Chapter 2 THE MEETING

Dad invited me to his chambers to discuss about an important deal. In the middle of the discussion, dad threw a random question at me. Dad had asked me if I had a boyfriend. Honestly speaking, I was shocked and speechless. For the first time, dad asked me such a question. I forced out a smile and said no. dad tried to know about my romance life but I stopped him and reminded him about the deal. After the discussion, I left his chambers for my room.

In the evening, I decided to take a walk , when I noticed one of the gang member flirting with a maid. They became aware of my presence and embarrassed when they noticed me staring at them. The maid quickly ran off while the dude apologised and left.

I sighed and drank from my wine glass, I had my seat and watched the love birds in their cage.

"Even birds have lovers" I said and sighed again. "I wonder when I'll have a lover. Will I ever have a lover? What kind of guy do I actually want? Definitely a handsome, really handsome and... I don't know but I know one thing for sure, when I meet him, I will know that he is definitely the one for me" I said and smiled.

Dad's birthday is fast approaching, I decided to drop by at the mall and pick up his favourite things and some nice things to gift him, once I was done with the meeting I had attended. The meeting was a success and ended, I was able to strike a deal with the investors. I left for the mall with my men. I looked good in my red tuxedo, red trouser and a black hat, and dark shades to compliment my looks and my gun in my hand.

We arrived at the mall and went in. we drew a lot of attention, many knew me and they fretted at the sight of my presence. I stopped and scanned the stores and finally pointed at a particular store to do my shopping. As usual, once I pick a store to shop in, my men clears the customers in the shop and I shop in peace.

I made my choice and my men moved in and announced that everyone should vacate the store. Normally, people would refuse to obey such instruction but people fear guns more than the one holding it, well..my men took out their guns before going inside to make things easy. Everyone quickly rushed out of the store. One of my men came to inform me that they have cleared the store. I went in and heard some voices in the store. One of my men was having a confrontation with a guy in the store who had refuse to leave the store. My man dragged him along with him but came to a halt when they saw me. He smirked.

Well, well, well, if it isn't Rocco, who else could stand up against me. Rocco is from a rival group and I really hate him. His sight disgusts me and whenever I see him, it feels like some insects are crawling on my skin.

We stood before each other, glaring at each other, with hatred showing on our faces. I smirked.

"Leave while we are still being nice to you" I said.

"What? Nice? Good grief. I can shop where I wish to . I'm not leaving" Rocco said.

"You can choose another store and shut it down and do your shopping" I said.

"Same applies to you. As for me, I'm not leaving. Now get lost and let me shop in peace" Rocco said.

"Rocco! Don't get me angry"

"Do I look like I care. Get the hell outta here, psycho"

"What did you just call me?

"I never knew that your mafia group is so stupid. I know it's quite a crazy group, but I never knew that they would let their craziness get out of hand by making some weak woman their mafia lord, so disappointing"

"Are you hurt? Does it hurt your ego that the one person who keeps defeating you is a woman? Well, Rocco, I give you just five seconds to get out. One...two.."

"Three...four...may I continue? I'm not scared of you"

"Rocco! Leave immediately!

"Still repeating the same thing. I don't care what you say, I'm not leaving here"

First of all, I hate Rocco and everything about him makes me sick. Secondly, I hate it when someone disobeys my orders and anyone who dares flout my orders is my enemy. Out of anger, I pulled out my handgun and pointed it at Rocco leaving him surprised. He smirked and took two steps forward, having the gun touch his forehead.

"Go ahead and shoot girl"

That irritated me. I was ready to pull the trigger but didn't do so. He realized I wasn't going to shoot him and quickly pulled out his gun and pointed it at me. I smirked and asked him to put his gun down which he refused to do, rather he asked me to take my gun off his face. An argument ensued and we began to yell at each other.

"Enough! A voice came from Rocco's back,

Someone else was in the store. I looked and saw a very handsome young tall man in a black trouser, white shirt and a long ash coat. He looked really handsome.

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Few moments ago...............................................

While Rocco and I were having our silly argument, this young man was shopping then he noticed that the store was quiet. He decided to take a look around the store to see why it was so quiet. He walked in on Rocco and I pointing guns at each other.

Rocco turned back and saw this handsome gentleman approaching us. The gentleman stood before us questioning our actions. He was shocked to see us point guns at each other and quickly asked us why we were pointing guns at each other. He requested us to put our guns away and leave quietly.

Surprisingly, I did what he asked us to do. I did shock my gang when I had put my gun away. He thanked me and asked Rocco to put away his gun. Rocco smiled and put away his gun. My gentleman turned to me and asked me not to point guns at people.

Rocco sniggered and called me a fool which got me angry but I couldn't do anything. For the first time I wanted to do something but couldn't do it because of some stranger.

"Why ain't you gonna point your gun at me? You are mad at me right? Well, well, well... Serena, you can bid goodbye to this world" Rocco said pointing his gun at me.

My hand went numb to lift my gun and probably shoot Rocco. My gentleman quickly turned and hugged me, using himself as a shield to prevent the bullet from hitting me if Rocco eventually fires the gun. I was so shocked. A guy who knows nothing about me is willing to take a bullet for me? Rocco laughed and said he isn't like me who can shoot someone at his back or shoot innocent people. Rocco put his gun away and left with his gang.

I didn't notice him leave as I was lost in the arms and eyes of my handsome gentleman. He looked into my eyes, honestly, I was melting slowly. Could this be love? Perhaps, love at first sight? My heart raced so fast and I tried so hard to control it as I was scared he would hear my heart beat so fast and that he might catch on that he is the reason my heart was beating so fast. I have never felt this way before. My heart has never raced for any guy, why race now?

He finally freed me from his arms and apologised to me for hugging me without my consent. Still in disbelief that someone aside my gang members is willing to get hurt for me while protecting me.

"Uhmm..are you okay? He asked but I said nothing cause I was lost in thought. "Hello, are you there? Hello" He waved at me and snapped his finger at my face and I came back to reality and quickly forced out a smile.

"Oh yes. Yes, thank you. Thank you for saving my life. I really appreciate it. We don't even know each other, yet you chose to risk your life for me. I'm indeed grateful to you" I said with a huge smile on my face.

"It wasn't anything" His glance fell on my gun. "You should put that thing away. That shouldn't be in your hand" He said pointing at my gun."

"Huh?

"Your gun, put it away. Where is your bag? He asked

"My bag? I didn't come with any bag" I said.

"I don't know why you have a gun, maybe for protection, please, put your gun in your pocket. I'm not saying this for you or trying to protect but the eyes of the innocent people out there and the kids in the mall from beholding such dreaded thing. Take care. I will leave then" He said and left the store while I turned and watched him leave.