Chapter Six: The Brother

My face could have a written question mark on it as Colby cleared his throat. Blake took back his hand and I can definitely see him smirk.

“Yes. I mentioned the job that I lined you up for. Blake here just came back from abroad. He is looking for an executive assistant to manage some of his work.” Colby explained.

“Oh.” That is all I can say at the moment.

The man in front of me has a face that seemed sculpted by a greek artist. His face is a little long but his sharp jawline balances it out. He has gray-colored eyes that seemed to have a storm going on in there. His hair is an overgrown clean-cut, ruffled, and all over the place. His hoodie fits perfectly on him, shaping his shoulders and chest but loose on the lower side. And I’m gonna be his assistant. 

“Let’s talk about the details over dinner.” Blake suggested and raised his hand. 

A lady brought us the menu. She is glancing at Blake repeatedly as if she is scared and admiring him at the same. She flushed when he told her his order. 

“So can you tell me what I should be doing?” I started the questioning as I am very curious.

“It’s pretty easy as I don’t have many activities for now. I just need you to arrange schedules, answer calls, and other office things I might need.” It sounds easy. Except for the fact that they are running a syndicate and a known mafia group in the country.

“Great. When should I start?” I asked. 

“As soon as possible. But you still have to undergo some training in the office and in the field.” Colby spoke. I borrowed my eyebrows and looked at him.

“Field?” I am confused.

“Yes. Martial Arts and Firearms are some. You need to memorize all our business partners and enemies as well. We can’t have them sneaking in on us. Someone will be assisting you with all that. Training starts tomorrow.” Blake is speaking without even looking at me.

My mind is still processing all that information. I have a lot of questions but I don’t know where to start asking. My head is tilting side by side as I try to create sound sentences. Colby is trying to hold his laughter.

“So how was your talk about your previous work?” Colby initiated a diversion.

I can see the bond between the two of them, the bond that could’ve been with me. I admit I am a bit jealous. But I am more grateful to Blake’s family for letting Colby grow just as he is like today. Ten years is no joke for a growing child, especially from a child raised in the worst conditions. 

“Please come to my office tomorrow by nine. I would have you meet your trainers, both of them.” Blake said as we went down the elevator to the park. We are heading home.

“Sure. But can I get your number? Just in case.” He gave me his number and we went our separate ways.

I woke up early to prepare breakfast. I always eat with Mom in the morning just to make sure she is alright and taking her medicines properly. Father never bothered us so far. I double-checked everything in Mom’s room before I left her to prepare for my job orientation today. 

I asked Cols what I should wear today and he told me to dress casually and smart but bring spare clothes for physical training. I thought he was joking but I prepared one anyway. 

I met Blake in the lobby taking his morning coffee. He is reading a new paper and is wearing a black suit with a navy blue inner shirt. His long hair was slicked back giving him a fresh clean look. I can properly see the shape of his body now. This guy never disappoints, I don’t he’ll ever will. 

“Good Morning.” I greeted him. He looked up from his newspaper and lifted his coffee cup to me.

“Coffee?” He asked.

“I’m done with mine. Shall we go?” He folded his newspaper and finished his coffee before setting the cup on the table.

“Yep. Let’s go.” We took his car and drove quietly to his hotel.

“Why don’t you guys just have an office building?” I asked.

“Our transactions should be as discreet and as hidden as possible. We own these hotels under a different name to keep safe of our identity, as well as our clients. It serves its purpose well.” Blake explained as we drove.

His office is on the top floor. It has the perfect view of the city. The interior of his office is as masculine as it can be. He noticed as my head turned around to take a look at the place.

“Dad arranged this office when I told him I’ll be coming back for good. Please don’t judge.” I smiled at him.

A knock came on the door. A blonde woman dressed in a silk cream blouse and fitted pink pencil skirt came in. With her is a girl in a black tracksuit, and her hair is in a high ponytail.

“Mr. Valentino, we are here. Good Morning, Ms. Rivera. My name is Summer, I will assist you in your work here in the office.” The girl in the skirt us with a smile.

“I’m Ciara. I will be your trainer.” The girl in the tracksuit said.

“Ciara will also be your personal assistant. I can’t give Summer as she handles the hotel management. But I hand-picked these two for you, as per Colby’s suggestion too.” Blake explained. He motioned the three of us to take the seat on the couch set in front of his table.

“Hi, I am Leilah. Please just call me Leilah.” I extended my arms for a shake and both of the girls took it firmly.

“I will prepare a detailed list of all you will need to know. I am currently waiting for a few more things but we will have a complete discussion tomorrow.” Summer explained. She said we will meet again tomorrow but for today Ciara will be taking me.

“You might be shocked to start physical training on your first day, but we figured it would be better to condition your body as early as possible.” Ciara apologized for the set but I do understand their point.

After a few more talks, the girls bid their goodbyes. Summer will proceed with her work and Ciara will be getting the car. I will meet her at the parking lot.

“Good luck, Leilah.” Blake said without looking up from his readings.

“Can I ask you something, Blake?” I walked in front of his table and stood there waiting for him to look at me. “Why are you being so kind to me? I was a stranger not until two days ago but we are talking business casually like nothing is weird.” 

“Why is it weird? You are Colby’s sister. Colby is my brother. If he said he wants you to be part of his life again I will do everything to make it happen.” He looked straight into my eyes as he said those words.

“Colby is very lucky to have you. I cannot thank you and your family enough.” I know I can never repay their kindness. But I am willing to be of help as long as I can.

“Colby is lucky to have you, Leilah. He is what he is because of you. Make sure to make him proud.”