Branded

Chapter 16

I stare at him dumbfounded, "You're what?"

"Your uncle has had me in his grasp so many times," Calum chuckles to himself, "No one would ever guess a young punk like me would be the most notorious leader."

"How, though? How has no one caught on?"

"They all expect some giant, steroid-filled, tattooed, monster of a man. They don't expect the leader to be classy and have a sense of dignity in what he does."

I laugh a little, "I'll give you that. You're a regular, classy, old-time mafia leader. You're behind in the times, but ahead in your game."

He smiles, "So you're not mad at me?"

"No.. I'm not." I sigh, "But I'll have to quit my job now. I can't be dating the mafia leader and work for the police."

"But I need you to, baby boo. You've gotta intercept drug files for me and copy me on them"

"I can't do that! It's illegal! How am I supposed to do that anyways?"

"Photo the files and send them to me via phone. I'll get you a new one, one that they can't track. Just tell me what you want."

"Are you sure I have to do this?"

"There are rats and fakes on the streets stealing business and threatening order. I need to get rid of them. Yes, you have to do this for me. Unless you absolutely don't want to, please do it."

I take a deep breathe and let is all out, "Yes, I'll do it."

Cal grabs me, kisses me, and nuzzles me, "Thanks, baby boo. You ready to go have some fun?"

"What kind of fun?" I ask curiously.

He smirks at me mischievously, "Ever shot a gun before?"

~Nikki's POV ~

I scramble, ignoring the pain in my leg, to tear all my clothes off. I limp to my bathroom and fold up three or four paper towels, hold them to the wound, and wrap an ACE bandage around my leg several times. I throw my robe on and hurry to the door. Michael is there.

"So now you decide to show up?" I ask trying to look tired.

He storms in past me, "Is Lee here?"

I shake my head, "No, why?"

"Why the hell were you spying on me? What the fuck, Nikki?" he yells turning to me as I close the door.

"What are you talking about?"

"Why were you in the ally? I know it was you."

"I was walking home because someone didn't show up for our date." I say trying not to sound hurt.

"I told you I would be there soon."

"You said that twenty minutes before I left and you were already an hour later from that. What did you expect me to do? Sit around and wait for you to not show?"

"I was going to show!" He starts to raise his voice, "You just needed to be more patient!"

"Michael!" I take a step and stumble a little, "Just get out of my apartment and don't show your face again... I don't want to be involved with a drug dealer."

He glares at me before looking to the floor. His eyes stop around my mid area, "You're bleeding."

I look down at my robe and curse, "I thought I wrapped it better." I use the wall and walk down the hall to my room. I fall and Michael runs over to me. He picks me up bridal-style and takes me to my bathroom.