Keifer's POV
"Finish this. We need it for tomorrow's meeting."One of Clyde's employees said.
I stared at the papers in front of me. My head was pounding. They'd piled stacks of documents requiring summaries and analysis reports.
I knew the employees were getting back at me after I went AWOL yesterday. I'd even cursed out one of them who'd scolded me earlier - the same guy who'd just ordered me to make coffee.
My laptop sat beside me as I typed another report. I'd been stuck in this conference room for three hours already. Hunger was starting to gnaw at me.
I rubbed my neck and looked at my progress. The presentation was done - I just needed to print materials later for Clyde's secretary to review after lunch.
A knock interrupted me. A blonde woman with green eyes peeked in, her red blouse revealing too much cleavage.
"Hey, I brought you some snacks." She walked over with a tray of coffee and apple pie.
"Thanks."I replied, immediately returning to my laptop.
She didn't leave. Instead, she leaned uncomfortably close to look at my screen. I shifted away before our faces could accidentally touch.
"You're doing great. The report's almost finished."She said, finally meeting my eyes.
Realizing the awkwardness, she straightened up with an embarrassed smile.
"Please don't do that again."I said sternly, brows furrowed.My eyes and lips are only for Jay-jay.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to- I just wanted to help with the report."Her eyes grew teary as she rubbed her hands nervously.
I felt a pang of guilt. Maybe I was too harsh. She's just trying to help.
"It's okay. You don't need to help. I've got this."I turned back to typing.
She still didn't move. My irritation grew. I sighed.
"Did you need something else?"
"Mr. Watson's secretary asked me to assist with these papers."She gestured to the stacks.
Truthfully, I could use help. But being alone with a woman in this room looks bad. Plus, my instincts warn me about her.
Before I could respond, she grabbed a chair and sat beside me.
"How can I help with all this?"
I handed her some papers. "Read these and highlight key points. I'll review them later."
She nodded and got to work. Before I knew it, I was nearly done, sending the report to Clyde's secretary ahead of schedule.
"Done."I sighed in relief.
"Finally!"She stretched, her blouse straining dangerously.
I quickly averted my eyes back to my laptop.Jay, I swear I didn't mean to look!
"Thank you for helping me. You can leave now." I said without looking at her. She crossed his legs and played with her swivel chair. "Maybe I should stay here for a while."
"Suit yourself."
I stood up and tidied up the scattered papers. I also turned off the laptop, and just as I was about to leave, I felt a hand caress my shoulder.
I stiffened and looked at her.
"Stay here with me," she said in a very seductive voice. "Let's take a rest here for a while."
In the name of God. My Jay-jay will cut my dck if she finds out that a woman tried to touch me. Please take this temptation away from me. Amen.*
I cleared my throat and shrugged her away. I continued what I was about to do—leaving.
I was close to the door when suddenly someone pulled me back. I dropped the papers I was holding along with the laptop. She pushed me back into my swivel chair and sat on my lap. Her legs were on both sides of me.
"Why in a hurry? I just want to know you," she said and leaned in to whisper. "And maybe we can have a little talk."
I immediately moved my face away from her. I noticed that her blouse was now fully open. She messed up her hair and placed both hands on my chest.
"Please move—STOP!" I shouted when her hands moved to my belt.
She paused for a moment but continued her plan. I immediately grabbed her hands to stop her. I could feel her trembling, a sign of fear toward me.
I don't feel seduced. I feel loathe toward this woman. If I lose my patience, I might end up hurting her.
"Move away now," I said with authority.
She swallowed hard and slowly stood up. I did the same and adjusted my necktie. But I was shocked when she suddenly knelt in front of me and grabbed my belt. Then came the sound of camera shots.
I knew it.
I couldn't stop myself anymore and grabbed the woman in front of me by the neck, lifting her up. I forcefully pinned her against the wall without loosening my grip.
"What are you trying to do? Who sent you? Who the fvck sent you!" I shout, and she starts to cry.
She couldn't speak properly because of my grip. I tightened my hold even more at the thought of someone taking a picture of us in that position. What if they send it to the Philippines?
Damn it!
"Who took the picture?!" I ask again, but she just keeps crying while trying to catch her breath.
I used both hands to strangle her. She tried to stop me, but she had no strength left. Then, I noticed her face turning pale.
For some reason, I saw Jay-jay's face in hers—gasping for air while I choked her. It was a very traumatic image. My hands instinctively let go, fear creeping in.
No! I will never do such a thing to her.
I looked at the woman I had just been choking. She was on the floor, still gasping for air, still crying.
"When are you planning to talk?" I ask, and she looks at me.
"I-it was Thomas, Mr. Clyde's secretary," she answered.
Was this Clyde's plan? My feet moved on their own, taking large strides toward his office. I pushed past several people just to walk faster.
When I arrived, I didn't bother knocking. I barged in, and as soon as I saw his secretary, I threw a powerful punch.
I heard the sound of bones breaking in his nose, followed by the scattering of several teeth. He collapsed to the floor as blood gushed out.
"Where is it? Where's the picture?" I shout and grab his shirt.
He couldn't speak because of the heavy flow of blood from his nose and mouth.
"Keifer!" It was Clyde's booming voice. "Let him go."
I let him go, but my eyes remained locked on him. He slowly got up, trying to stop the bleeding from his nose.
"Help him." Clyde ordered, and only then did I notice he wasn't alone.
Two men approached his secretary and helped him walk out. I watched them leave. The moment the door closed, Clyde swung a punch at me—but I beat him to it.
My fist was already pressed against his face when we both froze. Neither of us blinked, both breathing heavily.
"What the hell is that for?" he asked, still not moving his clenched fist.
"You planned this, didn't you? Delete the fvcking picture, or I'll delete your face."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
I sighed and lowered my fist, and he did the same. He adjusted his tie and coat before walking toward his executive desk.
"I can sue you for hurting my secretary." He said without looking at me.
"Then sue me! But I will still break his jaw for taking that picture!"
He looked at me, confused. "What picture?"
Now he was playing dumb.
"Delete the fvcking picture!"
"What picture?! I don't understand! What picture are you talking about?!" He sounded irritated.
I stepped closer and slammed my fist on his desk. He flinched slightly but quickly regained his composure.
"Someone took a picture of me with a woman in a nasty position! That woman said it was your secretary!" I sighed, trying to control my temper. "Don't you dare try to use it against me."
He let out a small laugh, which only fueled my anger.
This was his plan! I knew it—I wasn't stupid enough to fall for his little games. Maybe he was planning to use it as blackmail.
"You're with a woman? In a nasty position?"
He asked while smiling.
I didn't answer. His smile turned into laughter.
"A Watson will always be a player." He said and shook his head. "You have nothing to be afraid of. It's common for us to have a woman… in a nasty position!"
He laughed again. He even hit the top of the table just to express his amusement.
Fvck this!
Maybe for him, having women was normal. But not for me! Aside from Mom, Jay-jay was the only woman in my life. I had no plans of being a player. I had no plans of adding another woman to my life.
I shot him a deadly glare. He seemed to get the message and slowly stopped laughing. I slightly leaned toward him and pointed my finger in his face.
"Delete that picture, Clyde, or I will delete the existence of your secretary from this world." I said slowly, word for word, so he could understand clearly.
"Why so eager to delete the picture? Afraid that your girlfriend might see it?" he mocked.
"More than that." I said and slowly stepped back.
"More than that, Clyde."
I didn't want her to see it because she would get the wrong impression, and that was not good—especially when we were both in fatal situations. That picture would ruin the little hope we had left. I couldn't afford to let her suffer again because of me.
It will break me.
He sighed, sounding defeated. "Alright. I'll search for it and delete it for you. So you can sleep peacefully tonight."
I didn't say another word. I left his office and went straight to the conference room. The employees I passed by whispered among themselves as they looked at me.
When I arrived, the woman was gone. I picked up the scattered papers and the laptop from the floor. I gathered them all and walked toward the desk of the employee who had ordered me to do this.
He looked slightly nervous when he saw me. I set the laptop and papers down in front of him.
"I'm done. The copy is inside the laptop." I said, and he slowly nodded.
I turned my back on her and walked towards the elevator. I had no plans of going back to my table and following their orders. My head was still hot, and I might do something to the employees here.
As soon as I stepped inside the elevator, I shot a cold glare at the women chatting inside. They immediately fell silent and moved away from me.
I feel like I've been traumatized by that woman. I can't help but feel annoyed at women wearing pencil skirts.
I took long strides as the elevator doors opened. I headed straight to the parking lot, where my service was waiting. Before, only a driver and a bodyguard waited for me, but now, there was another car with additional bodyguards.
"Sir?" the driver asked.
"Hotel." I answered calmly.
I closed my eyes as the car moved.
That woman gives me so much stress. Next time, I will follow my instinct. If Keigan finds out about this, he will scold me and say I'm being careless.
Oh fvck!
What if Jay-jay finds out about this? I'll lose her! I can't lose her! I can't! I can't! I will die if I lose her.
"We're here, Sir."
I opened my eyes and stepped out of the car. Suddenly, I felt goosebumps. I knew our monstrous father had left because of the hotel owner's orders, but it still felt like his eyes were watching me.
I went straight to our suite. Honey was the first person I noticed. She was talking on the phone, but her eyes were on me.
"Yes, I will." she said before ending the call.
"Keifer, follow me."
She walked out of our suite and went straight to hers. She grabbed a paper bag from the coffee table.
"Everything is ready. We're just waiting for your go signal."
I opened the paper bag and checked the clothes I had asked her to buy.
"Just stay in my suite for tonight." I placed the clothes back in the bag. "Have these sent to the room using housekeeping or food delivery."
She nodded. "Why don't you want to tell Keigan about this?"
"Better to keep it that way."
She didn't say anything else. I left her suite and returned to ours. I checked on my siblings first to see if they were okay.
Keigan was sleeping on his bed. A book rested on his chest, and his eyeglasses were on top of it. I took both and placed them on his bedside table. I also covered him with a blanket up to his chest. Visible signs of exhaustion were showing on his face.
This is one of the reasons I don't want to tell him my plan. He's already tired, and he's also dealing with something he refuses to share with us.
I'm sorry, Keigan, but there are things you don't need to know.
I turned off the lampshade and left his room. Then, I went to Keiren's room. He was awake, packing clothes into his backpack.
"Kuya, Honey said you told her to ask me to do this." He zipped his bag shut.
I walked over and sat beside him. "Yes. I told her to."
"Why?"
I ruffled his hair. "Are you mad at me because Dad almost took you?"
He shook his head. "I got scared. I know he's a bad guy."
There was no point in saying "No." He was smart, just like his Kuya Keigan. But I still didn't want him to think that way, even if it was true.
"I always hear Kuya Keigan cursing at him. Saying things like 'rapist, murderer, and a living demon.' So, I know he's a bad guy." he explained, making my mouth drop open.
I lost my words. I couldn't say anything. I couldn't believe Keigan had said those things. Maybe he really did experience traumatic things with him.
"Your Kuya is just angry. Don't mind him."
He looked at me as if he wasn't accepting my explanation. I grabbed his backpack and placed it on his bed. I also helped him put more things into another bag. I told him to bring only a few things, but he was stubborn.
"Kuya, why do I have to leave? Is Kuya Keigan coming with me? I don't want to be with him."
I chuckled at his last statement. He was really smart. I hadn't given him a clear explanation, but he already figured out that he was the only one leaving.
"He's staying with me." I said as I zipped up his bag. "Is this everything? Do you have everything you need?"
He nodded slightly. "So, why do I have to leave?"
He stood up while I remained seated to be at his level. I fixed his jacket and his hair.
"Because I'm weak. I can't protect you properly, especially now that he's nearby. It's just for a few days or weeks, and then we'll be together again."
"That's okay. I know you're busy. I don't want to be here either."
I forced myself to smile. "I promise. After this, we'll go anywhere you want."
He grinned widely. "Can we go to Ocean Park?"
"Yes, we can."
I stood up and grabbed his bags. When we stepped out of his room, Honey was already waiting with a food service crew. She handed me the paper bag containing the clothes I would wear and other things I needed.
"Good evening, Sir." the crew greeted me. "Ms. Honey already explained everything to me."
I nodded. "I'll wait outside."
"This is the area without CCTV cameras." He showed me a map on his phone.
He pointed to the area where I could wait for them. I was familiar with the locations he mentioned, so there was no problem. I had to trust this person because he was the only one who could help us. Everything had to be quiet and discreet so that no one would notice.
My Dad has eyes everywhere inside this hotel. If I make one mistake, I'll lose my brother. What if he experiences what Keigan went through? I might not be able to handle it.
"I'm leaving now." I declared and faced Keiren. "If this man does anything to you, you know what to do?"
He nodded and walked toward Honey. She helped him get into the lower part of the cart, which was covered with a white cloth. His bags and the paper bag were placed there too.
I left the suite and went straight to the parking lot outside. My driver and bodyguard met me. I got into the car, and once we were far enough, we stopped at the location the food service crew had mentioned.
The driver and bodyguard got out of the car to leave me alone. That was the plan—I would be the only one taking Keiren to his destination. I moved to the driver's seat and checked my wristwatch.
30 minutes.
That's the deadline for that man. If he's not here within that time, I'll find him and make him regret it.
A few minutes passed, and I was already feeling impatient. I even thought about smoking, but I had forgotten to buy cigarettes. I also remembered my agreement with Jay-jay about smoking.
One cigarette, no profanity kiss.
I decided to message the pilot that Mr. Moskovosky had assigned.
I glanced at a man pushing a large trash bin. He looked around before crossing the street towards me. I didn't get out of the car, but I unlocked the passenger seat door.
It opened, and the trash bin stopped beside it.
"Kuya." Keiren said while crawling out. "It's so smelly in there."
I smiled while helping him sit properly. I also buckled his seatbelt. The man handed me Keiren's bags and the paper bag.
"I'll go now, Sir."
I just nodded and let him leave. I start the engine and drive the car.
We had been traveling for a few hours when I decided to stop at a gas station. Keiren needs to use the toilet while I need to change my clothes.
We entered the restroom together and took care of what we needed to do. After changing, I took out the disposable phone that Honey had prepared for me.
I open it and check the numbers. I immediately send a message to the person I intend to meet—the same person I will entrust with Keiren.
"I'm done, Kuya. Can we buy some food?"
"Sure."
I put the phone in my pocket and walked out. We headed straight to the convenience store next to the restroom. Keiren almost took all the candies from the stall.
I can't use my card because Keigan might trace me. I was forced to make do with the cash in my wallet.
"Let's go, Keiren."
We need to move faster. The pilot gave me a schedule to catch. If we don't arrive on time, he will leave without us.
Our destination is a private jetport—far from the city and far from that monster. I have to make sure he doesn't find out about our departure.
Half an hour before we reached the airport, the pilot was already standing with his hands on his hips, waiting for us. I parked the car inside the hangar and hurriedly got out.
"Mr. Watson! We have a schedule to follow!"
The pilot said and removed his aviators.
Holding Keiren's bag in my right hand while gripping his hand with my left, I guided him up the stairs as he struggled with the food he was holding.
"Come on, hurry up." I said as I pushed him to climb up.
"Okay! Stop pushing me!"
I almost collapsed into the first seat I found, while Keiren sat beside me. Only then did I notice the luxurious interior of the jet plane.
Damn, this jet is extravagant.
"Can I help you with your baggage?" a flight stewardess offered.
My eyes widened. Is this what stewardesses on private jets look like? Her ginger-red hair was glowing, her fitted uniform highlighted her curves, and—oh sh*t—her chest was practically spilling out. I immediately covered Keiren's eyes, though he was too busy eating to care.
"T-thank you." I said, handing her Keiren's bag.
I think I get it now. Is this the "freebie" Mr. Moskovosky was talking about? That lunatic!No wonder I had a bad feeling about his words.
Keiren smacked my hand away, so I let go of him. The coast was clear anyway, so it was safe.
I glanced back at the stewardess when she approached with a drink offer. I simply nodded, still avoiding the trap—the booby trap.
She turned around to get a glass, and I was completely caught off guard by her skirt. Her underwear is showing every time she bends down.
In the name of God. I'm still a man—I have needs—but Jay-jay is what I truly need. So please give me strength to face this trial and tell my dck to calm down. Amen.*
I prayed silently. I even closed my eyes and imagined my Jay-jay, my future wife, smiling and waiting for me while lying in my bed—wait! What?
I snapped my eyes open and glanced downward. Damn! Now I have an even bigger problem.