The rays of the sun crept its way through the large glass doors of the ship, lighting up the room. There was confetti and paper cups all around, not to mention empty beer and wine bottles that littered the floor. An unlikely object sat in the middle of the messy dance floor: a wooden chair. Someone sat on it as he bathed in the sun's rays. He leaned back lazily as he took in the view of the sun rising to the east above the waters of the New York harbour. He had been busy the whole night and felt like he needed sleep. But the exciting feeling of everything going according to plan rushed through his bloodstream like adrenaline, keeping him awake.413Please respect copyright.PENANApI4cf4NLOJ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAKTokCiGYPz
413Please respect copyright.PENANAXN629hYbeM
He had his phone in hand, which lay flat on his outstretched left leg. He lifted the phone, but had still not received any reply from the person he had just texted. No bother; she must be tired like I am, Red Lion thought to himself.413Please respect copyright.PENANAtV00xkWmP0
413Please respect copyright.PENANAAfEG8BwHPg
413Please respect copyright.PENANAApxZ3arByJ
As he continued to look on at the glittering blue waters, he heard a set of footsteps coming behind him, and he could tell who was approaching.413Please respect copyright.PENANAPj1XT7ExxZ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAWCddv5bpsS
413Please respect copyright.PENANAsEgvmDWKcj
Carlos began to sing in Spanish, a common Mexican song, snapping his fingers. Red Lion recognized the song. He would’ve told Carlos any other day to shut his mouth, but there’s something about it that soothed him a little. Carlos might not have a good singing voice, but his voice was like honey to Red Lion’s ears.413Please respect copyright.PENANAuGT34jzGCS
413Please respect copyright.PENANABhtcdZbEmZ
413Please respect copyright.PENANA5K0GgSu1CQ
When Carlos and Hugo came close, Carlos took hold of Red Lion’s shoulders and shook him in an excited way, forcing Red Lion to dance side to side on his chair. The gesture made Red Lion smile. Soon enough, he tapped Carlos’ hand on his shoulder informing him to stop. Carlos did as instructed and approached the glass doors leading to the deck, still singing. Hugo remained by Red Lion’s side, shaking his head at his jolly comrade.413Please respect copyright.PENANAEc22rY6sj6
413Please respect copyright.PENANAv17d25ChPi
413Please respect copyright.PENANAlkwN3jmZgp
"You threw quite a party last night," said Hugo, who’s deep voice was a bit groggy after drinking too much. It’s still a wonder to many, especially Red Lion, how he didn’t get so drunk and have a hangover the next day.413Please respect copyright.PENANAQhH0catEkC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAPlFjeGeKxz
413Please respect copyright.PENANA8UpGhwGYeR
"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."413Please respect copyright.PENANA7Zl4NE57xW
413Please respect copyright.PENANAwmjzxQUNG8
413Please respect copyright.PENANAlLwYlTWFFt
"No doubt about it. But you've got to be careful, though. If Andre catches a whiff of what’s going on, it will be dreadful."413Please respect copyright.PENANAtNdUpUf7Bf
413Please respect copyright.PENANAEqo2OevDST
413Please respect copyright.PENANANNFKX8Av09
"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."413Please respect copyright.PENANAOLWjgnf8V1
413Please respect copyright.PENANAKnVl4o3Hhx
413Please respect copyright.PENANAsETL701T73
"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"413Please respect copyright.PENANATmukHzPnNK
413Please respect copyright.PENANACysZiFBKYC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAzmw1EMaDkL
"I’ll forgive him for his little stunt last night. But when coming to other things, I’m starting to wonder whether to involve him or not."413Please respect copyright.PENANA9DlntDKWmw
413Please respect copyright.PENANAGQHMbl1EPX
413Please respect copyright.PENANANxg69YRwmL
Hugo raised an eyebrow as he looked down at Red Lion. "You do know he’s already fishy about you since you didn’t tell him the full details of your plan."413Please respect copyright.PENANAvO2rdQs8n3
413Please respect copyright.PENANAII3kF6vQlg
413Please respect copyright.PENANACUgrSsiXPr
"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."413Please respect copyright.PENANANUSyhHs7pm
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHS1QWM2cZx
413Please respect copyright.PENANAUkaGt0EXjf
With the continuous singing of Carlos on the deck, Hugo paid him less attention as his facial expression turned into a grave one.413Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0RCcV5mBC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAUzKqI2Oj1A
413Please respect copyright.PENANANJrWChuMcx
"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.413Please respect copyright.PENANAk0KPztPrM5
413Please respect copyright.PENANAQXighb5SKC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAdYte4KMvqs
"Alex is useful," Red Lion answered as he looked up at Hugo with a smile. "And I happen to like him. He is a real hard worker, as he has proved in the last couple of days."413Please respect copyright.PENANAJa4rDKbe3x
413Please respect copyright.PENANAdXdC6hruHz
413Please respect copyright.PENANA30GFNTQ9f5
"Don’t tell me you plan to involve him all the way? Walters isn’t going to like it. You know how he opposed you bringing Carly on board."413Please respect copyright.PENANAqMICyRCiuF
413Please respect copyright.PENANAJuYVhfxJgP
413Please respect copyright.PENANA48l7zHK1ce
"I know. But look at what the two have done so far. With those two following along with my plans, I don’t see it going wrong."413Please respect copyright.PENANAInGmDqHBWc
413Please respect copyright.PENANAEST0cPDthd
413Please respect copyright.PENANAwq5HoZO0Rc
"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"413Please respect copyright.PENANACDWdBARdox
413Please respect copyright.PENANAxDXPGEunQx
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHJ9Kjsmo7h
"For example, Walters, yes. But I know how to handle him. Don’t worry," Red Lion noticed the look Hugo gave him. "He’s as stubborn as an ox, and he doesn’t trust me in some areas."413Please respect copyright.PENANAQ9XoS0NVbL
413Please respect copyright.PENANAxQnI6bi1Yg
413Please respect copyright.PENANAPfTGGFoBo2
"If I were you, I would act fast on him."413Please respect copyright.PENANA3MrgmLBrKG
413Please respect copyright.PENANA4zTKZmio7Y
413Please respect copyright.PENANAP3ozuzpcxx
Red Lion gave a nod. "True. But he’s very vital to me, especially with dealings at the club. He won’t be easy to get rid of just yet."413Please respect copyright.PENANADGzzdyo0B1
413Please respect copyright.PENANAQrnpU4oHc1
413Please respect copyright.PENANAmshnoykOA8
"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."413Please respect copyright.PENANA9L9Ihe2F5c
413Please respect copyright.PENANAfihrzAsquC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAvP1PSUutCw
Red Lion laughed, his laugh echoing alongside Carlos' singing. "Have I ever made the wrong one that would put us all at risk?" He stood up from his seat and patted his hand on Hugo’s shoulder. "With me, Hugo, our organization will be an unstoppable force. I can promise you that."413Please respect copyright.PENANAEHQuXlDs5s
413Please respect copyright.PENANAx4O3mmFKxH
413Please respect copyright.PENANAqle9AlwzHX
Red Lion turned to Carlos, singing with his arms wide on the deck. Red Lion joined in the singing and went over to his comrade on the deck. Hugo shook his head with a smile on his face and followed Red Lion. When Red Lion went onto the deck, Carlos turned to look at him and, with an outstretched arm, wrapped it around Red Lion's shoulders. The two continued to sing, while facing the sun, about the glorious days ahead.413Please respect copyright.PENANACf8ewwXiQi
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHBLiMA6WeL
413Please respect copyright.PENANA3UErYrpluo
***413Please respect copyright.PENANAVx2OQyBI7g
413Please respect copyright.PENANA3mL3NsFVIA
413Please respect copyright.PENANAR8418f0umq
"Morning, how are you?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAVjkmctLv8i
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHUeFh9FEtO
413Please respect copyright.PENANAfUMDyAEwfw
It’s been almost an hour since Leo sent Carly that text message, which she still hasn’t responded to. He had been staring down at the message for almost two minutes until he told himself to put the phone down and get to work. He did so with almost great difficulty, telling himself that Carly was probably tired and still fast asleep.413Please respect copyright.PENANAUSTxs2FFps
413Please respect copyright.PENANArCNNyXj6dY
413Please respect copyright.PENANAyLkUnBXZfQ
When he put his phone aside, he went to look at his computer. There were a bunch of emails, some of them from his colleagues which contained reports on their latest construction projects in New York that he needed to go through. That almost made Leo’s brain want to burst into flames. He knew it was only early working hours, but he already felt like he had worked for too long. There was no need to put himself under unnecessary pressure, as he opened up to read one email that didn’t involve any of the construction reports. As soon as he settled his mind to read, his landline on his desk started to ring. He quickly grabbed the receiver, drawing it closer to his ear.413Please respect copyright.PENANAG7I0SDVD4X
413Please respect copyright.PENANATybLT6H1P9
413Please respect copyright.PENANAIXF6SaHmQe
"Yes?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAMxhfDpSMkH
413Please respect copyright.PENANABQJ5ZC2C33
413Please respect copyright.PENANAamaJe2Ez3v
"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.413Please respect copyright.PENANAVfbp7i8J2h
413Please respect copyright.PENANAnUllzoWooD
413Please respect copyright.PENANAgDE4wVSuC2
Leo wondered what his summoning could be all about. He sounded a little serious. Could something have happened? The only way to find out is if he goes there.413Please respect copyright.PENANA194bnTVDks
413Please respect copyright.PENANAQqxNjOuoWi
413Please respect copyright.PENANAWcamKifiyF
He left the office, telling his secretary where he would be in case anyone called. As he made his way to his father’s office, he couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. He had to tell himself not to think too much or else he might end up having a heart attack.413Please respect copyright.PENANA72s2x30R0K
413Please respect copyright.PENANAzzfqk5ccoc
413Please respect copyright.PENANAPvs4M82H9f
Just as he had clear view of the door leading to his father’s office, he found Eric making his way there. Leo raised an eyebrow. Eric has also been summoned?413Please respect copyright.PENANAQOV9M5db5o
413Please respect copyright.PENANAiHBowEPmvQ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAckntCvad0o
As though sensing that Leo was behind him, Eric turned to look in Leo’s direction and smiled. Leo wished he could have Eric’s optimism at this point in time. Because he had none.413Please respect copyright.PENANAUBJd3hWbF7
413Please respect copyright.PENANAhtDscHcJka
413Please respect copyright.PENANAyV1YwEmtXV
"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.413Please respect copyright.PENANAA5LMmg42DG
413Please respect copyright.PENANAsjdbgbR6eQ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAeYD6fCeYzR
"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"413Please respect copyright.PENANA6y6mER7bZD
413Please respect copyright.PENANAtzuPni18dp
413Please respect copyright.PENANAWKGmZRsUq5
The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.413Please respect copyright.PENANA1fi4Z9ADaQ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkpK7N5qkJS
413Please respect copyright.PENANAOvntZLufnv
"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.413Please respect copyright.PENANARuHbwxqNoe
413Please respect copyright.PENANAhj0fhMZ401
413Please respect copyright.PENANAnqZ8usvnC9
"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."413Please respect copyright.PENANAOMHNCEWplo
413Please respect copyright.PENANAny098aXn9G
413Please respect copyright.PENANAyOPxnFauTk
Leo watched Eric as he led the way to the door, greeting Mr. McDonell’s secretary. Leo gave her a nod and she smiled at him kindly. Eric knocked on the door and Mr. McDonell from inside told them to come in.413Please respect copyright.PENANArawuIsqN33
413Please respect copyright.PENANA0ehUuBNQUX
413Please respect copyright.PENANARr7mrhOoIo
The first thing Leo’s eyes fell upon when Eric opened the door, were the two chairs that faced his father’s desk which were occupied. Mrs. Lance sat on one chair while Angel sat on the other. Upon seeing Angel, he couldn’t help but worry why she was there.413Please respect copyright.PENANAgE9RbHx0re
413Please respect copyright.PENANAGyIjexFLSi
413Please respect copyright.PENANAbf1PgWuze2
"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.413Please respect copyright.PENANAF4e59rPovD
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkDPJvdYTWI
413Please respect copyright.PENANAVsUMuGoX5S
"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAw9NpjPpWoE
413Please respect copyright.PENANA6vPVEKx71v
413Please respect copyright.PENANAPuIHAJdhMt
"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.413Please respect copyright.PENANAAgzztrFwWQ
413Please respect copyright.PENANA87DhvTQPNP
413Please respect copyright.PENANA7CuIUNzehH
"So, let’s cut to the chase," said Mr. McDonell who sat behind his desk. Leo and Eric sat down on the comfortable black sofas behind the two ladies. "As you all know we have an important meeting with the Chinese. We know that Leo and Eric have been making preparations, but I would like Mrs. Lance and Angel to be on board."413Please respect copyright.PENANAafgCCGdW2U
413Please respect copyright.PENANAiYKZALK2x6
413Please respect copyright.PENANApwRqlhglJG
Leo felt his throat run dry so suddenly. Angel will help with the preparations? His father really didn’t mean to include more people. He and Eric have done this together several times. Including people now felt so foreign to Leo.413Please respect copyright.PENANAeOByw5CZxG
413Please respect copyright.PENANANk2QuFVe1s
413Please respect copyright.PENANAgkVuwvYuWA
"That will be great," said Eric.413Please respect copyright.PENANAucu3DTnw01
413Please respect copyright.PENANAI6J2g149zu
413Please respect copyright.PENANAmpIbqAUY9Z
Leo felt like giving Eric a poke with his elbow to tell him to keep quiet. But there was no hiding his enthusiasm and that irritated him the most, especially since he knew his cousin is only excited because Angel is in the fray. No wonder he was so excited before, Leo thought to himself. Did Eric know about this?413Please respect copyright.PENANA1y2ifUv8mx
413Please respect copyright.PENANA7FiVdfEezL
413Please respect copyright.PENANAgJ7pH4gF2d
"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.413Please respect copyright.PENANAWdgAS3I8a3
413Please respect copyright.PENANACvXB6mnjUb
413Please respect copyright.PENANAH5MPWFN98h
"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAnuQXyMmpif
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkdbEqEtk2Y
413Please respect copyright.PENANAUl05fzXfrx
"There is a slight issue with the venue though," Eric answered. "We had many options, but we hadn’t decided on the place most suitable."413Please respect copyright.PENANA6WV78I8wVc
413Please respect copyright.PENANA1eqzZcEL09
413Please respect copyright.PENANAzngJtPQibq
"Well, then it’s a good thing I asked these women to join us," said Mr. McDonell. "They might help since we don’t have enough time on our hands."413Please respect copyright.PENANATZMKmby3oL
413Please respect copyright.PENANApM0HBCiKOY
413Please respect copyright.PENANAvI6FxEmHo7
Leo raised an eyebrow. It’s true that Eric, and he had struggled a little on this last assignment, but there was a hotel that was ready to help host their meeting, and they were meant to visit the place this afternoon. Now he had a feeling he might be heading over there with Angel tagging along.413Please respect copyright.PENANA8WyKlLDCjf
413Please respect copyright.PENANAJPrf08AsI9
413Please respect copyright.PENANAgAy0g10f2V
"We have a place in mind," Leo found himself saying. "So there is no need for the ladies to be bothered about this."413Please respect copyright.PENANAyqk7Oyd84m
413Please respect copyright.PENANAUbEsafK5W2
413Please respect copyright.PENANAhzPM8mbWgo
"Look at you being so macho," said Mrs. Lance, turning to look at Leo. "You need a woman’s touch when it comes to such things. Your mother might have been helping you out sometimes, but she isn’t here to do so. So don’t be so egoistic and let us help."413Please respect copyright.PENANA9Yh6Kctzhf
413Please respect copyright.PENANASFzau64bQ3
413Please respect copyright.PENANAiMKLZNkt5i
"I couldn’t have put it in any other way," said Mr. McDonell, looking satisfied. "Let’s get this done quickly. Eric, Leo, you will tag Mrs. Lance and Angel along with you today."413Please respect copyright.PENANAFtjXpXwStS
413Please respect copyright.PENANAZzqWTZ8FiX
413Please respect copyright.PENANA6whM5OD0Sk
"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.413Please respect copyright.PENANA780X1ewgbr
413Please respect copyright.PENANAbm8iRKijrs
413Please respect copyright.PENANAVhGQDVl4Jm
"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.413Please respect copyright.PENANAWqiwB26Zto
413Please respect copyright.PENANA2NsqhsFgv7
413Please respect copyright.PENANAZapt9uD8kK
"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."413Please respect copyright.PENANA1qRKje0EvS
413Please respect copyright.PENANA72kYTXScTF
413Please respect copyright.PENANArF4vZ6mh4M
Everyone else all stood up from their seats. The two ladies made their way to the door first, but Eric was quick enough to reach it before them to open it. Mrs. Lance thanked Eric for being such a gentleman and Angel also thanked him. Eric and Leo were the last to leave.413Please respect copyright.PENANAkKcDH22x33
413Please respect copyright.PENANAowQhQ8OMdS
413Please respect copyright.PENANAtAusWnOhXE
"Isn’t this exciting?" Eric asked when they were out of earshot from Angel and Mrs. Lance. "Those two ladies get to help us out."413Please respect copyright.PENANAsSLf9Cz6Ev
413Please respect copyright.PENANAldRFYdM836
413Please respect copyright.PENANAKoigd0zcDl
"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.413Please respect copyright.PENANA7Fav6i8QN0
413Please respect copyright.PENANAi8zv9jHs0I
413Please respect copyright.PENANAsJLUBmtS06
"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.413Please respect copyright.PENANAL9NQ5U7jSd
413Please respect copyright.PENANAcVEg2SjqDZ
413Please respect copyright.PENANArUlRs1mgnE
"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAQB2hgbKk6J
413Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZSlxzjAy2
413Please respect copyright.PENANA5hFRiZLBGR
"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."413Please respect copyright.PENANADaYj6ghpBu
413Please respect copyright.PENANAtjCae6h2Ek
413Please respect copyright.PENANAKVSONnR16N
"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAa2vy3uQjAP
413Please respect copyright.PENANAfVMoFOVifl
413Please respect copyright.PENANAeg9VCKEU62
Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.413Please respect copyright.PENANAF69VglJORM
413Please respect copyright.PENANA4jdZ8ahW1Q
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHil84HOqwZ
Ahead of them, Mrs. Lance took a detour to her office, while Angel was making her to the work area when she met Derrick coming in her direction.413Please respect copyright.PENANA6AiEEmBnHf
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkX01VpKjNt
413Please respect copyright.PENANAwre8wtvQOW
"Morning," he greeted.413Please respect copyright.PENANAGvlVmoEYBm
413Please respect copyright.PENANA9afVBrpuc9
413Please respect copyright.PENANA0Vpo2pa9SW
"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.413Please respect copyright.PENANAW0JgnEm5eX
413Please respect copyright.PENANAOevR6p5ngK
413Please respect copyright.PENANAr3dMrTtLi1
"I didn’t see you at your desk when I passed by. I thought you weren’t going to be in today."413Please respect copyright.PENANAIfbCVkErVc
413Please respect copyright.PENANAT9ZAX3ClLh
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHcqLZdbezK
Angel chuckled. "It’s my second day here. I don’t think I have the right to be dodging work when I feel like it."413Please respect copyright.PENANAqXABspR9um
413Please respect copyright.PENANAXM67HxeALz
413Please respect copyright.PENANA77hHgBZsmM
"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."413Please respect copyright.PENANARLL97XLkAq
413Please respect copyright.PENANAzc23NAAJ2Z
413Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZLT9acqVq
Angel raised her eyebrows. "I’m just here because I have the qualifications to take on the job. I’m not here for fun."413Please respect copyright.PENANAMvFjGtMQ8e
413Please respect copyright.PENANAaKqhO7ymwJ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAj0HqTo3DuX
Derrick knew he almost struck a nerve there. But for some reason, Angel didn’t seem to lash out like he had expected, and she seemed calm.413Please respect copyright.PENANAwVuLCGuFqw
413Please respect copyright.PENANAqCduE4zv49
413Please respect copyright.PENANAXRMvwdbzKT
"Sorry about that," he apologized. "You’re right. I can tell that you’re only here for work and not to impress anyone."413Please respect copyright.PENANAuQp7bV5fiW
413Please respect copyright.PENANAN9YPSgeCho
413Please respect copyright.PENANA5IfHEB4dPE
Leo and Eric continued to stand from a distance. They had noticed Derrick from the beginning and had stood to watch the pair as they spoke. And for some reason, they both felt really uncomfortable.413Please respect copyright.PENANAtHSWTlzTgx
413Please respect copyright.PENANASaWr3ixIY0
413Please respect copyright.PENANATDADcK7wzH
"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.413Please respect copyright.PENANAkv6YLDYkdm
413Please respect copyright.PENANAoZ4EhzF4Nh
413Please respect copyright.PENANAc3fa1oqA3o
"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.413Please respect copyright.PENANAPn3ZUx9eGA
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkvvVJ8kYl8
413Please respect copyright.PENANAfRXq9IcvmU
"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."413Please respect copyright.PENANA9FCSQ8PCWP
413Please respect copyright.PENANAJPGS5E8EsO
413Please respect copyright.PENANABQVWutgY6D
"If you hadn’t noticed, Eric, Angel still has many eyes on her. I won’t be surprised if she has a long line of suitors."413Please respect copyright.PENANANGpNKblJhU
413Please respect copyright.PENANA3hYA7W2I1Q
413Please respect copyright.PENANAYMtd8568kn
Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."413Please respect copyright.PENANAWtQJ2Zgr8F
413Please respect copyright.PENANARovwng68yz
413Please respect copyright.PENANAVZmU67DpsY
"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.413Please respect copyright.PENANAuetQ8pgNFp
413Please respect copyright.PENANAoHTrvlRIjd
413Please respect copyright.PENANABDGl34mLfx
"Yeah, I am," said Angel as she took a strand of her by her fingers and twirled them. "I’ve been given an assignment by the boss, and I need to be somewhere away from the office."413Please respect copyright.PENANAgQ0RVFS3ro
413Please respect copyright.PENANAGyzFknyzYr
413Please respect copyright.PENANAo4d5jrOnYT
"Oh, I see. I was thinking, since a lot of us aren’t so busy, maybe you would like to hang out?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAaZJzVoz4uf
413Please respect copyright.PENANAtNHvhgvS1J
413Please respect copyright.PENANA7DiJtN4X3H
Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."413Please respect copyright.PENANAaTzJQ6vGYD
413Please respect copyright.PENANASyUpWnKxCz
413Please respect copyright.PENANAC7RCvOoNuq
"Oh, really?" Derrick asked as he nervously blushed, scratching the back of his head. He found himself wanting to hit himself in the face. You should stop acting so weird, he told himself.413Please respect copyright.PENANAjNC5FiIqRe
413Please respect copyright.PENANA2wVmi7pxzD
413Please respect copyright.PENANAb7laUOiPJY
"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.413Please respect copyright.PENANAh5TV2EMhv6
413Please respect copyright.PENANAFGsLdyKRiR
413Please respect copyright.PENANAbvVxrI0xzq
"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."413Please respect copyright.PENANAsrYnmY60yf
413Please respect copyright.PENANAszZKAy7r5f
413Please respect copyright.PENANAuDRZTjmapG
It surprised Leo that he had suddenly said that. His cousin was obviously jealous, but who knows? Maybe the two were having a friendly chat, and Eric was thinking otherwise when he didn’t even know what they were talking about. Why did he think like that again? It’s not like Leo to think of other alternatives, especially to the situation at hand. But that’s not what worried him. Leo had never seen Eric so worked up. There are times when he might be joking around, but this time it was different. Angel was the problem.413Please respect copyright.PENANAIGmfMANqz2
413Please respect copyright.PENANA5gcHuOMt01
413Please respect copyright.PENANACSn3uJjyWz
"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."413Please respect copyright.PENANAd1lMVcs5S0
413Please respect copyright.PENANAPbOHWQ0kFq
413Please respect copyright.PENANA4d8C0oa1YL
"Alright," said Derrick with a pleased look on his face. "I better not be holding you back from your work. I’ll be going now."413Please respect copyright.PENANAkySoRXjLZs
413Please respect copyright.PENANAIjKQorrJbt
413Please respect copyright.PENANAZ8N0xO3bQ4
"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.413Please respect copyright.PENANA8ostCQADbJ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHKoITDi0iU
413Please respect copyright.PENANAEszuayzceV
"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."413Please respect copyright.PENANAjhooB5VP5i
413Please respect copyright.PENANAjzMFfgfZqr
413Please respect copyright.PENANAV91AkMdimi
"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.413Please respect copyright.PENANA2JoBiXCb5E
413Please respect copyright.PENANAGHgKIXSAel
413Please respect copyright.PENANAOh2HQ1yEoF
It was a little too late for that, as Derrick drew close, and the two quickly got into some conversation involving sports. Derrick paid them no attention as he quickly passed them to head down the hall which Mrs. Lance had taken as that was where the architecture department was. When he was out of sight, Leo and Eric drew out a sigh of relief.413Please respect copyright.PENANAxb8JKd7EAH
413Please respect copyright.PENANAuFh8aGj9sv
413Please respect copyright.PENANAYajPedjHlW
"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."413Please respect copyright.PENANAiajf2HxGwt
413Please respect copyright.PENANAvGaSM3b3dj
413Please respect copyright.PENANACcmQ3FEX1z
Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.413Please respect copyright.PENANAKyc25fMl9y
413Please respect copyright.PENANAaj2Lme6gAG
413Please respect copyright.PENANA7XF9O3Yf0y
"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."413Please respect copyright.PENANATHH1y0SrP9
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHqHZIW79VN
413Please respect copyright.PENANAFX073JSpmC
"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.413Please respect copyright.PENANAdHShL5iTzS
413Please respect copyright.PENANAPlg0Xs2Y2t
413Please respect copyright.PENANAbfyzDsYt8R
"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."413Please respect copyright.PENANAKaXynn0Ddq
413Please respect copyright.PENANAdfzoN4lhN7
413Please respect copyright.PENANAMjnPhpllVi
"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."413Please respect copyright.PENANAdTZJ1EW0jW
413Please respect copyright.PENANAUntDWaInDT
413Please respect copyright.PENANA2dGvWtQf9P
"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."413Please respect copyright.PENANAvv8mDSDami
413Please respect copyright.PENANAm0e1ZiQqt5
413Please respect copyright.PENANAGKLlKtv15F
"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."413Please respect copyright.PENANAD86RFMaLWP
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkeKqAFjUpi
413Please respect copyright.PENANAVqaPCPFRsB
"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."413Please respect copyright.PENANAWGcF8Sm6MI
413Please respect copyright.PENANAX3BjCpWpJo
413Please respect copyright.PENANA3YaIMZevYP
"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."413Please respect copyright.PENANADEJZnYJO3E
413Please respect copyright.PENANAjVOAzv9Uu2
413Please respect copyright.PENANAdE6OsiCocg
"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."413Please respect copyright.PENANA8QDgvrbY4s
413Please respect copyright.PENANA1UIUaoUABE
413Please respect copyright.PENANAi88aQ6DcGI
Leo stopped walking, and Eric did the same. "The sooner you tell her, the better. I don’t want to clean after you when you see her with someone else."413Please respect copyright.PENANAJEblyNPg41
413Please respect copyright.PENANACYYHiRdlo4
413Please respect copyright.PENANAojh2OgrwBE
"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."413Please respect copyright.PENANAhrZ3zP7kjV
413Please respect copyright.PENANAjQAggPxhwP
413Please respect copyright.PENANALAMYS0fYvr
"How? Did she say something to you?"413Please respect copyright.PENANArufdsjQ3dA
413Please respect copyright.PENANAkrmJSSP0wK
413Please respect copyright.PENANADIo1xEqFwP
"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.413Please respect copyright.PENANAyOTCNm07L7
413Please respect copyright.PENANAVV7RhIs0wj
413Please respect copyright.PENANAykYMLzKfx8
Eric had reached his office, and he made sure to give Leo a playful wave of his hand before disappearing behind his door. Leo rolled his eyes. His cousin was very much in love. And for some reason, he didn’t approve that it had to be Angel he fell for.413Please respect copyright.PENANAAlZHR5KZRj
413Please respect copyright.PENANAzJDLlXLBW6
413Please respect copyright.PENANAMEa14WvA6H
Leo continued his way to his office when he noticed Angel, who had finally approached her work station, talking to a colleague who was holding a stack of folders. They were talking and laughing too. She seems to have settled into the company already, he thought to himself. He rolled his eyes. Before he could continue on his way, memories of last night came flooding into his mind. That made him rush to his office so that he wouldn’t get a chance to look at her.413Please respect copyright.PENANA9HLYgKS7FE
413Please respect copyright.PENANAtpFO1EfIW0
413Please respect copyright.PENANAnttkNaCZNd
***413Please respect copyright.PENANAm4U73ZaRjF
413Please respect copyright.PENANAuLOXUINqKC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAeN64KOaofB
"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAWIdqgeF7Nw
413Please respect copyright.PENANAhaQZ9bxMf1
413Please respect copyright.PENANABNDDxk0ItM
Andre was looking out of the balcony wearing a red silk bathrobe with a cigar in one hand and a glass of whisky in the other. He turned around to see his trusted comrade stand in the middle of his suite. In stature, he was much bigger than Andre, and he wore a black jacket and trousers. Not to mention that he had a bald head.413Please respect copyright.PENANAXZfaGU7pOh
413Please respect copyright.PENANAG5AJG5FphN
413Please respect copyright.PENANAl7P4nbbW0g
Andre walked back into the room in white hotel bed slippers. He drew in the smoke of his cigar and later exhaled.413Please respect copyright.PENANAJcQVmGQdr0
413Please respect copyright.PENANAamPY0bQ8pM
413Please respect copyright.PENANAWLVSUtGN8g
"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."413Please respect copyright.PENANAOd5NCEgLx8
413Please respect copyright.PENANAfSDnsxhHd9
413Please respect copyright.PENANAgXs5mjwm3S
His comrade looked at Andre with a smile before turning to look at the bed. "Didn't you sleep with anyone last night?" he asked. "What happened to the Rosales sisters?"413Please respect copyright.PENANA7qR0vRpeDf
413Please respect copyright.PENANAD4IMGn2Aw4
413Please respect copyright.PENANAl4Tv63wxNF
"It wasn’t necessary," said Andre. "I told them that I wouldn’t be needing them for a while. I needed to be alone."413Please respect copyright.PENANABXPIshC9zz
413Please respect copyright.PENANA2rwwWchHIA
413Please respect copyright.PENANAM4JO3j0icH
"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAjt65rCveKT
413Please respect copyright.PENANA6679fqAkC0
413Please respect copyright.PENANAg43okq7qrg
Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."413Please respect copyright.PENANAtg75KpVqJz
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHvcfIGP9HA
413Please respect copyright.PENANADzsc5fniY3
"You can’t hide from me, Andre. That look on your face says that you’ve been thinking about her since we left the party."413Please respect copyright.PENANAzDAGaCMk3d
413Please respect copyright.PENANAJIgwWJjpdM
413Please respect copyright.PENANAzo0VP9RF0m
"And what are you going to do about it?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAuP9uCCdVfD
413Please respect copyright.PENANAMqIn5NOk8g
413Please respect copyright.PENANA44UvZ0klRl
His comrade sighs. "Nothing. You somehow always manage to get what you want. But take it slow if you ever decide to meet her again. Your past relationships haven’t been so rosy, and some of your exes always find themselves buried six feet under."413Please respect copyright.PENANAX2rxo5r6c9
413Please respect copyright.PENANA7Kr2kMzAIH
413Please respect copyright.PENANAWI89Z0C8n5
"Wow, Diego." Andre raised an eyebrow. "I’m not that cruel, am I? All I did was make their lives miserable because some of them either betrayed me or something."413Please respect copyright.PENANAl6fuDPWbws
413Please respect copyright.PENANA0Hmk9Z9QLc
413Please respect copyright.PENANA0pEeiHZxXa
"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.413Please respect copyright.PENANAxaYFSOjnlP
413Please respect copyright.PENANA5gLEklVn3P
413Please respect copyright.PENANAP01JumFrQ3
"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."413Please respect copyright.PENANAwwc3DZ8n0X
413Please respect copyright.PENANAmaTv17R4Pa
413Please respect copyright.PENANAimWRgHEy5F
"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"413Please respect copyright.PENANA3aMxJJ2J3b
413Please respect copyright.PENANAtxsVFivgAO
413Please respect copyright.PENANANgNHMJmXpy
"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."413Please respect copyright.PENANAtHIvzPCJXL
413Please respect copyright.PENANAHlbLIbzqQG
413Please respect copyright.PENANAcMTCMtxZKM
Diego smiled. "Just testing your sharpness. You should really stop drinking whisky and smoking so early before having breakfast. If your mother saw you, she would kill me."413Please respect copyright.PENANATuNt2LjeVH
413Please respect copyright.PENANAOERBA2Y6Ra
413Please respect copyright.PENANAoFYZPrhbZY
"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.413Please respect copyright.PENANAAQPFYvQenU
413Please respect copyright.PENANAWiwTLZW2mS
413Please respect copyright.PENANANRRiNyCVQh
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAr3oIV1dVYP
413Please respect copyright.PENANAZwosjfts7M
413Please respect copyright.PENANAyUJ8lpjCPe
"Today," Andre answered. "I would’ve liked to see Loren again, but I have a feeling Red Lion will be a little protective of her. Like you said, it’s best to keep things slow for now."413Please respect copyright.PENANAj071ddi2el
413Please respect copyright.PENANAhjFvjobFzC
413Please respect copyright.PENANAfAYdRHybM8
"But you do have her number, right?"413Please respect copyright.PENANAkmNCgajwaP
413Please respect copyright.PENANAl34lwxEWIA
413Please respect copyright.PENANAERypJgvSIi
"Yes, I do. But in a few days after the business in Mexico is done, I will be back here in New York, just for her."413Please respect copyright.PENANAGVe85g5nWl
413Please respect copyright.PENANA8SCDbGXfoV
413Please respect copyright.PENANASVm6hJaYeU
"Acting like a true romantic, I can only imagine how you’re going to spoil her. I’m going to make a call to the others about our departure. We’ll leave whenever you’re ready."413Please respect copyright.PENANAAmwK1G28Zs
413Please respect copyright.PENANArQsP8ayVoQ
413Please respect copyright.PENANAbCQyzEduRU
Diego made his way out of the room, and as he closed the door behind him, Andre quickly gulped down the whisky and tossed the empty glass on the bed. He leaned back and fell onto the bed. He put the cigar in his mouth and puffed up the smoke through his nose and mouth. As he stared at the cloud of smoke above him, he thought he saw an image of Loren’s face smiling down at him.