Chapter 4 4

Part Four

Iggy simply averts his gaze from the girl. She's seventeen, turning eighteen. He could face charges if he acts improperly. The girl is beautiful, and he can't deny that. Among the four ladies, she's the smallest but the most attractive. Fair-skinned, cute bangs, black hair just reaching her shoulders, and striking dark brown eyes accentuated by mascara. Iggy, unfamiliar with makeup, learned from past experiences with women. Casey wears only mascara.

As far as he knows, Empress is 5'7, and the others are likely similar in height. Casey Daniella, the smallest, is probably 5'4 or even shorter, but with long legs, a moderate build, and a charming, innocent face. Iggy wants to eliminate the fear he sees in Casey's eyes, a fear that lingers and is undeniable. There's nothing to fear.

He'll focus on Casey's parents' case, maintaining composure. Unexpectedly struck by her physical features, he must control himself. Despite being a flirt, Casey is off-limits; she's a friend of his niece, and he must remain professional. He noticed a girl called Queen earlier, but Casey, simple yet fascinating, caught his attention through the glass door.

If she was twenty-five, they might share a bed tonight. Iggy isn't fond of virgins or minors; he desires experienced partners. He's a thrill-seeking caveman who prefers passionate women, not crybabies. Casey is strictly business, and Iggy won't cross that line, no matter how appealing she may be.

Waiting beside his blue Lamborghini Veneno, he checks his watch, realizing he's been waiting for nearly forty-five minutes. Frustrated, he wonders why the women are taking so long. Ronnie, the lawyer, explains that when these women gather, delays are common. Iggy, strict about time, is displeased but understands their childish behavior.

"The fuck!" he muttered while exhaling smoke, "What's taking those women so long?" He questions the lawyer, who chuckles and explains their habitual tardiness. Iggy, firm on punctuality, doesn't tolerate delays.

Ronnie chuckles at Iggy's frustration. "When those naughty women stick together, I always get late meeting my other clients. When those girls say 7:00 AM, usually it's 8:00 AM," the man explains with a smile. Iggy, displeased, questions Ronnie about letting them disrupt his schedule.

"Well, they're childish, Lt Gen. Alonde. And as long as my hearings aren't affected, I don't mind," Ronnie shrugs, showing indifference.

Iggy senses that the lawyer's interest in Casey goes beyond being a client. As a man, he understands the ways of his kind and suspects the lawyer's ulterior motives, despite his professionalism. The impact of desire on a man can lead to undesirable outcomes, especially when desperation sets in.

"When it comes to me, there is a problem, Atty. Lagoste. I must be frank with you; I don't like childish women and those who exhaust up a lot of my time. My time is precious, and there's no way I'll tolerate this. Pardon me," Iggy asserts, discarding his cigarette and leaving Ronnie. He suspects the friends might wanted him to keep on waiting until Christmas.

Without looking back, he strides into the main building, where state witnesses in various cases are detained. Approaching, he hears the giggles of the young girls. They're likely to argue, especially Miss Imperial, who often acts impulsively. Iggy feels the need to teach her maturity.

Reaching the end of the hallway, he catches them fooling around, almost like children. His brows furrow as he grabs the bag Casey was holding and shoots her a disapproving look.

"I am not a teacher, and I don't have much patience in waiting, Miss Imperial. If you want us to get along, hasten your actions." he admonishes, turning away without a farewell, walking away with Casey's bag.

Forty-five minutes is a long time for him. Every minute is crucial. He walks away, paying no attention to the girls behind him. He doesn't waste a second, knowing that in his world, every second counts, and a delay could be fatal.

CASEY blinks in surprise. What just happened? They all stand still, taken aback by Iggy's actions. Lt Gen. Alonde's behavior confirms he's truly stern. He snatched her bag without permission and scolded her in front of her friends. Seriously? She feels embarrassed but knows she must control herself. She can't afford to get mad at the senior military officer, her only hope to avoid being detained in the building.

"I'm so sorry, girls. I failed to inform you that Uncle Miggy is some kind of a... let's say, strict," Empress apologizes with a shrug.

Casey raises an eyebrow, interjecting, "Some kind of strict? "Hello, better say that he's really strict and even quite grumpy," scratching her head.

"I'll just talk to him," her friend says, pursing her lips.

"How old is Uncle Miggy, and why does he act like such an old bachelor?" Dana curiously asks, watching the man walk away.

Casey observes Iggy as he walks with confidence, quick and colossal steps. Despite his size, he appears attentive and speedy. He effortlessly caught her bag earlier. His good looks and arrogance compensate for his sharp tongue. She's encountered friendly people like Atty. Lagoste, but Iggy, the security guard, is the complete opposite. She might confront the older man if he continues treating her rudely, despite his professional fee being free.

"Uncle is thirty-four; he'll be thirty-five in three months. Sorry, but he's really strict. Even Mommy Lola can't handle him," Empress explains.

"Come on, he might use a megaphone if we don't follow right away," she suggests, pulling her friends along.

They catch up to Iggy, near his shining blue Lamborghini Veneno. Casey, amazed, whispers to Empress about the car.

"Yes, Uncle's car. His Lamborghini Veneno. He bought it last month for 4.6 million dollars, according to Mi-lola," Empress shares.

"He's in the Philippine Air Force and the Royal Navy, spent five years in Britain. He came back for the Philippines, managing the family business left by Di-lolo. He's just stern because he turned his back on the business for the military. Bitter, you know? Unless someone makes him happy," Empress explains further.

Casey keeps staring at Miggy, who seems annoyed. He warns Empress not to talk about him, then separates herself from the girls.

"I'll ride with Atty. Ronnie," she suggests, but Miggy glares at her.

"It's okay, Lt Gen. Alonde. She'll be fine here. "I brought her here alone anyway. Let's just head her home," the lawyer says, trying to diffuse tension.

Left alone with Miggy, Casey worries about facing consequences. She hopes the rules won't be too stifling.

"Let's go, Casey," Ronnie invites, holding her elbow. Lt Gen. Alonde remains stern, and she steals a glance at him, hoping for a smile.

"I'll follow your car, Atty. Lagoste," Miggy says, and the lawyer left with a salute. Ronnie returns it, attempting to open the car's door for Casey.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting too long," she apologizes.

"No harm, Casey. I don't have any hearing today," he reassures her with a smile, helping her into the car.

She looks for Miggy, who smiles at a policewoman. Surprised, she notes that his interest in an attractive woman, because they are both seemingly close to senior citizenship.