11: Serena – Change Of Course

Serena POV:

The business meeting with Diesel was awful. For some reason I found myself craving him, yet giving in to him isn’t good. So I tried ignoring the intense need for him and then walked away.

His business proposal was amazing, but everything else just felt like a joke.

“Miss Pierce.” I look up to Dwayne.

“Yes.”

“Mr Prent is here.”

“Let him in.” I turn to the computer and load up Mr Prent’s files. I glance through them quickly. This is someone else I have never dealt with. I have no idea why he requested to come here.

“Miss Pierce.” I look up and smile.

“Mr Prent, please take a seat and tell me how I can help you.”

“Your father and I were close Miss Pierce.” He leans forward putting items on my desk. “We were discussing and in the plan of making a new deal, a new business. As you can see there. It was kept off the record as he was worried his PA may see it and speak of it. I am hoping, we can continue the deal and business together.”

He sits looking at me, leaning forward I collect the papers and look through them. This is my dad all over, I can tell the parts he did and the parts he didn’t. I read the concept but I am not too sure. It is illegal, and while parts of the businesses are, I try not to get into an actual business with them.

“I’m not sure Mr Prent, I will be honest with you. Joining a solely illegal business isn’t my kind of thing.

“Which I know, however, I have had an offer from elsewhere. As your father did I put out messages to see if anyone else would be interested and there is. However, I thought I would come and check with you before I join with someone else.”

Okay, well if he is going ahead without me, then that changes things. I can’t have him running it in this city and ignore it entirely. I don’t want to refuse and tell him if he does I will end it either. My dad seemed to be interested and wanted to be part of it.

“Okay Mr Prent, let me look over it fully. Then I will contact you, can you give me twenty-four hours?” I watch as he nods and walks off. So I start reading, deciding it was best to do this now than later. If this takes off like my dad proposed, if I’m not involved, this could be trouble for me.

Hours pass by as I work, and try to work out this deal, a way to agree or a way to stop it entirely.

A knock comes and I look to the door waving in Dwayne.

“Miss Piere, a delivery.” He walks over and places the flowers and box on my desk before leaving. Who the hell would send me flowers and a gift?

Opening the box I peer inside and see a dress. Who the hell would send me a dress? I pull the note from within the flowers and open it.

Serena…Miss Pierce.

I apologise for my forwardness and unruly sexual advances towards you. You’re a stunning lady and no man can resists. So this is my apology, and commitment to pay on time. I’m sorry for the way I acted, and I realised it came across as I saw you as a joke. I don’t Miss Pierce, I see you as you are.

Sorry, Diesel.

I glance around confused, he apologised and sent gifts and flowers. That isn’t the guy who I met, I look around confused, and then look at the dress, a note inside the box falls out.

Also, if you would like to talk, as friends. I promise no sexual advances or remarks will be made. Just friends, I swear.

He ends the note with his number, and I smile, unsure of why, but I do. I want to say yes, but I won’t. Mr Lewis is not the sort to have relationships, he is not the sort to play nice.

I know of him well, a player, who likes his women. Sometimes more than one at a time. I put the flowers in a vase and place the dress on the side, deciding now I will work, and forget Mr Lewis. He has agreed to pay on time, so now there is no reason for me to go searching for him.

Yet, I want to. Part of me wants to go and find him, and agree to be friends, which is a foolish move. Men like Diesel do not have friends. Not women friends anyway. Part of me feels like this is just his way of trying to get back in again.

To fight and push into my life and still gain sex. Maybe that is just the past clouding my judgment. Maybe I will regret this, but I could do with a friend. Taking out the phone I message him. A simple thank you for the gifts and the apology.

Maybe it is crazy but I want him to reply. I want him to ask me to meet him again. He doesn’t though. The only reply I get is, ‘You’re welcome’. That makes me want him more than him trying. Him becoming distant and not wanting to talk, not wanting me makes me want him.

Why though? What changed from that date to now, as I know it was a date, the business meeting was just a way to get me to agree. Yet now he has gone cold and distant like he doesn’t want me?

It’s strange. I am used to men wanting me. Even when I say no and threaten them, they still look at me the same, and given a chance they would want me. Yet Mr Lewis is now cold, and seems to have gone off me?

“Miss Pierce.” I look up and see Dwayne standing with a woman behind him. She is beautiful, I smile and nod letting him know it is okay. I watch as she walks in and sits to face me.

“I’m Jessie. I need a job, I have tried everywhere in this city and most won’t recruit me, so I thought if there is one person who can make it happen it is you, Miss Pierce.” She smiles at me and I realise this is Jessie.

Diesel’s Jessie and it makes me smile, maybe I can allure him in with her?

“What sort of job were you wanting Jessie?” I look at her waiting.

“Something that isn’t childish, and well shows people the woman is a boss woman, not a housewife.” Her words are flat and I realise she wants to impress Diesel, does he like her and just lies?

“Okay, well, let’s talk about this and see if I can find you somewhere to work or offer you a position here Jessie.” Sitting we talk and I hear about where she has worked and hasn’t. I need Diesel’s attention again, but I don’t want to use her. Not in a bad way.

So, I will give her a job, here. One that isn’t risky, doesn’t put her into anything illegal, but guarantees soon, it will have her staying here and Diesel and her dad searching for her.

Then he has to come here.

12: Diesel – Silence

Diesel POV:

It has been a week, and I have heard nothing from Serena. I had thought she would message me, but she didn’t. I paid like a good little pup on time and the full amount.

Still, nothing. I’m not sure what else to do. Rooster says slow, Mel is telling me to run for it and taunt her. Taunting is fun. Yet, Rooster is right. If I continue to taunt Serena and she is broken, it will drive her away.

“Diesel.” I look up and see Rooster.

“Hey, everything good?”

“No idea! Jessie has a job but won’t tell me shit! I tried following her but I lost her.”

“You sure she isn’t lying?” It wouldn’t be a first for Jessie.

“I’m sure. I know you don’t want to but can you talk to her? She won’t tell me Diesel, and I am hoping she tells you.”

Oh great, I stare at him.

“Are you fucking crazy? This week has been silent! Not once has she tried stripping around me.” I laugh.

If I contact her it starts all over again!

“Okay, forget it!” I watch as he stands to walk out.

“Fine! But, I swear if she starts going crazy and shit again, you will regret it Rooster.” He nods and I know he is worried but I can’t control what Jessie does.

Picking up the phone I message her.

Hey, you okay I haven’t seen you around much. Pop in later for a drink?

I hit send, and instantly regret it.

“All sent, I will let you know Rooster. Don’t worry about her, she is in the city, no one will fuck with her.” No one who values their life anyway.

“Thanks, Diesel, I’m just worried.”

I nod.

“It’s fine. Honestly, I am sure she will tell me where she is working.” I hope so otherwise I have to dig and find information. I watch as he leaves, and hours pass by without a word from Jessie. Maybe I could find her? It isn’t like her to disappear.

I get home and wait. Constantly replying to Rooster saying I have heard nothing. I am hoping she shows up at home soon as she isn’t replying to him.

I hear the knocking and walk to the door, Jessie stands waiting. I relax seeing her, yet Rooster is right. The way she is dressed, what she is dressed in screams she has a job and it isn’t a low-paying one either.

“Drink?” I walk in and hear her following.

“Sure, why not.” She sits down and I hand her one before sitting facing her.

“So, you asked me around, why?”

Why, if I say to find out about her job she won’t tell me.

“I should be expanding, when I do the garage will be converted into offices. You need a job, so I am sorting it that you will manage the place.”

She nods and finishes her drink before placing the glass down.

“I’m good thanks, Diesel, I have sorted out something myself.” She seems uninterested. Which isn’t Jessie.

“Really? Anything good?” I try to seem interested.

“It’s great. Pays enough, and the boss isn’t a jerk.” She laughs slightly.

“So where is the job?” I look at her watching as her head shakes.

“That is private.”

I laugh. “So a strip club then.”

Her eyes widen. “Screw you Diesel. Not, it isn’t a strip club or anything like that. I keep my clothes on. Why do you even care.” She glares at me and I laugh.

“Because you’re like my little sister!” I pick up the phone and message Rooster explaining she isn’t giving up any information.

“A little sister who makes you hard. That’s sick Diesel, really fucking sick.”

All I do is laugh and nod.

“Which you like.” And that shut her up. I read the message from Rooster saying do what it takes. I don’t want to do what it takes.

“Look, you got a job. Well done, but your dad is fucking worried Jessie. So just tell us or him where it is or who for.”

“What’s it worth?” She stands and looks at me.

“Not that.” I won’t fuck her.

“Then you will never know.” I watch her turn and walk away, my hand stopping her.

“So is this your plan? Have your dad worried sick until I give in and fuck you and you agree to tell me?”

“Maybe, who knows Diesel.” She laughs.

“You selfish bitch!”

Her eyes widen at my words.

“You want to punish me then punish me. I won’t fuck you, I’m sorry I don’t like little girls who act like this. That is on me, don’t use me as an excuse to make your dad worry.”

“You have no idea!” Screaming she hits me.

“I do! Look at you.” I look across her body. She is amazing, but maybe being harsh and making her fucking cry will work. “You’re a whore. That is how you come across! Right then, trying to bargain information for me fucking you? You have no one in here.” I tap her head.

“Only you! Fuck your dad and how worried he is. Fuck me and the fact I don’t want you. Think about it, Jessie. You don’t like Matt, right? Now imagine him doing to everything you fucking do to me. If you agreed eventually it wouldn’t fucking be consensual, would it? No, because you only agreed to get him to stop!” I step back.

Okay, well I made her cry. She stands staring at me shocked. I need to carry on though.

“You want to act grown up, well done you got a real fucking job. The ignoring your dad, making him worry, hiding things from him, trying to use it to get me to fuck you, that is the child. That is why I would never touch you, Jessie, because everything comes back to you acting like a fucking child!”

I watch as she moves, her fist hitting my face.

Shit, she fucking punched me. I want to laugh but I hold it in.

“Fuck you Diesel!”

“No thanks.” I smile and watch her storm out. Picking up the phone I hit Rooster’s number and he answers.

“Hey, so she is crying. Punched me fucking hard. She might tell you though. She tried to bargain the information for me fucking her Rooster. So I was honest to the point she cried, punched me and ran.” I had best warn him.

“Thanks, Diesel and sorry.”

“It’s fine, but she does have a job Rooster. I will send out some messages and ask to see if anyone will speak up about seeing her work.” I hang up and send out the messages. Someone needs to know where she is working.

Yet it’s like a ghost town, no one has seen her anywhere, it is like she vanishes. So someone knows and is lying. Someone has seen her and is not telling us, but why? My mind shifts to Serena.

I know it might be crazy but I plan to go in tomorrow and talk to her. She said to, so I won’t be breaking the rules. I don’t want to wait, as if I wait, it means there is a chance she will forget how I made her feel.

Waking, I get on the bike and go to the building. Stopping outside I look up. Maybe this is crazy but I need to see her. I walk through and ask for her. I sit and wait, apparently, she is busy right now.

I laugh at the thought, and slowly begin to wonder just how many people see knows, personally. The ones where she can talk to them about her issues. I don’t think she has anyone.

“Mr Lewis.” I look up and smile at Dwayne. “She will see you now.” I nod and walk through, getting into the office I sit down and lean back on the sofa. Screw the chair, chair is business, sofa is for pleasure.

“Mr Lewis, I wasn’t expecting you.” She looks at me from the desk.

“You told me to keep checking in and updating you remember.” I smile and act like a gentleman.

“So I did, I forgot that part.” She doesn’t move, just looks at me. I guess I will try a new approach.

“I wanted to apologise in person. I would say that wasn’t me, but it really was and would be a lie.” We both laugh and she nods.

“Are you due a break soon?” I don’t want her at the desk.

“Mr Lewis, I can take a break whenever I want.” She smiles at me.

“Then take one now, come sit and let me apologise, in person, to you not the space between us.”

I watch as she nods and sits next to me. Well, that helps.

“As I said, I won’t lie and say it wasn’t me, as it was. However, it was wrong of me. I am used to the women from the club, the ones who like that. I should never have treated or spoken to you in that way.” I shouldn’t have.

“It is fine Diesel, you have apologised.” She looks uneasy and nervous and usually, I would flirt, make the woman laugh, and turn her on but I can’t, and that feels weird.

So we sit in silence for a few minutes while I try and find anything to talk about.

“Did you like the dress and flowers?” I will start with that.

“They were amazing thank you.” She smiles, and we talk, and it feels strange.

It’s me but it also isn’t. We keep talking and she laughs, a real fucking laugh and hell it makes me want to kiss her. I can’t though, I can’t be Diesel the guy who finds women a mission to conquer, not with her.

My eyes stay on hers as she talks, and I can see the pain. Yet there is a spark and fire, and her eyes. I’m mesmerised.

“What?” She looks at me confused.

“Sorry, I was staring.” I look away.

“It’s fine, I just wondered why you were staring.” She laughs slightly and I look back at her.

“Just, your eyes. Somehow this close they are captivating and beautiful.” They are, and the more I stare the more lost in them I get. I’m take taken in by them I don’t even realise as she moves forward.

I feel her lips on mine and I kiss her back. Confusion swarms through me, but I won’t stop her. My kiss becomes more fierce, her hands grasping into my shirt as she moves to straddle me.

A groan escapes my mouth as she pushes me closer to the edge. She tastes epic, amazing and so mouth-watering! I groan again and wrap my arms around her, pulling her closer.

She shifts slightly, and pulls back, pushing my hands away from her.

“You need to leave.” She stands up and steps back.

“What?” Why the hell is she throwing me out now?

“That was wrong, leave now!” She stands waiting and I walk out. Confusion swarms me. She kissed me, yet at that moment she looked like she hated me for it.

I go to the club and sit down, Rooster joining me.

“How did it go?”

“We talked, she kissed me, a lot. I wrapped my arms around her, and she continued to kiss me then freaked out and told me to leave, and looked at me just like she had every other time like I am a dick.”

I laugh. “What the fuck did I do wrong now?” Nothing, I did nothing wrong.

“You took it. Come on Diesel! She wants a man who makes her feel amazing, and safe. You should have moved back and apologised even though you didn’t start it. Apologised and told her it was wrong and she would regret it. Had you done that she would have seen you in a whole new way. You weren’t just about to accept her and fuck her, you thought of her!”

Shit, is he right? I laugh slightly.

“Again, message her. Tell her you’re sorry and you should never have kissed her back. Slow down Diesel, even if she tries, go slow!”

“Okay, fine.” I guess he is right as my way has fucking failed. Today was his plan, talk to her about general stuff, be a friend and she kissed me! So he is right, I need to refuse her. Even though I crave her.

13: Serena – Mistakes

Serena POV:

I sit annoyed at myself for letting it happen. More that I was the one who leaned forward and kissed him.

I’m even more annoyed at myself that I freaked out and shouted at him, which made me look like some crazy woman. I need to keep my distance from Diesel, I have no idea what he is trying to gain or wanting to gain from me.

He wouldn’t be the first man to proposition me since my dad died, and most of them just wanted in and to gain power. To lose their debt and forever have immunity. None of them actually wanted to be with me. Sure, they liked that it meant they got to share a bed with me, but not one of them took their time to find out who I was.

No, they went straight to business talk, asking about things they had no rights to. They tried to find out information from my point of what they would do if I were to accept their proposal of marriage.

I can’t let just any man in, I would rather marry someone who I hated and wouldn’t have a relationship with if he was smart and just wanted to get to know me.

I look up hearing the knock.

“Yes.”

“Miss Pierce, Jessie is here.”

I nod and smile at Dwayne. “Send her in.” I sit up and watch as she walks through.

She proceeds to sit in the chair and I have a feeling she is going to agree to my offer, something has happened.

“I want to accept the offer.”

“That was quick, can I ask why?” Sure she accepted the job but she also felt like she needed to consider it more. She has been trialling it for a few days.

“I have a point to make.” Does she know I know about Diesel knowing her? I am guessing not, she hasn’t mentioned him directly but she has mentioned the man she was trying to get attention from.

“He still isn’t playing ball then?” I look at her.

“No, he has resorted to the lengths of calling me a whore, selfish, and a load of other things. So I agree, it is time I made a point, then walked away.”

Her words shock me.

“Walk away?”

“Yes, doing this I will get enough money to leave and settle somewhere away from him and my dad who see me as nothing but a child.”

I want to tell her no, that Diesel will be hurt. He spoke to me about Jessie and while I agree with him, I also don’t blame her. She likes him and was brought up around guys. She has no idea how a woman acts or responds. I know Diesel will worry for her, but I can’t tell her that.

“Listen, don’t make a rushed decision about walking away just yet. If you like working here, work here. Get your own place, there are other ways to prove a point than running away. Like keeping a job, getting your own place, getting a real man. Often when a woman calms down with a real man and she likes him it makes the others realise what they missed out on.”

Why am I trying to make her stay for Diesel? I should let her go, just wave her goodbye. It feels wrong though and no doubt Diesel will kill me when he finds out the truth. So if I can keep her here, that is something I have on my side when he comes at me.

“I’m not running.” Her words make me smile.

“Jessie, there is no problem in accepting you are running. The fact that happened and now you want to leave shows you are. Running just confirms their words, it is a selfish thing to do. So do one better, stay, sort your life and find a nice guy.”

“Maybe you’re right.” She looks at me like she is lost.

“Okay, so business-wise. You’re ready to fully commit?” I need to be sure.

“Yes, but what about others, I don’t want my dad to find out.”

“He won’t. Those you will see know not to speak of who they saw. Jessie, you will be getting out of a car with the Pierce logo on. No one will speak about you. Even if your dad asked, people would lie. They know they don’t discuss our business.”

“Okay, if you’re sure?”

I nod and smile.

“I am, how did those few days go? How did you find it?” I had the perfect job for her, one which I know she will enjoy.

“Great. A few women didn’t see me as anything serious, but once Dwayne told them I was hired directly by you to help gather these women and missed payments they listened.” I nod and smile. I don’t have time to go from person to person and find out about payment.

So, she goes. To women, never men. I wouldn’t do that to her, most women are convinced men won’t touch them, but a woman, well that is fair game and doesn’t protect them at all. She also has guards, I won’t let her get hurt.

“Okay, so how about today we go out together? I have a few men to find and get payment from, you can watch how I react to men, and how I react to women. Each is different. How you react changes if they will pay or not.” She is used to her dad, the bikers, everything like that.

She isn’t used to women, not really and that is her downfall, but maybe I can help there? She needs that woman to follow, the woman to look up to and see how to act. Right now, and from what she has told me she acts like a guy, almost like Diesel and his flirty direct moves.

Nothing wrong with it, but for some reason, if a man does it, it’s great, he’s amazing. If a woman does it, she’s desperate, so I will help her as no doubt she will find someone else, who isn’t Diesel.

“Sounds like a plan.” She smiles at me and I get ready calling Dwayne through. We leave together and stop at the first place.

“This is James Wickers. He hasn’t paid once since before my dad died. So he has a lot to catch up on.” I explain to her and she nods.

“The plan?” She looks at me.

“The plan is, I go in and give him a chance to pay. If he doesn’t, I won’t use my father’s way, I will use his weakness, his wife.” She looks at me shocked. We get out of the car and walk in. Jessie is by my side as I walk into his office.

I don’t need to ask where he is or for permission to see him. No one is about to stop me. He looks up at us as we walk in and sit.

“Before you start, your dad failed and so will you.”

“Finished?” I look at him but he shakes his head.

“Your dad can’t kill me and take the business as it isn’t in my name no more. You’re a woman so have fun trying.” He looks smug, standing I walk to his desk and sit down.

“Are you sure that is your final answer? That you don’t want to pay willingly?”

“If I didn’t with your dad, don’t expect me to it for you princess.”

I shake my head and sigh. Walking around the desk I sit facing him. I pick up a photo and smile.

“The business is now in your wife’s name right?”

“Yes, so you can kill me but you gain nothing.”

I nod and smile.

“I just wanted to confirm that was the case, James. This is my city and you took out that loan while you owned this business. You agreed if there were any payment issues I could take the business.”

He looks at me confused, so I lean closer.

“That still stands, even if you did sign it to someone else, so I guess if I don’t get payment, I visit your wife. As it is her business and I have a contract stating clearly we take it for non-payment.”

I watch his face whiten.

“You just got her a death sentence for every time you refuse to pay. A great concept giving your business away Mr Wickers, stupid idea though as now I go for your wife.” I stand and begin to walk for the door.

“Wait! Okay, okay I will pay, leave her out of it!”

“You owe fifteen thousand in payments Mr Wickers, I don’t think you can pay that.” I turn and look at him.

“I can, I swear I can and will now.” He moves and begins to do something, I watch him as he works on his laptop.

“Sent.”

I laugh. Walking back to him.

“Take this as your final warning. You miss a payment I skip you and go for your wife. You jump business owners again, I come for your wife anyway, then whoever you signed it to next. Have a good day Mr Wickers.”

I stand up and walk out with Jessie following.

“So not all men need to be forced?” She looks at me and I know what she means, she means forced with violence.

“No, you just need to find their weakness. Some men think that if they refuse to pay I will kill them which means I lose it anyway. So, if they have someone close, I use them. That is where my father went wrong. If anyone refused to pay, he would hurt them, even go as far as kill which gained him nothing.”

We leave and go to the next place. “This is Mr Andrews,” I explain and we walk in.

I find him sitting in his office with his wife, smiling.

“Mr Andrews.” He looks up at me. “Happy birthday Beth.” I smile and wink at his wife, her eyes going to him.

I sit down opposite them. “We need to talk about you missing the last two payments.”

“I don’t have it, we have no money!” He looks at me.

“You see, that is a lie. As you took a holiday a month ago, you booked another holiday Mr Andrews, not to mention you’re about to pay into another company.” He looks at me shocked. “Nothing stays hidden as you are aware Mr Andrews, so the, ‘I have no money’ bullshit ends now.”

“The money isn’t available.” He isn’t going to agree, I nod to Dwayne and watch him pull Mr Andrews up and strap him to a chair. Walking to him I smile.

“Now, you can either pay, or your lovely wife watches what happens next.”

“Will, pay!” I hear Beth and smile.

“No! So go on do it, princess!”

“He did ask, right?” Moving I punch him and hear Beth scream as I pull out the knife, swinging it down against his leg.

Beth crying and pleading with him to just pay.

“I won’t stop Mr Andrews, once you’re dead the business and money go to Beth, will you pay when he is dead?” I turn to her and watch her nod far too quickly.

“Yes!”

“So you die and I get paid anyway.” I move to swing the knife down as he screams stop. I do, just before it hits his shoulder.

“I will pay, okay. Beth send it.” He looks at me, and clearly thought I wouldn’t touch him, that is soon going to be the last thing they believe. I will touch them, I will kill them. I watch as Beth sends the money and nods.

Finishing up we leave and I walk out with Jessie by my side.

“Everyone keeps staring at me.” Her words are quiet as we drive.

“Because you’re no longer seen as just anyone. They know you work with me, for me, by me. So if anyone fucks you around they are dead. No one will mention it though Jessie, no one will dare say you’re working with me.”

They know better than that. If she tells people fine, but to spread that without agreement first is a death wish. I like Jessie, she reminds me of the other side of me. The wild side I lost, that I crave to get back, that Diesel seems to pull free.

14: Jessie – Changing

Jessie POV:

I watch amazed, while some people see Serena as weak and nothing more than a woman. So many respect her. So many follow her rules and see her as a woman of power.

A woman. Those words scold me.

I’m not a woman, not to Diesel. I am seen as a child. So maybe if I follow Serena’s lead, that will change?

Okay, so coming to Serena was partly because I knew she got into Diesel’s head. So, if I spend time with her, surely, I will learn how she did it?

She made Diesel want her. Not want, crave, and need. I hadn’t seen Diesel that affected by a woman before. All my efforts were thrown in the trash.

His words are still in my mind. Selfish, whore, child. I tried space, I tried to be cute, I tried to act badass. I tried to pursue him by stripping. Nothing works!

I keep telling myself that maybe I am wrong, but if I was wrong and he really doesn’t like me, why would almost fuck me twice? Somewhere in his mind, he likes me.

That makes me think of my dad. That my dad is the issue, Diesel and my dad keep saying I am like his sister. My dad and Diesel are close, but I’m not his sister, so him refusing to touch me for that reason sucks.

“So, the next one, how about you handle it?”

I turn to Serena, surprised.

“I, erm.” I look around, panicking.

“It’s a woman. This is what you need to know.” She hands me some papers.

Jules, she has a husband. Serena’s father kept him out of prison after a bar fight went wrong and a guy died. The guy, her husband hit died. That’s her weakness.

“Okay.” I am happy to take over this one.

“Great, I will be in the room. She is one of those who will refuse Jessie. She will try every excuse to get out of it, as you can see from my father’s records.”

I look down and read. Her mum died, her dad died, gran, her child is in hospital, the bank got hacked, house broken into, business broken into. I laugh at the list.

“It reminds me of kids not doing homework and using every excuse they can find one after the other.”

“Exactly, so no matter what she says, you dismiss it. She will use you as a weakness, Jessie. All she will need is that one bit of remorse to show on your face, and she will know she has won. So, no matter what she says, just see it as a lie. If it isn’t, that is her own fault for years of excuses.”

I listen to her words and nod. “After, can we have a drink?” I need girl time or woman time.

“Sure. Let’s get this over with.” We get out and walk into the business. I walk ahead. The guards are behind me, then Serena at the back. I walk through into the office, and Jules looks up at me.

She is smiling and happy, then her eyes go to the guards, and her face quickly changes.

“Jules, you’re a few payments behind. I’m here to ensure it gets paid.” I sit on the seat and face her.

“I can’t.”

I hold my hand up.

“Whatever your excuse is, ask yourself is it worth losing your husband for? I have seen your excuses, everything from family deaths, break-ins, bank hacking, and cancer. You have used most excuses. So, if you let any excuse slip, I give the go-ahead to release all evidence on your husband.”

I won’t tiptoe; I go straight for the jugular and rip into it. Her eyes widen, and she stutters.

“CCTV, we still have the copies, which we can easily get back to the police. The CCTV clearly shows your husband fighting with that man.”

She looks around, and I watch as she cries.

“It’s not an excuse. It’s a reason. A real reason this time!”

I move and lean forward. Leaning over her desk, I face her.

“So, you choose to lose your husband, that is fine, Jules. He is at the pub, right? Just I ensured there were two police officers sat outside, ready for my message.” I take out my phone and watch her eyes widen.

“Okay! You lot are fuckers! You take everything you don’t own!”

I move, my hand wrapping around her throat.

“Own or not, you wanted him saved, you agreed if they would get him out and make sure evidence went missing, you would give a percentage of your business every month. That is the price you thought was worth your husband’s freedom. Now, if you have changed your mind, we can remove the deal.”

“Screw you!” She spits the words at me, and I step back. I watch as she pulls open a drawer and slams an envelope down. “Take it. Someone will take you all out of power.”

Picking up the envelope, we leave.

“Nice work! You didn’t even wait for her excuse.” Serena laughs.

I didn’t, only because if her excuse was something like her kid is ill, her kid is dying, or something like that, I would have cracked. So, I gave her no time to use her excuses.

“Thanks. I enjoy this. So, a drink?” I look at her, hopeful.

“Yes, it will be nice to have a drink with another woman.” She laughs, and we leave. I opted to go to her place. Unfortunately, having a drink in a bar means there is a chance Diesel will see, then my plan fails.

“So, I haven’t seen a guy around here?” I look at her, curious about if she has a partner.

“No, men are drama. Men also think they will be entitled to the city if they fuck me. So, for now. Men stay away from here.” She laughs.

I can understand, though. “So, you have men interested then.” She must do to know they want her power.

“No. I have men who want to fuck me because of my body. I then have the men who want to marry me to gain power. No man wants me for me. None know me as a person.” She shrugs her shoulders.

“Always that way?”

She nods and laughs. “My dad was very strict when it came to men. I dated and got engaged, it ended badly, and I decided after that, keeping my distance from men is better.”

I want to know how it ended badly, but I stop myself.

“Yeah, my dad seems to do that. Have this thing where he chases away any guys. Especially the ones who are bad but amazing.” I laugh.

“And your mum?”

“She’s dead.” I just say it straight up.

“Sorry. Anyway, men are overrated.” She shrugs.

“I’m shocked though, a lot of your guards are hot.” They are.

She nods, laughing. “Business and pleasure don’t mix. If I were to get into a relationship, it wouldn’t be with a guard or anyone who works here. It would be someone out there. Are you single?”

I nod, and she smiles.

“Give Dwayne a wink on the way past.” She laughs, and I look at her, confused.

“He’s a ladies’ man. You mentioned someone you wanted attention from, right?” I nod to her. “Then Dwayne is the man. Let him take you out, have fun with him as it will just be fun. A lot of women fall at Dwayne’s feet, so if any man will make this guy, you like jealous, it is Dwayne.” I listen to her words.

Dwayne is hot. He’s in his thirties, covered in tattoos, but his eyes are just, I don’t even know the words, blue and warm. Yet, you can see the craziness in them, which I like.

“I might have to do that.”

We sit and drink, and I stay the night. I will be working tomorrow, so I may as well stay here the night, and it saves me the trip home and back.

15: Serena – Diesel’s Visit

Serena POV:

I woke to a headache; I drank too much last night, but it was a fun night.

The way Diesel is and everything he says to Jessie makes it sound like she is childish. She isn’t. I could tell that last night.

She is wild and crazy, sure, but not childish. I guess her wild and crazy side just comes across as that to him.

It was a good night, she spoke a lot about Diesel, and it gave an insight into him that I didn’t know. To her, Diesel is a man who is looking for love but has a dark past that no one knows.

She has no idea I know the guy she means is Diesel. Yet, she wouldn’t mention his past, which has me wondering just who Diesel is.

She told me he never does serious relationships. Just fucks random women for fun and a release.

Everything she said has me wondering if he pushes Jessie away through fear. Then uses the excuse he sees her as his little sister. He tried getting me into bed using his charm and directness.

Is that also a cover? Does he pretend to be this asshole wanting sex and to use women to protect himself from hurt?

I don’t even move out of bed for ages as I consider it all. But something is there, and I would love to find out the truth. Find out about the past that Jessie refused to speak of.

Getting ready, I walk down to the office. It’s Sunday, and no work today. There shouldn’t be anyway.

“Miss.” I look up to see Dwayne.

“Yes?”

“So, Jessie asked me out on a date. Now, I am all for it, but I am sure Diesel will murder me.”

I laugh at his words. “Diesel will not touch you. There isn’t an issue as long as you’re straight up with her on what you expect. The guy he killed took pictures of her and was trying to blackmail her.”

He nods and smiles.

“Great, I have a date. Oh, and Diesel is on his way in.”

I look up at him, confused.

“I don’t know why. An email got sent this morning. Do you need me to stay?”

“No, I can handle Diesel.” I watch as he walks out. I move and sit on the small sofa with a drink. Half an hour later, Diesel walks in. No knocking, no, he just walks straight in and plops himself down next to me.

“So, I thought I should apologise in person again.” He laughs.

“You mean to make an excuse to come and see me, Diesel?” He shrugs his shoulders and smiles.

“Whichever, I apologise, though. It’s quiet around here.” His eyes scan the place.

“It’s Sunday, so typically I avoid doing any work on Sundays.”

Sitting we talk, and he explains how he went a little crazy with Jessie, and no one has seen her since. I can see he is worried, and while I want to tell him she is fine and stayed here, I know that will start a war.

“What do you want, Diesel?” I can see he wants something.

“Just, if you’re able to, put out the word to see if anyone has seen her, or if they see her today to let you know where? I won’t ask about her work, although I want to know, for now, her dad would just settle to know she is alive.”

I sigh and nod. Walking to the desk, I take out my phone and send a message. We talk, and an hour later, I get a message.

I turn the phone to him, his eyes widening.

“Isn’t that…”

“My guard, yes.” I laugh seeing Jessie and Dwayne clearly already dancing in a club. It’s too early, but clearly, they don’t care. “You can’t touch him, Diesel.” I look at him.

“I’m not going to. She is old enough to fuck who she wants. I can at least let her dad know she is alive and not dumped in a ditch somewhere.”

“You have low expectations of her.” I laugh, and he nods.

“After how she has been with men and the way they manage to manipulate her, nothing surprises me anymore.”

“Your worries would be solved if you agreed to date her.” The words escape too quickly, and he stares at me.

“She is like my little sister. Is she hot? Yes, but no. It would be awkward, and I don’t date.” We talk for a while, and he keeps his personal life close to his chest.

I wonder why that is.

The more we talk, the more I realise he avoids talking about his past. I wonder if my father has some information on it, on what happened before?

He seems almost normal sitting here with me. He isn’t looking at me like I am just some woman to toy with. Actually, he isn’t even looking at me like he is interested anymore. Why not? I find myself drinking more than I usually do.

Part of it is to try to get him to drink, then maybe he will spill about his past, but he seems to be keeping a level head.

Call me crazy, but now he seems uninterested. I am interested. I move forward and kiss him. Moans escape my mouth as I pull him closer to me.

My legs wrap around his body, and my mind is screaming at me, this is wrong, but I want him. I feel him pull back.

“I can’t.” He looks at me, and my eyes widen.

“You can’t? What do you mean you can’t?” Why the hell is he refusing to fuck me?

“Look, we’re friends. That is all we’re meant to be, Serena. Unfortunately, this was a mistake the other day and is now, you’re just drunk.”

His words sting.

“Don’t tell me the famous Diesel finally got a heart and boundaries. After years of fucking every woman, no matter who she is or what she looks like. You’re known for being a player and a whore Diesel.”

He looks at me, shocked.

“You have no idea.” He looks at me, hurt.

“I do. Everyone talks Diesel. You don’t do commitment. You don’t really like women, just for sex, yes, but that is it. Once you get what you want, you throw them away until next time. It’s clear you never get anywhere with women because of that. Hell Diesel, you know you’re an asshole, you have a woman chasing you for years, and you refuse to fuck her because you know you will hurt her. So, Jessie won’t ever get you, but you’re happy to use and hurt other women. I’m guessing you fell in love, and she fucked someone else, so now, you hurt women as payback.”

“Don’t you dare! You don’t know me, you don’t know shit about me, and you certainly know fuck all about Jessie!” His eyes look across my body, and I see pain, real pain. “This friendship isn’t worth the hassle. I will pay on time, but you won’t see me again. Have a nice life, alone, Serena.”

I watch as he walks out. I went too far, but he refused. So, what the hell is that about?

“Hey.” I turn and see Dwayne smiling at me.

“Don’t.” I fucked up.

“I wasn’t going to. Just, I’ve never seen him turn down any woman other than Jessie.”

“Right, and this makes no sense as he tried fucking me over and over. Not physically, but he used words. What am I missing?”

I’m missing something. There is more that I don’t see. What the hell is it?

“You’re right, you know.” I look at him, confused. “About him getting hurt. I don’t know the story, but I know his past has him running from women, especially women he loves and cares about. So maybe he does want you. He just, is afraid?”

I consider his words. It would make sense. He won’t touch Jessie. He cares about her.

“What I said made things worse, though, right?” I look at him.

“Apologise, do what he did. Annoy him with gifts and shit. I don’t know if it works with him. You told the truth. That is how everyone sees him, everyone but Rooster and Jessie. You want to know his past, I suggest you use them.”

I watch as he leaves. I consider it, but then I stop. Using Rooster or Jessie to find out his past is a low move. That is invading his privacy, and removing his rights. I consider how I would feel if he went behind my back to someone I knew to find out about my past.

I would hate him. Although no one is alive now to know. Just me and it is a secret that I will no doubt carry to my grave and never share with anyone else. So, picking up the phone, I go to Diesel’s number.

I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I guess you could say I was a little hurt you refused me after never refusing anyone. It made me wonder what was wrong with me.

I hit send and look at the message. Maybe it is me? Dwayne said it like he might care about me, but maybe he doesn’t, and he can just tell I am fucked up?

Either way, he doesn’t reply and accept my apology, so I doubt I will see him again.

16: Diesel – Hiding Away

I storm out of the building, my body shaking.

I’m more than hurt by her words. Everything she had said was wrong, she assumes she knows the truth, but not many people know the truth.

Climbing onto the bike I kick it started and ride to the club. I need a drink, I walk straight through and grab a drink, before sitting opposite Rooster. His head instantly shakes and I know the look on his face.

“What did I say?” His words are harsh although I know he doesn’t mean them to be. “I told you.” He looks at me smugly, and all I can do is nod.

“It’s nothing. What is the plan with Jessie?” I look at him waiting.

“No idea I can’t find out anything it is like whoever she works for holds enough power for no one to say where she is working.”

I nod while considering it my eyes glancing up to him. “You don’t think she would work somewhere stupid again do you?”

“No! Come on Diesel, you know Jessie.” His words are loud yet there is doubt in them.

“I do Rooster. That is why I said it, it wouldn’t be the first time Jessie took up a job doing something that showed the world her body. That is one thing we wouldn’t find out if less we go and see for ourselves.”

“Then let’s go.”

My head snaps up and looks at him shocked.

“What? You said it, see for ourselves, so let’s go Diesel.” He stands up and waits.

“I didn’t mean it, I don’t want to go to some strip club and hope we find her. It is weird, I just meant we have no way of finding out without going and seeing ourselves.” We don’t.

“We do, but that means you seeing Serena again.”

“Club it is then.” I stand up, not wanting to argue and to be honest, I would rather walk into the club and find her naked than go near Serena again.

Leaving we make our way to the club, walking in I sit close to the door. I don’t need to be at the front to know if any of the women here is her.

“So what, we just wait and see if she comes out and dances?” I look to Rooster.

“I didn’t get that far yet.” His words are quiet as I lean back and wait. A few minutes pass by with neither of us talking.

“Diesel, Rooster, didn’t expect to see you two here.”

I smile hearing the voice and open my eyes and look at the man.

“Well Dane, just a flying visit.” I smile at him.

“We’re here to see if Jessie shows her face,” Rooster explains.

“Not happening. I value my life!”

I laugh at his words, Rooster looking at him confused.

“Word has got around what happens when someone uses Jessie. I like my life, so there is no way I would let her work here.”

All I can do is laugh.

“So a wasted trip then.” I look towards Rooster.

“Do you know anything?” Rooster looks at Dane and waits.

“Nothing, but then again my girls are told anything they hear to forget. I guess I will tell them if they hear Jessie’s name to tell me what is said. If someone knows where she is working, there’s a chance someone will talk here around the girls.”

“Thanks, Dane.” I smile at him, watching as he nods and walks off.

“So clearly not here.” Rooster looks around stressed.

“She is a big girl Rooster, maybe she needs this. If the job is good or bad, she needs it to grow up. You can’t keep chasing her around and fixing her issues.” My words sound sour.

“You’re pissed off, was what Serena said that bad?” He laughs slightly.

“No, she tried to kiss me, I refused, so she called me a whore. All that was fine, but she thinks I live this way to punish women for an ex cheating.”

“Diesel, maybe be honest? The proof is there, her dad has it, or had it. If it is still there she will find out.”

He is right, but there is a chance it will forever stay hidden.

“There is no way he would have left proof of that where anyone could find it.” He isn’t a fool.

“Say he has, what is she going think Diesel? People will suspect you’re there for a reason.”

“I’m not, I have left and won’t be going back so no risk. Anyway, who gives a shit what people think? He’s dead, that’s enough justice.” Standing I walk out, not wanting to argue.

Getting into the apartment I look around and stop at a door. Unlocking it, I walk in and stop. My eyes scan the room as my heart shatters. I know pain, which is how I saw it on her face in that picture. My pain will only add to hers.

Walking out I close and lock the door, and once again, plan to hide from the room for as long as possible.

Two months, amazingly two months have gone by without a word to Serena or sight of her. I’m back to exactly how I was, but still, there is the fact Jessie seems to be up to something. We see her and talk to her but she never speaks out loud about what she is doing.

Rooster is worried, and I would be lying to say I wasn’t, something is going on, but what?

17: Serena – Problems

Serena POV:

I still can’t believe what happened between me and Diesel. I hurt him, the words I said were cruel. Sure he is a whore. The issue is I mentioned his past, I said he is punishing women because of his ex. I was wrong, I saw the pain. I saw the tears, I don’t blame him for ignoring my apology.

The knock pushes me from my thoughts. “Yes” I call out and watch as Dwayne walks in.

“Have you seen Jessie? She didn’t come in today.”

“No, she had mentioned having today off, I’m guessing she decided to. It’s her dad’s birthday. She spoke to me last week. I told her she could have today off. She was reluctant.”

“Let me guess, she is still avoiding them as much as possible.” He laughs and I nod.

“Other than a quick check-in to say she’s alive she doesn’t see them. Seems she has realised that working and having her place, gives her freedom, she’s no longer restricted by her dad and Diesel’s rules.” She has changed these past few weeks. Grown-up.

“Yeah, but it didn’t work. She’s still going through men quickly hoping for a reaction from him.”

He is right. I tried to talk Jessie out of going home with guys but she never listens.

“So, you think she’s with her dad?” He looks at me worried.

“You do have a sweet spot for her, don’t you?”

“Not at all” He sounds offended. “I am just doing my job and making sure she is safe.”

Smiling at him I nod. “If you are that worried, go check. Go see her dad.”

“Or, we could get Rob to do an in-house job?”

My eyes widen at his words. “NO! Dwayne, she is an adult, don’t start acting like her dad and Diesel. Paying someone to find and watch her won’t end well!”

“You’re right, I had best get back to work.”

I watch as he walks out. Clearly, he’s worried about Jessie, but she’s an adult. Not to mention what would happen if Diesel found out we were tracking her. It isn’t worth the risk, no doubt she will be back to working tomorrow.

Thinking of Diesel has given me an idea. I can easily get Rooster’s number, but why would I when I can message Diesel to congratulate Rooster on his birthday? Surely, Diesel can’t Ignore that? I type the message in and press send.

A few minutes later I get a reply simply saying Rooster said thanks. I guess he can ignore me, sure he replied, that isn’t what I wanted. Looking at the phone I consider sending another message. I have one way to get him to talk to me.

The knock interrupts my thoughts.

Shouting ‘come in’, I sit up, waiting to see who it is. I wasn’t expecting anyone else today.

“Mr Prent is here to see you.”

I watch as Dwayne steps to the side and lets Mr Prent into the office.

“Thank you, Dwayne, you can leave us to it.” He walks out and shuts the door as Mr Prent sits opposite me.

“So, I assume that you have had time to consider the proposal?” He smiles at me as he talks. Little does he know his plan failed.

“I have. The answer is no, what you want isn’t worth the risk to this City.”

I watch as he leans forward, his smile has faded slightly and I can see he is trying to hide his annoyance.

“You forget Miss Pierce, I am doing this with or without you. I guess, it is time the city finally gets to watch a real fight for the right to rule this city.” His eyes darken with anger.

“You can try, but you will fail Mr Prent. You see you made the mistake of showing me everything. I asked for details of those willing to join you. You gave me everything I needed. You have nothing.” He looks at me confused.

“Nothing?” His word is quiet.

“Your bank is empty. Your associates have all backed away, and refuse to accept part in your plan. How do you plan to start this without money, without people?” He thinks I am a fool. I made sure there was no way he could do it.

He stands, looking pissed off.

“I will be back princess! This isn’t the last time I will be here.” I watch as he storms out. I am not wanting the risk his business would bring. The only way I know to stop him is to remove everything he has.

“Miss Pierce, Jacob Daniels is here.” I look up hearing Dwayne and watch as Jacob walks in.

“Miss Pierce I heard you want something unlocking. Talk to me about it.” He sits opposite me waiting.

“There are some files on the system I want access to. My dad had you ensure they could never be opened, but we all know they can be.” I need into those files.

“Miss Pierce, your father requested they stay locked. I’m sure you can understand things in those files, might be disappointing for you to see, or read.” He looks at me like he is trying to talk me out of this, why?

“I don’t care, this is my city, all this information I have the right to look at. I want you to unlock everything.” I sit up straight, looking him in the eyes.

“I won’t refuse Miss Pierce, just a warning. Some of the things in those files may cause you problems going forward in the future. Do you plan to ignore it, and pretend you never saw them afterwards? Some of the things you can’t just pretend you didn’t see.”

Why is he so against letting me see things?

“My city, my rules. Unlock everything, and ensure only I have access. You have kept these secrets for years, so they can not be that bad.” How bad can they be?

“I don’t know the contents. I just know how much your father wanted it hidden. Wiped to never be seen. I am here, so I will do it now.” He stands and walks towards me. I move out of the way watching as he sits at my desk and begins working.

These files I found I need into, so many have names on them of people I know. How can I continue to do business with them now knowing what is hidden? Hell, even my name is among those files, why? What has my father kept hidden from me?

“All done.” I watch as he stands up. “Your fingerprint will unlock the files anytime you want to access them.” I watch as he walks out. Sitting down I place my thumb down, watching as all the files become unlocked. I scroll down, looking through them. Stopping, I see Diesel or his name on a file. My father had a locked file on Diesel.

“Miss Pierce.”

I look at Dwayne, I need him to become busy so I can read these.

“Jessie isn’t at her dad’s. Diesel is looking for her.”

“Dwayne, no doubt she is just having time out.” I don’t want to worry about Jessie. Not right now.

“Sorry, I can’t stop the worry. Either way, word is Diesel is coming here, he wants your help to find her. Oh, and Mr Prent is walking towards us.”

“Let him in, you make calls to find Jessie.” I watch as he walks out, my finger going to click on the file that says Diesel, but I stop, scrolling up slightly I see my name. What are the secrets he holds about me?

The door swings open with a thud. I look up and see Mr Prent.

I watch as he moves, his body flying towards me. My body jumps up and I move out of the way as he screams abuse at me. Dwayne rushes through and grabs him.

“You’re dead, princess! Do you think you can survive? Your guards won’t always be there to protect you.” He spits in my direction.

“Mr Prent, good luck, but you have forty-eight hours to leave this city, if you don’t I will personally find you, and ensure you can never come near me again.” Standing, I watch as Dwayne pulls him out.

“There isn’t just you princess! Watch those close to you.” His words quieten the farther away he gets.

“You’re wrong Mr Prent, I have no one close to me. I have no family, no partner, no friends! I have no weaknesses.” I don’t, I don’t have a weakness.

I hear his laugh, shivers running through my body as his eyes drown in crazy. I look past him and see Diesel waiting great more drama.

“You may not have weaknesses princess, but you have secrets.” I watch as Dwayne pushes him out of the room, my eyes following him as he whispers something to Diesel as Dwayne drags him out. Diesels worried looking turning furious as he looks at me and storms towards me.

Oh great, him as well.

“Where is she?” His words are fierce. While I can see his anger, there is still worry there.

“Who Diesel?” I look at him.

“Jessie! Don’t you dare fucking lie. He just told me, you have been using her.”

Shit. I look at Diesel.

“I don’t know where Jessie is and that is the truth. Ask Dwayne when he comes back. I have no idea, she took the day off.”

“So he wasn’t lying?” He looks more furious than before.

“Diesel, I don’t have time for this! Jessie wanted work, so I gave her work. Right now I need to get him back.” I walk past Diesel, rushing after Dwayne, as I catch up I call out his name, ordering him to keep Mr Prent here. Locked up somewhere until I sort this mess. Sure I could let him go, but that one act, those few words to Diesel, and he is no longer following my rules, so he can’t walk free.

18: Diesel – Finding Her

I watch as she rushes past me. Grabbing my phone, I hit the number.

“Anything?” I hear Rooster’s worried voice.

“No sight yet. Rooster, she has been working for Jessie!” I hear him swear, moving I walk to her desk. Maybe there is something here that will help me find her?

“Don’t leave there without Jessie, whatever you had going on with Serena clearly fucking came at us!” He hangs up, I don’t blame him, I did something and Serena wanted revenge, is Jessie the revenge?

I look at the screen, and as I go to close the file I stop seeing Serena’s name. I have two options. I search for something about Jessie and hope I get lucky, or I read this. Maybe there is something I can use to get Serena to tell me where Jessie is?

Closing my eyes, I click the files, slowly flicking through the images I stop. It is the same picture of Serena I saw. The guy, the ring everything is the same. I keep scrolling, stopping at a picture, and my eyes widen.

“Shit.” I know I should stop, fuck, this is too close to home, but I can’t. I go through all the images, and no matter how much I want to hurt her to get Jessie back, I can’t. Not now. Hell, her father knew, he knew.

“What are you doing?”

I look up hearing Serena, my eyes looking at her. I watch as she rushes over, her eyes on the screen.

“Get out! Get the fuck out!” She screams pushing me, Dwayne appears and pulls me out. Hell, I am muted. What the hell do I say after seeing all that?

“Dwayne, please.” I look at him. “I just need Jessie.” I can’t leave without her.

“We don’t know. Look, Diesel, I see her most days, I will be honest I knew. I have in a way been her bodyguard. It has been over twenty-four hours since I heard from her.”

“How? Where is she living, at least fucking tell me that!” We don’t even know that.

“She lives here Diesel, a floor below Serena. Here, take the card.” I watch as he holds it out, my hand taking it. I will check, maybe there is something there. Walking to the elevator, I hit the button and step in.

Pushing the card in, I watch as the lights change and the elevator begins to move. My foot is tapping, this is my fault, I just had to fuck around with Serena. I had hoped she would be different to her father, but I was wrong, clearly.

Stepping out of the lift, I walk into the apartment. Everything is a mess. Not in a Jessie being lazy mess way, no, something has happened. I begin to move through the apartment, looking for anything that can help. I stop seeing blood on the floor. How the fuck did someone get up here? Her security is clearly shit.

“Diesel.” I spin around and look at Dwayne. “What happened?” His eyes scan the room.

“Serena happened, fucking Pierce’s happened! I will kill her!” My words don’t even sound like me, but this apartment, the blood, everything has me on edge. Would she do what her father had?

“It isn’t Serena, she actually really likes Jessie, and got close to her. I will go to the camera room, and check if I can see anything.”

“So much for guards, and this place being really safe. You were clearly too busy fucking her to notice something was wrong.” I glare at him.

“Think what you want Diesel, I like Jessie. Me fucking her wasn’t just for fun, not for me anyway.”

I look at him, seeing the worry. Maybe I am just blind, too worried to notice how others feel.

“Look, I will go talk to Serena. I will get her to agree to put all her guys throughout the city. To search every corner.”

I laugh at his words. “She hates me, believe me, she won’t agree.” Hell, I fucked this up, why did I click on her name! I couldn’t just look for Jessie, no I had to try to find out more about Serena.

“Hate you or not Diesel, she cares about Jessie. So no matter how much she hates you, she will help Jessie. She will help because I asked.” I watch as he turns and leaves, my eyes scanning the rooms, just hoping I find something, anything to give me hope.

I hear the beep and reluctantly take out my phone hitting answer.

“Rooster” I don’t even need to look to know it will be him.

“Well?” His word is impatient. “I am on my way, there better be a fucking answer to where she is!”

“I’m working on it Rooster. It isn’t Serena, I know that much, I don’t know who but I know for sure Serena didn’t touch her.”

His laugh is menacing.

“She is just like her father, you better have a person before I get there.” The line cuts out, the last thing we need is Rooster showing up and trying to kill Serena thinking she is responsible. Walking back to the lift I hit the button and step in.

Where is Jessie? Part of me hopes this is just her, trying to fuck with us, fuck with me to get a reaction, but the blood? Would she really fucking go that far? My eyes are closed as the lift stops, and part of me doesn’t want to step out of it.

Stepping out of it means I have to be cruel, hell I have to possibly hurt Serena to try and get Jessie back.

“Diesel.” I open my eyes hearing her word. Going to speak her hand goes up. “Don’t speak! Just listen. I have men checking the last seven days of security footage, I have all my own men searching the city, and anyone found to be withholding information on Jessie will be brought in, whether she wants to hide or was taken. I do this, then you leave.” She turns and walks away. I saw the worry though, she does care for Jessie, but why?

Why the hell would she bring Jessie into the business? She knows I know her, is it part of a game?

“Wait,” I call out and watch as she stops, but doesn’t turn to look at me. “Rooster is on his way, he is out for blood. Your blood.” I love Rooster, he is my best friend, but I can’t walk without giving her the warning, a chance to protect herself.

“Then he comes for my blood Diesel, all my men are busy finding Jessie.” She walks off, my head shaking. Why the hell wouldn’t she at least get one guy to sit with her? I look towards where Dwayne is, a team of people looking through the footage. I should be in there, but there is no way I can get back to Serena if Rooster shows.

Reluctantly, I turn and follow the direction Serena went, back to her office. Will I fight Rooster? I get it. I wanted to hurt Serena when I found out, but my assumption was wrong. She isn’t like her father. She cares for Jessie, so she isn’t hiding her.

I stay stood outside her office, going in will be drama, a drama I don’t want to face.

19: Serena – Bitter Betrayal

Serena POV:

I walk back into my office and sit down. I freaked out, I saw that file open and my heart burst into flames. He had no right to look at it, even if it had his name! No, he didn’t. It is my personal stuff, and he just went straight ahead and opened the file and looked through it all.

Even in my annoyance and anger for Diesel, I couldn’t just ignore Jessie. I saw the panic and worry in his eyes, I know she is missing. So I plan to do everything to get her back safe. Hell, I have every single person looking for her and helping in some way.

I removed my own guards so that there would be more people to help. Foolish, especially Diesel mentioned Rooster is on his way. I just hope he can see past his own bullshit excuses and beliefs to see I wouldn’t ever hurt Jessie.

My head falls forward onto the desk, I need today to end. I need a break. Glancing back up I look at the image, guilt, and sadness flood through me. Slowly I scroll through the photos my hand stopping as I see one.

My dad and Jake. I feel confused as I look at the image, surely it can’t be right? The date, the date is before I met Jake. Did my dad already know him? I stare at the image, unsure of it I want to keep going through this file.

It hurts to consider the past, but it kills knowing my dad knew him, how did he know him? I keep looking, needing to know what else was hidden. I stop at the picture, Jake smiling, hell I look happy in this picture. The day he met my partners for the first time. I laugh, he had already met my dad.

I stop, seeing bank statements, my eyes widening. Was it all lies? I look at the payments my father made to Jake, a month before we met, until after everything. Did he even love me? Was the money a bribe from my father for him to date me? I ignore the money and keep going.

Tears fill my eyes as I face yet another picture of myself, sitting in the hospital, crying. The blood, bruises and cuts were not the cause of the tears. I am hugging my stomach. The memories of the day flood back, the feeling of losing part of me, I didn’t care about how much he had hurt me. I didn’t care about the scars he left me with. It was the fact I had lost her.

The infliction of pain or hate hadn’t just hurt me. It took her, I still remember cuddling my stomach, screaming no. I didn’t want to believe that she was gone, just like that. My heart shatters, and I move on, unsure as to why my dad had all these pictures.

Especially that one, why did he have a picture of me broken at the worst time of my life? I stop and look, at the next picture. The pain and hurt explode into a rage inside of me. I look at the picture knowing that it was taken after I was in hospital. Yet the image speaks volumes.

An envelope was on the table between my father and Jake. They look happy, how? How could my dad have lied? He told me Jake was gone, that he couldn’t find him, that no one could fucking find him!

Screaming I throw everything off the desk. My heart shattered more, leaving nothing but shards left. He never loved me, he was there for the money my father was paying him. I scream again as I smash the picture of my parents. Hate melting me from within, as I consider the fact my father wanted the baby gone. That he wanted me to hurt. My mind wished he was still alive.

He tried to take this to the grave, and he succeeded, but now I know. The tears burn against my cheek as my body trembles. I want to hurt him, hurt him so much, but he is gone. He ran, he was a coward. They all were, and I continue to smash every image of him, outside and inside of my mind. While crumbling every part of him that remains in the office.

Washing him from my life, hoping that in our next life, I can get my revenge.

I hear the door and spin around. My eyes lock on Diesel’s, and even more, hate builds within me.

“Serena?” His word sounds like a question.

“Don’t, don’t you fucking dare! Get out, get the hell out.” Screaming I throw something towards him. “This is my life, how dare you, you had no right. I swear if you mutter a single word, it will be the last you ever do.” No one can know.

Hell, they already see me as weak, fragile and nothing but a woman who holds no power. If anyone found out, they would use it, I guess I was wrong. I do have a weakness, not something or someone people can take to hurt me with. No, the memories of the past, and now, the truth, the truth I never knew existed.

20: Diesel – Words Of Advice

Diesel POV:

I stay quiet, just waiting. Then I hear him, the sound of his boots hitting the floor, he isn’t going slow. Moving, I glance to look up. My eyes met his.

“Look, she has everyone searching, literally everyone Rooster, it isn’t her.” I hope, hell I can’t even say it and be confident.

“Someone has her Diesel, and that is my little girl.” He stands glaring at me. I go to speak but he stops me. “Weird isn’t it? You get caught up with Serena, right around the same time Jessie goes awol, no one willing to tell us where she worked, where she lived nothing. Can you say with one hundred per cent confidence Serena has no idea where Jessie is, or what is happening?” He looks at me waiting.

“I can tell you Rooster, I had a glimpse into Serena’s past, the truth, and I don’t think she is anything like her father.”

“You didn’t answer, so you’re not sure, there is still some doubt left?” He looks at me waiting.

We turn hearing the smashing, followed by Serena’s screams. Rooster looks at me confused. We need to talk to her and find out what the hell is happening with Jessie. Right now though, she sounds like she is in the middle of a war. A war on herself as there is no one else in the room with her.

“Look, I won’t scream, I won’t threaten her, but I want fucking answers Diesel, real answers!” He turns towards the door, moving I step in front of him. If she sees Rooster first, who knows what she will do.

Pushing the door open, my eyes find Serena, her screams louder as her body quakes, and tears flow. I watch as brakes one item after another. This is my fault. I accept it is, hell I was the one who clicked the file, I opened it, and she had no choice but see.

She spins around to face me, her hate burning through me.

“Serena.” Hell I know this, Rooster knows this, I was just the same. There’s a good chance I won’t be walking out of here if she has a choice.

“Don’t, don’t you fucking dare! Get out, get the hell out.” I watch as she screams, throwing something at me. I step sideways so it misses. “This is my life, how dare you, you had no right. I swear if you mutter a single word, it will be the last you ever do.”

All I can do is nod, I wouldn’t tell anyone, not even Rooster who right now looks confused as hell. I don’t blame him, this all happening at once isn’t good.

“Serena, I need to know my daughter is alive and okay. I don’t give a shit about your life, I want my daughter.” He steps around me and looks at her. “She is the only person I have in my life, I can’t lose her. Right now I don’t give a shit if she was working for you as a way for you to hurt Diesel, I just want my baby girl.” I watch him step forward more as Serena nods.

“She is an amazing woman Rooster. I gave her a job in the hopes I could find out more about Diesel, but mostly for her. She deserves respect, to be treated like a lady, not a pathetic child.” His words scold us both, and while I want to argue and point out that Jessie acts like a child, I best not.

“I have everyone who works for me looking for her or checking the footage. I even have some people around the city asking around. I have made sure everyone is aware regardless of who has her or doesn’t. Regardless of where she is or who she is with. I am to be told. Right now, that is all I can do until I get something.”

I watch as she sits down, Rooster nods and sits opposite her. Staying by the door I don’t move, or speak, hell I am barely breathing as she needs just one excuse to hurt me right now.

“What was she doing working for you?” Rooster looks at her waiting.

“Nothing dangerous Rooster. Mostly office stuff, sometimes going to women who needed to pay. I never sent her to any men to get paid or even any women who are dangerous. If she ever left here for work, she had guards with her. If I was not seeing anyone high risk, even Dwayne followed and made sure she was safe.”

The room stays silent for a moment, Rooster looking at her.

“Why you? Why did she come to you?” He looks at her and shakes his head. “Actually, when? When did she start working for you?”

Serena laughs slightly. “I believe it was a day or two after I met Diesel. She came here looking for a job. Why me? I don’t know, I have theories based on our conversations, but they were conversations between two friends, so I am not willing to repeat anything. None of that can help find her.”

“Really?” I look at her annoyed, there is a reason she came to Serena.

“Yes, really Diesel. I won’t answer that. What I will say though is you two, really need to listen and look at her after all this. I spoke to her enough to know she was only ever around you two, and any women Diesel felt like using. Not exactly a good role model to grow up to, is it? The only women in her life were there for a quick fuck and were happy to be used.”

“They weren’t used.” I feel my anger rises.

Laughing she tilts her head. “Really? How many of those women do you know Diesel? I don’t mean just passing through. I mean know them, their last names, what they do for work? You showed Jessie women who want sex, and nothing more. Women who happily throw themselves at you just so they get you for one night. You taught Jessie that is how women are and then you both belittle her, ridicule her and punish her for doing just what they did.”

“Jessie knows how to act.” My words are loud, anger laced through them.

“Diesel is right, she is surrounded by women, she knows the difference between any fuck piece and a woman who is wanted to be kept.” Rooster looks at her.

“Does she? She has worked here and slowly I saw her settle down. Hell, she dresses more like a woman. She hardly drinks these days. Men, yes she still searches for them, needing to feel wanted. Yet somewhere inside of her Dwayne is attached. She is different from him, she likes him but in her mind, she still does not know how to act around someone she truly likes and wants.”

“Dwayne is nothing but a fuck.” My words are cold. “She doesn’t even like him, she was just using him to push me.” I stare at her feeling annoyed.

“Really? Come on Diesel, look around you. Maybe to start with Dwayne was a way to try to get your attention, which is why she danced, flirted and slept him with. Then he became more, so much more which is why she is pushing him away. She will talk to him, but she is afraid she will act wrong like she did with you, and push him farther away.”

“Enough Diesel. This won’t help. Serena, I need to know of any men, who, when, how many.” Rooster looks at her waiting.

“Rooster I am not doing that. I can tell you before she was wild, but recently it is rare she brings a guy back. I also gave her freedom, she had her own entrance so she wouldn’t feel I was watching her every time she came home with a guy. Hopefully, soon we will get something from her phone history or the cameras.”

I stand staring at her. Has Jessie really calmed down? Part of me feels like she is doing it to prove a point, when in fact she is the exact same just keeps it hidden. How long does it take to find something, just one small thing is needed.

“You’re right Serena.” Rooster’s words make us both look towards him. “She is my daughter, I should have protected her, showed her the way. I didn’t see an issue with her coming to the club with us. Spending most of her time around men and bikes. I didn’t even think about all the times she would see me or Diesel leave with a woman, a different woman each night. I showed her a world that women are happy to be in, but she never saw anything outside of it, and that made her think the way forward was sex.”

“Fuck off Rooster. It is a load of shit!” How the hell can he believe he is at fault?

“It isn’t shit Diesel. I knew she liked you, and rather than sitting down and telling her you don’t like her regardless of how she acts I didn’t. I didn’t tell her that throwing herself on guys, drinking, or stripping isn’t the way to get guys. I left her to it because she is an adult. I should have told her drinking, and stripping is fine, but not a way to gain attention and get someone. I should have told her stories of how I met her mum, and how sweet she was. How it took her two whole fucking months before she trusted me and slept together. Two months of me showing her she was worthy, two months of me proving to her she was worth the wait.” Roosters head falls. I want to tell him it is bullshit but he will argue the point more.

“You’re acting like you might never see her again. You will, she is no doubt hiding away somewhere.” Why is he speaking like he has lost her? “Diesel even you know she isn’t fucking hiding. If you’re going to continue with the bullshit leave. I will say this though, when we find her, you are speaking. No calling her a child, or immature. You sit and you tell her the truth, you didn’t give a shit about those women, had you given a shit about them you wouldn’t have done what you did. Then maybe she will stop.” His words are harsh, I guess that means I am to blame for everything.