Gavin turned pale, and he is sweating like a cold beer that's just brought out of the fridge. Gavin lowered his head until he heard Don chuckle.
He waved his hand in dismissal as he laughed. "I was just kidding. He won't be back until next month. So you have enough time to recover and move on with your life and go wherever you want to go."
Gavin took a sigh of relief as Don assured him that he is a guest in their home and not a hostage. "Thank you, very much. I don't know how I can repay you for helping me, but. I will make sure that I will." Gavin sincerely spoke to the men in front of him.
"You don't have to, what's your name?" Don asked him as he squinted his eyes.
"My name is, Gavin Knight." Gavin said his name, without the fear of being thrown back to his place in Bradford.
Don nodded as he recalled someone dear to his heart with the same initials; 'GK'. "Okay, let's call it a night so dear Gavin could rest. Let's talk tomorrow." Don handed Gavin a blanket, and the others left and went to their own rooms. He realized he will be staying in their living room for the time being.
Gavin is not picky as he used to sleep on the streets when he was younger. He did not mind sleeping in dark and cold alleys where rats and cockroaches are everywhere. This soft sofa is a piece of luxury for him now, most especially when he realized he could be in his grave if they had not helped him.
Living a criminal way of life since he was a kid, he lost his trust in the sense of humanity in people. Knowing this group right now seems too good to be true, so he still got his guard up for the time being. Nothing is free in this world,that is his guiding rule. Everyone has a price and this groups' help for him surely will come with a high price.
But one thing he can't help to think about is; Aya. He noticed that she went downstairs alone; it seems like she has a different home. If only he were strong enough, he would have offered to walk her home. Gavin shook his head and smiled. "At this point in time where I can barely walk myself, I am actually thinking of walking this woman home. I must be sick right now."
Gavin, although a good-looking bloke, he never had an actual relationship with a woman. Sure, his bad boy charms lure women to him, but most of them are just flings. He never experienced a genuine interest to develop a relationship with someone. He refuses to connect his soul with someone because he believes he hasn't found his yet. To give love and receive love requires a lot from a person and he is not ready for that. That's why having these thoughts right now is news for Gavin.
Don turned on the lamp beside Gavin, and he turned off the lights in the living room. "Good night, let's just talk tomorrow about anything that is eating you right now."
Gavin nodded and thanked Don again. When he heard what Don just said, his tummy went rumbling again. He finally had a nice hot meal courtesy of the gorgeous Aya. He carefully sat up and ate the soup she prepared for him. Eating Aya's soup not only made his tummy feel full but also his heart.
After Eating, he rested his back on the sofa. He tried to find the most comfortable spot for him as he stared at ceiling where his shadow is. He just realized how much of a leader Don is to this group. Everyone respects him and obeys his orders. He better not offend him or else he might get on the wrong side with Aya. He can't let his blossoming feelings get in the way of Don's approval.
The next day, Gavin woke up feeling a little better. He fixed the Sofa where he slept. Gavin noticed a towel on the chair beside his sofa bed. A not so bright idea popped in his head; he feels too sticky and stinky that he went for it, anyway.
He went to the laundry room, which is just literally across the bathroom. He covered his lower body with his towel and carefully took off all his clothes one by one. He then threaded across the hall silently.
The bathroom was small, but clean. He looked around and faced the small mirror in front of the sink. The unforgiving reflection showed his swollen face. It is getting down a bit, but the color is turning black and purple. He looks hideous, this is the most amount of bruising he ever had in his life. He usually is the one giving the beating and not the one on the receiving end.
He looked down at his torso and saw the swollen cut on his abdomen. It was the branding that the mafia gave him. That particular group likes to claim their victims with their branding.
Gavin let out a deep sigh as the wound still feels sore. "this sh*t is completely unnecessary he mumbled." He took off the towel on his hips and inspected his package, as if it was wounded in any way. He tapped it and said with a smile on his face; "Good thing you are safe."
He stepped inside the shower area and soaked under the hot shower. It has been a long time since he had a nice hot shower; he felt calmer and somehow re-energized.
After his quick shower, he again wrapped himself with the towel and carefully went outside to get his clothes in the laundry area. It surprised him to see Aya with a scrunched-up face, looking at him.
"So, you are the culprit!" Aya said in an annoyed tone, her arms crossed over her chest. She pointed out to the washing machine. But Gavin is still clueless about his crime. She pointed at a poster above the washing machine.
Gavin walked closer to read it. "Oh, I'm sorry. I did not notice it earlier. I just tried to sneak in and the clothes cleaned, I don't have a spare."
The poster is a schedule of who use the washing machine for the day. There are seven people listed; the six guys and the seventh is Aya.
Aya looked at Gavin from head to foot. She cupped her chin with her hand as she scans Gavin's body. "Hmm, okay, you can use the washing machine during my time in the morning." She said like she was not annoyed at him earlier.
It flabbergasted Gavin. "How can she change her mood that fast? Is she making fun of him again?" His thoughts were in shambles.
Aya raised her eye browse and shrugged her shoulders. "I'll share with you in one condition." She walked closer to the half naked Gavin. She held on to his shoulders and whispered to his ears in her sexy voice. "Are you willing to do it for me?"