the clock hanging on the wall. ” – 3:23 in the morning.”

“I know.”

I furrowed my brows when I noticed something was wrong with Matthias’ voice. It sounded strained.

“What happened? Are you alright?” I asked.

“Open your windows,” he barely whispered.

I tilted my head in confusion. “Excuse me?”

“s**t. Stop asking and just do it for f**k sake.”

I cringed after hearing him cuss. Although I didn’t know what was happening, I still went near the windows to open it.

“I opened it,” I informed.

I heard Matthias grunted. “Good.”

I looked at the tree that was near my window and I felt my heart dropped when I saw Matthias squatting on one of thick branches. He was holding his phone as he looked at me with dark eyes.

“Hey,” he greeted nonchalantly.

I just stared at him, wide eyes and mouth gaping in surprise.

“M-Matthias?” I gasped as he leap out of the tree and into the edge of the window. I was stunned at what he just did. “W-what’re you doing?!”

I stepped aside so that he could jump down on the floor. The first thing I saw on him was that his shirt was sullied in blood.

“Oh my god! What happened to you?!”

I also saw his hands were covered in dried blood and it made me pale.

Matthias rolled his eyes on me. “Shut up. Your voice is too loud you’re gonna wake your old man,” he muttered in a dead voice.

“But you’re covered in blood! What happened to you?! Did someone attacked you?!” I threw him questions after questions but he only leaned on the wall. I watched as he slid down on the floor.

“f**k,” he cursed while rubbing his face in exhaustion.

I walked towards him. “Matthias please tell me what happened,” I demanded. “Why do you have blood on your clothes? Are you alright?”

I was obviously panicking. I have to call the hospital - no, the police maybe.

Matthias looked up at me. “I’m fine.”

“No you’re not!” I snapped and he just smirked at me in amusement.

“It’s just blood. What? Afraid of a little blood? Geez, what a wimp,” he teased and I gave him a hard look.

Amidst his teasing, I knelt in front of him to check on him. “Are you hurt anywhere? Who did this to you? Do I have to call the police? Or the hospital?”

Matthias turned his head to the side and sighed. “I’m fine.”

I clenched my fist in irritation. He’s saying he’s fine but it’s clear he’s not. I grabbed his arm to make him look at me.

“Let me look at you to see if you’re alright,” I whispered, desperately wanting to know if he was really alright.

Matthias stared into my eyes. “Fine. You’re so stubborn,” he mumbled.

I was seriously expecting him to snap at me but I’m glad he didn’t.

I backed away to give him some space. He took his dirty shirt off and he threw it on the floor. I stared at his body and indeed, there was no wound. Only a lot of scars on his skin.

Wait, why does he have so many scars?

“If it isn’t your blood – ” I stopped to look at his face. He looked back and I saw his eyes looking straight into mine. It was emotionless as if it doesn’t belong to a living person. Eyes that have seen things that a normal person couldn’t handle. Just like Edward. ” – then who is it from?”

Matthias took a sharp intake of air before releasing it in a long sigh. He lowered his head before looking back on me.

“I killed someone.”

His words echoed throughout my whole body. He killed someone? What does he mean by that? There’s no way he can kill someone.

“I – I don’t understand.” I shook my head, denying what he just said. “I don’t understand what you’re saying, Matthias. You...you killed someone?” I looked down on his hands and it was tightly closed. “I – ”

“Earl,” he called out my name to make me look at him. I did and I could see that he was readying himself to whatever I was going to say to him. His lips were rigid and it looked like he wasn’t breathing. He was just looking at me. Studying me, observing me for my reaction.

“Who are you, Matthias?” I finally asked and he only smirked at me. He turned away from my gaze to prevent me from seeing his face.

“I’m a killer.”

“A killer,” I repeated and he shortly nodded. “You’re an assassin.”

It wasn’t really a question but more of an assuring statement. I wanted to be sure that whatever I was thinking was right.

Matthias nodded again but didn’t said anything.

I stared at his brunette hair falling down on his face. “Matthias,” I called, not really knowing what to say.

“I’m tired,” he said. It was a soft whisper but I could feel how worn out he really was. “I’m tired, Earl.”

I was right. He really belonged to a different kind of world.

But it wasn’t a world filled with fun and people and friends.

It was a world of pain and darkness.

“You’re an assassin working for the American Mafia?” I summed up what he just told me a while ago. Matthias was now sitting on the floor, indian style, while I was sitting on the edge of my bed.

“Yep. A professional assassin working for the Mafia. People pays me a lot of money to kill anyone who they want to disappear from this damn f*****g world.” His voice dripped with sarcasm and anger.

“How did you become an assassin?” I asked again.

He shrugged his shoulders before answeing. “If your father is the leader of the Mafia, it’s not really surprising if his son turns up to be a killer.” He nonchalantly said.

I was just looking at him in disbelief. So that explained why their family was so freaking rich. They’re from the Mafia.

“I grew up being taught by that person how to kill people. He trained me how to harness my skills to kill people. I was his personal assassin.” Matthias bitterly spat.

I pursed my lips. “By that person? You mean your father?”

“Yeah.” He rocked his body in agitation. “f*****g bastard.”

I can tell how much he loathed his father. “Your father trained you to become an assassin so that you could work for him.” I mumbled to myself.

He’s an assassin for the Mafia. Matthias Damian Blaise. A classmate of mine in highschool. Known to be one of the hottest guys in school was an assassin.

The thought was enough to make me shudder in fear.

“Are you afraid of me?”

The question was sudden but I was kind of expecting for it. “I don’t know.” I honestly said and he smirked. I still can’t believe what he was saying.

Yes. Of course I’m afraid. It’s only natural for me to fear him because he’s a person who kills people. It’s his profession. Just thinking that a person like him was inside my room doesn’t exactly gave me a good feeling.

It felt like I’m a prey and Matthias was the predator.

“I kill people for a living. I slit their throats and put bullets on their heads.” It was like he was insulting himself. “I’m a monster.”

I stared at him. I wanted to see the monster he was but all I could see was a boy, sitting down in front of me. I couldn’t see the Matthias I always see in school but a Matthias who was broken and lost.

He was like a child seeking for his mother to tell him that he’s not what he think he was. That even after all the evil things that he had done, there was still something good in him.

Something worth seeing for.

Before I knew it I found myself walking towards Matthias. I kneeled in front of him to gently wrap my arms around his shoulders.

I should run away from him. But I couldn’t. There was a force that was attracting me to him. It was strong, so strong that I felt I couldn’t breathe. “It’s alright.”

I felt his body tensed. “What are you doing?” He finally asked.

I quickly unlatched myself away from him. I flushed in embarassment at what I just did. Oh geez, did I really just hug him?! “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to! I was trying to comfort you!”

Matthias stared at me before breaking into a smile. A smile that felt so real it warmed me up in an instant.

I shook my head to break my longing stare at him. “Why are you telling me this?” I asked. Matthias’ smile faltered. “You’re telling me a thing that a person like me shouldn’t know. So why? Why did you come here in my place?”

“You want me to leave?” He sarcastically asked and I pouted.

“You know what I mean, Matthias.”

He sighed. “Because you’re the only one in this world that – ” He stopped talking as if he remembered something. “I want to take a bath.”

I blinked at him. “What?”

“I’m going to take a bath. Where’s your bathroom?” He asked while standing up.

“Wait we’re still – ” My eyes widened when I saw Matthias stripping in front of me. “What’re you doing?”

He took off his pants and I stared at the huge budge underneath his Calvin Klein briefs. I also saw some kind of tattoo on his legs but I couldn’t see it clearly. “I feel hot all of a sudden. Bath. Now.” He ordered while walking towards me.

I peeled my eyes away from his impeccable body. His muscles, his abs, and even his crotch looked amazing. Everything about him was amazing. Well, except for one.

“Hey!” I jumped when he suddenly screamed on my face. “Tell me where your bathroom is.”

I only narrowed my eyes on him. And here I was thinking we could finally be friends.

It took Matthias an hour before he finished taking a bath. When he got out of the bathroom, he was naked and dripping wet.

My eyes almost fell out of its sockets.

“There were no towels.” He reasoned before I could say anything. I quickly went to fetch fresh towels to give it to him. I watched him dry his body.

Matthias walked past me and it gave me a good opportunity to view a dragon tattoo wrapped around the left side of his waist down to his thighs. It looked scary and atrractive at the same time.

I sat back on my bed while I watched him put the clothes I lent him. “Are you okay now?”

“Yeah.” He said and I smiled. That’s good.

“So...back to what we were talking a while ago.” I really wanted to know Matthias’ answer to what I just asked before he took a bath. “I’m the only person in this world that...?”

Matthias stopped putting his shirt on.

“Matthias what is it? What’re you saying to...” He was walking towards me and soon, he was standing in front of me. I looked up to see him. All of a sudden, he pushed me down on the bed. His hands caught mine and he held it above my head. “...me?”

Matthias leaned down on my face and I can feel how intoxicating his scent was. The smell of the shower gel and the shampoo, mixed with his was a scent that was drawing me in.

“Stop seducing me.” He whispered in my ear. “You’re making me want to do a lot of bad things to you.”

His breath tickled me. “W-what do you mean...?” When did I seduce him?

Matthias moved down to my neck and I can feel his lips grazing my skin, making my toes curled in anticipation.

I want more.

“Mhmm, Matthias.” I mumbled his name.

“Don’t tempt me, Earl.” I twitched when he gently bit my neck. “You don’t know how hard it was for me to stop myself on attacking you.”

Attacking me? Like physically? Was he planning on killing me too? Because I know too much?

“Are you gonna kill me?” I finally asked and that made Matthias chuckle in amusement.

I moaned when he started kissing and sucking the skin on my neck. It was like he was putting his mark on me. “I might.” He sensually said while pulling away from me.

We stared at each others eyes. My whole body became hot as I saw his eyes feasting over my body. “Matthias what are you...?”

Before I could finish what I was going to ask, he leaned down to kiss me on the lips.

Oh shoot. I felt something prickled me all over my body. The sensations of his lips sent shivers down my spine it was utterly amazing to feel something like this.

My whole face became warm as I realized what was happening. He pulled away and we stared at each other again. “M-Matthias...what’re you doing...?”

“Shut up.” He leaned down to kiss me, over and over and over again. “You don’t know how much I waited to do this.”

I laid still on my bed, panting, weak and wanting underneath him. Mixed emotions pooled my head. “Matthais.” I longingly called his name.

He devilishly smiled at me as he leaned to kiss me again. I couldn’t do anything but moan in surrender.

" –ake up.”

I felt someone nudging my shoulders to wake me up but I ignored it. I’m too sleepy to even open my eyes. A lot of things happened last night. Edward’s weird attitude, Matthias calling me in the middle of the night, telling me that he’s an –

I quickly got up after realizing everything. “Matthias!”

“What?”

I looked up to see him standing beside my bed. He was staring at me like I just woke up from a comatose.

“You’re...here.” My voice was still raspy and that made Matthias smirk at me.

“Yep. You have a problem with that?” He smugly asked.

I shook my head.Shoot. What happened last night wasn’t a dream. It was all real.

Matthias was an assassin working for the Mafia.

“You should better hurry up and take a shower or else you’ll be late for school.” He arrogantly reminded.

I made a face. Yes, school. I forgot about that. “What about you?” I asked while standing up.

“Of course I’m coming to school.” He said and I smiled.

After I finished fixing my bed, I turned around to see Matthias standing in front of my study table. It seemed like he was looking at something. “What’s wrong?”

“Your mom.” Matthias shortly said. He turned to face me and I saw him holding the picture frame of my mother. “Did your dad visited her already?”

I looked at him, confused at how he knew about my family. I haven’t talked about it with anyone. “Why are you asking?”

He shook his head while returning the picture frame on the table. “Forget about it. She’s pretty.”

I walked towards him to stare at the picture of my mother. “Thanks.”

I froze when Matthias put his arm around my shoulder. I looked up to him and I saw him smirking. “Want to take a shower together?”

His question made me blushed. “W-w-w-what?! I’m – what’re you...?!”

Matthias pulled my head close to him so that he could kiss me on the lips. When he backed away, he laughed after seeing how red my face was.

“Thanks for last night.” He teased.

I just stared at him in disbelief. I don’t really know why he’s acting like this but I don’t really mind.

Matthias was the first person who kissed me. And he’s a boy.

“Come on, we’ll be late for school.” Matthias distracted me from what I was thinking.

I sheepishly nodded. “Oh. Okay.”

He walked away from me and I just stared at his back. “Don’t you want to go back home first?”

Matthias’ shoulders got rigid. “If I go back, they won’t let me out for a week again.” He whispered.

I raised my brows at him. “Why?′

“None of your business. Hurry up and go take a bath.”

“Okay.”

[Matthias]

Class finally finished. God damn, about time it ended.

I walked out of the classroom, ignoring everyone who was attempting to talk to me. I’m not in the mood to talk to them.

While walking through the corridor, I decided to drop by at the swimming club since I’ve been neglecting my club activities for a long time. Swimming has been one of passion for a very long time.

I opened the door of the club room, smelling the strong chlorine in the the air. I walked inside and I saw my teammates already practicing their strokes in the pool.

“Matthias!” Harry ran towards me while drying himself with the towel on his shoulders. He was wearing his swimming trunks and his usual goofy grin. “Good thing you remembered to attend the practice!”

We sat down on the bench near us. “What happened?”

“I killed Han last night. I need to report to Damascus about it.”

Harry wiped the beads of water rolling down his face. “Okay. I heard you didn’t come home yesterday. Uncle’s pretty pissed off.” Harry whispered.

“All he do is complain. He’s not the one who’s doing the job.” I stood up and looked at Harry. “But I have to go home and him that everything’s finished.”

“Okay. Good luck.” Harry carefully said and I nodded.

I was ready to walk out but Harry stopped me. “I hope they wouldn’t punish you, Matthias.”

I lowered my head and sighed. “Yeah, me too.”

I pushed the door close after entering Damascus’ office. I saw him sitting on the table while reading some documents.

Ignoring the two men guarding the door, I walked towards Damascus to report Han’s assassination. “It’s done.”

He lifted his head to look at me. His glare was hard and dangerous. Damn it, looked like he’s really angry. “Where were you last night?” He asked, his gaze never leaving mine.

There’s no way I’m telling him I was at Earl’s house last night so I remained silent.

“I asked you a question, Matthias. Answer me.” I hated it when he used that tone on me. Damascus’ usually calm and collected but when it comes to me, he’s always strict. ”ANSWER ME!!!" His voice resonated inside the room.

I clenched my fist in anger. “I can’t tell you.” I finally said.

He put down the papers he was holding and neared me. “Is there a particular reason why you can’t tell me?”

I nodded.

“I’m sure you know the consequences of what you did, Matthias.” He said through his gritted teeth. “I’m sure I told you to make the killing clean but you f*****g made a bloody mess.” He reached out to wrap his hand around my neck. “Do you really have to disembowel the body? My men went to check up on you and they can’t even see the body anymore. All they can see were lumps of flesh all over the place.” His grip tightened on my neck but I stood still.

I looked up to meet his eyes. “You told me to kill him and I did it.”

“How many times do I have to tell you to do it without creating a bloody f*****g mess?!! Just a clean shot on the head will suffice!”

I glared at him. “I do my job the way I want it. If you’re not satisfied with it, hire another assassin.”

“YOU IMPUDENT BASTARD!!” I didn’t flinched when he slapped me on the cheeks. The burning sensation on my skin immediately numb.

I mentally sighed. Getting hit like this wasn’t really a new thing from me. After all, I grew up experiencing this kind of pain every day of my f*****g life.

“Take this brat away and lock him up!!”

The two men standing by the door quickly rushed towards me to take me away. They held my arms and forced me to walk out of Damascus’ office.

And this was the reason why I didn’t want to go back home.