* Axel *After sundown, the mood has changed, without identifying the client the Dragon gang is about to meet my men and I focus on the negotiation that is about to take place. We were three hours early at the venue equipped with all our needed weapons to fight. It is a crucial time, I don't want anyone from my team to get hurt just like the last time in Singapore. This time it should be the enemies who would suffer the wrath from all of us. Donte is looking more serious than everyone else, I could read through him the amount of pressure that I also feel.I wasn't a fool to only let the four of us here, there are more than fifty men that are all armed and ready. Taking a disguise on two yacht docks at the Port, I know that the enemies will be outnumbered. His clients will not bring in too many people to hide from the attention of the public. "Boss Axel, I received a text message from our men confirming the visitors arriving with the package in their hands."I smirked and nodded. "The
* Axel *It took three weeks before I received an important message from the Dragon gang in Singapore that I was free to go back and they would not lay a hand on my people. And their leader sent a private invitation for a formal business meeting with him. I know the rumors that the old man is nicknamed the old dragon and he does not meet anyone that easily or show his face to any of their business clients. Not that I want to do business with the gang, we have different lines of business I am less brutal than how they are. However, I could be ten times like them if they hurt me first."Boss Axel, this is very dangerous for you to accept."Donte immediately objected when I told him that I wanted to leave and pursue the opening of our casino in Singapore. It was my initial plan the first time I stepped foot in the country, however, we did not make it when the hotel that we stayed in blew up. I lost millions of dollars, but I had my revenge a few weeks ago.The money is back in my accoun
* Reda Faith *"Bye dear, have a safe flight."My grandpa was smiling ear to ear as he helped me put my luggage at the back of my car. I knew that he would go fishing at the inner harbor of Fremantle again after I left for my flight. "Thanks, Grandpa, enjoy fishing with your friends!""I do, and if there's a good catch, I'll make sure that you can have some when you come back.""Oh, thank you, grandpa."I got in the driver's seat and started the engine of my brand-new white Honda CRV. The first thing I bought after getting a job at the S&A airlines. Dad was still at work but I knew that he would send me a message before my flight, he knows that I have work starting today from Perth to Manila and Singapore then back. My job pays well, I am even earning a few dollars higher than that of my father. Grandpa is also loving the place and he has found friends who enjoy fishing. There is a huge community of Filipinos in Australia and most of them are very friendly and helpful. The idea to mi
* Reda *"Axel"I spill out his name in surprise, of all the people around the world who could have reserved all the VIP seats of the first class. Why it so happened to be him, I met his gaze and felt the familiar spark. His eyes held the same power, and yet I could tell that he did not expect to see me on board the same plane with him. The glass of whiskey in my eyes felt cold from my palm and I had to put it on the table in front of him. Feeling the heat of his gaze while I leaned over.Pretending that it was alright, but it is very much far from it. My heart is thumping wildly inside my chest, he is still the same handsome and arrogant yet I fell for him."I did not expect to see you here Reda. But this is rather a pleasant surprise, how was it since the last time we saw each other?"The question came out natural but his voice was so manly and I could only imagine the last time his lips were on my ears whispering. I had to blink my eyes and throw those memories away from my head. I
* Reda Faith *I felt small but not enough to hide beside Henry when the plane landed safely at the airport in Singapore and we had to stand at the exit to say goodbye to our VIP passengers. I wonder how I did not notice him when they entered the plane and yet now as they have to go all I could ever think about is how to hide myself because I am very much aware of his presence inside the plane this whole time. And my heart has been acting all over my chest like it wanted to leave my body and follow Axel."Thank you for flying with us, enjoy your stay in Singapore!"Carla has been extra sweet, bidding her goodbye to the men who came out first. Axel was the last one to stand on his seat and his eyes were already with me before he moved forward. His physique intimidating even for Henry whose height was almost similar to his and his build the same, but Axel held himself with such a strong aura and his attitude could not match any man that I have ever seen."I'll see you soon Reda."His lo
* Axel *"You seem to be in a good mood Boss."The short comment came from Donte as we took the elevator above to one of the five-star hotels in Singapore. I pretended like I wasn't glad to have the small piece of paper in my pocket from the flight attendant named Carla. She wrote the room number and the hotel name where Reda was staying, it was easier to speak to her than to get Reda's attention inside the plane. Although the woman was a little disappointed that I was more interested in her colleague than her she was glad to help me with the information."I am glad that you are here Donte, it was wise to bring you on this trip."Donte groans as Rocus and Rafael curiously look at him. "Why, I don't think I am the reason why you are such in a good mood. That is not true that it's because of me, more like something to do with the piece of paper that you slip inside your pocket."I put my hand up in front of Donte's face to let him stop talking. The elevator stopped on the top floor of
* Axel *Donte is with me inside the elevator while it's going down, I hate to fight him and insist on keeping him inside the upper floors. He is the most stubborn among the members of my family, his intentions are for my safety. However, I am going down three floors to see Reda who's in the same hotel as us. I was lucky to get rid of the two, Rafael and Rocus but Donte is a little hard to shake off when he has already read me from the moment that I saw her again on the plane."Don't worry about a thing, she won't even notice that I am waiting outside."A sigh of relief escaped my mouth when I heard his comment. It would be awkward to let him inside Reda's room, and I am not even sure if she would let me in. I have about an hour or two before Rafael and Rocus come back, I don't want to have to explain to them who I met with. Unlike how much I am open with all the details to Donte."Great, that is very convenient Donte."My sarcastic remark did not even register in the blank expression
* Reda Faith *My heart racing faster than when I was running on the treadmill, with his hands holding both my palms I couldn't even have enough strength to pull them back away from him. His warmth filled my skin and my whole body became fully aware of his appeal like a prey I am lured towards him. But I should think back on how my father was unhappy with him, how he was smiling back then when I moved with him to Australia. My mind is ruling over my heart, I can't be with him if it would cause so much pain and sadness for my Dad and my grandpa."Axel, I. Please let go of my hand."For a moment he was confused and his hand refused to let go which I did have not enough strength to pull back again."You are different Reda, something has changed. Even I could tell that there are no lovers around you but I am wrong to think that there are no men. There are two, which you deeply cared about. But that wouldn't stop me, now that I have seen you again I have decided on one thing."His eyes loo
* Axel *We were inside the limousine going back to the house when Juliana broke down and cried. There are only both of us at the back since I let Donte sit with the driver in the front."I'm sorry about your brother Juliana."I ran my hand on her back and took the box of tissues on top of a small attached table. She was gently sobbing. "He was rude but he didn't deserve to be beaten up like that in front of everyone, he was still my brother.""I know, but your father has a violent way of disciplining him."She stopped crying before we reached the hotel and I was glad that she did or I will have a lot of explaining to do to her men when they see us. It is still our first wedding night even when it is just for a show, none of her men knows about our secret agreement. The hotel we were about to spend the honeymoon is located in the center of Singapore.The whole building stood the proudest and we booked the most expensive room but I don't mind spending. I didn't let her family pay for t
* Axel *It was an exclusive gathering with only the members of the Dragon gang of higher ranks and the members of my family were invited. The gathering was held three days after I had given my positive response to marrying the daughter of Mister Goh. The differences between our organizations were deleted and we agreed to bury whatever hatred we felt for each other. We agreed to settle things peacefully now that I have become a business partner of the gang. It was not something that I had wished for nor did I need to do it but considering the safety of my people I did it.Juliana and I had an agreement, I took her word for it or their word since it was hers and Bernard's the lover that she wished to be with."I hope it's alright but I don't think Bernard would appreciate it if we have the official kiss."Her whisper is what brought me back to the moment when I did not pay much attention to what the judge was saying. I turned towards her and looked deep into her eyes, the idea of kissi
* Axel *The deal was on, but instead of rejoicing and feeling the win, I felt a lot of load weighing over my shoulder. This is one of those days that I know it would not turn out great for everyone yet I choose to go with the flow and gamble. It's lives that I am putting on the line, but I swear on my life that I would protect what is mine and protect the lives of the people who work for me. The announcement will be made soon. When the old man sends me a request for my answer it would be a yes."Boss Axel, we must extend our stay if you will hold a wedding."I look at Donte whose eyes are fixated on me. There will be a lot to prepare if the celebration is big, but I wanted to keep it simple because it won't last."This is not a normal wedding Donte, this is a deal with a business partner. Divorce will soon progress after three to six months so there is no need for trivial matters. Send home the rest of our people it would be easier for us. Let them know I will get them back here only
* Axel * She picked the restaurant not far from my hotel when I mentioned to her over the phone where I was staying. Julliana, that is what she wanted me to call her. The woman whom I should marry if I wish to land a business casino here in Singapore peacefully. Her father is the head of the dragon gang, so my mind is on a chaotic page right now. Before heading out, I opened my phone and typed a short message to the woman that I was hoping to see before I finalized my decision.But I stared at the blank screen wondering what I would tell her."Are you ready to leave Boss?"A question from Donte on the driver's seat put me back to the present. "Yes, let's go."He looked at me trying to see if I was alright and it annoyed me more than anything. "Drive Donte, I don't want her to arrive at the venue first."After I said that he nodded and started the car, there were only the two of us in a rented vehicle so I decided to take on his suggestion. We have to change cars, from the day we arri
* Axel *The night ended with only the old man smiling and the rest of the men on my team waiting for the decision that I had to come up with after three days. Life in Singapore is fancy just like how I live in Italy, the country has so much to offer and I wanted to build my business here. In my thoughts I have to talk to the woman who could help me with my business, what she needs in return if she agrees to marry me just for a show, to please her old man.I am still in doubt, I can't marry someone I don't love. Thinking about it is making me puke, however I need to help my men who are already relying on me. The men that I recruited because of my plan for business expansion here in Singapore. The purpose of my life is to build this empire that my father left and the old man is a big hindrance for me. But perhaps I can make it happen through his daughter who offered me a date this afternoon."Good morning Boss!"Donte wakes up first as I walk towards the fancy kitchen of the new hotel.
* Axel *"I have to apologize Mister Goh, but I don't think I could accept this proposal. I don't mix business with my relationship and I already have a woman in my life. This idea is absurd."I shook my head and found my eyes resting on the woman beside me whose face was smiling and lips beginning to pout at the rejection that she heard coming from me."Oh, you don't have to sound so defensive Mister Brussel."Her voice is sweet and pleading, she is younger than Reda but I could tell her boldness from how she carries herself. I bet she is deadly as well as her charms are, she learned everything from his father and the resemblance she has with her brother is slowly resurfacing.Mister Goh chuckled. "Don't give me your decision now Axel, there is only one reason that you could stay here unharmed and one reason for you to get doomed and that is me. I am giving you three days to decide, whether you marry my daughter or you get out of this country for good."My expression dimmed and I kne
* Axel *"She's harmless Axel, her name is Julie and this beside me is Anne."I smirked and the lady beside me giggled despite the gap between us I could smell the scent of her perfume. It's not something that anyone could just ignore, it invades my nostrils but nothing could ever take my mind off from the woman that I have already declared to pursue. The elevator opened and then the men who work for Mister Jo together with my men came in."It's alright Mister Goh, I am fine with lady friends for tonight. I am a man after all."My comment made the lady laugh and adore me with her smile and look but I have no plan of taking her with me if that is what she was expecting."Good, great that the boys are here."He managed to let them sit in the bar which is not far from us. Donte passed by my chair taking a look at the woman beside me. "Are you alright Boss?""Never been fine Donte, go drink with the boys. Enjoy this night it is all thanks to Mister Go over here, I think that it wouldn't
* Axel *It was not what I had expected, for the old man to come down first than the rest of his army. He walks slowly dressed up in a fancy white suit with a formal white hat on top of his head. I could tell that he has no hair underneath the expensive fabric of the hat, but his build is still strong with his legs walking evenly unlike the rest of the old men that I have seen who have reached the age of over sixty or nearly seventy years old. I opened the door beside which alerted all of my men inside."Boss Axel!"Donte who was already going down first tried to stop me, but I didn't pause for a single second and directly landed my feet on the ground to meet the old man. "Stay where you are Donte, or follow behind me but don't embarrass me by meeting him first."Donte cleared his throat to answer me that and also to stay calm. The enemy is just sitting there behind the old man who's closer to me now. "Hi there! Mister Axel Brussel in the flesh, I am glad to meet you."His cheerful vo
* Axel *"She is safe Boss."The relief surged when I heard Rafael reporting the situation with Reda. I asked him to escort her into the airport for her flight at five pm and Rafael was able to call after twenty minutes."Did she get inside the airport Rafael?""Yes Boss, I watched her pass through the security and enter the staff entrance. She is with her colleagues."I exhaled slowly. "Good job! come back now. And Rafel.""Yes Boss Axel, I am with the driver. On my way back to you at the hotel."I paused for a couple of seconds. "Thank you, Rafael.""You're welcome, Boss Axel. Anytime sir."I click the end button and look at both Donte and Rocus with all the other men inside the room. Everyone is trying to hide the most deadly weapon they have on their clothing. With me, I only have a small knife hidden in my boots and one in my belt. We can't bring anything that's going to blow since the hotel is still a strict public place with security and cameras everywhere.For more than one ho