𝔅𝔬𝔯𝔫 𝔱𝔬 𝔡𝔦𝔢 - Rafe Cameron

①

As I stepped out of the car and took in the sight of Singh's mansion, I could feel the weight of exhaustion settle on my shoulders. Another long day of running errands, handling his dirty work, and somehow still keeping my head above water. I sighed, rubbing my fingers over my scalp beneath the braids. This place felt suffocating, but it wasn't like I had anywhere else to go.

Walking inside, I noticed right away that something was off. More guards than usual stood at every corner, their presence making my stomach twist. I spotted Marco and a few of the other guys who've been around for years.

"What's going on?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, though I could feel the tension crawling up my spine. "Why all the extra security?"

Marco stepped forward, his face set in a serious expression. "The boss brought in two kids. They're locked up in one of the rooms."

"Kids?" I frowned. Singh had always been ruthless, but something about this didn't sit right. "Where's he?"

"In the living room. He's waiting for you."

I nodded and made my way inside, trying to push away the gnawing sense of unease. The walls, with their strange paintings and decor, felt like they were closing in on me. This house had never felt like a home. It never would.

"Jazmine," Singh's voice sliced through the air, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I turned, my heart skipping a beat as I faced him. "Good evening, boss."

"Did you finish what I asked?" His eyes locked on me, cold and calculating as always.

"Yeah," I said, handing him the documents. My hands were steady, but inside, my nerves were a mess. "Got everything from the researcher."

"Good." Singh looked over the papers, then back at me, a faint hint of approval in his eyes. "Marco told you about the extra guards, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah. What's it about?"

"Rafe Cameron. You know the name?"

I blinked, caught off guard. "Yeah, Ward Cameron's son, right? The millionaire who... what, killed himself? I've heard of him."

"He's upstairs. With a girl named Kiara Carrera."

"Okay..." I waited, sensing there was more.

"That girl has a notebook I want. And Rafe... well, he found the cross of Denmark Tanny."

I raised an eyebrow. "He actually found it?"

Singh smirked. "Impressive, isn't it? I want you to keep an eye on him tonight. Especially him."

I swallowed hard. Orders from Singh were never easy to handle, but refusing wasn't an option. "Got it," I said quietly before heading upstairs.

The air felt heavier as I climbed the stairs. I could hear voices behind one of the doors. Marco stood outside, arms crossed, his face unreadable as usual.

"Still giving you trouble?" I asked, forcing a smirk.

"They've been at it for a while," Marco replied, shaking his head. "They don't get along."

I glanced at the door, hearing the muffled sounds of a girl's voice. "Let us out!" Kiara was pleading with whoever would listen.

"Tell them it's not happening," I muttered. I didn't have the energy for their desperation tonight.

Marco chuckled. "They'll quiet down soon enough."

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. Singh had me watching over Rafe Cameron now, and something told me this wasn't just another job.