I was lying on my side, my face buried in Vector's chest, my eyes closed. I was wrapped up in one of his robes, my hair sprawled across the pillows. His hand was gently caressing my thigh, his lips grazing my forehead.This is where I loved to be."You haven't eaten, Red."I shrugged. "I don't want to. I am fine here."He moved so he could look in my eyes. "You are?"I nodded. "Is it so hard to believe?"He gave a small chuckle. "No, not exactly. It just tickles me in a whole lot of places that you went from poisoning me to... cuddling with me. "It made me laugh, my eyes closing. "Younare very hard to kill, that I must admit.""Or you didn't want to?"I met his eyes, and he shrugged. "I know what I am saying. You could put a gun to my head, and I wouldn't move."I gave a small giggle, then sighed. "I think I like this better. I don't want to have to be on my toes around you.""Oh, Muneca. Others will have to be on their toes around me for you."I gave a laugh, and he took the chance
"What?" I asked, my brows furrowed. "But why?"He shrugged. "I found my family. I think it's time to...""You talk like you were a stray dog that was picked up until your owners come to claim you.""Red. You are being hurtful.""No. You know you are the only one Vector truly trusts. You are going to hurt him too, and you know leaving him isn't what he had in mind when he insisted you reunite with your mother. I doubt he would ever stop you from going to meet them, but...""You are worried about Vector being hurt, but what about me, Red?""What?"He sighed, closing his eyes. "I don't want to talk about this. I will see Vector when he is awake."He turned away and started to walk away, but I went after him, holding his hand in place. He stopped, a sigh escaping his lips."Manuel, talk to me at least. Please. What went so wrong?"He turned to me, his eyes darting slowly across both of mine. "I... I just want to be able to keep my loyalty to Vector, Red. It's getting increasingly harder f
I sniffed, moving away from Hillary, a small sigh escaping my lips. "I am sorry."She shook her head, a smile lifting her lips. "Thank you. For everything. Honestly, Red."I shook my head, then sat back. "I wanted to check up on you. Have you had anything to eat?"She gave a small shrug. "I honestly don't have an appetite. It feels like it just happened, and I don't know how to feel, Red. Manuel told me he would be leaving, and I just feel..."My lips parted, and I leaned to her, my eyes whr4. "I think I have an idea."Her brows furrowed, but she leaned closer. "Tell me."I gave a small smile, my mind reeling with the prospect of keeping Manuel back. Slowly, I leaned to her, then whispered, my eyes checking to see her reaction.I loved how she immediately brightened up and turned to me, her eyes wide."You think something like that would work?"I shrugged. "Maybe. Manuel is a simple guy. Honestly, I don't want to see him leave, not just for the dact that he would hurt Vector, but...""
I stepped back from the spread as Hillary ran around to me, a small smile on her face. I was glad that she looked much happier, a small twinkle in her eyes as she turned back to the table.I held her hand, then gave a small sigh. "Thank you for helping out, Hillary."She gave a small sigh. "Do you think he would be impressed?""Maybe. But we won't know if we don't try. I really hope he will understand and stay back. Even if not for me, then for you, Hillary," I said, but I was hoping he would stay for me too. Just so he would stay my friend. Just so he wouldn't hurt Vector by leaving."Red?"I turned to Vector, and his eyes were thin as he took in the spread. "What's all of this? Are we celebrating something?"I shrugged. "Maybe we should before the dinner later tonight. And... I want to tell you something."Vector's eyes moved between me and Hillary, then at the phone set up on the table."Okay?"I walked towards him, my lips slightly parting. "You were asleep earlier, but Manuel came
I slowly turned to Manuel, my lips parting as I sighed. He took a step further, and Hillsry suddenly burst into tears and started to run upstairs. Manuel was faster, however, and he caught her before she could leave, his brows furrowed. "What's wrong?""They are all upset that you are leaving," Vector said, then raised a brow. "I am too.""Vector, I...""I know. Your mother needs you. Your niece and nephew, too. So it would be selfish of me to ask you to stay back."I turned to Manuel, my eyes hopeful as I took him in. He only gave a small sigh, his eyes taking all of us in. "Well, I went home earlier. To drop them off at school."Vector nodded. "And?""Well, my sister is leaving with her husband."I sighed. His mother would definitely need him now. She would be alone, her legs are weak, and there are so many reasons I can't be selfish with him."So, Vector. I was wondering if... I could use one of the smaller houses and...""Why don't you bring her here?"My eyes widened, and I tur
It didn't take too long before Manuel returned with his mother. Vector stayed put, but I immediately stood up to greet her. Her eyes widened as she took in the mansion, her eyes darting between us and the undeniably breathtaking architecture of Vector's home."This is..." she slowly turned to Manuel. "Your home?"He started to shake his head, but Vector slowly stood up. "This is our home, and that includes you."I smiled, my eyes twinkling. She reached her hand to cup Vector's cheeks, and if I hadn't done way worse, it would have astonished me just how cite he looked in that moment.People who never got too close to him would probably disagree with me, but they haven't seen him the way that I have. They don't know Vector, the Vector that blushes at being called boyfriend, they don't know that Vector."I am about to be the favourite son, Manuel. Watch out."Manuel broke into a laugh, and my eyes met Hillary's as she shared off at him, seemingly lost in his smile. It made me remember th
I took a quick shower, then wrapped a robe around me, just as a knock came on the door. I had stepped out of the shower when Hillary came running in, followed by corporately dressed women. A few held some boxes, and the first one gave me a vibrant smile as they closed the door behind them."I heard you are getting a makeover," Hillary squealed, laughing. "I want to watch."I gave a small smile, then nodded, and I dropped the towel that was on my head, then headed towards the dresser. I saw as the girls came behind me, and I took a deep breath.I took the seat, my eyes fixed on my reflection in the mirror. I could see Hilllary behind me curiously peeking over everything they were bringing out while the girls focused on the different boxes they each had. Hillary looked so happy that I felt guilty for the fact that I wouldn't be going with her."Would you like a bit of dye in your hair?"I bit down on my lips. I have never thought of dying my hair. "Just the edges, maybe? The very tips,
"It is nice to meet you, mum."Vector smiled, his fingers tightening around mine. "I will keep her happy. That is all you ever wanted. For me to find a pretty girl and keep her happy. I found way more than that in Red, and I would do way more than you ever expected. That is a promise between us three. I do hate that you are not here, but I hope you are happy. I hope you are really in a bettet place like they all say."A single tear ran down my left cheek, and I wrapped my hand around him, my eyes closing, the slow breeze sifting through my hair. He said nothing and slowly leaned forward, placing the rose on her grave.Vector slowly moved away, then let out a small breath, his eyes low. For a few minutes, he dud nothing but watch her grave, emotions passing rapidly in his eyes. "Let's go," he said, then held my hand again.We turned away from the grave and slowly walked away, the sunset behind us, hopefully keeping her company.Vector helped me back into the car, and he got im behind m
Vector was in bed, and I slowly leaned to him, my lips gently kissing his forehead. He gave a small smile and turned to me, his eyes slowly meeting mine."Aren't you going out today?"He shook his head. "She called me dada. She obviously wants me to stay home."I broke into a laugh. "That little traitor. Betraying me like that."He pulled me in. "I could call you baby whenever you want."I broke into a laugh, my eyes darting to the sleeping child. She was just six months old, and she was closer to Vector than ever. She even took after his beautiful, different colored eyes, and I was convinced that my genes hadn't even tried at all.I kissed his forehead again, then smiled. "Everyone is coming for dinner today. Get ready, okay?""Yes, ma'am."I broke into a smile, stealing one more kiss from him, before I walked away. We spent the evening downstairs with everyone. Dad, who was more than excited to be a grandfather and was even taking lessons, Rose, who took every chance to touch Victor
I woke up naked in bed, and Vector wasn't by my side either. I turned, my eyes squinting, my chest heaving as I took the room in. There was no sign of the shower. I turned to my left, and a bouquet of roses was sitting there, with a letter hanging out from it. I broke into a smile, then sat up, grabbing the letter, a smile lighting up my lips."Come meet me in the below address in an hour. I love you."My brows furrowed as I looked down at the address, my chest heaving. I jumped out of bed, then swiftly went to the shower. I checked the time on my phone. I hadn't realized it was past twelve already, but anyone would understand how much I needed my first worry free sleep in so long. In forever. Slowly, I chose a dress, then put my hair up in a ponytail. It was a cute, flowery sun dress, and I twirled around in it for a bit, my smile big.Manuel was waiting in the car when I got down, and something about his smile made me feel like he knew what was going on but simply won't tell me.I
I wrapped Vector's jacket around me as the doctor gave us instructions to take care of the wound. Vector nodded slowly, but his eyes held mine, and I wondered if he ever actually did listen to the doctor. Manuel followed the doctor and finished with the remaining discharge processes, and I stayed back with Vector, who was finally falling asleep, fatigue, lack of sleep, and the pain catching up with him."We can go now," Manuel announced, coming up to us. I went to Vector's side, then wrapped his arm around me, while Manuel did the same to his left. That way, we got him out of the hospital and to the car. I got in the back with him, then gently adjusted him to lie on my lap, my fingers slowly pushing through his hair, my smile small.He was now weak, and it didn't take him long to fall asleep, his eyes closing gradually. I leaned to kiss his forehead, and he gave a weak smile before he finally fell asleep. The ride this time was slow, and I actually got to breathe. I watched the sig
Manuel cut through the teeming traffic as he drove us at top speed to the hospital. My heart was in my throat by the time we got to the hospital, my eyes darting fearfully between the outside environment and Vector, who was now motionless.Manuel got out, then came around and opened the door. I got out first, and he leaned, then slowly brought Vector out of the car. I ran to support him, and we walked into the hospital with Vector between us.They immediately brought a stroller, and we lay Vector on it. We followed behind them as they wheeled him to the operating room."It appears to be a gunshot wound, " one of the doctors said, adjusting his gloves. "Do you have a police report?"I swallowed. Tears were running down my cheeks now, and I wasn't even sure how to control it. They wanted to wait another ten minutes to bring that man to give a police report even when my Vector wasn't even moving anymore?I turned. Vector's gun was still in my hand, and I sucked in a deep breath, my eyes
I gasped as Vector gave a small smile, his eyes darkening as he got progressively angrier. Slowly, he cracked his gun, then slowly moved Don Lucian's head, his voice low with a murderous darkness behind it. "Let's try, then.""Vector," I said, but before the word could get out of my mouth, a van I recognized drove into the port and then parked. I turned, just as my real father was brought out at gun point, his eyes wide, his hands brought up in a surrender."Dad!" I screamed, and it distracted Vector momentarily, causing Don Lucian to swing for the chance he got.He immediately grabbed me by the neck, forcing me to his body, a wicked laugh escaping his lips, his eyes thin with evil."You fool, you really thought you could outsmart me? How about living the rest of your life like that bastard pining for your Rose?""Red," Vector said, his eyes wide. I could immediately see his resolve weakening, fear flashing in his eyes. Manuel ran out, his chest heaving. "Don't shoot!"Vector blinke
I nodded, my breath hitching in my throat. The cars stopped, and for a short while, no one came out of them. I held my breath, then turned to Vector, whose eyes were thin now, his fingers clasped into each other.Slowly, the first car opened, and I watched as Don Lucian walked out of the car, his eyes thin. His eyes took in the port before it landed on Jonas' dead body.He looked up, and in the blink of an eye, the other cars he had come with opened up, armed men trooping out immediately, surrounding us.Vector gave a small chuckle, his eyes becoming a lot thinner. I know what that meant. He was getting even angrier."Deploy the men," Vector said, and I watched as the place was slowly covered by even more men, armed to the core, their guns aimed towards Don Lucian's men.Don Lucian looked cornered, his eyes wide and filled with rage. Manuel slowly came out of his car, his gun held tight and ready to shoot."Have you missed us? Don?"Don Lucian met Manuel's eyes, and he swallowed, clen
The ride was silent, and Vector called once to make sure I was on my way. He spoke to the driver, and I leaned back, my chest heaving. All of it was so nerve-wracking, and I needed to see the end to this. Has there been some sort of change in plans? Was there some sort of problem?Suddenly, the car stopped. I turned around, and Vector's car was parked by the aide. My eyes thinned as I watched the car. Slowly, he rolled down the glass, and Vector's face slowly came into view.He had a small smile and a cigar between his lips, his eyes dark. I broke into a smile and went out of the car, without waiting for him to come to me.I went into the car, and he broke into a laugh as I lunged myself into him, smile big, my chest heaving hard. He wrapped his hands around me, his lips blessing every inch of my skin available to him. My face, my lips, my neck, my shoulders, the tops of my breasts, my fingers, my arms.I guess he felt the same emptiness I had all night long."Fuck, I missed you," he
I lay in bed, my eyes watching the bright chandelier. I had lost track of time, and I just lay there. Halfway across the city to Vector, and another part of me just laying here, waiting for something, anything. Needing something to tell me that Vector was okay.A knock came on my door, and I turned to it, my eyes slowly blinking. Hillary poked her head in, then gave me a small smile as she caught my eyes."I thought you would be alone. Manuel told me they were leaving."I nodded, then slowly sat up. My phone was lying on the bedside drawer, and I sighed, watching it. There was nothing."Are you okay?"I nodded slowly. "You?""Ibam fine. Could you lend me one of your clothes, please? We are the same size and I really need to go somewhere."I nodded, forcing myself to sit up, my chest slightly heaving. I got out of bed, then slowly led her to the wardrobe. I let her choose, and she picked the simplest one, just something that looked rather plain."Is that really what you want?" I asked,
Vector closed the door and turned back to me, a small smile on his face. He leaned to me, his fingers gently massaging my scalp. "You should rest. I will be back."I shook my head, sitting up, my chest slightly heaving. "I will dress up and come downstairs. This involves me as much as it does you."He nodded, kissing me hard, his grip on my face almost desperate. He pulled away, then kissed around my face again, his eyes closed.I could hear the silent prayer in those kisses. I could tell he was nervous. He never really was, but now, because I was there, because I was a weakness, he had no other option.He was scared, just as I was. This could go either way, and this story could end with me losing him. This story could come to an end with me standing above him. I would hate for that to happen.I got out of bed, then slowly dressed up in comfortable shorts and a large sweatshirt. Soon enough, we went downstairs where Manuel was, with a group of armed men.His eyes were thin, and ever