BROWN-EYED BOY ✔ (BOOK 2)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LIAM POV

There was a very uncomfortable silence, for a minute or two before they all started laughing, as if I had just cracked a joke of a lifetime. 

"Did you hear that, boys? He wants to buy our protection." There was another defeating laughter. Did Daniel know these kinds of things happen? I wondered facing my assailants with determination.

"Tell me your price," I growled desperately. The attention was back again on me. "You need money and I need  protection." I added with certainty catching their interest. 

"How much do you have?" The boss asked seriously,

"Two hundred bills. " I replied immediately

"Okay," he accepted instantly, making me wary. The bastard didn't laugh, negotiate or kick me surprisingly. 

"Does that mean you accept?" I must have jinxed it. He slapped me hard. 

"Never make me repeat myself, now pay up." He scolded grimly.

I traced my palm over my  bruised cheek. 

"I will pay, but you have to guarantee my safety." I held my ground, aggravating him more. "From you as well..."

"You will never be safe from me boy," he bragged. "...From them, maybe," he referred to his three minions. 

"Four hundred bills per month, and that will include you as well." I started boldly.  

He  grabbed my face, raised my chin and leaned in close to my ear, and whispered, 

"Six hundred bills and I will make sure no one touches even  a single strand on your pretty head." His hands caressed my face. I gulped. He tightly grabbed my hand forcing my head to tilt to his preferred position. 

"I only have five," I blurted hastily. 

" Deal,"  his tongue came out and licked my cheek, before he did the same with my lips. I could have caught it between my teeth, but then it would just guarantee a thorough beating.

"Pay up now," he took a step back. I picked my discarded tunic and retrieved the five hundred bills. They were pleasantly surprised and somehow couldn't believe the money was on display for their taking. I am sure if they had known it was in the pocket before the deal they could have beaten me and taken it. Good thing is, goons like these live by their  word. I was sure of my safety, from everyone.

"We will be good friends,  kitty," the boss murmured, dragging the last word to annoy me presumably. 

"You better have him at your sight always," he turned to his men, "sorry Doug, he is off-limits now."  I hurriedly put on my uniform and left the laundry room together with my new found friends. 

The dumb guard regarded with awe, seeing I was still in one piece.  If he had questions, he didn't voice them out. He quietly escorted us to the field, with the big four, as I called them in mind, on either side of me. 

Instead of joining my usual people, I  sat boldly among the top dogs with my head held high. 

I contemplated reporting that bastard Kane, but I didn't want to risk unnecessary accidents. 

I have seen shower floors get extra slippery, for the big-mouthed. 

I trust Daniel, but he is still a warden and his top priority is to fight crime. If I go to him with the little I know, I might end dead in one of those showers. 

Speaking of Daniel, I just caught his eye, but he looked away quickly, but not before I saw the condemnation written all over his face. 

DANIEL POV

I was  surprised to see Liam had joined a clique, only a few hours after he had expressed his interest to me. 

I knew he had doubts about me and I couldn't fault him for that. He is in here in the first place  for trusting blindly. 

But I would be lying if I said I wasn't pissed. Without realizing it, he has made it harder for me to keep an eye on him. 

In terms of investigation, he has aided greatly because thanks to him, we have picked up a small trail from his crew...