Exclusively His

CHAPTER 2

I had a lot of regrets in my life, it’d be impossible to count it down with my fingers. But I didn’t think delivering pizza to these assholes would be one of them too. I stared at the giant in front of me, the smirk playing on his face irked me to death as if he had won something against me.

“Is that the pizza?” a voice from inside inquired. Soon, another i***t appeared in front of me and I quickly recognized who it was. It’s the same guy who visited the bakery earlier this morning, demanding the damn jelly doughnuts. A smile appeared the second he saw me. “Oh, isn’t it the guy in the bakery?!”

I tried hard not to roll my eyes. Great. Now I had to deal with these assholes. “That’ll be fifteen ninety-nine. Thank you,” I said, handing out the pizza boxes.

A harrowing scream of a woman made me jump. What the—

“No, no! No, get away from me, no!”

I caught the man in front of me rolling his eyes. “Jesus, will you quiet it down, woman?!” He turned to me and grabbed the pizza boxes. “Keep the change, bitch.”

I glared at him but decided not to comment back as I still had another delivery. “Thanks,” I said, taking the money from him.

I thought I could finally leave and forget the woman I just heard screaming inside their apartment, but as soon as I turned around, I was met by a pair of dark, amber eyes that bore holes on my face. I gasped out loud, obviously startled by the appearance of another giant.

I knew danger when I see one, and this guy was the definition of danger. He’s different from the others I had met before. Behind those brooding eyes hid a sadistic motherf*cker that loved tormenting people—it disgustingly resembled his.

“Hunt,” the guy behind me called out, “dinner’s on Bradley tonight. Pizza.”

The light from the ceiling bounced on his tanned skin, giving him an ethereal and almost mysterious charm that made my heart skipped a beat. Not only was he tall and buff, but he’s also a damn good-looking hunk—and for someone to be working in this kind of business, there’s only a few who were blessed with such appearances, it’s unfair.

I’m not gay but I wouldn’t mind being with this guy.

Shit.

What did I just say?

“Who’s this kid?” he asked, his gaze going past me as he asked his colleagues.

“The pizza delivery guy. He’s also the one from the donut shop,” someone answered for him. Based on the voice, I could tell it was the f*cker who asked me how many jelly doughnuts we had. Truly moronic.

The man whose name was Hunt eyed me closely as if observing my face. “Haven’t I seen you before?”

I backed away, suddenly intimidated by his face. I could feel the heat creeping up my cheeks. “No,” I squeaked. “I have to go, I’m late for—”

The woman who had been screaming all this time finally showed herself, stumbling out of the door as she hysterically cried in fear. Everyone looked at her as she panted hard, her makeup melting off her face. “Please, please, help me!” she begged.

I narrowed my eyes at her. My jaw dropped when I saw the woman. What the f*ck happened to her?

I heard the other men laughed as the woman stood in the middle, trapped by these demons.

The absolute horror reflecting on her face reminded me of a certain kid who faced the same situation years ago.

The fear of knowing that there’s no escape, that these people had the power over her. They could do anything they wanted for the sole reason that they owned her.

“Because we have money.”

F*ck you.

I didn’t know what came over me, but I took her hand and screamed, “run!”

I shouldn’t have done that.

I should have minded my own business.

It wasn’t that hard to just take the money, give them the pizza and leave.

But because of that man who enthralled me, I lost all sense. I couldn’t think straight. All I wanted was to save that woman who I didn’t even know. It took me years to give up all the care for the world after it betrayed me but seeing an image of a fragile person who looked exactly like me in the past, my heart couldn’t take it.

I had to save her from these people.

I shouldn’t, but I did.

I ran like my life depended on my legs, our heavy stomps echoing through the deserted hallway. Her hand was as cold as ice. I’m sure she didn’t have the strength to match my speed, but it didn’t stop me. Before I knew it, I was rushing out of the building, leaving a very confused receptionist as he watched me take the woman with me.

I jumped on my motorcycle and snapped my head at her. “Hop in!” I screamed.

She was distraught but quickly nodded. She hopped onto the motorcycle and clasped her hands tightly on my shoulders, burying her face on my back as I sped away from this place. It didn’t take me long to reach the pizza parlor. I knew I shouldn’t bring her here, but I didn’t know what else to do. If I bring her to the hospital, I’d be asked dozens of questions as to why she ended up like this. And I could tell she wouldn’t be able to answer them because of her current situation.

“Oh my god, what happened?!” Linda screamed. She hurried to me, her eyes wide open as she watched me help the woman walk on her own.

“I found her,” I said. “I didn’t know where to bring her, I’m sorry.”

“You should have brought her to the hospital, or the police!” she exclaimed.

“No, no, you can’t,” she pleaded while shaking her head. “I-you can’t…they’re going to kill me.”

Linda stared at her long and hard before heaving a sigh. “Good thing Mr. Johnson isn’t here. Let’s take her to the back.”

--

Everyone watched me treat the woman’s wounds, their eyes focused on what I was doing. I was just wiping it with disinfectant, making sure that there’s no blood nor dirt in her wounds or else it’d be infected. I suggested it’d be better for her to go to the hospital after she calmed down, but she was adamant about rejecting the idea.

Just like I was expecting, she knew the consequence of going to the authorities after being involved with those people.

Well, at least she knew. A lot didn’t know, and it cost them their lives.

“Who are you and what happened?” Joey asked.

Some of the staff from the kitchen hurried to see the woman but after Linda told them to back off as she was still in a panic, they left. Only Joey stayed along with Linda. Leika wanted to come as well but she was busy in front, she couldn’t leave her post.

“I—Tanya, that’s my name,” she said after contemplating for a long time on whether to disclose her name to us or not. I understood why she was hesitant. Now that she had seen what she shouldn’t see in that room, whatever the f*ck it was, she’s a dead man walking. “I can’t remember what happened…just that I was invited to a house party and there were men…scary men.” She was choking while she retells us what exactly happened, and I was getting uncomfortable listening to her. “There were other girls too, they were naked and dancing, a lot of them looked like high…I was too…”

I watched Tanya shut her eyes as if she’s stopping any memories from coming back. I would be too if I found myself with those men. And no matter how handsome and buff they were, I’d still run away from—

A knock on the door stopped me from thinking about what I would have done if I was Tanya. “Excuse me, Miles,” Leika called, peeking at the door to find me.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Someone’s asking for you.”

I furrowed my brows at her.

--

I stared at the phone like it’s going to eat me alive. I had a feeling that I know who’s behind the other line.

Nevertheless, I still answered the call.

“You shouldn’t have done that, Miles.”

I easily remembered that voice even if I had only heard it once. It’s him. That’s— “How did you know my name?” I asked, my heart beating out of my chest.

“It’s not that hard to decipher when you leave the receipt. You’ve taken something from me, I must get it back.”

F*ck, even his voice sounded so attractive—with that baritone voice that could almost rich my soul—wait, why am I even thinking about how hot he sounded like?! Am I going crazy?

“What do you want from me?” I asked, feigning stupidity. I already knew what he wanted. And it’s the woman. She might have some valuable information that would jeopardize their operation.

“Don’t act stupid now, Miles,” he said. I could picture an amused smirk on that unforgettable face, and it annoyed me. Why am I even remembering his face now? “You know what I want. Give it to me before I make your life a living hell.”

It wouldn’t be my first time hearing that kind of threat. “Really?” I asked. I’m making a huge mistake right here, right now, but I couldn’t stop pushing myself onto the edge. “Let me see you try, Hunt.”

I hung up the phone and almost laughed like a movie villain at what I just did.

Talking back to arrogant assholes like that guy was always a blast. But a minute after, I realized how much of a big mistake I did by doing that.

But then again, I didn’t care.

It’s just like what he said.

“You can’t escape who you really are.”

--

I went back to the staff room and found Linda sitting beside Tanya. It seemed like the woman had calmed down. She was holding an empty glass of water. The color on her face had returned and I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. I didn’t know a thing about her, and I shouldn’t be this worried, but I hold some sort of responsibility because I saved her from those thugs.

Or can I even call them thugs?

Joey approached me, his face warped in concern. “That woman is trouble, kid,” he whispered.

“I know,” I muttered.

“What are you going to do with her?” he asked. “You can’t keep her here.”

I tried not to roll my eyes. Obviously, I knew that. Those guys would easily find her here. She’s the one they’re after and I wasn’t sure why. I had theories, though. Whoever this woman was, she’s dangerous. I couldn’t let her stay here any longer.

“Linda,” I called out, smiling at her, “Joey wants to talk to you.”

Joey looked at me with wide eyes, surprised. “What?”

“About the new recipe, right?” I said, grinning at him. “Go on.”

I needed to talk to Tanya alone. When the two left, I walked to where she was. “Tell me who those people are.”

She looked up at me, her lips quivering. “I-I can’t, they’re going to kill me…”

“Trust me, even if you tell me, they’re still going to kill you.” What I said made her gasp out loud. Her eyes welled with tears as she cried out hysterically. “No, please! Anything but that! I don’t want to die like those girls! I can’t…I—!”

I kneeled in front of her and grabbed her shoulders to stop her from having another panic attack. I looked her straight in the eye and said, “I can’t promise you anything, but I will help you get away from them.”

“W-what?”

“I know people who can deal with them,” I said, smiling a little at her. Giving her false hope was evil of me, but it’s better than for her to live the rest of her life cowering in fear. Besides, if my pals on the other side still remember me, I don’t doubt they’d be willing to help little ‘ole me.

Tanya was reluctant at first. But when I gave her a reassuring smile, she yielded. “I saw them kill the others,” she said as slowly as she could, her body trembling in utter fear. She stopped and cried again.

I thought for a second. Why were they killing those girls? Was it possible that someone messed up and angered one of those idiots? Only low-class hoodlums would do such a thing. Not even the organized crime would do something as careless as this, of course, unless they had a reason for doing so.

Shit.

“Did you see anything else?” I asked.

“N-nothing, I’m so sorry, I—” She covered her face with her hands and continued sobbing.

I sighed inwardly. Next time, I really should mind my own business. “Let’s go,” I said.

She snapped her head at me, shocked. “What? Go where? I can’t go to the police, they’re going to kill me!”

“I didn’t say we’re going there,” I said. It took a lot of sheer willpower not to roll my eyes when Is aid that. She’s stressed, Miles. Don’t forget that. “I know a place where you can be safe.”

“Where?”

--

I unlocked the door that I’d been using while working for those people. It was in a faraway place from the city, the perfect hideout for people like Tanya. She wouldn’t be found here that easily, even if those people had advanced tech. This was one of the few apartments I had in the city that was off the radar, I’m sure Tanya would be safe here.

“What is this place?” she asked as the lights turned on automatically.

The exterior of the apartment would fool anyone as the inside was far more modern than the outside. The building was made to disguise itself from anyone looking at it, as this place was reserved for people like me.

I didn’t want to use it again, but I had no other choice. Besides, it’s not like they’d know anyway. I’d be long gone even if they ask her who brought her here. It’s not that hard to change identities as long as you knew the right people that will help you.

“Your paradise,” I said. “You can use this place for a few days. Those people are clearly still after you.”

“I-if they find, they’ll surely kill me,” she said as she looked back at me with fear in her eyes. It reflected mine when I was in the same situation as her. “What will I do?”

“I contacted someone who can give you a new name, a new place to stay, and a new life,” I said. “That guy owed me a favor so you don’t need to worry about anything,” I replied, smiling at her. “The papers you need to get out of the country will arrive tomorrow.” I checked my wristwatch before continuing, “at exactly six in the morning. You better get up early if you want that chance.”

I was about to leave as I didn’t want to spend another minute in this place. This wasn’t my main base, but it still looked like the one that I often used when I’m still with them. The white, dull paint that complimented the dark tiles—easy to clean off blood when splattered on the flo—

“Why are you doing this?” she asked, looking me in the eye.

I shrugged my shoulders. “No reason,” I said. But I knew why I was doing this. At the back of my mind, I wanted to at least do something good in my life. If I were to change who I am, even at this age, I had to give some effort into it. It was hard getting out of that place, it wouldn’t be fair if I don’t do something now that I was free.

And maybe, just maybe, I wanted to antagonize that guy. It’d be interesting to see him chasing a ghost.

“Thank you,” Tanya mumbled, her eyes getting teary again. “Y-you…didn’t have to do this, but you did.”

I smiled.

--

I stifled a yawn which was caught by Jenny who stood behind the counter. “Long night?” she asked, snickering at me.

You have no idea. “Kind of,” I mumbled. I had already finished putting out the display of newly fresh baked bread on the shelves, which of course made Anton very happy as he didn’t need to do some extra work and could only focus on baking in the kitchen. He’s been going off for an hour about his daughter not exerting effort on their business, and I could have listened to him if I didn’t have an exhausting night last night.

The morning rush was just finished a few hours ago and I had nothing better to do but watch YouTube videos on my phone. It was already nearing lunchtime and Jenny craved for a burrito. I suggested ordering it as the restaurant was just a block away from us. It’d be a good use of my time as I was already dying of boredom.

“Thanks, Miles,” she said after handing me the money.

“Anything else you want?” I asked. I would have called her a brat, but I didn’t want to get fired.

“Could you get me some Starbucks too?” she asked, giving me that irritating puppy eyes that I’m sure she had already used to a bunch of horny teenagers that wanted to bang her.

“Sure,” I said.

I took my apron off and headed out of the bakery to get Jenny what she wanted to eat for lunch. Anton was kind enough to buy me some food too, as it’d be extremely rude if he wouldn’t offer some for me when I’m doing the effort of running some errands for his spoiled daughter.

Nevertheless, I liked walking. It’s always so entertaining to see other people live their normal lives without a care for the world.

How lucky were they for being born that way, huh?

It didn’t take me long to arrive at the Mexican place that Jenny fancied. There was a long line and hordes of people, but I didn’t mind. I waited patiently, unlike the couple behind me who were constantly clicking their tongues as they couldn’t wait for their food.

When I was done ordering, I carried the paper bags and thanked the woman behind the counter. I hurried out of the restaurant and walked back to the bakery with a huge, relieved smile on my face.

I can’t wait to eat—

I quickly noticed two men walking in my direction, both wearing dark sunglasses and heavy, leather jackets. I didn’t need to see the weapons they’re hiding behind their clothes. It’s either they were bad at their job, or they truly wanted to let me know that I was their target.

That was fast.

I took a step back but was met by a familiar face that irritated me so badly ever since I saw it in the bakery. The giant smirked at me as his associates eyed me like I’m a prized possession they needed to sell.

I raised a brow at him. “Isn’t it a little bit early for you people to nab someone out of the street?”

“And it’s about time for you to stop being a smart ass and come with us. Of course, unless you want to make a scene.”

“And if I do?” I asked, daring him with a smirk that mimicked his.

“We have plans for every people you know in your life,” he said, his grin getting big.

I scoffed.

“That will take you a century to kill everyone I know, kid,” I said, the tone of my voice slightly changing as I showed him that he’s messing with the wrong person. “Now f*ck off and let me eat my damn burrito, asshole.”

That immediately erased that smirk on his face.

“You—!”

--