Chapter 6 - ACE

My fist clenched once the place I used to call home came into view. I walked up to the house, that stood in a lonely corner of the estate. It was big no doubt. My father was wealthy, a very wealthy man yet he put work before making peace with his family.

He always wanted us to be perfect just like he was perfect. (note the sarcasm). I walked over to the side of the house where the ladder leading to my room window stood. I climbed up the ladder and pushed open the window. My room was dark like always. I put on the light switch and bright light enveloped the room. It was a large room; with everything a boy will want but even the with all the luxuries I hardly stayed home. I only stayed longer when my father was away on a business trip.

It was only 5am in the morning and the whole household was quiet. No one knew I wasn't home for most of yesterday since they were used to me, locking myself in my room. I walked into my closet and got my uniform. Truth be told. If it was me, I wouldn't bother wearing the uniform or even go to school but I'm doing it for my mum. I wore my stupid uniform, I hated the uniform so much. Whoever created uniforms has no sense of fashion. I turned to my phone when I felt it vibrate.

I've got a job. Meet me at the usual. Same time. Don't be late.

I groaned and threw my phone on the bed. It was already past 6 and I heard soft footsteps pass my door meaning my mother was up. I took my bag, phone and shoe before tiptoeing down the stair after her. She turned the kitchen light on and gasped when she saw me.

"Ace" she murmured before pulling me into her soft embrace. I inhaled the scent of lavender in her blonde hair. She always had me longing to sniff her. She was tall with blonde hair and blue eyes, unfortunately, I didn't get her eyes. I got my father's instead.

"I'll make you something to eat, seat" I sat down at the island while she moved gracefully around the kitchen mixing up ingredients to make pancakes. Her food was something to die for. I gulped down the pancakes once they were done because I hadn't eaten in a long time.

We both heard footsteps and I froze. A look of horror grossed my mother's face. We both turned to the door just as the devil himself came in. my father Alexander Valentino, he was tall, almost my height with hazel eyes. He stared at me with an annoyed look.

'so you came home?" he asked with a gruff voice trying to get on my nerves. I rolled my eyes and concentrated on my breakfast "disrespectful much, not even decent enough to give an answer"

"alexander" my mother warned.

"Judith" he retorted. Taking that as my cue to leave, I grabbed my bag and all my belongings, kissing my mother goodbye I headed to the front door. I made sure to slam it hard, making the entire house shake.

I walked to my car and threw the door open, it was already to 7 and I had to go meet my boss. I geared the car into the road and drove off. The roads got slimmer and the buildings rundown as I drove until I parked in front of a warehouse. It was large and made of sound proof iron. It was the home of my gang, Raven's spot in which I was the second in command.

I got out and headed into the warehouse. It looked rundown but the inside was luxurious and plush. I walked past the people practicing with knives and headed to the back where most offices were. I walked to the furthest door and threw it open.

"knock" a voice came from within. I turned to face the leader of the gang, Matteo Reeds. He was a brunette, with dull green eyes and a tattooed body. I had tattoos myself but not as much as his.

"what do you want, Matt? I have school" I hissed at him. He raised his head and observed me.

"since when do you like school?"

I gritted my teeth and slammed my hand on the table "go straight to the point"

He smirked "terry slipped again" I rolled my eyes and rubbed my temple. Terry was one of our men who seemed to misbehave from time to time. "so, I should do what? Kill him"

"no, bring him back here, I'll do it myself" I nodded and walked out of the building. I had 30 minutes till school began. Terry's house was near the warehouse so it wasn't far off. It was one of the rundown houses around the area. I parked my car at the back of his house and walked in. the door was surprisingly open.

The house was dark and musty; I could smell cigarette. As I went further into the house, I heard low whimpers. I came in front of the stairs and saw a little girl of about 5 years old in a tattered dress, clutching a threadbare teddy bear to her chest as she cried softly.

"hey" I whispered kneeling in front of her. "where's daddy?" she pointed to the living room. I nodded and walked into he living room. Terry was a big man, bulky and muscled. He held a belt in one hand hitting someone.

Adrenaline rushed through my body as I matched to him and threw him off the person. It was a girl about my age. Her age was scattered, tears ran down her face and she had red stripes from where the belt hit her. Terry stumbled and stared at me in shock.

"boss" he muttered before I blew him straight in the face and slammed him at the back of his neck. He collapsed to the floor unconscious. I turned to the girl who looked at me in fear. I helped her stand up and seat on the couch since she could hardly walk.

"someone is going to come and take you and your sister, somewhere safe"

"she's my daughter" she corrected. I stared at her in shock and horror. She looked my age, and she had a child that looked 5 years old.

"someone will come pick you up, I'll take him" I picked Terry up and dragged him to my car. I put him in the boot and slammed it shut. I drove him to the warehouse and dropped him off. I told Matteo what to do. The girls would stay with his mother until there was somewhere safer for them. I was officially late for school. Damn Matteo.