𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲

Chapter four

Trigger warning ⚠️ 

Noah's POV:

We left the bakery and headed to the company, which was just eight minutes away. From the back seat, I could hear the rustling of pastry wrappers.

"Yummmmmm, these are SO good," Rowan mumbled, and Andrew chuckled.

"Excuse her, sir; she doesn't like it when strangers tease her," Andrew said, trying to smooth things over with Daniel.

I admired how she stood up for herself. She's not weak, and it's refreshing to see someone who doesn't need others to defend her. It's rare these days.

"I was just trying to make a conversation; I thought we could become friends or something," Daniel said, attempting to explain himself.

"Do you usually make friends with girls you just met without knowing anything about them? Come on, man, it's obvious you want to fuck," Rowan retorted, making his excuse sound even more absurd.

"She was right," I said unexpectedly, causing Rowan to gasp.

"go apologize to her this afternoon," I stated firmly. Daniel had disrespected her in front of everyone. If I had a sister, and someone treated her like that, they'd be in serious trouble.

"Noah, are you okay?" Rowan asked, noticing my agitation.

I wasn't sure. Why was I defending her? Why did I care so much? Why didn't I react this way when Daniel brought girls around just to use them?

"Of course, I am. Don't forget, Andrew is her customer, and it seems she cares about him, so let's not put him in a difficult position with her," I replied, trying to convince myself.

I took a sip of the coffee she had made. It was exceptional—flavors I couldn't quite identify mixed with the coffee.

Her fingers had felt so soft when I took the cup from her; her touch was comforting, and I couldn't quite figure out why it affected me so much.

Andrew pulled up in front of the company, and we got out. We walked towards the doors.

"Morning, Don," the security guards greeted, and I nodded in response.

Inside, everyone stood in place and greeted me as I headed for the elevator. I pressed the button for the 89th floor, where my office was.

When the elevator doors opened, they revealed my office—an entire floor dedicated to my work. Rowan and Daniel followed me in as I settled into my chair.

"Morning, Don," Marie greeted as she entered.

"Go ahead," I said curtly.

"There's been a 6% increase in stock, which will allow us to make more deals with the Dominican mafia. Our soldiers are continuously training and ready for any battle," she reported.

"Good updates," Rowan said proudly.

"What about Nikolai?" I asked.

Nikolai, the 17-year-old Russian mafia heir, had crossed me. He stole 41 kg of drugs, and although we managed to recover them, he had made a serious mistake.

"We caught him last night at a nightclub. The capos have him now," Marie replied.

"Italy?"

"Sebastian sent an email early this morning. Everything is under control."

"You can go," I instructed.

"Don, Mr. Gabriel wanted me to remind you about the ball event," Marie said.

"Leave," I commanded, and she did.

Marie works hard, but I haven't forgotten that she had an affair with my father before my mother's death. The only reason she's still here is that her uncle begged me for five hours straight.

"Rowan and Daniel, go deal with Nikolai," I instructed.

"Yes, Don," they replied, leaving the office. At least they understood when it was time to get serious.

I spent the rest of the day answering emails and figuring out who would be my partner for the ball event.---"Can we apologize to Isabella tomorrow? I have to continue dealing with Nikolai. We're too close to getting what we need," Daniel pleaded, and I agreed. It was getting late—9 p.m.—and she should have left by now.

I gathered my things, took my suit jacket, and left the office.

"Don, where to?" Andrew asked, opening the car door for me.

"No, Andrew, I want to walk and get some fresh air. It's been a long day," I replied.

"Alright, sir. I'll be waiting for your call. I'll come and pick you up after your walk."I started walking aimlessly.

After 15 minutes, I found myself in front of a large sign: 'Golden Bakery.'

How did I end up here?

They were closed, as I expected.

I experienced a strange sense of déjà vu as I looked at the door, remembering the curly redhead.

Suddenly, I heard a girl scream, Without thinking, I ran toward the sound.

I saw a drunk man on top of a girl. Her features were obscured.

I grabbed the guy by his collar and started hitting him.

He coughed up blood, but I didn't care. The girl's sobbing only intensified my anger.

I took my pistol from my waistband and shot his leg so he wouldn't move, and I heard her scream.

I ran to her. She was curled up in a ball, sobbing uncontrollably.

straweberry blonde. Curls. Sweater, denim. Converse.

Damn it.

"It's alright," I tried to comfort her, though I wasn't skilled at expressing emotions or offering comfort.

She looked up, her face streaked with tears. I hesitated to touch her, especially after what she'd just endured.

I called Andrew, sent him my location, and instructed him to bring Rowan and Daniel with him.