Love in the Shadows [Book 1]

Chapter One

Telvest POV

"Sir Telvest, the men are waiting for you." my assistant announced as he was bowing his head to me in respect.

I stood up from sitting at my desk and fixed my suit to remove any crease on it.

Then, standing straight, I went towards the door without saying anything back and let the servant standing by the door open it for me. I left my study room and headed straight to the common room where my men were waiting for me.

You might be wondering what I meant when I said men. Let me start by giving you a quick summary of my lineage. My dad, and his dad before him, was a leader of a very notorious gang in the country.

Our lineage is being feared for our cruel and cold way of punishing those who had wronged us. We could kill without the interference of authorities for they are also on our side. We have been cleaning their mess for a long time and their only way of thanking us is by looking the other way whenever our name is involved with a crime.

We have incurred our wealth from the peace offerings of small-time gangsters as well as the offerings from wealthy families that needed our protection. Most of the wealthy families could hire our service for just a month long protection in exchange for one hundred thousand dollars.

Our family motto was to never deny any request as long as the price is right. My dad had been training me from my childhood until the day he breathed his last. He left his ring in my hand, telling me that it is now my turn to lead the gang.

Of course, we need to work in the shadows so we have established a club to hide our true colors. The club only accepts VIPs and celebrities to help our business further. And I could say that managing the club had become my favorite pastime. Because of my management, we have managed to open several branches across Metro Manila.

And now as I looked around the people who were under me, I felt the overwhelming pride inside me. That day marked the first day that I will lead them on my own.

They all bowed at me when they saw me and stayed in that position until I told them that they could raise their heads now. I walked in their midst, trying my best in intimidating them and showing them that I am their boss from then on.

I secretly counted their numbers and almost gasped in surprise when I learned that they are almost reaching five hundred now, including those who are in training.

I stopped by the end of the line and inhaled deeply.

"Our mission now is to protect a man named Felix Sato. A Japanese-Filipino conglomerate heir. His father called me this morning, asking for our service because he feels like their family is in danger." I started and smiled.

Receiving a request from that family is like winning a jackpot from a lotto. That family is well known for their abundant wealth and it is our chance to ride their fame. We need to get the attention of a more wealthy family so our family (gang) will become more stable.

"I need volunteers to camp outside their mansion in Laguna. I also need people who would follow their family members discreetly." I added and almost all of them raised their hand to volunteer.

I stared at Oliver, who was my right hand man as well as my personal assistant.

"Sort it out and decide who will do what." I instructed and he nodded in understanding.

One of them raised his hand like he wanted to ask something. I gestured for him to speak up and saw how he swallowed first, like he was trying to force himself into speaking up.

"Who will guard Mr. Felix Sato, sir?" He asked, fear is evident in his voice.

I could not help but feel satisfaction whenever I hear them fearing me.