Weakness of a Gang Leader

Cleo

"Luke? Where the fuck are you, Luke? Oh God, please answer me."

I couldn't stop my tears from falling as minute by fucking minute there was no answer. My hand flew to my mouth to conceal a sob as I fell to my knees beside the bed and clutched the sheets in my fist. "Luke?" I cried hoarsely.

There came a rustling. It was soft, sounding like someone running through a forest. "Cleo?" I finally heard.

It was nothing more than a soft whisper, but was enough to make me jump up and gasp with relief. "Fuck, don't you ever scare me like that again. I haven't heard from you in several days and when I finally do you scare the shit out of me. I hate you. I fucking hate you, you bastard." I broke out sobbing again, clutching my fist to my hand as my heart began to physically hurt. I didn't really hate him, I never could. But, he had made me scared, and so very angry. Like boiling water in a kettle.

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to scare you." He truly sounded like he was sorry. "Listen, I haven't found Lil yet, but I have a few leads as to where Rodrigo may be keeping her. I...I need you to do something for me." He sounded hesitant, like he didn't want to ask what he was thinking.

"What?" I said quietly to urge him to continue.

He took a deep breath, I figured he even ran a hand through his hair. "Cleo, I need you to stay inside. Don't leave the house under any circumstance. Don't open the door for anyone except me. Do you understand me, baby?" His voice became more rushed and panicked with every word he spoke.

I knew this was serious. I didn't like being told what to do, but in a matter like this, where it wasn't just my life but those of the people I love on the line, I would not cause any trouble. I sighed, and I knew on the other side he was waiting impatiently for  my impending answer. "Yes, I understand." I told him quietly. I did not really understand, but I knew the extremity of the situation. I knew that one wrong move could very well end in Lilianna getting killed; or worse, later sold as a sex slave to another gang.

"Thank you, sweetheart. Listen, I have to go now. But, I promise not to let you go so long without hearing from me. I'm sorry it took me almost a week to call you." His voice cracked in the middle of his sentence and I wanted nothing more than to be able to be there with him and hold him tight. "You've been so patient, so strong. I know you love her too. You're a good mother to her. So good. I promise, I will find her and I will bring her back to us. No matter what the cost, I will bring her back."

I knew he meant what he said. He always did. I could only hope that it wouldn't be at the cost of his own or of Lilianna's life. I couldn't bear to lose either one of them. It would be too much to handle. So, I had to do whatever Luke told me, to the letter, and I had to not stop out of any lines. For Luke. For our little girl.

"Luke!" I cried before he went to hang. up. "I...I love you, Luke. So much." I struggled not to cry in the middle of the sentence. What if this was the last time I spoke to him? He had to know how I felt about him.

There was a slight pause as I waited for his reply. What if he didn't feel the same way? I knew how our relationship was; no matter what, Lil always came first. And that was how it should be. But, I at least wanted him to have some room in his heart left to love me as well. As selfish as it was, I desired his love and affection.

"I love you, Cleo."

And then he was gone.

Even after the audible sound of the phone hanging up, I still held it to my ear in shock. He loved me. Luke just said he loved me. Did he mean it, or was it just the heat of the the moment type of thing? Whatever it was, I was grateful.

Most of my life, I'd never known the feeling of love. My father died when I was three, and my mother blamed me for it. She always made sure to let me know how useless and unwanted I was in comparison to my little brothers. I believed her words. I knew she never wanted me, even when my father was alive.

I was a mistake. Born before either of my parents were ready. Unlike my mother, though, my father was loving toward me. He'd been the only one to show me love. After he died, I lost all meaning of the word. I forgot what it meant, forgot what it felt like to be loved. Luke had given that to me.

I laid in our bed that night, crying my heart out. I wanted Luke. I wanted his arms around me. I wanted him to hold me close, and tell me that everything would be okay. I needed him to comfort me, and chase away the demons of my past. He was the only one who could comfort me. The only one I trusted with my heart.

I couldn't lose him. I could lose him and I couldn't lose Lilianna. I would die if I ever lost either of them. I'd rather die than lose either of them. Luke and Lilianna were my life.

I couldn't. I couldn't. I just couldn't keep going if they were taken from me. I sobbed into Luke's pillow, clutching it close to my chest.

"Please. God, please. Bring Luke back to me. Bring my daughter back to me."

Guys I am so so sorry for the long wait. I know I haven't updated in a while and I feel so bad. I just have not had the time nor the energy. Thank you for your patience and for your continuous support! Remember to vote, comment and share! Also, shoutout to R3b3cca09 go check out her stuff!