EGO

RESPECT

"He's finally here, wake up!" One of the two henchmen of Judge Stonewell told his partner.

They were parked in another parking lot across from Begonia and were told to keep surveillance. Interest in Devin's success caused some of the organized crime clans to pay attention. Stonewall was still out of the country and didn't want to return until he knew Devin was taken care of...meaning dead.

The two men got out of the car and walked toward the building as Devin made his way to the entrance before them. With no hesitation both men pulled out their guns firing directly towards his back, but the bullets didn't hit him. Shocked, they fired again but got the same result.

Devin turned around and smiled, his eyes were pitch black, causing both men to Freeze where they stood. Before the men could finally react the concrete beneath them became soft and both ran away before they could be taken under. The screech of their tires smoked and burned the concrete causing Devin to laugh.

Shane came out of the building once he heard the gunshots but saw the men running away like cops showed up.

"Boss, are you okay?"

Devin turned back towards the entrance as the dark angels stood on each side unbeknownst to Shane. He nodded then made his way into the building as Shane looked around, watching his back.

I see you got some more fans, haha.

Devin laughed to himself, thinking about his already eventful day.

Begonia made him smile at how clean it was and the soft smell of strawberries filled the air. He went into his office and settled in per usual, checking emails and profit for the month.

"Hey, Boss...we have a situation in the dining area," Bull said.

Devin instantly got up and followed him to that location. When he walked through the double doors, he was greeted by black and red balloons and decorations. A big banner saying Happy Boss Day hung across the bar.

All the ladies stood in their lingerie dolled up as Bull patted Devin on the shoulder with a smile.

"Wow, you all are gonna make me cry," He said playfully and smiled, causing them to laugh.

Lena began to speak. "Daddy, the ladies wanted to show how much we appreciate you. I know we may have messed up here and there but you never lose your cool and we can talk to you about anything. Thank you for being understanding and patient with us......"

"And protecting us..." Lacey interrupted and the women nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Ladies. I guess this means y'all don't hate me after all." Devin said and the women all laughed again.

Everyone sat eating cake and enjoying the meat, cheese and fruit platters. Devin sat at the bar and the women sat with him, picking his brain and taking the opportunity to know more about him.

"So do you have any pets?" One of them asked.

"No, I don't. But I had a turtle when I was kid."

"Aww, that's so cute."

"I can be your pet, Daddy..." Josie said as she ate some grapes.

Devin smirked. "No, but thank you for the offer."

"Who's your girlfriend or where do you go to get off?" Lena asked.

Devin has individually been asked this question by each one of them on different occasions but still answered.

"I do not have a girlfriend and don't plan on having one. I do have women that I am sexually acquainted with and they have an understanding of my intentions."

"Wow, you make fuck buddies sound so classy and educational."

Devin laughed at Lena. "I'll take that as a compliment, thank you."

"Well ladies, thank you for everything, but I need to get back to my office."

The women groaned and whined not wanting him to go but understood. They continued to celebrate until it was time for new clients to arrive for the day.

Devin went on with the rest of his day and soon clients began to pour in. He walked around greeting and welcoming some of them to Begonia.

One of the clients sat at the bar talking to Mixie. He seemed to be smitten with her and Devin grinned at her charm.

That guy is a cop...

Oh really? I guess that is another occupation to add to the list of clientele.

He's an undercover cop.

Is he here for business or pleasure?

It is still business, but Mixie is also turning it into pleasure.

Devin walked over to the bar to introduce himself.

"Hello, welcome to Begonia. I'm Devin, the owner."

The man looked at him up and down then put out his hand for a shake.

"Nice to meet you, Devin."

He didn't even tell you his name....definitely a cop.

"Hello Mixie, how are you doing?"

A bright smile formed on her face. "I'm good, Daddy."

The man's brows scrunched at her response and Devin held back his laugh.

"You enjoy yourself, officer. I hope you find exactly what you're looking for, just try not to snoop too much."

Devin walked away, leaving the man in shock and his cover exposed.

***

"Joey is in the back, he said Nico left town and won't answer his phone."

Johnny of the Brookshire clan sat listening to what happened to the hit that was supposed to take place earlier. Joey came into his office shaken up sitting down in the chair in front of him. He was given a drink to calm his nerves.

"So, what happened?"

Joey took another sip before answering. "The bullets didn't hit him..."

"So you both have shitty aims..."

"No, No! We were at close range to make sure we got him and each bullet avoided him as if something was redirecting their path..."

Johnny sat looking at him confused.

I've heard every excuse in the book for not finishing a hit but this one takes the cake.

"You mean he had on a bullet proof vest?"

Joey shook his head. "No, the bullets wouldn't hit him at all. Then the ground started to sink and pull us down...it was like...fucking melting or something....the smile he had on his face as we starting sinking.....we got the hell out of there."

"The ground was sinking?"

"I know I sound crazy but it happened! Why do you think Nico left town? He was freaked out, I'm not going back to that place....Devin is the devil...."

Just when Johnny was about to talk...all of the bottles of liquor on the shelf exploded one by one, causing them to duck.

Johnny's bodyguard pulled out a gun looking for the culprit but it was only the three of them in the room. They all got up off the ground trying to make sense of what just happened.

Joey stood up and looked at Johnny.

"Still think I'm crazy?"