Ronnie pulled the car after an hour. I got in ignoring his look. Ronnie drove us back home.
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"Don't say anything to mom and grandpa. I was kidnapped but I took care of it." I explained.
"Are you hurt? Let's go to the doctor first."
"No, Ron. I am fine. I need sleep."
"Fine but you are seeing a family doctor once we get back."
"Okay."
He glances at me and focuses back on the road. I yawned. He agreed because I looked exhausted.
"You always attract more trouble," said Ronnie.
"Don't blame me. Trouble seems to love me."
"Did that bastard try to touch you?" He asked. Ronnie clenched the steering.
"No, I took care of it and escaped on my own. Praise me."
"Leaving you alone was my mistake."
"No Ron, it's due to lack of sleep."
"Doesn't matter. Keeping you safe is my duty."
"Same goes for you."
I dozed off inside the car. When I got up again it was almost afternoon. My arms were bandaged and I was in my bedroom. Looks like Ronnie took care of it. Taking a bath I head into the dining room. Mom greeted me.
"I figured out you need sleep. So I didn't wake you up. Let me cook quick food for you." She said.
"Thanks, Mom. Let me help you."I said.
"Sit and talk to me. How did yesterday go?"
"I am handling things fine. Any tips for me?"
"You know well. I want you to be safe so don't do anything reckless."
I rolled my eyes. She worries a lot and I don't blame her either way since she is a single mother. Grandpa and others are there to take care of me but her responsibility as a mother is something she takes seriously. I admire her for it. She makes sure Ronnie and I have everything we need, physical and emotional. Ronnie doesn't like emotional stuff but he does share it with me rather than Mon. He doesn't like to make her worried but he gives me a hell of stress.
I ate the food once Mom was done with serving. She made a sandwich. Moms are the best cooks.
"Want to go shopping with me?" Mom asked.
"No Mom. I rather die. I have work to handle." I groaned. Mom chuckled.
"When you get married I will drag you to the shopping. Just wait and watch." She said with an innocent smile. I choked on my food. She patted my back softly.
"Mom."
"Yes, my love."
"Stop dreaming nonsense. I think there aren't any men who can keep up with me." I pointed out.
"True. My daughter is a warrior Queen she can fight her battles."
"See, we both can agree on it. I always stood up for myself and I always will." I said proudly. Mom ruffled my hair.
"But my little warrior needs someone who can take care of her when she is exhausted to fight alone. She needs someone who will support her and protect her when she needs it." Said Mom in a very gentle tone.
It reminds me of Deo. His help and friendship without wanting anything in return. He looks lonely so maybe he is grateful to have me as a friend or he hates Elites. These are two probabilities.
He asked to meet me today. I texted him the location. Within a few seconds, he replied agreeing.
"Is that your boyfriend?" Mom interrupted. I glance at her annoyed.
"No Mom. He works with me."I answered.
"Then why did you smile brightly?"
"Come on Mom," I grumbled.
She teased me for a few more minutes then let me go. Putting on an oversized T-shirt and jeans I left to meet Deo. I found him scrolling through his phone. I thought he didn't notice me but His head shot up instantly meeting my gaze. With a grin, I approach him.
"Hi, love." I greeted him.
"Jade, did something happen last night?" He question.
"I was kidnapped but I handled things fine," I informed him. He runs his fingers through his hair.
"I felt like something happened. Did you see a doctor?"
"Yes, I am good. Don't worry."
He checked me from head to toe, and once he was satisfied he nodded. My gaze focuses on his tattoos. He noticed me looking at them.
"Do you like them?" He questions.
"It looks cool. Can I have a look?"
He raised his arms. I traced his tattoos, and the one I found most interesting was the rose. When the smell of his lavender perfume hits my nose I realize I am standing an inch away from him. I glance up at him finding his gaze on me. He looks even more stunning than last time.
"Pretty," said Deo. He asked again when I raised my eyebrow, "Do they look pretty?"
"Yes, Gorgeous," I said looking deep into his eyes without backing away. Tattoos are of course pretty, but Deo is gorgeous. His gaze had pinned me on my place suddenly his lips twitched up.
Realizing what I am thinking I scratch the back of my head. What is wrong with me? Since when do I act like an idiot teenager? Deo didn't back away and I stood on my ground feeling comfortable. His expression is calm and his body is relaxed.
"What's a plan for today?" I ask breaking the silence.
"I am not going to let you go alone on this kind of mission. Remember unity is strength with the right people." He said.
"I am trying my best."
"I know you always do."
Deo stepped away and pulled out a bike from the parking causing me to jump in excitement. It's back and shiny. He glanced up at me with a smirk.
"Get on," said Deo.
"Let me sit in front."
"Alright."
He made a space for me. I sat comfortably. Deo put on a helmet and drove the bike toward a building. Once he parked the bike he helped me to get off. Deo took me inside his apartment it looks luxurious and aesthetic.
"Wow, you have a nice place," I said looking around.
"Glad you liked it. Give me a few minutes I will cook something for us."
"You can cook, glory to you love."
"Thanks, my goddess." Said Deo with a smirk. I paused.
"Goddess?"
"I figured out I need to give you a nickname too and it suits you."
He walked inside the kitchen, and I followed him. I didn't ever receive any compliments from guys, they were too scared to approach me considering Grandpa's reputation. It's enough to receive praise from him.
"Noodles and spaghetti?" He asked.
"Sounds good. Let me cook noodles." I said.
Even though I have already eaten, the offer of taste food made by him is too tempting.
"Let me you are my guest." Deo rejected politely.
"You did help me let me do at least this for you. It's not enough to return the favor but please." I plead.
"You don't have to feel obligated to pay me back, I didn't want you to feel such a way. But if you want to cook then go on." Said Deo.
"You make me feel like a goddess," I muttered. Deo's eyes brighten up.
After cooking we settled to eat. Deo scooped up spaghetti raising it to my lips. I took a bite and its flavor hit me.
"I must say, you should be a chef."I praised.
"Your food is more delicious." He praised back.
It took us a few minutes to finish it off. Standing side by side we cleaned off dishes in a comfortable silence. By now and then his shoulders brushed against mine. I ignored it and focused on my task.
...
I nod simply. After hanging out with him I visited Janet. I found her in the garden writing something in papers. I tiptoed my way toward her without making any noise. Her attention is on her work causing me to benefit. Once I got near her I played loud music on my phone causing her to stand startled, her stuff falling on the soil. While her plan pressed on her chest. Her eyes were wide and her breathing was abnormal.
Once she found my grinning face she flopped down. And then she fell on the floor with her eyes wide open. I chuckled nervously.
"Hey come on. It was just a prank."I said.
She didn't say anything or move so I pulled out my gun causing her to sit up glaring at me. Her eyebrows pressed together and a scowl on her face.
"Had you gone crazy? You almost gave me a heart attack," she yelled.
I put my gun away. "Almost," I emphasize the world. She crossed her arms against her chest.
"Say that when I die."She shot back.
"I am so sorry."
She raised her eyebrow with a serious face. I hugged her ignoring her expressions.
"Forgive me, blockhead," I said. She punched my shoulders causing me to back away with my arms raised. She smirk.
"I had my fun too, Capo."
"Oh," I muttered sitting beside her. She is making contracts for alliances. It's pretty much good.
"Dad heard of you getting rid of enemies from our territory. He is happy and working double to help you." Said, Janet.
"How much work you did do?
"We got favor from two families. Still working on others."
"Two alliances in this much time. Good job."
"But some are being a pain in the ass. They can't keep their ego on the side."
"They will agree too and if not then I have my ways. Give them this message to the people who are being pained."
"Sure if you say so."
Being a dictator will get me territory but not loyalty. I prefer having loyal people rather than those who will try to kill me. But it's not like I have time either. There are lots of things to accomplish.
I should slow down before I exhaust myself. In the end, I will achieve my goals.