Chapter Twelve

In the tense standoff, Drake's quick thinking saved his life. The leader of the gang, unable to pull the trigger due to his damaged shoe, hesitated for a moment.

"Ahh!!", he yelled as he hopped on a foot due the pain from the stab. What the hell was Drake thinking when he stabbed him?

Drake went as far as giving him a roundhouse kick sending both the leader and gun to the floor. He tried to crawl and get the gun but Drake stepped on his hand with so much pressure that he screamed.

'Bang!! Bang!! Bang!!", Zavier shot thrice into the air to get the attention of everyone.

"Screw it!!!", he yelled. "Do you have the stuff or not?", he asked angrily.

"Actually, we can get it if you give us some time ", one of them said and Matthew grabbed him by the collar.

"What the fuck do you mean? Do you know the cost of those things?", he asked, pissed off.

"They shouldn't be more than some freaking millions? Maybe give a million dollars ", he replied laughing.

A punch landed on his face and he spat out blood. "Bastard-", another punch landed on his face.

"Ahh", he touched his bursted lips as he tasted his own blood. He spat out the blood in his mouth and wiped his bloody lips.

"Y'all got forty eight freaking hours to get me ten million dollars", Zavier announced and immediately held a hostage.

"I swear to gawd, I'mma blow their brains if I don't get the money in two days", he added and looked at Matthew who held the agonizing person on the floor.

The two guys shook in fear and looked at their leader in mercy. "B-bo-boss", they fell to their feet but were dragged up.

"I want five million right now. I ought to deliver that substance three days to my client in Spain but unfortunately, I'll have to add more substance to make my client happy", Zavier said and Damon wrote an account number on a piece of paper.

The leader of the black dragon collected the paper as he sent a glare at the member that put them into the mess.

He got out his phone and made the transfer to the account number. Fred confirmed that the money had been received after getting a message from a credit alert on Cole's laptop.

"Now, let them go", the leader of the black dragon commander Zavier.

"I didn't know you had a hearing problem", Zavier spoke as the leader got angry.

"There", Zavier said. "I don't have time. Suit yourself ", Zavier said and turned to go with his hostage.

The leader brought out his gun to shoot Zavier but Zavier was faster. He shot him on his shoulder. The leader went on his knees immediately as he held his bleeding shoulder.

"Fuck you Zavier!!!", he screamed in agony. Zavier replied by raising his middle finger.

IN AN EMPTY WAREHOUSE

Zach was tied to the ceiling. His body looks bloody and it seems like he's going to die very soon. There were brutal marks on his bare back. The rope on his wrists were firm ans roughly tied. His eyes were swollen and he wasn't in a good shape at all.

He was hungry, thirsty, cold and thirsty for revenge at the same time. Why won't he steal from the crazy bastard. B. Joe is a thief and no one wishes to work for him. He promised his family so many things if he gets his hand dirty for him.

After a week of working for him, he lusted after his wife and roughly had his way with her. The bastard raped her to death while his daughter is living in luxury wherever she is. He had lied that he was a lonely man. No wife, no kid, no family to call his own but that was a lie. The bastard hid them in Russia.

As if that wasn't enough, he sent some assassins to pursue after his family's life saying that they are a form of distraction to him.

Who the hell does that? One fateful day, he got news that his beloved daughter is dead. He was in rage and thirsty for revenge but he needed a plan and a perfect strategy.

He decided to steal from him little by little. Fortunately, the man is dumb to see the real thing he stole from him.

Maybe, it will take him some years to finally see what got stolen.

The door creaked a little and B. Joe walked in with some bodyguards. He waved his hands to his bodyguards. They halted and let him walk to the prisoner alone.

"Hello Zach", B. Joe greeted Zach with a smile. "How was your day?", he asked. Zach didn't reply him. His head was still facing the floor. He was so tired.

B. Joe raised a finger in the hair and a bodyguard came forward. B. Joe directed his eyes to Zach and the bodyguard nodded.

He took the salty water and poured it on Zach's body.

"Aargh!!! Ahh!!!", Zach screamed as he shook violently. The water stung his flesh badly and he yelled out due to the pain.

"It's great to see you talk Zachary", B. Joe said as he rubbed his fat tummy.

"Where is my money you thief?!!!", B. Joe yelled furiously. Zach laughed for a while and muttered something something.

"What did you say? Should I come closer?", B. Joe asked and Zach nodded slowly. B. Joe smiled and put his face closer to Zach. Zach chuckled evilly and spat on his face.

The bodyguard puched Zach and slapped his face hard for spitting on his boss. B. Joe slipped his hand into his pocket and brought out his kerchief. He wiped his face and threw a glance at Zach. He kicked him multiple times. He then dropped the kerchief on the floor after ordering tye bodyguard to pour lot of salty water on his wounds.

"Argh!!! Ahhh!!!", Zach's scream rented the air as he was being bathed in salty water.

****************** *******************

"What are you doing mum?", a young boy of age four asked his mum via facetime.

"I'm talking to you of course baby or what do you mean?", Vivian asked.

"Where are you? I miss you", the boy said sadly. His eyes suddenly turned misty. He was about to cry.

"No no baby. Don't cry. What did mama say?", Vivian asked.

"Mama said she's gonna take me to her", the boy said.

"So, I don't want you to cry Angelo. Mama's coming soon", Vivian said. She's not proud of herself either.

She has been away from her baby for so long. Always going and coming because of her job. She was busy making money to survive but now that she has the money she has.

She's going to spend it on her baby. She is going to take him to school instead of her mother. She is going to bring him back. She is going to take him to many beautiful places.

She was imagining it and a smile was soon on her lips.

"Why are you smiling mom? Are you coming tomorrow?", Angelo asked and she laughed.

"Mom doesn't know Angel. When I come, I'll buy a shop for you. I love you Angelo", Vivian said and waved.

"Don't go yet mom. Wait-"

"You shouldn't spend so long on the phone. We've spoken for two hours. I don't want your eyes to be damaged at such young age. Phone radiations are bad for kids like you. The rate of microwave radiations absorption is higher in children than adults because their brain tissues are more absorbent, their skulls are thinner, and their relative size is smaller. Fetuses are particularly more vulnerable, because microwave radiations exposure can lead to degeneration of the protective sheath that surrounds the brain neurons", Vivian said in one breath.

"Wow mom. You're so brilliant", Angelo said clapping for his mom. "I'm also brilliant ", Angelo said and his mom agreed.

"I'll see you soon my baby. Make sure you've gathered enough gifts for mom before she comes alright?", Vivian instructed her son who nodded. 'Her gifts', means good results - the best.

"Bye mom", Angelo waved and Vivian waved back. Vivian's gaze softened a little and she yawned. She took her pineapple juice and sipped a little. She sipped again and dropped it on the table. She got up from her seat and stretched her body.

"Good Lord!!", She placed her hand on her chest in shock. Her boss was standing right in front of her. 'Did he hear my conversation with Angelo?', She asked herself.

"By any chance", She began. "Did you hear my conversation with uhm.. m-my son?", She asked.

"I'm sorry I heard your conversation. I wanted to tell you that we're leaving tonight", Raymond said and she looked away.

"You must be thinking of firing me right now", She said as if she could read his mind.

"Why should I? Two months isn't up yet", he replied.

"But I have a child. I have a son", she said.

"Does it matter?", he asked.

"When I applied for his job then -"

"Then", he interrupted her smiling.

"So, you're not firing me?", she asked to confirm.

"No", Raymond replied smiling.

"What if I reduce your working hours? Should I increase your salary? Or do you want to work from home?", Raymond asked a question one after the other without giving her the space to respond.

Vivian looked at his face and laughed, "My son needs me. I've been away for so long "

"How old is he?"

"He just clocked four two days ago", she answered.

"What about his father?", Raymond asked and there was silence between them. It was then that he knew he asked a sensitive question.

"I'm sorry for asking. I was just curious ", he said.

"It's okay", Vivian replied and went to the nearby table to take her drink. "I don't know where his father is ever since I founded out I was pregnant. His father is dead…maybe ", She said and he nodded.

"So, you want to marry again?", he asked and she nodded. "Have you founded the right man?", he asked.

"I think so", She said. He suddenly felt a sharp jealousy poked in his chest. 'She had founded the man? Who the hell is he?', Raymond thought.

"Can I meet him?", Raymond suggested.

Vivian was astonished by his request. "You'd like to meet him?", She asked to confirm she didn't hear wrong. Maybe it's her, but her boss is now soft and caring to her. At a point, she started thinking that he likes her a lot but what's a fact without evidence to proof it?

"What if he isn't handsome enough? Is he rich? Is he talk? Does he love you enough? Does he know you have a son named Angelo?", Raymond threw a question at her one after the other.

"He should know", She muttered biting her lips. She slipped her drink slowly and made to leave the place when he blocked her way.

"Can you give us a chance?", he asked and she was shocked.

"W…what do you mean?", Vivian asked as her glass was placed on the table by Raymond.

"Please give me a chance. I like you Vivian", Raymond confessed as they looked at each other.

'Is he real? Is this a prank?', Vivian asked herself. But this was what she was imagining in her fantasy world.

"Are you serious?", she asked and he nodded. He really looked damn serious.

"Or don't you like me?", he asked and she blushed. "I know you can deny that but I read every nook and cranny of your diary", he said and she hit his chest angrily but cutely.

"Please be my girlfriend. I'll be good", he pleaded and held her hand warmly. She accepted his offer with a joyful heart.

"Thank you", he appreciated and kissed her knuckles before placing his lips on hers.

****************** *******************

"Reduce the volume!!!", Tessa shouted at the four people that were vibing to the loud music. Sicko mode by Travis Scott and Drake were blaring out from the speakers. Austin, Ana, Luke and Kelvin were the ones enjoying the music while she and Ryan were the one against the music.

"Play me seven rings by Ariana Grande or calm down by that Nigerian guy…Rema", Tessa requested and they hissed.

"I rather play you Michael Jackson's music baby sis ", Austin said and they laughed.

"Screw you Austin", Tessa replied.

"What is the meaning of that Tess?", Ryan asked and Austin looked at her.

"It means fuck you Ryan", Kelvin answered and Austin slapped his head.

"What does that mean too?", he asked.

"It is an impolite and rude phrase that people shouldn't use", Tessa said.

"But you-"

"I forgot dear", She said and took his hand to go to the kitchen to bake a cake for Ryan. His cousin turned four two days ago. They are so close that they've been called twins on so many occasion. He had begged Tessa to bake him a vanilla cake so he can send as a picture to his cousin, Angelo.

Tessa had to go to the supermarket with him to get the ingredients for the cake.

"Now, you put the cake in the oven for forty five or more minutes", Tessa said and Ryan nodded. He was wearing his apron. Tessa had told him to wear his apron else he was not going to help her with anything. He looked so cute that Tessa had picked him up to give him a kiss.

It was the same verse that Ryan sang for her when she kissed him. He had said: I am a man and you don't kiss a man.

Tessa had laughed a lot when he said that. She wants to stop his ideology of being a man. He's a young boy and she wants him to enjoy what he wishes before he wishes for it once more.

"I'll like to call mom", Ryan declared. "Is your pad out of battery?", she asked.

"No but I want your phone", He said.

"Look for it in my room. You know the pin - 126534", She told him and he took off his apron. He handed it to her and marched to her room and fell. Unfortunately, the four adults didn't hear him. She hissed angrily and picked him up while sighing.

He was crying. The fall must have been bad. Ryan always prove a lot of things. Like, a man doesn't cry.

"Ryan, a man doesn't cry", Tessa reminded him and he cried harder. He wrapped his legs around her as he cried. So, this is what mothers face.

'Ding!! Dong!!!", the door bell rang. "Get the door Austin!! ", she yelled out but he ignored her.

"What a big goat", she said and he raised his index finger and middle finger apart. She rolled her eyes, "I meant the animal; goat"

Austin glared at her as she went to answer the person at the door.

"I've told mom to stop sending letters. This is the twenty first century. We all have pho–", she kept quiet as soon as she saw Zavier by the door. She was speechless for some seconds.

"Hi", Zavier waved. Ryan looked at her, still in her arms. Zavier's eyes went to the young boy in her arms and he stretched out his hand to him.

Surprisedly, Ryan took his hand and shook his index finger. Tessa was surpised because Ryan hates strangers. He feels uncomfortable around him. This time he didn't bury his face in her chest.

He even smiled at him. It seems like he was blushing.

"Can I come in?", Zavier asked after a minute of staying outside.

"Who's that Tess?", Austin asked.

"It's…It's no one", Tessa said and shut the door behind her.

"Am I no one?", Zavier asked.

"Of course. What are you? What are you doing here? Don't tell me you tracked my phone ", Tessa said and he scoffed.

"Why should I do that? Your so called best friend gave me your contact and address", he said. "You look beautiful ", Zavier added and she blushed. Ryan watched the drama being displayed in his presence.

"Let me hold him. You look stressed", Zavier suggested and Tessa was about to decline when Ryan stretched his short arms out. He seems like he also wants Zavier to carry him.

Again, Tessa was surprised.

"Why did you come?", Tessa asked as soon as Ryan jumped into his arms.

"I miss seeing your beautiful face", he said and she blushed.

"Now, that you've seen me. You can take your leave", Tessa said.

"Actually, I'm here to see Austin the great ", he declared and she laughed.

"You mean Austin? My Austin?", She asked laughing.

"Yes. I miss you", he said again and held her hand. She freed herself from his grip and opened the door.

"Austin", Tessa called as soon as they walked into the living room. Luke's eyes met with Zaviers' and they glared at each other.

"Oh my man", Austin shook Zavier's hand friendly. Another surprise. Tessa was surprised once again by their gesture. 'Interesting', she thought in her mind. Austin stood up and dropped the game pad in his hand.

"Let's talk in my room", Austin proposed and led the way. He took Ryan from him and went to drop him in Tessa's room. Zavier's fingers danced on Tessa's hand as he passed her by. He winked at Luke who saw the intimacy he made with her.

Tessa pulled Ana with her and left to check in what they are baking. It wasn't long before Ana left her alone claiming that she's a disaster in the kitchen. Tessa said and took out the frozen chicken from the cooler. A large part of her was happy to see Zavier in her home.

"He's so cute", She bit her lips and rubbed oil over the chicken. She drank some cold water and gawked on his handsomeness.

"Do you want to burn what's in the oven?", Luke asked as soon as he entered the kitchen. Tessa snapped out of her fantasy world immediately and checked on the cake in the oven. She inserted a tooth pick in it and brought it out. 

"It's not yet ready", She said and returned the cake into the oven.

"What's he doing here?", Luke asked.

"You mean Zavier?"

"He probably came to see Austin of course. Has he left?", Tessa asked and he nodded negatively.

"It seemed like he has an alternative motive", he said and Tessa sighed.

"Can you fry?", Tessa asked and he replied, "I can try"

"You can try? Haven't you ever fried chicken or anything before?", Tessa asked and he shook his head.

"What?!", She exclaimed. "Are you saying that you've never been in the kitchen all your life", she asked and he nodded.

"That means I can't give you the chicken to fry. I don't want you to hurt yourself. Kim's gonna fry me instead", she said chuckling.

"Does Kim like me?", he asked all of a sudden.

"Why are you asking me that? How'll I know? Since you're so curious, ask her when you see her or rather still, call her", Tessa responded.

"Is there anything I can help you with?", he asked looking forward to helping her.

"Can you dice?", she asked and he nodded.

"I want the veggies to be in a decent shape Luke. I don't want it to be shapeless", She instructed handling him small knife.

"Be careful. It's very sharp", She added and he nodded. 

IN AUSTIN'S ROOM

"Are you saying that you want to free a prisoner from B. Joe's grasp", Zavier asked. "Yes", Austin answered.

"I wish you good luck", he said. "You're going to help me with the operation", Austin told him and he sneered, "I don't want to be involved in B. Joe's life anymore"

"Just this once", Austin said. "Ain't you Austin the great? You should be able to figure something out", Zavier said and he scoffed.

"Austin the great my foot", Austin replied and they laughed out loud. 

"Crazy!!", Zavier yelled and picked up a game disk. "How manage? How did you lay your hand on this?", Zavier asked in bewilderment. 

"Oh that. I got it in exchange for something ", Austin replied. 

"What?"

"None of your business and I'm not selling it either", Zavier further said and he chuckled.

"How did you know I'll ask you to sell it to me?", Zavier asked smiling.

"I know you too much", Austin replied and switched on the computer.

"Shall we play a round?", Zavier inquired and Austin nodded. He got up and got the second game pad. 

"I want the ice guy", Zavier asked.

"That's my character dude. Go for the girl", Austin replied.

"Gross. I'll choose something else", Zavier replied. They set up everything and started playing the game. 

"Woah!!! How the fuck did you do that skill?? I have never seen thar. What. I got thirty reduction of health!!!", Zavier exclaimed sitting up perfectly.

"My sister taught me that when she was playing it. She's a freaking badass at games ", he replied.

"You mean Tessa?", Zavier confirmed.

"No, Cassie", Austin replied and Zavier smacked his head. 

"To be honest, Tessa is very pretty", Zavier muttered but Austin heard him.

"I'm going to be the one to approve the next relationship my sister is going to be in. You are a candidate Zavier", Austin said.

"Why?"

"You're a bad boy"

"I heard pretty girls like bad boys to good ones", Zavier said.

"Keep your fact to yourself"

"I think she likes me too", Zavier spoke but Austin didn't speak. Hw continued talking while playing the game.

"Too bad", Austin began. "It seems lile you lost", he began and Zavier ran his hand over his hair.

"Fine", he accepted defeat and laid on Austin's bed to rest.

"Get up. I'll show you the guest room", Austin proposed.

"C'mon. I just wanna take nap of two minutes", Zavier replied.

"Dumbhead. Who takes a nap of two minutes", Austin said and threw a pillow at him.

************************* **********************

Five members of the sevens were gathered in Cole 's house. They didn't see together but it was known that it was a meeting that was going on. 

Simon decided to interrupted their thoughts, "Can someone please tell me what's going on with Zavier?"

The remaining members looked at each other in confusion. 

'What does he mean?' was the question on everyone's mind. Simon is the serious one. Drake is the funny one. Zavier is the no-nonsense guy. Damon is the soft guy. Cole is the cool guy. The rest are unpredictable. 

"I mean, what is he really doing with the spanish girl? Is he serious with her? Or is he playing?", Simon asked and they began clearing their throats one after the other. 

"Uhm, that, I think he wants to have her", Drake said and Simon scoffed.

"Why did you scoff? You think he'll dump her after a month? He's serious this time", Matthew said and they agreed.

"How's he serious?", Simon asked.

"He's been sending some stuffs to her", Cole stated and they leaned in to hear what he will say next. 

"Stuffs like what?", they chorused.

"You know guys. Stuffs to feel special. Stuffs like bouquet, chocolate, headwarmer, necklace with her name on it", Cole answered and they looked at him suspiciously.

"I haven't ever delivered this. He delivers them himself", Cole added and they all relaxed. That was what they were wondering. 

"So, who's rooting for them?", Matthew asked.

Four of them raised their hands except Simon. He sneered when they raised their brows, "I don't trust that Spanish girl yet"

"Her name is Tessa - Theresa", Matthew said.

"I don't care. I will trust her when I'm sure of what's she's up to", Simon said and they let him be.

************************ **********************

Raymond stood in front of Tessa's house. He had been standing there for two hours. He is expecting her to come out but it seems like she won't be coming out anytime soon. 

He sat in his car with his head on the steering wheel. He hit the wheel angrily and got out of the car. He was prepared to go into the house when Jun-ho's car drove into the house. 

'That must be Tessa's so called bestie ", he thought and got back into his car. 

Tessa brought the cake out of the oven and started decorating it for Ryan. Ryan wanted a colorful cake for his cousin, Angelo, so she made sure to make it very colorful. 

She wiped her forehead with her sleeves and looked at Luke's unfinished work. He had gone to watch a match. Ana is also watching a match. She is a fan of Manchester United while Tessa is a fan of Chelsea. 

She turned off the fire under the frying pan and slowly removed the chickens one after the other. 

"I hate boys", She muttered with a hiss. She dished out the food one after the other. She then brought the juice out of the refrigerator and sighed once more. 

A kiss landed on her cheeks unexpectedly. "Jun ho!!", She exclaimed and wrapped her arms around his neck. He hugged her back and kissed her hair. 

"Are you tired?", he asked in concern and she nodded. 

"Gosh. I should have come sooner", he said and dropped his car keys on the slab.

"How was the meeting?", Tessa asked as she helped him roll up his sleeves. Jun ho looked at her beautiful face as she spoke. "That brat came late again", he said and she laughed.

"Who?", she asked.

"Choi Ha young", he said and she laughed. "Please leave my baby alone. He's so handsome", Tessa complimented and Jun ho grew jealous.

"You're the most handsome", Tessa corrected and he smiled. 

"Who diced this? It seems like a party is going on", Jun ho stated as Cardi B's music blared from the speakers.

"It seems so. Austin invited his group. Luke is so bad at cooking", Tessa said. "Who's Luke? Your so called savior? He's here?", Jun ho asked and she nodded. 

"I'll like to meet him. It seems like I saw Raymond outside", Jun ho declared and she rolled her eyes. 

"I don't want to hear anything about him please ", she pleaded and he nodded.

"Can you help with the table?", she asked and he nodded. 

"I'm tired", he said and she poked his chest. She then tiptoed and planted a peck on his cheek. She watched him leave after smiling sheepishly. 

She took the cake into her hands carefully. She dropped it in the freezer and took off her apron. She sent a glare to the three people in the living room. None of them could help her but can send her a good look.

She walked into her room to get Ryan. He was on her phone; probably playing some games. 

"Oh my God!! Six percent. My phone was fully charged Ryan. What did you do?", Tessa asked and plugged her phone. She carried Ryan as he wrapped his hand around her neck.

"Does your leg still hurt?", she asked and he nodded. Actually he lied, he wants her to carry him. His foot doesn't hurt like that but it is managable. 

"Where will you sit?", she asked him as soon as they got to the dining. 

"I'll sit beside you", he said and climbed unto a seat. Tessa sat down next to him and brought his food closer to him. She then poured some juice for him into his cup. 

"You should have called us", Kelvin said as he sat down with the rest.

"Where's Jun ho?", he asked and she replied that he went to take a quick bath. 

"Yummy. Well done Tessa", Ana compliment and Tessa thanked her.

"Let me blow some air on it baby", Ana proposed and took Ryan's food. 

"I'm a man", Ryan retorted and they laughed.

"You should have called us baby sis", Austin said as he decended the stairs. 

"You are here now babe. It doesn't make any difference", Ana said and they laughed.

Austin sat beside Ana and Tessa watched as Zavier approached her space. He knew he wanted to sit beside her and she said, "This is Jun ho's seat". 

Zavier looked around so Kelvin spoke up, "Jun ho is her husband"

Ana smacked his head for his lie and Tessa sent her a thumbs up. "He's her liver", Ana sais and Tessa hissed. They conspired against her indeed. 

"I'll sit next to him then", Zavier finally concluded and sat on the next empty seat.

"Who cooked this?", Zavier asked and they pointed to Tessa. 

"Isn't it delicious?", Kelvin asked and Zavier nodded. 

Jun ho decended from the stairs with his hair a little wet although he had dried it with an hair drier earlier. His shirt wasn't really buttoned up. Tessa blinked so much. He looked so much but for some reason Zavier looked much more hotter in her eyes. 

She doesn't know if he's angry with her or not. He had been buying her some gifts but it was only once she received his gift. It was a silver necklace with her name on it. He had told her that it was fifteen thousand dollars. 

Jun ho sat down after thanking Tessa for reserving a seat for him.

"Let me guess. Y'all didn't pray", he asked and they looked at him in guilt. "I'll be quick", he closed his eyes and rendered a short prayer quickly. They all chorused 'Amen' except Luke that was a proud muslim. 

Ana returned Ryan's food to him after touching his cheeks fondly. "You're so cute", she said and he fakely smiled at her.