Black Shot: Trapping The King

PROLOGUE Lia lived a simple life in the countryside. Her mother owned a small beauty salon, while her father ran a car wash business. What Lia did not know was that her father had once been a member of the mafia—and not just any mafia. He was the son of a powerful mafia leader, and their family ranked second among the most influential underworld families. Her father was Romeo Montenegro, the eldest of two brothers. His younger brother was Noel Montenegro. Even as children, the two never got along because of Noel’s cruel and selfish nature. While they were still under their parents’ care, Noel was already a rebellious son, and his resentment grew even stronger when he learned that all of the family’s wealth and properties would be inherited by Romeo. One day, Romeo chose a peaceful and simple life instead of fighting against his own brother, whose only desire was wealth and power. He left his family behind and worked hard to build a life of his own. It was during this time that he met Lia’s mother. They fell in love and eventually had a daughter—Lia. However, Noel never stopped pursuing them. His greed reached the point where he ordered the murder of Romeo’s parents so he could seize the entire Montenegro fortune for himself. Lia was only twelve years old when she witnessed the brutal murder of both her father and mother. She could not clearly see the faces of the killers, but one detail remained etched in her memory—a scorpion-shaped tattoo. After the tragedy, Lia wandered the streets alone. One day, while weak and exhausted on a bridge, she was found by a married couple who had been planning to adopt a child from an orphanage. Seeing her condition, they decided to take her in and raise her as their own. The man who adopted her was a retired martial arts expert, while his wife was a specialist in technology. Under their care, Lia learned various martial arts, hacking, advanced technology, and many other survival skills. But fate tested her once again. Both of her adoptive parents eventually passed away after battling cancer. Despite the pain of losing them, Lia remained deeply grateful for the love, wisdom, and skills they had given her. Once again alone in life, Lia decided to move to Manila. There, she came across an online job posting from an organization seeking new recruits. She applied and was accepted as a spy for an organization known as Black Shot. What Lia did not know was that Black Shot was one of the richest, most powerful, and most feared organizations in the country. They were the only group willing to eliminate people who truly deserved punishment—carrying out the justice that corrupt officials and law enforcement often failed to deliver. They served as judge, jury, and executioner for the wicked. Black Shot was owned by the powerful Montes Family, led by Mr. Wakin Bueña Montes and his wife, Lolita Ann Rodriguez. The couple had three children: Clint Montes (7 years old) The youngest child, currently in kindergarten. He looks exactly like his mother—cute, playful, talkative, and full of energy. Kairo Montes (17 years old) The second child and a Grade 12 student. Standing at 5'5", he inherited his mother's charming dimples. He is often arrogant and stubborn, though he can be obedient at times. He loves motorcycle and car racing, which frequently gets him into trouble. He also has some knowledge of martial arts. King Montes The eldest son and heir to the entire Montes empire—the family ranked number one in the underworld. Standing at 6'0", King possesses a cold and intimidating presence. He is highly skilled in martial arts and manages the family's companies, hotels, private islands, and other legitimate businesses. At the same time, he serves as the leader of Black Shot. King is known for avoiding serious relationships. He is often seen at bars with his friends and spends time with women who mean nothing more than temporary company. No one has ever seen him smile. But what will happen when the paths of King and Lia finally cross? Will the arrival of Lia change the life of a cold and feared man like King, or will it only bring more chaos into his world? Can love truly bloom amidst secrets, danger, revenge, and justice? Chapter 1 The New Mission I woke up to a call from my friend, Leo Ramirez. He said that Mr. Montes had summoned us because he was looking for a new bodyguard for his second son. Apparently, none of the previous bodyguards could handle the boy's attitude anymore. Leo Ramirez: "Wake up already! Do you know what time it is? The boss might beat you there again." Lia Rodriguez: "Hmm? What now? You're so annoying. Fine, okay." After the call, I got ready and ate breakfast. By the way, I currently live in one of the Montes family's hotels because Mr. Wakin Buena Montes is my employer. I also own a car and a motorcycle, both bought with my own money. Today, I was wearing a black sleeveless top, black shorts designed to look like a skirt, a black leather jacket, and knee-high black boots. Black has always been my favorite color. As I rode my black big bike, I figured I should introduce myself. My name is Lia Rodriguez. I'm twenty years old. I have long black hair that reaches my waist and I stand at 5'6". My parents are dead, and so are the people who adopted me. I moved here to find the people responsible for my parents' murder. Black Shot helped me a lot by giving me a job and allowing me to support myself. While investigating my family's past, I discovered that my father had once been one of the wealthiest men in the Philippines. I also learned that some of his relatives were connected to his death. The family inheritance was supposed to belong to my father, but after he was murdered, everything was handed over to his siblings. Soon, I arrived at Black Shot headquarters. I parked my motorcycle and entered the warehouse. The building only had two floors, but it was massive. Beneath it was an underground area where weapons, classified documents, and solved case files were stored. Inside, agents were training in different disciplines—taekwondo, arnis, boxing, archery, and firearms handling. I headed to the second floor and entered Mr. Wakin Buena Montes' office. A few moments later, he arrived. Wakin Buena Montes: "You're here, Lia. Have a seat." Lia Rodriguez: "Okay, Boss. By the way, why did you call for me? I heard I have a new mission." Wakin Buena Montes: "I want you to become the bodyguard of my second son. Many have already quit because of his attitude. That's why I chose you. Are you willing?" Lia Rodriguez: "That's it? I thought it was something serious. Of course I accept." Wakin Buena Montes: "Good. You can start immediately. But be careful. My son is stubborn and doesn't listen to anyone. Here are his documents. And this black card contains one million pesos. Consider it a bonus." Lia Rodriguez: "Thank you, Boss. Leave him to me." After leaving the warehouse, I couldn't stop smiling. Who wouldn't be happy about a one-million-peso bonus? As I walked outside, someone called my name. He was sitting inside a black Holden Commodore. It was Theo Tolentino, one of my fellow Black Shot agents and a friend since Camille and I were fifteen. Theo Tolentino: "Hey, here's the key. This is the vehicle you'll use to drive the boss's son around. Oh, and the Rodriguez family is returning to the Philippines. What are you planning to do?" Lia Rodriguez: "Leave them alone for now. We'll deal with them eventually. Just send me every piece of information you can gather." Theo Tolentino: "Got it, Queen." I got into the car and drove to the school of my new assignment. Along the way, I reviewed his profile. Kairo Montes 17 years old Grade 12 student 5'5" tall Has dimples Loves motorcycles and racing Frequently gets into trouble Knows martial arts "Definitely troublesome," I muttered. When I arrived at the school, I immediately spotted Kairo and his friends. Girls were screaming and crowding around them. One girl in particular stood out. Her name was Alexa Salvador. When the girls finally left, Kairo called the driver assigned to pick him up. I ignored the call and honked the car horn instead. Everyone turned toward me. I rolled down the window. "Kairo Montes! Your family is waiting for you at home. Get in." His friends stared. "Dude, your driver is gorgeous!" Kairo only glared at me before entering the car. The ride home was silent. When we arrived at the mansion, he got out. Before he could leave, I spoke. Lia Rodriguez: "Can you try acting responsibly for once? You're such a troublesome kid. And don't let me find out you're sneaking out at night." Kairo Montes: "I don't care who you are. If you're my new bodyguard, I'll make sure you're gone within a week." I simply smirked before driving away. Chapter 2 The Race He Shouldn't Have Attended Kairo Montes As soon as I got home, I went straight to my room. That woman was annoying. The way she ordered me around as if she owned me. I lay on my bed and unknowingly fell asleep. At six in the evening, I woke up and prepared myself. I put on my favorite racing outfit and headed downstairs for dinner. After eating, I grabbed my motorcycle keys. Before I could leave, the mansion's housekeeper, Aling Lena, called out. Aling Lena: "Sir Kairo, your father asked that you stop going out so much at night." I ignored her. I went to the garage, started my motorcycle, and left. Racing was my life. It was where I released all the anger and frustration I had kept inside for years. Growing up, only my brother King was there for me. Mom and Dad were always busy with work. I never felt the love I wanted from them. King practically raised me. No matter how busy he was, he always made sure I was okay. But even so... Sometimes, I was afraid of him. He was a feared mafia leader. When he got serious, even I couldn't look him in the eye. Soon, I arrived at the race track. My opponent was already there. Zack Angels Rodriguez. One of the Rodriguez family's sons. Three rounds. Winner takes everything. The loser loses the bet and accepts whatever punishment the track rules require. The race began. I lost the first round. I won the second. One final round remained. The deciding round. I tightened my grip on the handlebars. And when the race ended... I lost. Chapter 3 The Girl Who Always Arrives at the Right Time The fight continued. I could feel every punch landing on my face and body. But I didn't care. All I felt was anger. Anger toward Zack. Toward Alexa. Toward myself. Zack stood in front of me. Both of us were covered in blood and exhausted. Neither of us wanted to back down. Then he smirked. "So this is as far as you go, Montes." He suddenly pulled out a dagger. My eyes widened. Before I could dodge, he lunged. But before the blade reached me— Someone stepped in front of me. Everything froze. Even Zack stopped. A woman stood between us. She was gripping the wrist holding the dagger. She wore the same black leather jacket I'd seen earlier. Her long hair was tied back. And just like before, her face remained calm. "Seriously?" she said while looking at Zack. "It's just a race. Why are you trying to kill someone?" Then she kicked him in the stomach. Zack flew backward several meters and crashed to the ground. His men rushed to help him. "How dare you!" one of them shouted. The woman merely glanced at him. Instant silence. Even I felt pressured by her presence. Like she had spent her entire life dealing with situations like this. Soon, Zack's men carried him away. Alexa left with them. She didn't even look back at me. Strangely, I felt nothing. Only exhaustion. Then I heard her voice. "You okay, kiddo?" I looked at her. For the first time, I saw her face clearly. She was beautiful. Very beautiful. But more than that... She was different. Unlike any girl I'd ever met. She wasn't trying to impress anyone. And she wasn't afraid of me. "Hey," she said, raising an eyebrow. "I think your soul just left your body." I immediately looked away. "No." She smiled. "Liar." Chapter 4 The Next Morning Kairo Montes The next morning, before driving us home, Ate Lia made us breakfast and treated our wounds again. Levi and Eddy thanked her repeatedly and even called her "Ate" as if they had known her for years. As for me... I wasn't sure whether to call her Lia or Ate Lia. But one thing was certain. After hearing her story the night before, something inside me felt lighter. When we arrived at the mansion, I looked at her before getting out of the car. "Thank you, Lia." She seemed surprised but smiled. "You're welcome." Then she looked at me seriously. "And one more thing, Kairo. If you ever go out at night again, call me first. You know my number." I simply nodded. She smiled and drove away. As soon as I entered the mansion, I saw my older brother King sitting in the living room with some friends. The atmosphere was quiet. But the moment he saw me, he called out. "Kairo." I walked over. "I heard you almost got stabbed last night," he said coldly. "What happened?" "I don't think you need to know." I turned away and headed toward the stairs. One of his friends laughed. "Look at your brother, King. He's losing respect for you." Another added, "You're the one who spoiled him." I rolled my eyes and continued walking. But before I reached the second floor— A hand grabbed my shoulder. I turned around. And suddenly— BAM! King punched me. I staggered backward from the force. His friends immediately held him back. "King, stop!" "Calm down!" But he continued staring at me. Furious. I touched my cheek. "What's your problem?!" I shouted. Then our mother arrived. "What's going on here?!" And moments later... Everything exploded. Years of resentment. Years of neglect. Years of pain. And before anyone realized it, I had packed my things, left the mansion, and walked away from home. I didn't know where I was going. I only knew one thing. I didn't want to go back. And for some reason... Only one place came to mind. Ate Lia's apartment. When I arrived, I sat outside her door. Alone. Quiet. Waiting. I didn't know how long I had been there.