EGO

PROTECT

A few months have passed since the Stonewell incident. Devin was waiting for some form of retaliation but everything was quiet as kept. He was replaying that night in his mind...the sound of bones cracking from bodies being thrown. The fear in Stonewell's eyes looking back at him....Devin grinned. There was a knock at his office door.

"Come in." Devin snapped out of his thoughts.

"Hey boss, I got the status on Richard Stonewell." Bull from security came into the office.

"A month ago, he left the states and booked a flight to Cambodia. His judicial status is 'extended paid time off'. They didn't give the duration of the time off."

"Any other movement concerning Begonia?" Devin asked.

"None at all. But we're definitely on full lookout and tightened up on the visitors here."

Devin was pleased. "Thank you for everything, Bull. I really do appreciate you and Shane protecting this place. It takes a huge burden off my shoulders daily."

"Hey, we're family here. I'm going to go make my rounds and check the floors."

Devin nodded and continued working on tax paperwork for Begonia. He heard his phone buzzing...it was Sophia.

"Hi Devin, it's been a while since we talked. You haven't answered any of my text messages or calls. Did I do something wrong? Please let me know, I really miss you."

He sat there looking at the message Sophia sent.....

She still ain't giving up, eh? Just tell her to fuck off, maybe then she'll leave you alone.

Ollie, that's very classless. I'm not telling her that. Besides, I don't dislike her......I'm just a little turned off.

A little? Ha! She fucked you while carrying another man's baby then talked about killing it after she got her nut off.

Well damn, Ollie, when you put it that way she does sound rather trash. But she was pregnant by her husband, not some random guy. And her situation caused her to be that way, so I'm not going to judge.

Too late....so what are you going to do? Tell her you miss her murdering cooch?

Ollie, cut it out. She's not a murderer.

I'm kidding....unlike her....get it? Meaning she's not kidding....meaning no kid, cause she killed it...hahahaha!

Not funny, Ollie.

Ok, ok. It was a joke...sheesh. Lighten up a little.

He decided to respond to her text message.

"Hello Sophia. I've been really busy. How have you been?"

She responded back immediately.

"I've been ok. I was worried about you and came past your place a few times but you're never there. Are you avoiding me? Whatever I did I'm sorry.....I just want to see my friend."

"I'll be out of state for a while. I really don't have much time to socialize and I hope you are doing well."

"You mean you don't have time to socialize with me. I'm not stupid Devin, you're avoiding me."

Devin was about to respond but decided to delete the message and block her number, hoping she would get the hint. It seems harsh but he rather not talk to her at all.

***

The next day, things were running smoothly at Begonia. I got in early to take care of some paperwork. I went into the lounge area to talk to Shane about a few things....then a familiar face walked up to the doors. Shane went to answer, then he looked in my direction..I decided to see what was going on.

"Hey Dev! Long time no see. How have you been?"

"I've been well, Ms. Peters. How can I help you?"

Amber was the last person I wanted to see. She looked like she's been drinking or using drugs and I wanted no parts of that.

"I've been reaching out to Marcy but she hasn't gotten back to me..."

"About what?"

"A job here...I can bring a lot of money to this place."

Delusional.

It was sad seeing how downhill Amber has gone.

"I'm sorry, but we're not hiring," I kindly told her.

Her face began to turn in anger and not really caring about how she felt I turned and walked back into the building. Shane can handle this without me.

I continued my day walking around the building and checking up on the girls that were free. I noticed they liked it when I came to check on them, it made them feel important.

"Come in and lay down, daddy. Rest a little." Some of them would joke with me.

Nah, they weren't joking...

Doesn't matter, Ollie. That's how I'm taking it.

Tch...lame.

Ignoring Ollie, I went back into my office. After a few minutes, one of the girls was at my door.

"Hi Daddy, can I come in?"

"Sure...."

Lacey came in with a very happy mood. All of the ladies here were usually happy from what I saw but due to her situation..this was a good surprise.

"Hello, Lacey...what can I do for you?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to say thank you. I know you're the reason Stonewell doesn't bother me anymore."

"Well, it's my job to make sure you ladies are safe and feel safe."

"May I please have permission to give you a hug?"

I smiled. "Yes, you have permission."

Without hesitation, she ran towards me as I stood to give her a hug. She squeezed tight for a minute then let go.

"If you ever need anything or some release.....please tell me."

"Thanks for the offer Lacey, but I'll be fine. I just need you to stay safe, ok?"

"Yes daddy." She gave a soft smile, then walked out.

Did you just turn down free top of the line pussy?

Ollie, please don't start...I already told you, I'm not sleeping with my employees.

And that's one of the dumbest decisions you've ever made.

All I could do was laugh.