Elliott Miller is your average 23 year-old, only with a lost father and a resentful mother. When he goes back to his hometown to make amends, he inadvertently gets dragged into the activities of an illicit criminal group.
Enter Marcel Nixon, 25, wh...
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I checked the house for any possible security threats one last time and made my way to the car, suited up for my meeting with Mr. Gray. My hair was disheveled and my appearance certainly wasn't up to my usual tidy standard, but I did my best to look presentable despite the visible lack of sleep caused by the preceding events.
Elliot was away at a shoot, with whom I'd sent some of my trusted personnel to ensure his security. The very thought of him being away from my watch made me deeply uncomfortable, as I'd grown rather fond of him and wanted to keep him close. However, the circumstances demanded it so I had to improvise appropriately.
A myriad of thoughts kept my mind awake as I got in and started the car. It had been mere months since we met but I'd already developed such unshakeable feelings towards him.
Every action of his intrigued me, from the slight crinkling of his eyes when he laughed, to the way his face would turn red in embarrassment after doing something clumsy. But he was still beautiful. Everything about him was.
To think we came so close to kissing a few days ago. I could still feel his soft skin beneath my callous fingers. I recalled the feeling of my hand amidst his silky chestnut locks, which always caught in the light in the most flattering way. His lean frame melded perfectly into mine like a jigsaw puzzle, his fingers leaving a trail of burning desire as they traced my arms. I'd had plenty of innocent infatuations in the past but they paled in comparison to the affection I held for Elliott. He was the missing piece to the hollow cavern that lingered inside me.
That's where my dilemma arose. I had a duty; a role to play in this evidently secretive operation. Even a slight hiccup could compromise the whole thing and send us into hiding. A long time ago, I made a promise to myself and my father to carry out my obligations truly and faithfully; to be able to discern my feelings from my responsibilities. It was a promise that I couldn't possibly break.
I was never unclear about which course of action to assume when I was faced with such transparent options, so this unfamiliar indecisiveness irked me. My options were either to choose between whom my heart had fallen for or what my duties necessitated. It was near impossible to have both due to the clashing effect they would pose to one another, adding to my woes. Heck, I'd witnessed colleagues being sacked for involving their clients in their personal lives. They didn't seem to mind, though, but I knew I couldn't possibly just leave my job. It was my whole life; my past, present and almost guaranteed future.
I pulled up to headquarters and parked the car in my spot. Quickly swiping my card and giving a curt wave to the friendly receptionist, I went straight up to Mr. Gray's office. He was there, as usual, filing through a dossier. I approached the door and gave it a knock, garnering his attention.
"Marcel! Good, you're here. Sit down, make yourself comfortable. You know where everything is, just ring up the front desk if you'd like refreshments."
"I'm good sir. Actually, I needed to talk to you about something personal so if I could have a few minutes of your time, it would be helpful."
"Of course son, you have my complete attention. If you'd like some privacy, I can arrange that."
"Mhm, thank you sir."
He put down the binder and walked up to shut the doors, instructing something to the guards. They complied and stalked away, as Mr. Gray latched the door.
"Tell me son, what's on your mind?"
"Umm... sir, I've been meaning to ask you a question. It's a little bit personal actually..."
I faltered, feeling embarrassed to say any further. However, he gestured for me to go on so I exhaled deeply and began.
"Sir, did your marriage ever affect your job here? You've told me about being dismissed from your previous position but never got to the part after."
He let out a light chuckle before smiling.
"Madelaine was the best thing that ever happened to me. Although our nuptials were actually arranged by our parents in advance, you're were right. It was indeed due to the fact that she worked with me that got us both fired. I don't regret it one bit, though, if that's what you're asking. She's made made me a better person in more ways than one."
As he went on about Madelaine Gray, my mind was filled with images of Elliott. However, the words he uttered next brought me right back to reality.
"It's Elliott isn't it? Ivetta and Atlas Millers' son?"
My mouth went agape. What gave it away? I stammered and failed to form a coherent sentence.
He chuckled again and shook his head.
"You really think I didn't know? Come on son, give me a little credit. Your father left you in my care for a reason. Besides, the way you look at him says it all. I already had my suspicions when you insisted I showed him the archive; to convince him, you claimed."
My face instantly heated up. I was pretty sure I resembled a ripe tomato in the sunshine. A messy tomato at that.
"Yes sir, he's absolutely wonderful. That's what scares me."
"But why?"
"Sir, surely you're not asking that to tease me. You do remember what my father expected of me, what I promised to him?"
"I do. But if he was here, he would have only wanted you to be happy. You're his little boy, so naturally, he wouldn't want you to get hurt again. With that said, if Elliott truly makes you happy, your father would've trusted your judgement. In fact, I do too. I'm one-hundred percent confident that it won't distract you from your work and it's about time you moved on son."
I slightly teared up at the memory of my late father but blinked my damp eyes dry and regained my composure. I got the validation I needed and it felt good to be reminded of my father's love. I decided to heed Mr. Gray's words. The only thing I had to do was confirm if Elliott felt the same way.
"Thank you sir. I really needed that."
"Don't thank me son, I'm just doing my job."
I gave a firm nod and rose to get up when suddenly, a siren went off. A bodyguard rushed in and said the very words that I dreaded since day one.
