04

CHAPTERS 04

For all his life, Valentino was the center of attraction and attention where ever he desired to go. He made hearts break, heads turn, gazes avert. But he was also so dangerous that he could kill you on the inside with just one look, one sentence.

He used his aura to become successful, living two lives ; one as a successful billionaire, and one as a mafia gang leader. Everybody knew his name.

« P-Please let m-me go, » stuttered Nathaniel. Valentino felt like he could listen to his sweet voice for days on end. It was silky soft, so sweet and captivating. « I don’t think so, sweetheart. After all, you heard a very important part of my phone call, didn’t you ? »

Indeed he had. But to save his ass, Nathaniel lied straight through his teeth, « I-I didn’t, I-I swear. » « Lying is a sin, kitten. I suggest you don’t lie to me. » « I-I won’t tell anyone ! I promise ! P-Please, don’t kill me. » Hell, if Valentino wanted Nathaniel to get down onto his knees and plead for his life, then he would in the blink of an eye.

While the taller boy wanted to play around with the scared kitten more, he rolled his eyes, eyes darkening suddenly. He gripped Nathaniel’s cheeks with one hand, making his lips pucker and make him look like a fish.

« I’m warning you. If you dare say anything about this, I assure you that you’ll regret it with your entire being. » Nathaniel nodded quickly, feeling so relieved that he felt like he could fly in pure bliss. « Until next time, kitten. »

Next time ? Nathaniel was confused but began to run away until he stopped to say, « O-Oh, please lock the door while you’re leaving. Mrs. Lavender will be very mad at me if I leave it unlocked. You can put the keys under the doormat. Thanks ! »

He then ran out of the library as if his life depended on it. Valentino stood there, leaning on the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. He began to light a cigarette when Zaire and Jackson came over. « What happened to the mouse ? » « Kitten, » he corrected, « I let him go. » « What ?! » Jackson said, shocked.

« Do you think I’d do anything without a reason ? Zaire, delete the camera footage. » Zaire nodded quietly, glaring at the ground as he walked. He had a rough past and had a grudge against life itself.

« I’m going to need plenty of yarn to play, don’t I ? » The smoke from the cigar floated up as Valentino chuckled, outlining his plan inside of his mastermind.

Nathaniel broke into a run as soon as he shut the glass door behind him, terrified about his encounter with those three boys. He didn’t even know who they were, especially the boy who he assumed was his leader. He had even made the foolish mistake of asking for a favor from Valentino.

It was pitch black outside, a few stars glimmering in the sky above, the slight breeze feeling cold on his sweaty flesh, especially on the back of his neck.

He hugged himself, his sweater not providing much heat for his freezing body that was covered by goosebumps like a thin blanket that only made him colder.

He rubbed his arm, slowing down as he looked back at the empty street. There were streetlights every few meters, brightening up the dark streets for people who’re out late. Without them, it would’ve been horribly unfortunate, forcing people to roam the streets blindly.

Nathaniel continued walking on the sidewalk, his steps making small noises that oddly satisfied him.

There were trees around his surroundings, the leaves brushing against each other because of the breeze. Nathaniel smiled, his arms around himself as he spotted his apartment.

He unlocked the front door, waving at the security guard at the front desk. He then began to go up the stairs. He had a mild case of claustrophobia and refused to go inside a tight space such as an elevator.

He jogged up the stairs, already out of breath. He wasn’t exactly identified as a fit boy. When he got to the fourth floor, he rested for a while, catching his breath as he panted restlessly. He then stepped closer to his door, and unlocked the door, inserting the key into the slot and turning it.

He entered into his small yet organized apartment. He inhaled in the cozy scent, feeling the warmth of his home. It was very small since Nathaniel wasn’t the richest of people, but he absolutely loved his home.

He took his shoes off after locking the door, still very scared about that nights events. He was shaken up and refused to believe that it wasn’t anything more than a mere dream. Well, more like a nightmare.

With a sigh, he took his sweater off, his thin and delicate upper body on display. He held his sweater in his hand, walking to his bedroom, passing by some of the art he had hung up in the walls. He smiled warmly at them, impressed at how perfectly designed they were. He was proud of himself for once.

He jumped onto his bed, inhaling deep and loudly as he cuddling into his cold, freshly washed sheets. He lifted his hips and took off his pants too, repeating the same actions with his socks too.

When he was only in his boxers, he forced himself to lift his aching body up. He dragged himself to his wardrobe that consisted of very little outfits. He grabbed a pastel blue, oversized hoodie and slipped it over his body.