Courage.

Courage

Alec frowned as he picked up his car keys.He didn't get much sleep after his talk with Freya. '' Well then...he ran his fingers through his hair. '' God! ''

Freya's words rang in his ears. '' Don't lose her. The truth may be hurtful but the fact is , no one is to blame for whatever tragedy happened back then. We both lost. ''

Alec got into his car. It was offly silent. It was like he could hear each and every movement he made. He could hear his clothes ruffle against each other , his keys jingling , his breath. He clutched the steering wheel and closed his eyes. The problem wasn't telling Gwen the truth. The problem was whether she would understand...whether she'd still want to be with him.

'' I'm over thinking it. '' He shook the doubt off and drove his car.

'' Gwen , is the presentation ready ? The meeting starts in a few. '' Leander spoke without shifting his gaze from his screen.

'' It's ready , just waiting for your approval. '' Gwen handed him the laptop which he took without looking at her.

'' No need. I trust you. '' He lifted his eyes to meet hers. '' You've proved yourself to be quite reliable. ''

'' I...'' Gwen gulped. '' Thank you ''

'' Oh , '' Leander stepped back when he saw her tense. '' Don't mind me . I have a habit of talking to people up close. ''

'' I don't mind. '' Gwen smiled . She knew he had no I'll intentions , infact he was practically a robot. He didn't like to stress himself with understanding the complexity of feelings , boundaries and conduct.

'' Hey , Gwen. You've a package. '' One of her workmates came in with a red parcel and handed it to her.

Gwen didn't know why her heart sunk for a moment. She hoped it wasn't that weirdo who kept sending her strange messages. She held it tightly.

'' Well , Valentine's day is next week. Guess someone is eager to gift you. '' Leander smiled as he walked off. '' I'll wait for you in the conference room. ''

'' Okay. I won't be long. '' Gwen smiled back. She waited till the office door shut to open up the package. It was a red paper with words in white.

' Gwen , I'm tired of all this suspense. So, I feel like I should make things easier for you. You know , bigger clues.

I was just wondering. Could Alec be connected to what happened to your father somehow? '

The paper shook in her hands as she folded it up again. She could feel something else in the parcel. She took it out and it was a drawing of an Insignia. The same one she saw on Alec's gun back then. Her heart skipped a beat. There were some words written below it.

' I should be more precise , shouldn't I? Well then , you should find out more about this gang. '

'' What the hell ? '' Gwen was visibly tensed. She didn't like where this was headed. She had to put her mind to rest by finding out who the hell this stranger was and what exactly he wanted to point out to her.

Freya was home alone , as usual , but these days the boredom seemed to eat her away , literally. She enjoyed spending time with Marylnnne and her family , not mention Bain...The smile on her face stretched . Bain was quite the character. One moment he's a ruthless outlaw , then the other , he's something else. He always made her happy.

'' I should call him. '' She rushed to her phone but stopped herself almost immediately. '' What are you doing ? ''

She patted her forehead. '' Don't get so happy to be with him. You're just friends. ''

Just then , Bain called. She almost gasped. How did he do that? She put her hand over her chest and answered the call.

'' Hey , Freya. Hope you don't mind me calling but I was wondering whether you're free tonight.''

'' I...I..'' She tugged at her dress. '' I'm free.''

'' Great! Should I pick you up or-"

'' No! ...I'll be there ...just tell me when.'' She didn't want Ryan finding anything out. She couldn't even get herself to imagine the outcome of that.

'' Hope 7 o'clock is fine by you. ''

'' Seven's perfect. '' Freya had a silly grin on her face . '' Thank you. ''

'' Why are you thanking me ? '' Bain laughed.

'' Because you make me happy.'' She giggled and hung up immediately. She kept looking at her phone as if expecting him to call back. She didn't even realize it when Ryan walked in and stood behind her. His hand found a strand of loose hair and he slowly put it in place. Freya nearly jumped in fright when he touched her.

'' You're more lively these days. '' Ryan kissed her neck. '' I'm starting to wonder who you spend your time with. ''

She was as stiff as a board when his breath burned down her neck. '' I...I have been getting close to Marylnnne. She's Alec's girlfriends mom. She's delightful.''

'' Really? '' Ryan backed away. '' Then I should definitely make time and meet her one day , don't you think? ''

'' You should. '' Freya swallowed. '' I have somewhere to be . Excuse me. ''

She quickly left the room.