Exclusively His

CHAPTER 4

I watched a man I thought I wouldn’t ever see again. Jeralt sat in front of me, sipping his coffee without a care for the world. Never did I imagine we’re going to share another cup of coffee after I abandoned the group for personal reasons. Jeralt was one of the few people who really didn’t care about my decision to quit. He probably noticed long before I told Carter my decision that I’m already fed up with that kind of life. And no matter how thrilling it was to go back and chase after Hunter, the kid wasn’t worth the effort.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to drink?” Jeralt asked, smirking at me. “Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned.”

I scoffed. I drank the coffee in a few gulps, not bothered by its temperature. Jeralt just watched me in amusement. “But it’s not like poison will do anything to you,” he added.

This guy might look like any other businessman wearing a suit, with his dark brown hair styled in a sleek manner to make his appearance more charming. Little do the people know that he’s a dangerous hacker, sought by many people, both in the government and private sectors. Jeralt had ruined many lives while stealing valuable information that could end a country. Carter was lucky he’s working for him or else, his elite organization would have been destroyed by now.

“How’s the big man?” I asked.

“Oh, same as always.” I stared at those icy blue eyes of his. No matter how hard I searched for emotion, just to prove that he was human, I just couldn’t. Those cold eyes had killed many people without even lifting a finger. Forcing people to commit suicide because they couldn’t handle the backlash of whatever intel Jeralt had stolen from them, it’s a tactic that could only be used by certain individuals in this kind of business. “He’s been accepting offers from everywhere. Work has been piling up, it’s exhausting.”

“As if he needs more money, huh?” I mumbled. I tried not to sound like I was mocking Carter, but I couldn’t. He had done nothing but help me every time I needed it only to be repaid by my resignation.

“You know it’s not just about the money,” Jeralt commented. “But still, money’s good too. I’d be lying if I say I’m not enjoying the luxury.”

My eyes went down to his oh-so-expensive Rolex watch. Yeah, it’s obvious money was rolling in. “So, what do I owe this sudden appearance, Miles? You swore to live a normal, peaceful, and boring life. You cut ties with us a long time ago.” He stared at me, a teasing smile present on his face. “Or did you grow tired of playing an ordinary life and finally decided to come back to us?”

I rolled my eyes. Never. There’s one thing I would never regret and it’s leaving Carter’s organization. I worked my ass off for him for so many years, my contribution alone was enough to grant me my freedom.

“No,” I said. “I just want to know who this girl is.” I showed him a picture of Tanya, a vague sketch from my memory of what her face looked like.

Jeralt leaned closer, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the paper. “What the—your drawings have improved, huh?” he commented, snickering.

“Shut up. Just take a photo and run a search for me, will you?”

I’d be greatly disappointed in myself if my art still looked like s**t when I’m studying to become a better artist. It’s a farfetched dream but I had always wanted to become a painter when I was a kid. But after that happened, my aspirations in life just vanished. I had no hopes of living until Carter picked me up.

“Fine, fine. You’re still so impatient, Miles. I missed that about you,” he said, grinning at me like a kid. “But just so you know, I’ll require you to pay me for my services.”

“Of course. I’m not expecting you’d do it for free. I hate being indebted to people,” I said.

He clapped his hands in glee. “Good!” He finished his coffee and stood up. “A warning though, Carter is bound to know that you’re in contact with me. And he might get the wrong idea.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Do you really think he’ll chase after me? He’s not that desperate to get someone like me to his group.”

Jeralt smirked. “Are you sure about that? You were one of the best. Leaving the group was a big loss for Carter.”

“I’m sure he can find another one he can train and use,” I said. I waved a hand at him. “I’ll send the payment later. I expect you’ll know who she is when I call again.”

He scoffed. “Who do you think you’re talking to?”

I froze after remembering a certain guy that had been plaguing my being for a while now. “Oh, by the way.” Jeralt halted to look back at me, one brow raised. “Do you happen to know someone named Hunter?”

“Hunter?”

“Yes, he’s…in a gang of some kind.”

Jeralt shrugged his shoulders. “Can’t say I have, is he important too?”

“A little. Search him up for me, won’t you?” I said, grinning at him.

He rolled his eyes. “Fine, as long as you can pay.”

I watched Jeralt leave the café, easily blending into the crowd walking on the side of the street before disappearing completely. I sighed and took another sip of my coffee. What he said kept circling in my mind. Carter was an extreme man, he’d do anything to get what he wanted, whatever the cost was. I had seen it multiple times when I was still with him, and yes, I’d be lying if I said there were times I get scared of him.

No, don’t think about him again.

I stood up and left the café. After I learned who Tanya really was, I needed to leave town. Even if my curiosity about that Hunter kid weighs my mind, I couldn’t let this go on any longer. I had to leave as soon as possible, I—

Opening the glass door of the café, I bumped into someone that made me lose my balance. “Jesus, can’t you look where you’re—” I stopped as soon as I saw who it was in front of me.

“Took us a long damn time to track you down, squirt.”

My face scrunched in disappointment, releasing a loud exasperated sigh as soon as I recognized who it was. It’s the brute that was working for Hunter, the one who bought the jelly doughnuts the other day. His little, well, big friends were behind him, looking down at me as if I’m their prey. Now, that’s a point of view that I didn’t think I’d experience. It’s usually the other way around; with me as the hunter.

“Why hello there,” I greeted with a big smile on my face. I took a step back, glancing at the people in the café. Others noticed the scene I’m in, their gaze curious as to what’s about to happen.

Great. And here I thought I could go back to my house and start packing my things up. “How did you find me?” I asked.

“Why do you care? A little rat like you leaves crumbs everywhere he goes,” the ogre said, showing me a triumphant grin that annoyed the s**t out of me.

“You have stalking issues, you know.” I paused for a second before smirking, “or is it your boss that does have stalking issues. He can’t get over that woman, can’t he?”

His glare was enough to answer my question. Whoever this woman was, she must have done something to deserve this kind of attention from these people. I knew I was right about uncovering who she really was.

“This time, you won’t escape us. If Hunter wants you, he’ll get you.”

Now that’s a statement that made me smile. It seemed like the kid was interested in me. That’s good. I shared the same sentiment. “Alright,” I announced, raising my arms in surrender. “Take me to your boss.”

It’s too late to regret anything now.

--

I was expecting they’d bring me back to the same apartment where we first met, but to my surprise, I was driven to a rather fancy five-star hotel that I didn’t think I would even visit, not even in my wildest dreams. But then again, I don’t understand luxury. The only time I get treated was when Carter…

“We’re here. Get out.”

The brute got out of the car after the driver parked it in what seemed like a reserved parking space for them in the basement. Truly fancy, huh?

I do get the feeling that Hunter wasn’t just a normal gangster that belonged to the street. There’s something more to that kid and intend to find out what it was.

Ugh, didn’t I just say I’m going to leave this town after I know who Tanya was? Involving myself with Hunter was a mistake and yet here I am, walking into the lion’s trap just to feed my curiosity. Jeralt will be disappointed with me after boasting to him earlier that I never intended on coming back.

What a load of bullshit, he’ll say.

I was escorted by Hunter’s men to the elevator, shoving me inside to get in. I glared at the ogre whose name I didn’t bother knowing. I’m sure he’s Hunter’s right hand or something. He’s very loyal to him, I’d commend him on that.

“This is a really nice place for your boss to have,” I said, grinning playfully at the guy who stood on my right. He didn’t tear his focus off in front of him, clearly giving away that these men were trained to do their jobs without asking questions.

As I said, they’re not just any ordinary gangs.

“Why? You jealous?” the ogre asked, wiggling his brows at me.

As if. “Sure,” I said nonchalantly. “What wouldn’t I give to wait for an eternity until I get to where I want to.”

That made him grit his teeth while some of his men stifled their laughter. “Why you—!”

I ignored his squabble when I noticed the cameras discreetly watching us from the corner of the lift. I wondered if this place was owned by the Mafia. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was. I don’t remember whose territory this place belonged to. Maybe I should look up information about that. I could tell it’d provide me more information about Hunter.

I bit my lip. Why am I acting so obsessed with a kid I barely know? Did his personality remind me of Carter back when were young? I could see a little bit of resemblance but not to the point where I’d put any effort into knowing a stranger.

Strange, indeed.

“We’re here.”

The elevator door opened and again, I was pushed to get out. I lifted my arms to show them that I had no way of fighting back; there’s no reason to be forceful. But what am I even expecting? For a gang to act like gentlemen, that’s impossible.

“Keep walking,” the ogre said, c*****g his head to make me walk in front while the others guide me.

“What’s wrong? Afraid that I’ll stab you in the back?” I asked, smiling at him.

“I don’t trust a rat like you,” he snapped.

“That hurt, you know. I’m not a rat,” I mumbled to myself. A rat might be purer than I am, it’s an insult to the rodent to even be compared to me.

That’s just—

The guys walking in front stopped. One guy knocked on the door and it only took a second for it to open. Three guys greeted us and all of them wore a grim expression, it’s as if someone died. They stood guard behind the door, stepping aside to let us in.

“Gentlemen,” I greeted, nodding at them. They only looked at me in confusion. Why wouldn’t they? I’m not an i***t not to know what this place was. I’m leisurely walking into the lion’s den without the assurance that I’d get out alive.

But let’s be honest, it’s not as if this was the first time I’d be doing something as suicidal as this.

The inside of the hotel room was grander than I expected. But this was a five-star hotel, a place that only served the people who had money to burn. I had experienced what’s it like to serve those kinds of people and the memory had never been pleasant. Acting as if they owned others just because they had power and wealth—it’s disgusting.

I looked around. The living room was spacious as the men from Hunter’s group stood on every corner, talking to each other. Others were sitting on the couches, browsing their phones or smoking cigarettes while talking about the most mundane stuff.

What the f*ck am I doing here again? Ah, right. I had to speak to Hunter.

“Where’s Hunt?” Mr. Ogre asked one of his friends sitting on the couch.

“His room. Busy f*cking some girls again.”

The ogre heaved a disappointed sigh. “And here I thought he’s waiting for the rat to arrive.” He turned to me and said, “wait here.”

I looked around. Wait exactly where?

The big man walked to one of the three doors on the right and without hesitation, he pushed the door open only to be greeted by loud moans from different people inside. I froze upon hearing it and for a second, I was appalled. I didn’t know why, it’s not as if I was new to people f*cking when I’m in the room.

“Hunter, he’s here,” I heard the ogre said, his voice hushed.

I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, enduring everyone’s eyes focused on me like I’m some animal in a zoo.

“What, really? He came?” I could hear the excitement in his voice followed by women squealing. A loud thud was heard and before I knew it, a naked Hunter was running out of the door. His hair was unruly and he was covered in sweat and kiss marks, I dropped my jaw in awe as soon as I saw him in front of me. “It really is you!” he exclaimed as if we were long-lost friends.

I furrowed my brows at him. I tried hard not to look down but damn, this guy was not only gorgeous but totally hung too. That d**k could be a weapon, I’m sure it destroyed a lot of girls in the past.

Ugh, what am I even thinking?

“I came here to discuss—”

“Yes, yes, I know why. But let’s talk first.” Hunter’s upbeat personality threw me off. He sounded so calm and collected when we first met, it’s as if he’s another man.

A towel was thrown over his head. “Cover yourself up, you’re acting like a kid again,” the ogre reprimanded.

“Fine, wait for me.” I watched Hunter go back to his room to put some clothes on. Good, that saved me from having a heart attack.

A few seconds later, he finally emerged from the room, wearing a graphic black shirt and jeans. How he managed to change that fast, I didn’t even care to know. What’s concerning was how amazingly hot this bastard looked even when wearing normal clothes.

It’s truly unfair.

“So, Miles,” Hunter said, speaking my name like we’re close friends, again. It’s…exhilarating. “What makes you visit me?”

He shooed away the men who were sitting on the couch to sit down. I stood in front of him with a raised brow. “Well, weren’t you the one who’s desperately searching for me?”

“True, but I didn’t expect you’d come without…hurting yourself or anyone,” Hunter said. That cocky smile on his face annoyed and enthralled me both at the same time.

“Don’t worry, I’m not hurting myself,” I murmured. “I came here to know why you want that woman. Tanya.”

“Is Tanya her name? I never bother learning some w***e’s name before f*cking them,” he said out loud.

I rolled my eyes. Why did he have to be a jerk? Right, because he’s in a gang. “Tell me why you’re chasing her and I’ll tell you where she is.”

Hunter stared at me, his gaze calculating. For a split second, Carter’s face appeared in my head. His amber eyes and dark brown hair that would glisten under the sun, seeing that image made me remember some things I didn’t want to.

“You don’t even know where she is, do you?”

I managed to hide my surprise. If there’s one thing I learned from tagging along with Carter’s group, it’s to mask away any emotions that the enemy might take advantage of. “I wouldn’t come here if I don’t have anything to offer, kid.”

I didn’t like the smirk on Hunter’s face after saying that.

“We both know it won’t matter. An ordinary person like you won’t just walk into this place without knowing the consequence. You’re not stupid not to know who we are, right? In fact, you know too well.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “It annoys me that we don’t have intel on you. That can only mean you’re off the radar, a ghost.”

“And?” I asked, trying to speed up this conversation.

“I did a little digging for myself and found something…interesting. Miles Hudson, you worked for Carter, don’t you?”

My heart skipped a beat. How did he—no, I shouldn’t be affiliated with him in any way, he promised me that after I got out of the group.

“A renowned mercenary, you did some dirty work for the government, aiding them at wars, something like that.” I clenched my fists. “Here I thought you’re like us. Though in some way, maybe we are.” Hunter’s eyes gleamed, like the predator that finally caught his prey. “You’ve killed many people for money. An assassin, some may say. And then you quit, to do what? Attend college and live a normal life?”

“And where did you get that information?” I asked, my voice low.

“You’re not the only one who has a hacker friend,” he said, his grin impish. “Jeralt, huh? He’s famous too.”

I knew it. This guy wasn’t just an ordinary gangster. He must have some very good connection if he managed to dig information about me and Jeralt.

“So, tell me, Miles. What are you going to offer now that you don’t have anything?” Hunter asked.

I stared at him. He cornered me, huh? I underestimated the kid. I thought I’d outwit him. “Am I that compelling that you’ve spent that much effort to know who I am?” I asked. “That information doesn’t come cheap.”

“Oh, believe me, Miles. I have money.” Standing up, Hunter walked towards me. “And I have a lot.”

He stopped in front of me, the gap between us only an inch away. His scent was overwhelming, it’s almost as if it’s tempting me to just lean closer and—

“Are you going to jump off the building to escape?” he taunted.

I snapped out of my thoughts. His voice resonated in my ears, it tickled a part of my body that I thought was numbed.

“Who is Tanya? And what do you want from her?” I dared to ask. If I’m going down here, I might as well know who that woman was.

Hunter’s smile was sly. He’s expecting my stubbornness and that delighted him. “She’s a woman that you shouldn’t have touched, Miles.”

Again, my hunch was right. “She stole something from you, and you want it back. If you know what kind of man I am, then won’t it be best for you to hire me so I can track her down?”

That immediately changed the expression on his face. He definitely didn’t expect that kind of offer. “I might be retired, but I’m still good,” I said. “I can get Tanya for you, and we’ll forget this ever happen again.”

Hunter stared at me for the longest time, searching for something in my face that would betray my words. But he didn’t find any. “Why should I trust you?”

“Because right now, I’m the only one who knows where that woman is. It’s either you hire me, or you let her get away, you choose.”

--