A N G E L

I took a sip of my whisky, and for the first, I didn't taste it.

I was angry. I was pissed. I wanted blood.

We were back in my office at my mansion. Everyone was present, waiting for me to speak. I didn't even know what to say. All I'm seeing is red.

This big boss, who Skai knew, took my fucking shipment! One that was worth more to me than diamonds. One that I paid for heavily with money and blood.

I took another sip. I still didn't taste it.

I snapped.

I threw the glass against the wall. It shattered with a loud crash, whiskey spilling everywhere.

I was losing it.

"Angel, calm down!"

I didn't know who said it and I didn't care. I turned around slowly, my eyes scanning each and everyone.

They landed on Skai, who has been awfully quiet.

"Skai, come here."

My voice was firm and commanding. Skai didn't show fear, but I saw a glimmer of it.

She stood up and made her way towards my desk. I couldn't read her face, but her eyes didn't lie. She looked torn. The same look my victims gave when they know they fucked up.

"Who is this big boss to you?" I asked calmly. I just wanted answers.

She swallowed hard. "His name's Orion Kennedy. He and my dad had a blood tie. When my father died, I took over. That debt was left to me. I finished the job, but then he asked me to work for him. I said no."

No one said a word as they listened. But I don't know this guy, so why come after what's mine?

I pulled off my jacket, the AC was on, but I was burning up.

"So this is personal? Is it because he thinks you're working for me?"

She ran a hand through her hair. "I don't know Angel. He doesn't know you, so why would he-"

She didn't get to finish. She clutched her head before staggering all the way to the couch.

Smith checked on her, and she nodded.

This guy knew I was expecting the shipment. So he planned. He got there before me. He took everyone out and took what's mine.

"Where does this guy live?" Vaira asked, taking a few steps towards Skai.

"In the city. A penthouse. But he has his operation at an old club," Skai replied.

Aydin was quiet. The first. He was just as upset as me. Losing a shipment does fuck you up. Especially, when you lose it to someone like that!

"Shouldn't we already be on our way?" Jones cut in.

"It's not our fault it got taken," Vaira muttered out.

"What do you mean?" Skai asked, her voice sharp with anger.

She stood, stepping right up to Vaira.

Vaira scoffed. "Oh, cut the shit. You're tied to this Orion guy. How else would he know about the shipment?"

Skai clenched her jaw. "The fuck you implying? That I had a hand in this?"

"Yes! You fucking did! You're a desperate bit-

Skai's fist connected with Vaira's cheek. The rest of the word never made it out.

Vaira stumbled black, clutching her cheek.

She charged but was immediately held back by Aydin.

"That's enough!" My voice cut through the air.

Skai adjusted her jacket, her eyes still locked on Vaira.

"Come on Angel, that's the truth. She's working with this guy to get what's yours!" Vaira shouted across the room.

I ran a hand through my hair. The quarrel between these two has got to stop. I didn't even know where it came from. Vaira was a hot-head and Skai...well, was Skai. She doesn't take shit from anyone and she never backs down.

"You're so fucking stupid it's unbelievable. Why would I risk my life going with Angel, knowing Orion would already be there and take the shipment?" Skai fired back.

Maybe I shouldn't have smashed that whiskey.

"If the both of you don't stop right now, I'll throw the two of you out of my office!"

I've had enough. How the fuck did it get this far?

I watched as they calmed down. Vaira took a seat, but Skai approached me.

"Angel, I'm really sorry. But believe me, I had no hand in this," she said softly.

I wasn't blaming her. I didn't know much, but she wasn't a backstabber.

"It's okay. I know that," I replied calmly.

She gave me a half smile. "What exactly is the shipment?"

My jaw clenched. "Guns. Custom made. Twenty to be exact. They're high tech, built completely from scratch. If they got into the wrong hands..."

I'm so fucking sorry," she said. "I'll do my best to get them back."

I looked at her. Her eyes were sharp and laced with determination.

That's what I admired about her. She never backs down from trouble.

Danger didn't scare her. Not even a group of fifty men with guns.

Skai was one of a kind.

"Meeting is dismissed, we'll continue in the morning," I spoke, my voice echoed through the room.

"Skai, come with me," I said.

She nodded without hesitation.

I left the office and headed to my room, footsteps heavy in the silence behind me. I glanced at her. Her eyes were focused, but I knew her brain was swirling with thoughts.

"Isn't this your room?" She asked, as we stopped at my door.

"Yeah it is. It's been a long night. I need a shower and some rest, " I replied, opening the door and stepping in.

She followed after, slight confusion on her face. "Shower? What, you need me to wash your back or something?"

I laugh erupted from my lips. Her lips twitched as well, trying to hide the smile.

"I think I can manage. Anyways, there's something I want to ask you."

She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth. The action stirred something inside me. But just like that it vanished.

I swallowed, hard.

She took a seat on the couch, eyes fixed on me. "Go ahead and ask."

"What's the beef with you and Vaira?" I asked.

She groaned and sank further into the couch. "She just hates me. I think it goes deeper than that fight."

I crossed my arms. "What do you mean?"

She shrugged. "Maybe she likes you and think we have something going on."

I raised an eye at her. "Trust me, Vaira doesn't like me that way."

Now it was her turn to raise an eye. "How sure are you about that?"

I smirked. "She doesn't swing my way."

Her lips fell, and her face went blank.

"So, I'm out of the picture. But you now..." I continued, a menacing smile on my lips.

She rolled her eyes in a playful way. "Yeah right."

I started unbottoning my shirt. "I'm being serious. Maybe she has a crush on you, but don't know how to say it."

Her eyes flickered to my hands. They lingered for a while before she looked away.

"W-Well, she has a fucked up way of showing it."

She stuttered. This is the second time I'd ever heard her do that. It was weird, because she doesn't usually do it.

I pulled off my shirt, tossing it into the clothes basket.

"You could've warned me you know?"

I looked at her. A blush had crept into her cheeks. Her eyes fixed on the floor.

"Warn? About what? Have you never seen a man shirtless before?" I asked, placing my hands on my hips.

She didn't answer. Now I was intrigued.

I decided to play a little. Just a little.

"Skai, answer me," I said softly, taking a few steps forward.

Her eyes never left the floor.

I kept going, I couldn't stop myself.

"Skai," I whispered out. She finally looked up.

Her eyes flickered to mine. There was something there. Soft. Unspoken. And gone before I could name it.

"I think I should go," she said abruptly.

She pushed herself up, averting her eyes.

"I want to ask you something else," I said, my voice low.

We were standing face to face now. She still didn't meet my gaze.

I didn't know why I was doing this… but I couldn't stop. I wanted to push her...just a little bit more.

"About the shipment, we'll get it back. Together."

She sighed, eyes still fixed on the floor.

"Okay."

Just a simple word.

She cleared her throat, stepping away from me.

But I caught her. A hand snaked around her waist. It was out of instinct. Nothing planned.

"What do you want Angel?" She asked almost breathlessly. She turned to me. Her eyes were conflicting.

"You haven't answered me. Have you never seen a guy shirtless before?"

She rolled her eyes. "Of course I have."

She said it so calmy, but it didn't feel like the truth.

"Good night," she said, pulling my hand away.

Without another word, she walked out.

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