Janet's POV
"You've no choice, Charlotte!" Said Lucas authoritatively, "You have to leave the city immediately!!"
"God! I've just got a good job, have finally begun to worry less and live more and you're saying to run away again?" I argued, not pleased with his advice.
"Oh, so what am I supposed to say then?" He yelled, "Oh, hey Charlotte, why don't you stay wherever you are until your dear enemy kills you!"
"Don't you get it?!" I yelled louder, "If he wanted me dead, I wouldn't be talking to you right now, idiot!" He inhaled sharply, the thing he usually does to calm himself, "It was just to scare me, brother. Trust me, today or tomorrow, he will call you or Dad and will tell you what he wants! All you gotta do is find him before he jumps on his second plan!"
"Fine! Go wherever you were going, and better keep me updated!" I hummed in response, "I'll see, who was he!"
"Everyone there knows that I don't get scare unless someone lays their hands on my family," I paused, "So, I'm asking you again. Is everything okay?"
"Yes, Charlotte. Everything is fine here. Don't worry!" He assured me, but his tone didn't sound like he was being honest to me. In fact, I felt as if he was trying to hide something from me, but because I knew that he'd never involve me in the Mafia again, I stayed quiet and decided to find out about it from someone who will never lie or hide anything from me.
"Good!" I said, "I'll catch up to you later! B'bye!"
"Sure. But be careful, okay?" I nodded, even though he can't see me, "Bye!" Saying this, he hung up.
I withdrew my hand and looked at the blast scene. The investigation was still going on. People around were watching, gossiping and some of them were giving their statements to the police. I sighed, the one who had attacked me might be watching me or worse, aiming his rifle at me, but I didn't care. I'm not scared of anything. I've never been. And after learning that my brother is safe, I'm not even worried. But the fact that the attacker didn't killed me was making me curious to know his plan. I looked around, wondering what could he possibly get by doing this.
If he wants money, then why didn't he simply abducted me? Or if he wants me dead, then what's the point of that blast?
Maybe, he got some other plans. Plans, that'll be worse then death!
I scoffed and looked at my phone where I have a picture of Vero, Olivia and me on the wallpaper of my lock-screen. Perhaps, Lucas is right. I must leave the country because if the attacker could dare to attack me, then it would take him a snap to harm my friends. No, I can't risk their lives. I nodded to myself and decided to take my brother's advice and leave, but my fingers hovered over the screen when my friends' angry faces flashed at my eyes. I can't just leave them over a simple text! I mean, leaving them with a tiny goodbye text would be offending, they'll never forgive me. But if I go to them, then it could put them in danger.
Of course, who knows if my God knows which enemy would be waiting for me to see them dying.
I groaned and slammed my palms on my face.
.
.
.
I pushed my cab's door and I stepped out, only to be welcomed by the cold breeze that blew my dark black hair back and caused me to shiver slightly. I inhaled deeply, looking at the mansion standing before me with its own glory. I know, I very well know that it's risky, my visit here could put everyone in here in danger but I hell can't leave my best friends over a text.
I exhaled the worry out and walked ahead, the muffled music, joyful screams and the people outside who were boozing and making out were enough for me to understand that this wasn't any normal birthday party but something that I hell don't want to be a part of. I cleared my throat and walked inside the mansion, but as soon as I saw the number of people inside, my eyes widened. I couldn't believe that they were all Charlie's friends because, as far as I knew him, he didn't have any friends but seeing these people in front of my eyes, it appears I was wrong! I shook my head and took a step forward but halted when I saw Olivia coming towards me. I smiled, keeping my face and body cool and calm.
"Thank god you are here!!" She said before taking me in a hug that didn't last long, "What took you so long and where's Vero?"
"Well, Vero's coming with Sam and I was stuck in traffic!" Good excuse!
"Oh, nevermind. I'll call her!" She grabbed my forearm and dragged me in with her.
"Charlie has got many friends, by the way!" I said, keeping my voice low. She nodded, "Yup, he's got many friends!" I chuckled when I detected the sarcasm.
Charlie and I were friends before I was his intern. I like him, not because he helped me get a good job, or treats me good but because he supports me like my brother, Lucas.
"Ah, there he is!" She said, halting in between. I followed her gaze and saw Charlie, laughing with someone at the bar counter. The boy with whom he was laughing was facing his back at me. I put on my smile and walked to them.
"Happy birthday, Boss!" I singed, standing right behind him. Charlie looked at me and his smile widened, "Janet?!" He exclaimed, and took me in a hug, "I was waiting for you!"
I broke the hug and that's when my eyes went to the guy next to him, who I assume was Paxton. He moved a bit closer to me and brought his hand up, "Hi, Janet. I'm Paxton!" His electrifying voice sends a chills down my spine. I looked down at his hand and then at him, "Hi," I shook hands with him, my eyes staring into his brown ones without a blink. I couldn't help but go head over heels for him. He was incredibly hot and flawless, his dark black hair was combed perfectly, where his tight attire presented his perfect body. I bit my lower lip, staring into his gorgeous brown eyes which had the power of imprisoning anyone inside.
Janet get a grip!!
He smiled and my heart was flattered. I shyly smiled back and finally withdrew my hand.
"Hello!!" A voice chimed from my back and snapped my head. I grinned when I saw Veronica, "Finally here- Ah! Vero hissed when Olivia slapped her on the back of her head.
"Is this a time?" Scorned Olivia but received a cute pout in return, which made me broke into laughter along with Paxton and Charlie, "Lazy, bitch!"
"Olivia, language!" I scolded, earning an apologetic look for an instant. I may not be their elder sister, but they respect me like I am.
"You seem familiar!" Said Paxton, snapping my eyes at him. "Have we met?"
"New York is a very big city, Paxton. Of course, you might have seen me somewhere," I reasoned, though deep inside I literally freaked out because nobody has ever said this to me.
"Well, Charlie told me you moved to NYC 2 years ago. And it's been years since I've come to NYC. So, I don't think NYC is where I've seen you," His statement skipped my heartbeat. I opened my mouth to give him an answer but Vero cut me off.
"Hey, Paxton?" When we all looked at her, she said, "I have a question for you!" He nodded as go on, and I internally thanked her for distracting him from me.
"Are you single?" Hearing her question, he broke into a cute smile. He opened his mouth to reply but couldn't when someone jumped in.
"Why this question, Vero?" A serious voice chimed from behind and widened Vero's eyes. Olivia, Charlie and I controlled our chuckle while Paxton raised his brows in amusement. Sam stepped closer and turned her to him by her forearm. "Tell me, sweetheart! Why did you ask that?"
"What're you doing here?" She asked him, fear evident in her tone. He replied, "Well, you forgot your purse in my car!" He handed over the purse to Olivia and yanked her to him, "Answer!"
"Uhm, S-Sam, I mean, baby!" She looked at me and grinned so blissfully that I could bet her cheeks might have hurt, "I asked for Janet!" My eyes widened at her lie.
"Vero!" I scolded, but hell if she changed her statement. She said, "Yes, Janet! How long will you be single?" I looked at Paxton and my cheeks reddened with embarrassment. I tightened my jaw and opened my mouth to scold her bad, but before I could, Sam yanked her even closer and said, "You should better not lie because you're very bad at it!" She pouted, blinking innocently.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my hand, and my eyes were snapped at it. It was a text from Lucas where he was telling me that he had arranged a cab for me which is now outside the mansion, waiting for me. I gulped, and looked at my friends who were now laughing at God knows what.
The cab is here but I haven't said goodbye yet.
"Guys?" I called, and got everyone's eyes on me. I gulped, "Uh, ahem ahem, when-when-when are you cutting the cake?"
"Soon," Said Charlie, snapping my eyes at him. I nodded. He smiled and turned to Paxton, while I only sighed under my breath because time was running out and I still hadn't taken my leave. God! If I don't leave soon then, I will not only put my friends in danger but everyone here as well.
Coming here was the most stupid decision ever!
"You seem stressed!" Someone said in my ear and I was slightly startled, "Whoa! You okay?" He asked, standing next to me.
"Yup! It's nothing!" I exhaled audibly and looked at Charlie, who was taking Olivia somewhere along with Sam and Vero, "I'm just not used to such parties!" He nodded, looking at Charlie with me.
"You said you were not in New York for years. Why?" I asked.
"Well, when Charlie and I got our masters. Our parents separated us by throwing him here and keeping me in fucking London!" When I registered his words, Vero's words hit me.
Did their parents separate them because they discovered that their kid's bisexuality?
"Why did they separate you?" I questioned without realizing, taking my seat on the bar stool.
"Charlie is my childhood best friend, Janet. We have grown together, studied together, laughed together, cried together, even has beaten the shit out of people together as well. In fact, we have fucked a same girl as well, but not together!" I couldn't help but chuckle with him at this one, "When our parents saw that their kids are wasting their time on living, they separated us because they knew that as long as we're together, we will never understand our responsibilities."
"Sounds like a sad story!" I confessed and he chuckled in return. The bartender came to me and asked for our orders. I was so busy looking at Paxton, so, I blankly ordered my favorite, "Macallan Lalique Scotch, please!" The bartender shot his brows up along with Paxton. And that's when I realized what I'd just done.
"Apologies, ma'am, but that is not available!" Said the bartender. I looked at him, and threw a soft fake smile, "No problem. Get me, cider!" He nodded and walked away to get my order.
"You've got an expensive taste!" Stated Paxton, taking my eyes on him. I shrugged off, "It's not true. I had it once at a club last month. I thought I could have it again for free this time but it's not available. Tsk, unlucky me!" He chuckled, making me chuckle back.
Thank God!
"So, do you have a boyfriend?" He questioned before chugging his drink.
"Nope!"
He smirked, "Cool!" I raised my brows and asked, "Why?"
"Because I can ask you out now!" I smiled shyly, drinking my Cider without looking at him as he was giving me chills with his soft smile, intent gaze and that electrifying voice. "Tell me, Janet!" I looked at him and he added, "Wanna hang out with me?"
"Are you asking for a date?" I asked, my heart jumping in excitement inside. He stared into my eyes and moved closer to my ear, "What does it sound to you?" I wanted to close my eyes and enjoy his closeness but keeping myself in control I said, "Flirt!" He looked into my mischievous eyes and broke into a chuckle, "Or if you were serious then I'm gonna say my schedule is quite busy for dates and all!" Hearing this, he chuckled even more.
I was indeed enjoying his company, and I'd love to date him as well if he asks for real, but hot guys who flirt with you bluntly are mostly jerks. The only reason they act polite and charming is to get into your pants. So, I for sure like him, but I'm determined not to give him what he wants while from inside I'm dying to see what he's hiding beneath his clothes.
Suddenly, he removed my swirls from my face and tugged them behind my ear. My heart thumped and every single hair of my body stood up. I felt both excited and nervous with his simple touch. I looked deep into his brown eyes and was about to kiss him but then my subconscious reminded me that as soon as I say my goodbye I'd be leaving New York to no return, my shoulders dropped with sadness.
Unlucky me!
I took another bottle of Cider and demanded him to tell me about him. With this, we started talking by flirting in between to stay entertained. We drank and flirted with each other with no limits and sometimes we talked about other stuff like our career and future plans, then soon we started sharing hilarious and embarrassing moments of our lives which made us laugh out loud.
"You mean, when you and your fiance, Chloe, were hooking up with another, your Dad caught you?!" He nodded, and I broke into an explosion of laughter by imagining that scene. "So, your act was over, right?"
"Nah!" He smirked with pride, "I'm Paxton, Paxton Grey. It took me a long, but eventually, I got him to believe that we were both drunk and couldn't recognize the person!"
"Sounds like your Dad trusts you blindly," I said and chugged down my rest Cider, "If he was my father. He wouldn't risk losing the piece and have had me married to his choice on the same day!"
"Now, that sounds like a sad story!" He said, and I only chuckled softly, looking down. "Hey," He put his index finger under my chin and lifted my face to make proper eye contact, "Parents may push you, dominate you, persuade you, control you, but would never do anything bad to you!"
I shook my head with a small smile, "You don't know my father, Paxton. He can go any far to get- I paused when it hit me.
I ran away from my past to have a normal life which, luckily, I was having, then suddenly somebody attacked me. I tightened my jaw in rage when I put the pieces together and understood that my Dad is doing this. He wants me back! Of course, why wouldn't he? He sure may have asked, requested or begged Lucas to get me back over the years, but after Lucas's continue denying, he decided to play this dirty game. God! How can I be so stupid to ignore this? How can I forget that my dear Dad can go any far to get me back to the Mafia! Damn it! I should have understood it when Lucas advised me to go somewhere else. He knew, he knew that the attack was done by our dear Dad, otherwise he'd called me back immediately.
"You okay?" Paxton's voice snapped me out of my inner talk. I smiled, assuring myself fine, "Cool!" He said and smiled.
"I need to go!" I said, taking away the shine of his gorgeous brown eyes. He shot his brow up, "I mean, I need to make an urgent call, Paxton. I'll be back in a moment!" Saying this, when I got down the stool he grabbed my wrist and got my head on him.
"What?"
He smiled, "I don't want to leave so soon, Ms. Janet Reyes!" That statement left me stunned. He lifted his hand and touched my cheek with the back of his palm, sending a foreign sensation throughout my body, "I don't want to end all this just here!" My cheeks turned hot and so was my privet area. I gulped, his touch and soft electrifying tone was giving me butterflies in my stomach, "Can we-" He withdrew his hand, looking deep into my hazel eyes with his brown ones, "If you don't mind we can go to my place!" My eyes widened, hell didn't expected this, "Don't look at me this way, I'm not asking for a one night stand!" He quickly added, earning himself a chuckle.
"Well, no offense but change your way because it did sounded like a one-night stand request!" He chuckled back, "If there was someone else in my place? Believe me, she'd have slapped you hard for being this blunt!"
He shot his brow up, "Should I take it as a yes?" I took my time staring him before I finally gave him a small nod, "Yes. I'd love to come. But as a friend only!"
He laughed, "Don't worry. I ain't in any benefit mood tonight!" I smiled, but that shortened when I remembered that I need to talk to my father before he does something worse to get me back.
"I've got to make a real quick call!" I turned around and started walking away but halting in between, I turned to him and smiled, "I hope tonight's going to be memorable!"
He smiled, "Sure, it will!" I bit my lower lip and ran away with red cheeks and a wide smile on my lips.