CHAPTER 1

°Lilliana Rollins°

I strapped the pistol with the belt to the skin of the legs. Having successfully done that, I pulled down my baggy jeans to cover up that part and beyond. Rising, I dusted the white button-down blouse I had tucked into the high-waist pants. I never went anywhere without my pistol.

I grabbed my black bag and adjusted my wig. Taking a stroll toward my mirror, I took a long look at myself and decided that the wig wouldn't do. I shouldn't even be wearing a wig if it wasn't for a mission. So, I pulled off the wig and allowed my brown full-strand hair to fall down my back, down to my waist area. I was always cutting the hair but it was always growing back. I wasn't going to cut it anymore.

I grabbed a comb from my dresser and ran it through the messy strands. Once I was okay with how it looked, I dabbed it with oil to make it shine in the sun when I walked. Satisfied, I left it to cascade down my back like that before I pulled up my shades.

Making my way into the living room, my eyes narrowed on Olive. She was settled on the couch hitting the keypads of her tablet. I sighed and walked over to her. I settled on the couch beside her and peeped at her tablet only to see that she was playing her favorite dress-up game.

“Still mad at momma?” I asked softly as I brushed the curly strands of her blonde hair. She shook her head while her hair swayed around at the action. She must still be upset that I was leaving her all alone again. It wasn't my job that took most of the time. We had to survive somehow.

“Olive, ” I called her gently. She made a sound and sat up, her adorable brown eyes peering up at me. I felt myself relax when I saw her gentle, pretty face. She was always so adorable.

“I promise, I will be back soon. Momma just has to see someone. And if it turns out well, ” I stopped as I hoped it would turn out well. “If it turns out well, you might get to meet the person too, okay?” I pulled at her cheeks.

She smiled, suddenly excited at the thought of getting to meet new people. I might not have been social at her age but Olive is everything I was not. She was always so excited to indulge in things I would never do.

“Okay, ” she smiled cheekily and I let out a sigh. The doorbell rang and I glanced at the door knowing exactly who it was.

“Sweetie, that must be Delaney. Remember, don't give her any trouble. Do you understand?” I asked, knowing behind her that cute face is a troublemaker. She giggled loudly.

“I won't momma, ” she said to me and I smiled and got off the couch. I planted a kiss on her forehead quickly before going to get to the door. I swung the door open and there stood Delaney. The only person I trusted with my kid. I could as well trust her with my life.

“I owe you one, ” I told her as I pulled her into a quick embrace.

“Don't worry about it, I love watching Olive.” She chuckled as she rested her frame on the door. I exhaled knowing she meant exactly what she had said.

“Remember, don't forget to—”

“I will guard her like my life depends on it. I get it, Lillian.” She rolled her eyes before tapping the sides of her waist where I knew a gun rested. She was one of us after all.

“Glad you do, ” I blessed her with a kiss. “and it's Lilliana, ” I smacked her hand. She shrieked and a loud laugh busted through her lips. She was the only one who called me Lillian. Always ignoring all my corrections on that. I couldn't fault her. She was always hard of hearing.

I loomed behind my back at Olive who was watching us with a smile. I blew her a kiss and she imitated the action of catching it. “Love you, pumpkin!” I yelled as I made my way through the door.

“Love you too, momma!” she screamed back in her thin voice. The door shut just about the same time I heard Delaney scream, “Hands up, you little criminal!” It was a game they loved to play. I loved that it was slowly molding Olive to be security conscious.

Walking down the hallway, I stopped in front of the elevator. When it was ready, I got in and pressed the keypad. I was partially grateful that none of my neighbors were here to ride with me. I would have had to deal with the gossip attitude again.

The elevator soon stopped and I stepped out of the building, the harsh sun hitting me in the face. I winced slightly as I made my way to where my car was parked. My other smooth baby.

Many people, including my neighbors, raised brows when I bought this car. Some said it was below standards while others questioned where I got the money from. No matter what they say, I love my car because it always helps me deliver my job.

I got into the car and slammed the door shut. I strapped my seatbelt before starting the car. It was until I was driving at full speed that I checked my playlist. As soon as I had something playing, I grabbed my phone from the pocket of my pants and checked the time. I had only fifteen more minutes to get to my venue.

A call came in and I didn't have to look twice to know who was calling. I picked up the call and fixed it in my earbuds.

“Hello, boss,” I spoke first as I maneuvered my way past the other cars. The cops wouldn't be coming for me this time.

“Where are you, Lilly?” I heard the shuffling feet and slight noise in the background. I knew where he was instantly.

”Almost at the venue, Ryker.” I mumbled, keeping my eyes on the road. “Is there a problem? Has he left there already?” I asked him over the phone. I don't know what I would do if I let this opportunity slip past me.

“No, but you still need to hurry. I will have Aiden secure him if he has to leave.” He promised and I knew he would do just that.

After a few seconds of silence by which I was drawing closer to the venue, he spoke again. “Why don't you just kill him?” He asked the question he already knew the answer to. Like always.

“You know why, Ryker. He put me through trouble all those years. Why should I let him go that easily?” I scoffed, my eyes burning with hatred. “You think this is just about killing him? No, Ryker, you are wrong. This is about making him pay in all the cruel ways I know. But of course, my baby has to meet her daddy first.” I laughed at the thought. It was a long shot but I was up for it.

“Okay, ” he breathed, understanding my pain. “Go avenge your parents' death. Go make him pay.” He told me.

I swerved through the lane and took a turn. In a few seconds, I was pulling up through the driveway. As I unstrapped my seatbelt, I looked out of the window and saw the bouncers or bodyguards walking about. I grinned and patted my hair.

“My pleasure, Ryker. My fucking pleasure.”