Chapter 13

She was just at the gate as I watched like a personal bodyguard to make sure she entered safely before I drove off.

“Hi, Sir. Thank you so much for today.” That was the message that popped up on my phone just immediately after I got back home.

I almost slapped myself as I caught my face beaming with a wide smile. I can’t tell why her message made me feel this happy.

“It is no big deal.” I typed and sent knowing fully well that this wasn’t what I wanted to tell her. My only fear of getting close to her was that she may find out about my real identity.

I saw the lashing fear in her eyes when I almost killed those rapists. She was terrified just by the sight of blood and couldn’t stand it for one second. How much more would she be scared of me when she found out that I was a bloody killer who had lost count of how many bodies he had dropped.

“Have you gotten home? What do you plan to eat?” Another message from her and my lips curled. The cheeky emojis she uses at the end of every text are really funny.

“At least, I am certain you’re reading my text… But how did you know my phone was tapped? How did you open that locked door? How could you fight so well?” 

A heavy sigh slipped my lips as I read the third message, the question making me anxious. It was better she knew nothing about this. She was just too innocent to get involved in this dark world.

“I will make pancakes and pap or cornflakes.” I sent and dropped my phone. A few seconds later, my phone chirped and I found myself rushing back to check her message.

“Someday, please take me to your house so I can cook for you since you have no one. You will lick the plates after having my meal.” 

I sent a laughing emoji.

“You are good with your tongue, actually.” 

What?

My eyes widened at the text. Okay, but why am I excited over this? Shouldn’t I be angry? Why won’t she forget that past mistake?

“My parents had always wanted to employ a private mathematics teacher for me because I do have low marks, but I won’t reject all they bring just because I was lazy. I think I have found the right person.” *A wink emoji*

“Maybe Helen was right to block you off from me. Goodbye!” I typed and took a deep breath before sending then dropped my phone.

I entered the kitchen and began to make the meal, but my mind was creating some crazy scene in that kitchen, having Diane beside me here while we chit-chat and cook together. It was so real that I was feeling the excitement.

My face was beaming with a smile as I thought of her being here with me, and I could realize at that moment that I was undeniably in love.

After so many years….

How did it happen? 

When?

And what did she do differently?

I tried to pinpoint, but couldn’t find my answer. All I knew was that I could kill for Diane. I would risk my job for her, and even the mission can be compromised just for her. 

It was hard to see her sad, and that moment when she was in agony, helpless under those two fools who tried to rape her, was something that made me realize I would move mountains for her.

As I sat in the dining room, I imagined her at the other end, and a little smile crept up my lips. I remembered how she clung to me after I saved her, resting her head on me like I was her knight. It made me grin…

“Leo!” 

I was jerked back to consciousness by the voice that called my name. I could recognize it but why she was here was something I couldn’t understand.

“Zena, didn’t I fucking make it clear the last time that you don’t sneak up on me! Stop that nonsense!” I snarled, looking up at her with angry eyes, but that was not moving her. The confused look was still on her face.

“Who? Who is she?” 

I grimaced, “Who is who?” 

She shook her head and sat down, folding her hands over her breast.

“I am on a mission in another state but I fly here every time I have a free period because I can’t seem to bear being away from you. The mafia Don also knows of my interest in you and has given approval. We are the perfect match because we grow from the same world, but why do you keep pushing me away!” She whined, her eyes wet and sad.

“I am not interested in that love story! I just want to complete this mission and leave to stay with my mother! My heart has lost the ability to love or feel any of those kinds of emotions!” I repeated what I had always told her but she shook her head.

“I caught you grinning from ear to ear. I saw your eyes shimmering and I know what that means but I don’t want to believe I am right. It’s just a week or so since you started the teaching profession. Who caught your attention? Who melted your heart already?!” She seethed, her brown eyes boring into mine as she tucked her straight midnight-black black waiting for my reply.

“I have no idea what you are talking about! Leave, please! Stop sneaking in on me!” I hissed, and she let out a hollow chuckle.

“Alright!” In anger, she stomped out. I could tell she was really heartbroken.

Zena had been there for me all through the year I spent in Mafia training. I met her in the gang and it was like a love at first sight for her. Even after I had shown no interest, she believed one day she would be mine.

She had helped me a lot, taking lots of risks and making sacrifices for me. She would even take the blame for my mistake just so I won’t be punished but her. 

I won’t deny she loves me but no matter how hard I tried, I could not fall in love. I had always detest love and shunned anything that related to it. I was known to have a heart like a rock, but she won’t give up.

This made it more difficult to understand how Diane didn’t have to do much to penetrate the high walls of my heart.

I finished up my food and went to bathe.

At night, I went to that same club I met Diane in in hope of seeing her there again. I didn’t even realize till I got there. My former self would have carried two sex workers for the night, but I suddenly couldn’t. 

The only woman I want to have sex with is Diane.

******

My eyes were on the clock as I stood there waiting for my lesson time. 

I didn’t want to go to her class earlier so it didn't show how overly eager I was. I had to hide the yearning to see her even though it was eating me raw. 

Immediately it clocked 1 pm, I hurried out of the office like one who was being chased.

I stepped into the classroom and there was happiness in everyone's face as usual. The girls were all so excited to see me, swooning and trying to get my attention, but there was only one person my eyes searched for. 

Diane. 

She was sitting in the last desk in the front row, and as my eyes fell on her, I felt my heart tugged. She let out a little smile and dropped her gaze to the floor shyly.

My heart fluttered, flashes of memories leaving me lost for a moment, but I was fast to regain my composure and started teaching. 

“Sir, I have a question.” One girl said as she raised her hand. 

“I'm all ears.” 

She stood up and took a deep breath. “What was the reason to give us your phone number if you won't reply to our texts or calls?” 

Almost all the girls in the classroom began to chitter and murmur in support of her questions. Diane looked up at me and I could catch the glimpse of her cheeks flushing red as she blushed.

She must have realized she was the only one I texted back among everyone else.

“None of you all sent a relevant question. Just pure shit! Next time I won't only snub them all but block you!” I snapped and turned to Diane.

“Why are you so harsh on us?!” She retorted and I stared at the tall black-haired student who was now acting like the class cheerleader.

“You all should be lucky I didn't report those stupid texts you sent to me! My only job is to teach you from the topics assigned to me!” I snorted.

“Someone saw you picking up Diane on the road one day. Is that also part of your job? She blurted and there was an uproar as the whole class began to chatter and whisper among themselves.