Chapter Twenty-four

~🖤~

She jerked me by my shoulders, a bit.

"You here?" Rose asked with concern.

The other four turned towards us, with curiosity. I shrugged, then gave a fake grin.

"Yeah." I nodded.

"You thinking something?" She asked again.

"Nothing." I lied.

But instead, my mind was exploding.

The six of us were in our apartment, discussing over how to do some type of surgical strike on them. We came to know, our rivals were actually based in Leavenworth, but we didn't know why.

Ace being a hacker was trying his best to hack into any of the security cameras near their base. It was damn hard, but we succeeded.

As Heath was also attacked by them, he knew their Head. It was someone called Xavier Ryder. The name itself spelt trouble. Further conclusions were, he was a clever bastard and we suspected, had some acquaintance in Leavenworth, because our rivals' actual mission was in East Renton Highlands.

So, we decided to hack into his accounts.

Ace and Chris, who was also good at ethical hacking, were busy in this plan. Meanwhile, Heath was running his own company from here through phone and video calls. I was busy with my own documents and Anna was helping Rose, who was 3 months pregnant, apparently.

We did our trainings within these three weeks.

Yes. Exactly three weeks.

And for me, a lot to think about.

This all started with a damn Twitter feed, 'coincidence' made me meet with Heath. I fell for him – yes, I finally admitted my one-sided love – he fell for Anna, Anna and Ace fell for each other. My best friend and Heath fucked each other, they lied.

Not only this, I experienced my best orgasms that too from an asshole, but still. Found out, within these days, that we are basically a family, our parents' mystery and our fucking rivals. Not to mention, working on a plan, along with a pregnant woman.

Shit was really proving itself.

"Done." Ace and Chris both put a thumbs up and grinned.

They both checked the phones' content to Xavier Ryder's, thoroughly.

But I wasn't really paying attention. My mind was blank as well as tensed. I knew I probably had high pressure, with all these tension. Everyone was facing the same but at least, they could spend time with their loved ones, to make them happy.

I felt alone. And angry. And sad.

Heath and Anna were actually so close everytime. I was angry at myself, for hoping, again, at vain. I was sad, because this was reality where I wasn't beautiful, Anna is. So, I ignored Heath.

And that fucking hurt.

"Calli?"

My head jerked up. I shrugged.

Ace gave me a curious look but didn't probe. Then, he started explaining.

"We couldn't really find anything important from his chats, messages or contacts."

Our face dropped but then Chris' words gave some hope.

"But we can break the barriers of the encryption, to check out the deleted messages and chats."

Ace continued, "Even if a person deletes any chats from their phones, it always stays stored in certain places." He explained, " It'll take time though."

We all approved.

It maybe hard, but it was a potential clue to our plan. We could get a lot of information, alone from these deleted yet encrypted messages. Then we could plan the next move.

We all worked our respective works the whole day. If someone decided to loosen themselves, they took turns to go to the gym to train. Ace always went with Anna to train her. Sometimes, obviously, Heath followed. I usually went with Chris or alone.

We kept low, though. If our rivals were in Leavenworth, still are, then could easily find our locations. And, I wasn't going to risk my apartment, my friends and especially Rose, during this. So, it was necessary.

If anyone required anything, we just put on our shades or some disguises to cover up.

I hope it was working.

Now was currently, 7 PM.

No one had gone for training today, because, we were busy with the newly found clues. We are still in the same positions we started working three hours earlier.

It was getting pretty late, so, I decided to calm my nerves with a cup of hot chocolate.

I was again getting stressed.

***

Ace:

"Let me relax for a bit." I mumbled to Christian, stretching my arms.

I looked over the rest of Calli's apartment.

Rose was probably sleeping in the guest room, as Anna and Heath were chatting. Chris was still beside me and Calli was nowhere. Maybe in the kitchen.

I looked once again at Anna and Heath. I didn't like how they both were so close. Moreover, Heath looked at her in a 'mine' way, which was annoying to me. But I smiled thinking about Anna.

She somehow calms me. Her chattering always draws people to them, she had that power. When I first saw her, I felt it. Also at that moment, my world stopped.

Anna was lively, beautiful and intelligent but she held some secrets, I wasn't aware of. I knew, she would tell me with time, so, I didn't push her. Her lips were so full and she's beautiful and curvy, even if she's small. I was really liking this girl and maybe, she was too.

I kept my thoughts aside and walked in the kitchen.

Callista was standing there, staring at the wall and mixing the hot chocolate with a spoon, absentmindedly.

I called her, twice, thrice but she just kept staring at the wall.

She was deep in thought, I could tell. Especially, the frown that was etched on her face, was the proof.

I shook her shoulders, she jerked in return.

That remembered me the moment, earlier this day.

She was stressed or something was bothering her. In fact, she was zoning out so much within these past days.

"Ace!" She jumped and put her hand over her heart.

I grinned, "I thought why not surprise my favourite sis."

"You know, I'm also your sister."

We looked over to see, Rose yawning and glaring at me. She took a chair out and sat across the dining table.

I chuckled, "I know. But Calli's much cool."

Calli nudged me by the shoulder. I laughed but it's the truth.

Callista quickly gave her a smoothie and leaned against the kitchen counter, with her mug of hot chocolate.

"Calli?" I called her.

"Yes?"

"What's happened?" Concern was etched over my face, I was sure of.

A couple of minutes passed. I thought she wouldn't answer me, as she sipped on her hot chocolate. But after those minutes she sighed and looked above as if asking for God and His help.

"You can tell me." I said sternly and then grinned, "You know, I can even break his face."

She laughed, "No need of that. I can do that too but you can join me."

I looked at her. She was a simple girl I barely know but within this short time, she's become my best friend, most above, a sis. And being the protective I am, it seemed the problem is Heath. They haven't spoke a word to each other, from that meeting.

It was Calli who was ignoring Heath, still is. But I know her enough, to say that Heath did something. Not Callista. Besides, Heath always does something.

I was angry at him myself. Because he's being close with Anna, but I also knew, he wouldn't do anything to provoke him. I am not the nicest kid after all and he's my brother. So, it's balanced I guess.

She sighed again, "It's really nothing, Ace." She forced a smile.

But I knew better.

"It's Heath, right? Or is it about the mission?" I added. "See, Calli. You have become my best friend and sister. I can't help it."

She gave me a genuine smile this time.

"I know." She smiled at me with amusement.

"What's so funny, chicka?" I winked.

"It's that we have spent time for like three weeks. But here we are, discussing our problems."

I feigned hurt, my hand over my heart, "You think I am a bastard?"

She laughed, "Well, that you are. A bastard. A funny one, actually."

I grinned.

She continued, with a pained smile, "But you are already a brother to me, Ace. It's the fact that instead of Anna, my long term best friend, you, Chris and Rose notice."

I smiled, "And Heath?"

She scowled, "Leave him. He's the biggest asshole."

I laughed, "I know that." I paused. "You miss Anastasia?"

"Yeah. It's like she's with Heath for so much time." So, she's in the same track with me.

I didn't answer her, instead I asked the main concern.

"What happened that night Callista?" I asked slowly.

I looked behind to see no one. Rose had probably gone to sleep or rest, again.

I waited. It seemed she was gathering or recalling her thoughts.

After several minutes, she looked into my eyes, her eyes glistening. I was shocked, cause, within these days, I never saw her cry.

"It's okay, Calli. I am not pushing you." I smiled, rubbing her arms.

"I am in love with him, Ace. I love Heath." What? Heath?

I waited for her to continue.

She took a deep breath, wiped her unshed tears and looked at me, a look of determination in her eyes and her shoulders squared.

"I grew feelings so fast and I don't know why. It hurts you know, because he cares so much for Anna. Even if he doesn't love her, he still won't return my feelings. He just wants sex with me. He's a playboy and I'm a goddamned fool, to fall for him."

"I agree on many points." I assured her, "But why do you think he won't love you back? I mean you're beautiful and did he ever say, he won't do commitments?"

She nearly snarled. Damn, this girl is vicious.

"I am not beautiful. Anna is. And yes, he said that. He said, he wants just sex from me, no commitments."

I flinched, "Then?"

She slumped, "I thought we could stay friends, so, I agreed. But then shit sent down the drain and I fell in love."

"Calli." I started, "Heath can't express his feelings from beginning. If he has anything for you, trust me, he tries to express it. Just give him time. And as for Anna, I'll keep her whipped."

She forced a smile, "I understand what you mean. I will give him time. And I think I am losing Anna. She doesn't even see, I am so bothered."

I gave her a grin. "Don't worry. As promised, I will make her whipped."

She laughed.

We both came out in the living room and instantly my blood froze.

Heath was kissing Anna but she was struggling to push him.

It was clear, Heath was forcing a kiss on her.

I pulled him from Anna and pinned him to the wall.

"What's your problem? Why were you kissing her?" I growled.

"You were with Callista. Go fuck her."

Before, I could land a punch on him, Callista did the work, her face red.

She slapped him and slid to the floor, whimpering. She bit her lip, to control her tears.

My sis was the strongest. I really appreciated what strength Callista possesses.

"She loves you." I growled and could feel Heath still under my hands.

"She what?" His eyes were wide.

"She loves you damnit. And I love Anna."

Love? Hell, yes. I haven't admitted this to myself but I know, it's truth. Now, is not the best time to convince my love, though.

Rose and Anna gasped, while Calli was rocking back and forth. Her back was against the wall, knees pulled up to her chest, she was folded within herself and Chris was beside Calli, comforting her.

"You asshole." I growled, "You mess up everything. I know, Callista wanted to confess it to you herself and I to Anna but the shitty situation you created!"

I left him and went to Anna.

I kissed her, my anger, pain, love – everything in one kiss.

The kiss was magical more than ever. Sure, we had sex within these days, but this kiss was so much intense and filled with emotions that it felt more intimate. Fireworks were exploding and ecstasy was over the top.

We kissed like there is no tomorrow and until this time, I was standing in a desert, where Anna was my reason to live.

"I love you." I confessed, my forehead on hers. My breathing was uneven and so was hers.

But that didn't stop me to spread the wide grin, further on my face. Her face mirrored mine.

"I love you." Her tears were flowing and my heart was surely going to explode.

I wiped her tears, kissed her forehead and then took her hand. I made my exit from Calli's apartment to Anna's. I wanted to make love to her. Not just sex.

Before exiting, I kissed Anna and went inside again.

I leaned beside Callista, ignoring others and hugged her, smoothed her hair.

Wiping her tears, I whispered, "I'm sorry, sis. You deserve much better and I'm sorry because I just confessed your feelings. He is an asshole. Just think, what I said to you before." I kissed her forehead and rubbed her back.

She looked up, her eyes glossy. I know she's strong, so, she won't cry. That's what I love about her.

She forced a smile. "It's okay. Now go and get your love."

With that, I made my way with Anna to Anna's.