Exclusively His

CHAPTER 1

“Another body was found in the eleventh street of Dunwich. The cause of death was a single bullet shot in the head. The victim’s name—”

“Another murder, huh?” Gibson said after he finished eating his toast.

I took a sip of coffee before replying. “Nothing new. There’s always killings and robbery and s**t,” I commented in disgust.

“Well, we live in a s**t world after all.”

I stared at Gibson, ignoring his comment. I knew my roommate very well. We’ve been living for almost a year now and I had memorized his schedule and habits. “Any special happening today?” I asked, grinning at him.

He raised a brow. “What?”

“You don’t usually get up this early in the morning.”

Six o’clock was the usual time I go to the bakery to start one of the three jobs I’m handling to help me pay for my education that I failed to finish back when I’m still younger. Now that I’m already pushing near thirty, I reckoned it’s not that late to do things I couldn’t do before as I was tied with businesses I just couldn’t leave. As for Gibson who doesn’t do anything but lounge around and find rich old ladies who’d pay to have s*x with him, I’m sure waking up this early in the morning wasn’t on his to-do list.

“Oh, come on, I do wake up early sometimes,” he retorted.

“Yeah, only when you’re planning on going back home because you’re broke, again,” I said with a sly smile.

Brushing up his blonde hair that’s slightly tousled, he pouted at me. “How do you know me so well like we’ve been friends for eternity?” he asked.

I hated admitting it, but the kid was definitely blessed in genetics. Had a handsome face that could charm anyone, tall and muscled body—qualities that most women would fancy, William Gibson was one lucky bastard. At the age of twenty-three, he had mastered the art of seducing women, using it as his main source of money as a lot of them were more than willing to give him anything he wanted as long as put his p***s inside them. It was a disturbing business but nothing I’m not accustomed to.

“You’re just so easy to read,” I replied. “Anyway, if you’re going back home, make sure to not leave anything important. I don’t want to mail you your damn phone just because you forgot it.”

“Yes, yes, I will. Thanks.”

I grabbed my keys and wallet. “I’ll be home at three.”

Gibson waved a hand at me, his eyes already glued to the television. “I won’t be here.”

--

After making sure I had all the things I needed, I walked down the corridor only to find the beautiful Siberian Husky, Hanz, enthusiastically pulling his dog leash while his owner, Mrs. Wilts lock the door to her apartment. She was an old woman, around her 60’s perhaps. White hair, wrinkled face, dull eyes. Nevertheless, I could see she was beautiful in her prime years. She had this charm where she could talk to anyone without being awkward. Something I’m struggling to work with my personality.

“Good morning, you two,” I greeted, smiling at her.

“Oh, Miles, good morning,” she said. Her soft voice immediately put a smile on my face. It’s always a delight to talk to Mrs. Wilts. She used to bake us muffins in return for always helping her carry her groceries. The apartment complex we’re living in wasn’t really in the best condition. But the rent was cheap and it was the closest to where I was working.

“You’re always so early, Miles. Kids like you tend to laze around, like your friend, William,” Mrs. Wilts said, giving out a hearty laugh as soon as she mentioned my charismatic roommate.

“Yes, unfortunately, I can’t take it easy like Gibson,” I said, forcing out a smile at her. If I did do what the kid had been doing, I’d be broke. I refused to give up my education. If there’s one thing that I regret, that would be missing out on my childhood.

Now that I had all the freedom in the world, nothing would stop me from getting what I wanted. I lived my life following someone else, this was the only time I could take care of myself.

“Don’t forget to take care of yourself, okay? You’re a good kid.”

My smile dropped.

“Thanks, I will.”

--

“Early, as usual, Miles,” Anton, the owner of the bakery I’m currently working at greeted. He wore a big smile as he carried a tray of freshly baked bread. The heavenly scent made my stomach churn. I only drank a cup of coffee for breakfast, it wasn’t enough, but I was in a hurry.

“Hello,” I said. I walked behind the display of baked goods and tapped Jenny’s shoulder. She stood behind the counter, busy with her phone. She only gave me a casual nod before going back to texting her boyfriend.

I went to the staff room and put on an apron. There was a knock on the door, and it was Anton. He just was finished putting out the bread in the display rack.

“Hey,” I said.

“You don’t always have to come in early,” he said.

“Why not? I’m not asking for more money,” I muttered.

Anton chuckled. “I’m not worried about that,” he said. “Don’t you have classes today?”

“Yeah, later this afternoon.”

“And you’ll be coming in for work at that pizza parlor, right?”

Where was this going? “Yes?” I said, raising a brow at him.

“You need rest, Miles.”

I closed my locker door and faced him. “Are you firing me?” I asked.

“Of course not,” he barked, rolling his eyes at me. “I’m just saying that you need to take it easy. Get a vacation or something.”

“No,” I said almost too quickly. “I can’t do that.”

Now it was Anton’s turn to raise a brow at me. “And why not?” he asked.

“Because I love what I’m doing.”

He scoffed. “Now you’re only flattering me.”

“I’m just saying that I like what I’m doing,” I said, releasing a tired sigh. This wasn’t the first time Anton opened up this issue to me. I wouldn’t blame him. He was just looking out for me. An unnecessary gesture, he had traits I couldn’t understand. I mean why bother caring for someone else. I wouldn’t. “But thanks for the concern,” I said, forcing a smile at my boss. “Don’t worry. I can do it.”

Anton stared at me for a long time before sighing in defeat. “Okay. Just…take it easy, that’s all I’m saying.”

“Thanks.”

--

Mornings in Anton’s Bakery was always a hassle. People who come in before going to school or work would fill the place, demanding breakfast which consisted of hot coffee and bagels. It was busy and anyone who wasn’t a morning person had this foul attitude as if the world had to understand why they’re pissed off so early in the morning.

But with great patience, I managed to get through the morning, bagging up all kinds of sandwiches and pouring scalding coffee in paper cups. By the time the hand of the clock pointed to eleven, the bakery had calmed down, much to my delight. Jenny could finally sit down after attending the counter for hours, entertaining the customers while wearing a mandatory smile that her father instructed her to do. I felt bad for her. She’s forced to help out on her family business when she obviously wanted to do something else rather than be stuck here.

I know that feeling.

“F*ck, that f*cking woman, did you see her? She looked at me like I’m the trash when she’s the one who’s trash!” Jenny complained, her brows furrowed deeply. She’s still in college and yet she looked like she’s in her thirties. Her blue eyes were dull, her hair dry and unruly. The stress was really affecting her.

“Don’t worry, they won’t come back until tomorrow,” I said, grinning at her.

“Ugh, I envy you, Miles,” Jenny said. She looked at me, a pout forming on her lips. “You can do whatever you want. You’re alone, you don’t have parents who force you to do things you don’t want to do. I wish I can be like you.”

I smiled at her. If she only knew. “The time will come where you can have your freedom. Right now, you should focus on helping your family. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I just feel like I’m wasting my time here,” she muttered.

“You’re still young. You still have a lot of opportunities waiting for you,” I said.

Her somber eyes returned their shine and she finally managed to smile a little. “Thanks, that helps a little.”

“Jenny!” Anton screamed from inside the kitchen.

She rolled her eyes before standing up begrudgingly. “Coming!”

I held in another sigh. This was my favorite time of the day. Leaning over the display rack, I browsed my phone to check my schedule. I have a class from three in the afternoon until nine in the evening, then I had to go to Mama Jo’s and work there until four. It would have been hellish for some other people, but I was used to working late night shifts.

I took my gaze off my phone when the door chimed, signaling there’s a customer. I looked at the people who just came in and right at the bat, I knew there’s something wrong with them. Three men entered, hiding the muscled biceps under those boring shirts and leather jackets they’re wearing. I didn’t need to look closely to know they’re hiding guns under those thick clothes.

“What in the f*ck does Hunter want here again?” the one with the dark eyeglasses said while looking around the bakery.

“The jelly doughnuts that one of his bitches gave him,” his associate said. He walked towards me and asked, “jelly doughnuts. Where?”

What were they, cavemen? These people, seriously. “How many?”

“How many do you have?”

I gave him a dead stare. Really? “Sir, we’re a bakery store. We produce hundreds of jelly doughnuts in a day. You just asked a very stupid question. I hope you realize that.”

His friends laughed behind him after I replied to him like the sassy b***h that I was. Unfortunately, he wasn’t amused. Of course, he wouldn’t be. This kind of person gets offended so easily just because they think they’re at the top of the hierarchy.

Typical and disgusting.

“You better watch your mouth kid, we—”

His phone rang, stopping him from saying whatever he’s about to say. He didn’t break his stare off me as he picked up the call. And I did the same. I’d be dead by now if I get intimidated by people like them. “Yes, we’re picking it up. The jam ones, yes, boss. We’re going back.” He ended the phone call and through gritted teeth, the man said, “I’ll take five boxes.”

I flashed him a smile. “Good!”

--

I watched the three giants leave the bakery. So early in the morning and they’re already prancing in the street. Not great.

Hours passed so slowly, and I was getting bored out of my ass. Good thing Jenny was here to entertain me for the rest of the day. She told me everything about her new friends in a class that she’s taking. She was always interested in writing and being a journalist one day. She sure had the talent for it. One, Jenny was good at talking to people. And no matter how much she dislikes them, she could still cajole her way into making them think that she actually does. Two, Jenny had the talent for asking for information from people without making them think that she’s gathering intel. That’s a talent for me. And I knew it’s something she could definitely use if she’s really serious about becoming a journalist.

It was two-thirty in the afternoon. Anton allowed me to leave early. As strict as he was to his daughter, he’s actually a much more forgiving boss than a father. Nevertheless, I thanked him, and I hurried my way out of the bakery to get on the bus. Attending a community college was probably too late now, I really didn’t need it, but somehow, at the back of my mind, I knew I had to.

It’s one of the few things that I wanted to do for myself.

I hurried to the bus stop, delighted that I just arrived on time. I let the other passengers get in first before me, quickly finding a seat to occupy. I had my bag in me where my notes were. I finished my homework last night at Mama Jo’s while I wasn’t busy with delivery.

“Do you really think you’ll be able to change who you are?”

Just watch me. I’d do it without you.

--

“Hey, Miles!” Linda greeted with a big smile. But the second she saw my face, it dropped. “Wait, what happened? Are you alright?”

I wouldn’t lie, I was exhausted. I had always been interested in art. I thought studying it would be a breeze. Unfortunately, there were a lot of terms and techniques that I had to study before I could draw anything. But then again, it was the course I chose, and I had no right to complain. I had to persevere.

“I’m fine,” I said, grinning at her. I’ll be fine. I can do it.

Mama Jo’s pizza parlor was still busy even at this time of night. There were groups of friends, probably around their thirties gathered at tables, stuffing their faces with freshly baked pepperoni pizza. I never had any preference for food, but right now, I’m craving a slice of pizza.

Now that I remember, I haven’t eaten anything yet for the whole day. Maybe that’s why I feel like I’m dying.

I walked past Linda who watched me in concern while I made my way to the staff room. Inside was Leika, admiring herself in front of the mirror. Upon seeing me, she gasped. “Oh, hey, Miles!”

“Hi,” I greeted. I walked to my locker and opened it.

“Not a lot of people out there, huh?” she commented as she faced me.

“Not a lot,” I repeated.

It wasn’t hard not to notice my debilitated state. “Are you okay?” Leika finally asked.

I don’t know. You tell me. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I said, forcing out a laugh. I put my bag inside the locker and grabbed the cap that said Mama Jo’s Pizza Parlor.

“By the way, did you hear?”

“Hear what?” I asked.

I wasn’t really interested in making small talk with Leika. She’s the youngest in the crew and from what I know, she’s also a far distant relative of the owner. Kind of like Jenny in some sort of way. But the only difference was that Leika loved working here. She was quite popular too with the patrons—with her big blue eyes, bright blonde hair, and chirpy attitude, Leika gets all the attention while working as a cashier.

“There’s been murders happening near here.”

I froze, barely remembering the news this morning. “Dunwich?” I asked.

Leika nodded. “Yeah. You’ve heard?”

“It was all over the news,” I muttered.

She hugged herself and said, “it’s really scary, especially going out at night. You’ll never know who will attack you in the dark.”

Not a lot of people here in this place, I’m sure of that. “You better be careful,” I reminded her. “We work late at night after all.”

“Yeah.”

“Any deliveries?”

“Yes, two just came in.”

“Where?”

She hesitated to answer. “At eleventh street. But if you’re too tired, I can just ask—”

“No, I’ll be fine,” I said, smiling at her.

I walked out of the staff room and went straight to the kitchen where Joey’s already yelling at the crew. “My God, Emilio, can’t you even put the god damn sausages right?!”

I rolled my eyes. Poor Emilio. If he could, I’m sure he would have murdered Joey’s ass already. “Delivery at the eleventh street, is it done?” I asked, hoping it would divert Joey’s attention off Emilio.

“Not yet! This i***t can’t even do his job right!” His nostrils flared up, his face was red from anger.

“Calm down, Joey,” I said. “It’s only ten in the evening, no need to bust a cap.”

“But—!”

“And Emilio can do it right, right?” I asked, winking at the old man who’d been working at the restaurant for decades. His face covered in wrinkle eased after realizing I’m protecting him, yet again from Emilio’s poor temper. “Just don’t scream at his face and everyone in the kitchen can do their job.”

I saw his ears turning red as he tried hard not to scream at me too. But he knew all too well that I wouldn’t give a damn even if he throws insults at my face. He’d only waste his time and energy by doing it. “Fine! Just do it quickly.”

I smiled at Emilio and he smiled back. “Thanks, kid,” he whispered.

I gave him a thumbs-up before exiting the kitchen to wait for the pizzas to be done.

--

I was putting the boxes behind the motorcycle’s compartment when Linda came out of the back parking lot. She walked towards me and watched me silently.

“What’s wrong?” I asked after securing the pizzas.

“I’m just worried about you, kid,” she said as she put her hands inside her apron’s pocket. “Mr. Johnson think so too.”

I scoffed after she mentioned the stoic manager of Mama Jo’s. “Really?” I asked. “Do I look that bad?”

“It’s not that. We just know that besides the three jobs you’re handling, you’re also attending college, right?”

Ugh, why was everyone so worried about that? I’m doing my job just fine, am I not? So why do they f*cking care? “I can manage, Linda. Really.”

She held up her hands in surrender. “I’m just saying. Take it easy out there. You’re still young, you have a lot of time, I—”

I clenched my hands into a fist but quickly hid it behind me before Linda could notice my growing anger. I’m not young anymore. Sure, I’m still in my twenties but f*ck I wasted all my time doing things I regretted for the rest of my life. This was my one chance in turning my life around—to change everything I did wrong.

“Thank you,” I said, quickly cutting her off. I smiled at her, a genuine one. “But I like what I’m doing. I really do.”

Linda stared at me, her brown eyes etched in worry as the muscles on her face tensed. Thankfully, she gave up. “Just…take it easy, okay?”

“I will. Don’t worry. You’re not the first one who said that today.”

--

I parked the car right in front of a fancy apartment that only the rich could afford. It wouldn’t be my first time delivering at this specific building, but I had seen what was inside and I could say they’re lucky they have that kind of place to live at. I had seen hundreds of homes with different living conditions and the only thing I could say was that there were people who were more than grateful to have roofs over their heads, and a lot who didn’t give a f*ck about how blessed they were. Unfortunately, this place was the latter.

I entered the lobby and headed straight to the reception table. There was a man behind the counter, busy with whatever he’s doing on the computer.

“Hey,” I greeted. “Delivery. Apartment 205.”

He tore his gaze off the monitor, his tired and solemn eyes looking at me as if he had seen an apparition. “Sir?” I called out when he didn’t reply.

He snapped out of his thoughts and finally looked me in the eye. “Y-yes, I’m sorry, I—r-room 205, right?”

“Yes.”

With trembling hands, he picked up the phone and started talking to whoever was living in apartment 205. His eyes wavered as he waited, and when someone finally answered the call, he gasped. “Yes, hello, your pizza delivery is here…yes, I will. Thank you.”

I was confused as to why he’s acting like he’s being held hostage. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yes! Just…the owner said to deliver it to them. They’re currently…busy…” His face glistened with sweat as he tried to pull a crooked smile.

“Okay,” I slowly said, raising a brow at him. “Thanks.”

I knew my way up to the apartment. But it’d be my first time to deliver at apartment 205. I took the stairs and hurried to the second floor to finish my first delivery. There’s bound for more since it was a Friday night, and everyone wanted pizza while watching movies or before having s*x.

Gross.

I marched down the brightly lit corridor, looking at the apartment numbers. 201, 203, ah, 205. Here it was.

I knocked on the door and waited patiently for the owner to open it. Sometimes it’d take only a second especially if the customer was hungry as if they hadn’t eaten for centuries, and most times, it would take them an eternity to get the door.

Hopefully, it’d only take a sec—

The door swung open. I looked up as a giant towered me, his big, muscled arms bulging. That familiar dumb face that I met this morning.

“Why we meet again, asshole.”

F*ck.

--

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