Vector's eyes slowly left mine and fell on the gun, then back up to my eyes. He looked confused, almost hurt, and I hated myself for the guilt that stabbed through me. He had probably been expecting a warm welcome. An embrace. Those heated kisses. But what sort of daughter would I be to give him those knowing very well that he hid my father from me all this time? What sort of daughter would giving into my heart make me?I swallowed hard as he took a step forward to me. "Red," he said, his voice low. "Drop the gun.""Tell me where my father is," I said, my brow raising. "I need to find him.""You don't," he said, his black eye thinning considerably, so the colour filled it. "You don't need to find that bastard.""So it's true? You really... didn't kill him? You really didn't kill him all this while?""No," he said, and his eyes darted across both of mine. "Twenty million was not enough for me to."I blinked, my lips lightly quivering. My body trembled, but I gripped the gun even tight
Vector finally let me go and took a step back, his chest heaving. My eyes opened, and I met his, my chest heaving hard, my fingers drenched in his blood. He swallowed, his lips parting as he moved backwards, then slowly sat on the nearest couch.His eyes were low, and he reached for the cup of alcohol on the centre table. Slowly, he took a sip out of it, just as Manuel returned with a few men. The men proceeded to take Emilio and Claire, and I saw Manuel hesitate to come to us. I looked up to him, then swallowed. "He is hurt," I said slowly, my chest heaving.Manuel's brows furrowed for a moment before he walked up to Vector. He gave a gasp, his hand cupping his mouth. Vector slowly laid back, his eyes closing, the glass lodged tightly in his hand."Vector. Vector, I will call the doctor. I will...""No," Vector said, his eyes low. He seemed to be weakening with the loss of blood. "Knife.""Vector.""Knife!"Manuel stood up, his breath shaky, just like his hands, his eyes filled. H
I wasn't sure how long I stayed there, but one thing I was sure of was that I didn't know where to go. Or what to do. I could go upstairs and be with Vector. I could walk out and never return. Both shattered me into pieces, and I stayed there on the floor that was littered with guns, blood, and glass.I slowly stood up, then turned towards the stairs. I slowly made my way to the foot of the stairs, then hesitated again, my chest heaving as I held on to the railing. I sighed, then climbed it one by one. It felt too fast and way too slow, like I was spending one second of my life on it and my entire lifetime at the same time. Soon, I got to Vector's room, and I stood by the door. This room had been just like home to me. Going and out, being in his arms and his presence. Slowly, I opened the door and peeked in, my lips parting. Vector was lying in bed, his eyes closed, his hand resting in his shoulder. His breaths were slow, and his lips were lightly parted. I closed my eyes, the tea
I sat in front of the car while Manuel got into the driver's seat. He didn't immediately start the car, however, and he turned to me, his lips parting. I kept my eyes fixed in front of me, my chest heaving lightly."You are making a mistake, Red. Vector is not the enemy here.""You want me to believe that my father is? You want me to pick desire over my only family?""You know what you have with Vector is way more than just desire. He was your safe place. He showed you off to the world. He kept you close. He cared about you. He was out of his mimd when he realized you were gone. Maybe you both haven't admitted it to each other yet, but... looking in, I know what I see. My sister was madly in love with that man. Emilia, too. He doesn't just look at any woman the way he looks at you."I closed my eyes, then shook my head. "Just take me to my father, Manuel. That's all I want right now."He gritted his teeth lightly, then turned away. "I liked you, Red. You seemed... more rational than t
My mind was blank by the time we got back to the mansion, and I just sat there in the cat, unable to speak or move. My heart was breaking faster than I could grasp, and I felt like I was losing out on both ends. Losing out on Vector and my father."If you are going to hit me, just do it. But, I am not sorry. I am not sorry for taking you out of there."I turned to him, my lips parting slowly. "You and Vector are the same. That's why you understand him the most."He swallowed. "I know that's not a compliment, but I will take it as one."I turned away and got out of the car, my chest heaving as I took in the mansion in front of me. The hate in my father's eyes flashed right in front of me, causing my face to heat up with the tears that stung the back of my eyes.I walked in, expecting Emilia or Vector, but neither were there. The floors were clean, and it felt like earlier had not happened. It was now dark outside, and I walked straight up to my room, my chest heaving.I stood in front
I woke up to the soft latching of the door as it closed, and I turned, my eyes taking in my surroundings. I swallowed, my chest heaving a little as I looked down at myself. I was wrapped up in a robe, the sheets all over me. I say up slowly, wincing a little. My wounds felt cared for, and there was a tray of food on the bedside drawer.I blinked slowly, then sighed, my fingers raking through my hair. I could vaguely remember last night. The kisses that still tingled on my skin, then way he had held me tight. My eyes closed, my chest heaving.He had felt so much like home. I hated it.I changed into a dress, then went downstairs. Vector was downstairs, his eyes fixed on the papers in front of him. He was wearing transparent anti blue light glasses, and I swallowed. It gave him such a different look. A more innocent look. It felt different.He slowly looked up to me, and his eyes softened a little, his lips parting. "You are awake. Have you eaten?""I... I need to go somewhere."Vector'
The ride was silent, and I turned out tobthe window once we got to the place my dad now lived in. Manuel stopped, then sighed, his eyes thin. I waited in the car for a while, my mind bracing itself for what was to come. I know how my dad was. When he got angry, he got violent. It was hard to get him to calm down, too. It's hard to get him to see reason.I sighed, then slowly opened the door. Manuel opened his door and got out, then ran out to me, just as I stepped out of the car."Red," he said, his voice low. "I know he is your father, but it isn't excuse enough for him to abuse you. I hope you know that."My eyes closed. "I will keep that in mind.""It wasn't your fault what Vector did to him. He stole from Vector. That is not your fault. He kives because of you."My eyes lifted to Manuel. "What would get you to betray Vector?""Nothing," he said, causing me to laugh. "Cause I know the man I work for. Whoevwr betrays Vector, like Alvin, Ian, your father, Don Al, Emilio, all of them.
I ran back to the car where Manuel was waiting, my chest heaving. I had felt my protective instincts kick in the moment I set foot in there, and until I got in that car with Manuel, I still felt my brqim deciding on fight or flight. Somehow, it didn't feel like I was in the midst of my father and brother. It felt like when I was with Emilio and Claire."Did something happen? Did they do something to you?"I shook my head slowly, my eyes holding Manuel's. His eyes were filled with concern, and when I didn't say a word, he leaned to me, his hand cupping my face.I closed my eyes, my chest heaving. It didn't give me half as much comfort as Vector doing the exact same thing did, but at least, at the very least."Thank you for coming with me."Manuel smiled, his thumb running along my face. "Anything for you. You are sure he didn't do anything to you?""Why do you think he will?" I asked, my eyes holding his. He slowly shrugged. "He got violent yesterday."I slowly turned back to the hous
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