'Where Problems lie'

With full speed my dinner ran away from me. I watched his back, as it disappeared from my view. We just made an advancement! Now instead of moving two steps forward, we're back at square one! It's so clear that he wants me. Goddamn it Axel! You killed my chances! I could have been eating a three course meal tonight! After all that effort, I never would have imagined things to go this way.

Agitation rang through my body. If only I knew it was a terrible idea for Axel to meet him. My face chilled, as I turned looking at my brother who was still ranting. Are you really my brother? When did you become so intolerant?

"Axel. Shut up! My dinner ran away and you're to blame!" The anger in my words finally found a place to be vented.

"Oh," said Axel, before continuing, "You were planning on taking him to the Chop Shop?" His entire attitude changed with that one sentence. The man that I once knew reappeared. He stood in front of me, as though the past few minutes never happened. I scoffed.

"Chop Shop or not, we aren't fucking tonight! So that doesn't matter, now does it?" My words were fired at him one after the next. A sarcastic smile pulled at Axel's lips.

"Sorry about that, but still what the hell! Aren't you the one always preaching about filth? So why a ni**a?" said Axel. I ignored his words.

There is no 'why', just attraction. I glanced at my watch. Time to leave. Crap I almost forgot I have a meeting early in the morning with a certain lady.

"Hey see you around. Oh and don't message me on the day of your event, to attend the event. Show some common courtesy. I have a life and a syndicate to run!" Without meaning to the words came out sounding like a snarl. Sensing the drastic change in my temperament Axel stopped smiling.

"Anything you say Boss. Here's what since you so willingly came out today, I'll owe you one," said Axel. My eyes danced about on the verge of spilling water. I looked at him holding back bouts of mocking laughter.

"You? Owe me? I'm afraid what I've lost can't be bought back with a mere favour. He was starting to trust me!" Axel shrugged in response.

"I'd still prefer it if you weren't with him. What will the others say?" Nothing. I'll carve out their tongues! Then we'll see who still has the bravery needed to face me.

"Good night Axel and don't ever embarrass me like that again!" He waved me off.

"Good night Ace."

The ride home was smooth without interruptions. With nothing of importance to focus on, my mind drifted to Damien. I wonder if he would let me near him like this evening? Of course not! Not with Axel's comments hanging between us! Shit! I hope he doesn't label me as ... 'that'.

"Good night Mr. Ackerman," said Carlos, upon my entry. "Mr. Ackerman an important message was received from Feerel." I glanced at him.

"Oh. Is that so? I'll see to it tomorrow. Can you please pour me some water?" I placed my wallet and keys down on the counter top. The sight of the water being poured by Carlos reminded me of my thirst that Damien quenched in the park.

"If this situation doesn't end in me fucking Damien, I'll have Axel's head shaved clean!" I mumbled under my breath. Opening the fridge I took out a bowl of fruit.

"I'm sorry Sir?" Carlos seemed confused.

"Forget that. Tell Feerel I will speak to him in the morning. Emergency or not, if I am not in a rush he shouldn't be either." Carlos nodded and walked stiffly to another corner of the room. I finished the fruit and water. As I walked into the bedroom, I sent him one last text for the day.

A – 9:25 pm : Hey I'm sorry about my brother. Let me make it up to you. There is a nice bistro that I know of called Finoa's, we can go there. See you on Saturday @ 11 am for lunch.

I'll know for sure how he feels by Saturday morning. In the privacy of my room, I stripped and entered the shower. Feeling refreshed from that well-deserved bath. I lay down on the bed relaxed and ready to rest.

Leaning into the satin sheets, I could still feel the chill of his fingers in mine. A thin warm line escaped from my bottom lip. I left it alone knowing it could only be blood. Damien. The word carelessly tumbled around my mind, as I traced over where his fingertips touched my body. Around me the air was suddenly lacking oxygen. Fuck!

No stranger to myself, long agile fingers slid down my chest. I nibbled lightly on my top lip. Touching the firm ridges of my abs, I moved further down. I could feel the strain of my **** against the cloth. A single hand slid under the band of my briefs. Pesky!

The memory of his soft, cold fingers played in my mind synchronizing with the actions of my hand. A soft moan left my lips. Just the thought of him made me want to burst. Leaving my aching **** alone, I rubbed and wrung my nipples which begged to be played with.

Regret almost took me, as it made me even more aroused. What was intended to prolong the pleasure, became a failed experiment. Fuck it. Using my unoccupied hand, I gave myself decently paced strokes. My breaths came out in short puffs, the faster I moved my hand.

Hazel eyes stared at me in the dark recesses of my mind. Damien! Pre- rolled down the length of my shaft. Abandoning the perky buds on my chest, I squeezed and kneaded myself. My hand continued its repetitive actions on my ****.

The combination of stimulating touches had me crying his name. With my sensitivity at an all time high, I couldn't stop the pleasurable shudder that came with my release. Small beads of perspiration ran down my neck and chest, while *** ran down my fingers.

Giving myself a moment to catch my breath, I lay perfectly still. No one has ever made me crave them like this before. Who are you Damien? I took another well-deserved bath. Finished for the night, I lay down on the bed and allowed sleep to sweep over my body. Tomorrow is a new day.

My eyes shot open at the shrill of my internal clock. A smile crept its way to my face. Three a.m.? It's time for action! I ran through my morning routine, one hour of exercise followed by half an hour of kickboxing practice. A shower soon followed.

The smell of coffee drifted into the bedroom, as I finished changing. Contented with my outfit consisting of a black t-shirt and cargo pants complete with a pair of black, high top combat boots. I walked into the kitchen to have something, before heading out.

"Good Morning Mr. Ackerman. They are waiting outside," said Carlos, as he poured me a cup of coffee.

Good. Last time they were late! I placed two heaping spoons of sugar and way too much creamer into my mug. I knew my health would pay for that someday, but that day wasn't today!

"Mr. Ackerman. Just a gentle reminder. Today is Thursday the third. You have to make runs to each club and establishment to ensure the Proprietor or Proprietress understands the new syndicate laws and regulations. You also have to ensure the fees collected by the Col men are received in full at the warehouse; cash and organs," said Carlos.

"Okay."

"You also have a meeting with Feerel today at the new meeting house, number ten. It's one block down from the warehouse. Once again he insists that it is of utmost importance." I stayed silent making a mental note of everything.

"Okay. Thanks." I said upon finishing the cup. I walked down the hall and grabbed my baseball bat off its hooks on the wall.

"Oh and Carlos. Tell Felix that I want Fiona's cleared for a private party by ten thirty in the morning. I'm having someone for lunch." I shouted yet no response came.

I stood in the opened doorway frowning, as I was about to close the door. Why don't I hear a response? Who trained you?

"Yes, Mr. Ackerman." A hurried voice entered my ears as he rushed before me. The older man looked slightly out of breath. He straightened himself before me.

"I only turned my back for one minute Carlos. What were you doing? Why didn't you answer?" The irritation in my voice simmered in the air like a pot of black coffee. I swung with full force. The bat connected with his left forearm. He squirmed in pain, but did not move from the spot where he stood.

Calm words exited my mouth one after the other. "I am not my father." I smiled, while saying, "You know the rules."

Without a single retort, he turned abruptly and left me in the hallway. I leaned against the wall and glanced at my watch, three minutes past the hour of five. I can't believe I have to take out time to do this. By the time he had returned my anger had begun to boil over into a seething rage.

Carlos handed me the object. I took one edge and watched as it uncoiled itself. He turned away from me and kneeled. The popping of buttons coming free resonated in the silent area. A crisp white shirt fell down without him taking his hands out the sleeve. He held his hands together behind his back leaning forward.

I couldn't be bothered to hide the smile on my face. What a masterpiece! Scars crossed his pale skin. Some were raised, some faded, and some had become a discoloured pink shade. I bit my lip.

"Damn it Carlos. Are you a masochist? You've been here so long I'm sure you know the rules by now!" He didn't respond. I raised my hand flicking the whip a few times.

The muscles in his shoulders and back flexed ever so slightly upon the cracking of the whip. I chuckled to myself. Bloody masochist! The punishment of twenty uninterrupted lashes was served and received without any qualms. I walked to the front of him tilting his head up with the edge of the handle.

Sweat rolled down his forehead. He looked at me with drunken eyes.

"Look at you, you filth. Who told you that you're allowed to get pleasure from these beatings?"

I swung one leg out, my feet connected brutally to his pants crotch. Tears flowed from his drowsy eyes. A small moan that he struggled to hold back slipped out his lips. Realizing what was done he shook in fear. My eyes narrowed at him in annoyance.

"Filthy!" I boxed his head to the side. "When I return, if its pain your looking for I can deliver!" I extended the whip back to him. He removed it from my possession. I turned around and left the mansion. Twenty minutes past five! I quickened my steps.

"Good morning Boss. Where to?" said One. My territory head greeted me, as I walked into the black panel van.

"Good morning all. Everlyn Edison's place. I heard she had a bone to pick with mi hermano mayor." Laughter filled the van.

"Even the parliament can't protect you from the Ackerman Family!" said Three. I nodded.

Correct is right number Three.

"Shut her up! She'll raise the dead at this rate!" A gag was placed over the young girl's mouth. Our team of six now held the Edison family at gunpoint.

"Now what boss? Are you ready?" said number Four. I walked into the family's line of sight swinging the bat in hand.

The once screaming girl looked about with eyes filled with fear. I took in every detail of her features. This one will grow to be pretty. A twisted smile spread on my lips. I swiftly grabbed a handful of her long blonde hair. She writhed underneath my grip shedding tears in long streams.

Her father rushed out on his knees, saying, "Please! She's only sixteen. Please don't hurt her!" The man begged at my feet. I raised my hand and signaled number Four and Five behind him.

Despite the silencers on the guns the sound of the bullets leaving their respective chambers rang through the room. His body filled with holes and pouring blood, landed heavily on the floor. The man's eyes were wide open in shock staring at something, yet nothing at all. I smiled pointing at the original target.

"Her next." Everlyn struggled against her bonds. "Go ahead, shoot me! You heartless monster!" I frowned.

"As a mother, aren't you a little too ready to leave your child behind?" I chuckled at her reaction. "And you're calling me heartless." I said beneath my breath. Everlyn screamed and cursed at the top of her voice.

"Know what? Hey guys! When was the last time you passed a toy between yourselves?" Their maniacal, dark laughter filled the living room. Her eyes still held a level of fierceness that disgusted me. All forms of expression left my face. I've had enough of this bitch. You'll learn the hard way, that no one interferes with my brother!

Moving my occupied hand back and forth, I flung the girl at their feet. "Have fun guys... but be gentle it may just be her first time!" The young girl tried to run away, but was stopped before she could even take three steps. Number two hoisted her over his shoulder and began to walk away.

"Four, make sure Everlyn here gets a front row seat and gag her. I've got other things I need to take care of."

He smiled, saying, "Yes, Boss." I sat down on the couch and pulled out my phone.

"Good morning, I need the numbers now." I spoke into the phone. A moment of silence passed.

"Perfect. Hey I'm going to meet Feerel at meeting house number ten... in about two hours' time. Send a car to collect me." I walked to the painting above the mantle. The painting swung outwards and a safe was revealed.

18. 81. 92. 29.

The door opened. Stacks of cash and other documents lay in it. Tsk. Nothing of any worth...

The word became stuck in my throat. I reached out and grabbed a frame. Well I be damned! This isn't possible. This should be somewhere more protected than this sorry excuse for a vault. I held the picture frame in hand staring at its contents.

Gunshots jarred me out of the daze I was in. Great! I have a headache now. The sounds of pleasure and the muffled screams of desperation had ceased.

"Get anything good?" Number One questioned, as he walked out of the adjacent room.

"You tell me." I showed him the frame. His lust filled eyes froze. He straightened himself. All haziness left his eyes and his voice became steady.

"If this is the original..." He didn't finish his sentence, but I knew what he would have said. One held the frame up to the early morning sun that started to filter into the house.

"I have an old friend, he's highly confidential. He is an excellent curator. He can say if this is the real piece or not." I nodded in approval, knowing exactly who the said 'friend' was.

"When we get back, make it your top priority. This piece is priceless," I said.

"Yes Boss."

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