Jeremy's World

Richard stood gazing at the ATM trying to decide whether to use it or fly the hell out of there. He was 25 years old but appeared to be in his teens. He took a deep breath and checked his account balance using the ATM. His eyes widened almost comically upon seeing the balance.

“What the hell? How is this even possible?” he asked aloud.

Of course, there was no one there to answer him. He slowly came out of his daze and withdrew a few thousand dollars for his personal use. That still left about $500,000,000 in his account. He quickly snatched his card and ran to his car which was in dire need of repairs. He couldn’t quite wrap his head around the fact that he was essentially a millionaire now.

Richard was too busy pondering this new development that he nearly ran over a man trying to catch his attention. He quickly swerved away and hit the brakes to stop his car. It creaked ominously before becoming still. Richard climbed out of his car shakily and walked over to the man. The man appeared to be in his early twenties but the world-weary expression on his face made him seem older.

“Are you alright? Why were you trying to get my attention?” Richard asked.

The man looked at Richard as if to check if he had gone crazy. Richard squirmed and shifted his gaze from the man to the car next to him and noticed that it had broken down. Richard cursed himself for not noticing it sooner and hurriedly asked, “Should I call a tow truck?”

“No, I already did that. I have to be somewhere right now and I need a lift. Normally, I don’t ask for lifts from strangers but this is an emergency and your help will be appreciated,” the man said.

Richard wasn’t sure whether to accept the man’s request or not but in the end, decided to give him a lift. After all, he had nearly run him over. “Sure, climb in and tell me where you need to go.” He made his way to the car and slid in behind the wheel. He waited for the stranger to get comfortable in the passenger seat before starting the car. The car groaned in protest but started eventually. The stranger was amused by this but didn’t say anything.

“I should buy a new car,” Richard blurted out.

“You probably should,” the stranger said calmly.

“So, where do you want me to take you?”

“Drop me off at Bluestones Café.”

Richard narrowly avoided an accident after hearing about the stranger’s destination. That was the café worked at. What could this man possibly gain by going there? “Business trip?”

“Yes.”

Richard waited for the man to elaborate but the remaining journey was completed in silence. The man kept studying Richard closely throughout the journey. Richard found that he didn’t feel uncomfortable with this scrutiny. So, he didn’t comment on it. Once they arrived at their destination The stranger climbed out of the car and started walking without a backward glance.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Richard called out on an impulse.

The stranger didn’t slow down or turn back. He simply said, “Find out yourself.”

The man soon disappeared from Richard’s sight. Richard sighed and drove around trying to find a parking spot. He was running late for his shift at the café. He was the waiter there. He could quit his job as he was technically a millionaire but Richard didn’t trust that the money would remain his. Sooner or later, the real owner will figure out that a transaction had gone wrong and try to get it back and probably succeed too. So, he didn’t rely on his newfound wealth much. He walked hastily into the café and was halted by his boss.

“Do you remember when your shift starts?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Then why are you late?”

“I –

“Never mind. I don’t want to hear it. You have to work an extra hour today to make up for your late arrival.”

“But I was only ten minutes late.”

“Do I look like I care?”

“No.”

“Start doing the work you are being paid for then.”

Richard would have loved to punch the man in his nose but knew that wasn’t a wise thing to do. So he merely huffed and strode past him. The barista patted him on the back as he walked past to change into his work clothes. Soon Richard forgot about what had happened and immersed himself in his work. That is until he saw the stranger.

“He is smoking hot, isn’t he?”

Richard nearly choked on his spit and glared at his co-worker, Lisa. “He is a customer. Stop lusting after him.”

“Why? Are you interested? I thought you were dating Belinda.”

“No, I am not and Belinda broke up with me. Apparently, she doesn’t date losers who can’t afford to buy her the expensive things she wants.”

“Her loss.”

“Maybe if I say that to myself enough times, I will believe it.”

“You are a good man, Richard. One day, you will find the right person.”

“Do I pay you to chat with your co-worker, Richard?” the boss yelled.

“Why does he hate me so much.”

“His girlfriend ditched him for you. What do you expect?”

“I didn’t ask her to. Hell, I didn’t even accept her proposal.”

“Doesn’t matter. You will forever be hated.”

Richard growled and turned to walk away.

“Richard, why don’t you take Mr. Hot’s order?”

“Mr. Hot? What kind of nickname is that?”

“Just go.”

Richard was puzzled by Lisa’s insistence but marched resolutely towards the stranger. The stranger was talking with another man, probably his subordinate, in a quiet but unhurried tone. As soon as Richard was near enough to hear what they are talking about they stopped talking.

“What do you two need?” Richard asked keeping his tone cheerful. He didn’t like the second man at all but liking or disliking a customer wasn’t his job. So, he simply asked for the man’s order. The stranger stared at Richard for a long time before ordering.

“A White Chocolate Mocha.”

The other man grunted something that Richard didn’t understand. “I am sorry but can you please repeat your order?”

“He wants an Espresso.”

Richard couldn’t comprehend how the stranger understood what the other man had said but he didn’t question the order. He merely nodded and trotted off to place the order. He felt the stranger’s eyes on him all the way.

The barista whipped up the order quickly and gave them to Richard. Lisa winked at him while delivering the order to her customers. Richard huffed and went back to the stranger. The other man was missing. “Where is he?” Richard asked.

The stranger grinned and said, “He had an errand to run.”

“But what about his order?”

“You can sit with me and drink the espresso.”

“I am working.”

“I am sure your boss won’t mind.”

“Dude, have you met him?”

“Yes and I insist that you sit down unless you are trying to let me down gently.”

Richard stared at the stranger. His eyes were midnight blue, an unusual color. “I would love to take a break but I have a condition.”

“And what is that?”

“Tell me your name and promise me that you will give me a job when my boss fires me.”

“That’s two conditions.”

Richard merely kept staring at the stranger. The stranger laughed out aloud. “I have never been good at accepting conditions but I will make an exception for you. Sit down. Let’s enjoy our date.”

“Whoa. Stop. I said I will have an espresso. That doesn’t make it a date.”

“I won’t accept your second condition if you don’t consider this as a date.”

“Damn.”

“Do you really not want to date me?” The stranger was frowning at Richard.

Richard contemplated for a moment before answering. “I would love to date you.”

The stranger grinned again. “In that case, my name is Wesley Hamilton.”

“I thought you would have a more interesting name.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” Wesley said flippantly.

Richard was so intrigued by Wesley he lost track of time. He came back to his senses only when Lisa came to remind him that their shift was over. Richard was shocked that his boss hadn’t yelled at him for several hours. He whipped his head around searching for his creepy boss.

“He isn’t here. He hasn’t been inside the building since he went to smoke a cigar outside,” Lisa said.

“That is strange. Should we check on him?” Richard asked.

“He is an adult, Rich. You focus on your date.”

Richard blushed. He shooed Lisa away and turned to face Wesley. “I had a great time, Wesley.”

“Does that mean that you will go on a second date with me?”

“Yes.”

“Great, see you later then,” Wesley said and rose to leave.

“Hey, how can I contact you without your number?

“Trust me, you will have no problem finding me.”

Richard was puzzled but he let it slide. Besides, it was exciting to let fate decide if they will meet again. He grinned at Wesley and walked towards his car. Only when he was behind the steering did he realize that Wesley didn’t have a car. He hastily climbed out of his to ask Wesley if he needed a ride but Wesley was already leaving with the other man. Richard wondered when the man had got back and why he hadn’t come in. Then he shrugged and slid into his car again. After all, the man has no impact on his life.

***

Richard’s alarm blared. He stuck out an arm to turn it off but wasn’t able to find it. Feeling irritated by everything in his life Richard grumbled and sat up on his bed. He brushed, showered, and put on his clothes mechanically. He wished that he didn’t need to show up at work. Technically, he didn’t need to as he was a millionaire but he was still wary of using the money. It was frustrating to wait for someone to claim the money but he knew it was the right thing to do. (He should have enquired his bank about it but he couldn’t bring himself to do that.)

He drove to work contemplating the dreary state of his life. As soon as he reached the café he knew something has changed. It was visually the same but still, there was something different. He slowly walked into the café and was pleasantly surprised to see Wesley standing there.

“What are you doing here?”

“Be careful how you speak to the boss, Rich,” Lisa said.

Richard stood dumbfounded and gaped at Wesley. “Boss?”

“Yes, Richard, I bought the café yesterday night.”

Richard opened and closed his mouth a few times before he spoke again. “Good morning, Boss.”

Wesley appeared to be amused by Richard’s reaction. “I trust that your work will be up to my standards.”

“Of course.”

“Terry will be your boss from now on. I own the business but I am not interested in running it. So, be careful. Terry doesn’t like lazy workers,” Wesley said pulling a man forward.

Richard didn’t know how to react. Terry was wiry and looked like he will be blown away by a strong gust of wind. And yet, Wesley made him seem threatening. Richard decided that he didn’t want to take chances and nodded empathetically to indicate that he understood. Lisa bowed slightly to show that she too understood.

“Alright, I am leaving now. I have much work to do,” Wesley said and started walking. When he came near Richard, he kissed his cheek and whispered, “I will call you later about our second date.”

Richard shivered and nodded. He didn’t like how quickly he was falling for Wesley. Especially as he didn’t know anything about him yet. Dating your boss is never a good idea but Richard couldn’t fathom how to say no to such a handsome face. Besides, he was impressed by Wesley last night. He had a great time. So, Richard shook off his apprehensions and grinned at Wesley just as he left the cafe. Wesley winked at him in return.

“Please start working,” Terry squeaked.

“Yes, Sir,” Richard and Lisa chorused.

***

“Richard, come home with me,” Wesley whispered into Richard’s ear. Wesley kissed Richard’s cheek and slowly sucked Richard’s earlobe. Richard’s breath grew erratic and he nodded without meaning to. Wesley smirked and dragged Richard to his car. They had been making out outside the café. Their relationship had progressed a lot faster than anyone thought possible. Richard didn’t remember the ride to Wesley’s home. He was too busy kissing Wesley. Fortunately, the driver had paid them no attention. One thing less to be embarrassed about in the morning.

Wesley was a billionaire but didn’t like talking about how exactly he became one. Every time Richard questioned him, Wesley either shut down or simply said that he acquired it through his family business. Richard soon stopped asking him about it. In the months he had known Wesley, the billionaire had managed to worm his way into his heart. As a result, he found that he didn’t care if it turned out that Wesley was secretly a mob boss. He just wanted Wesley in his life.

Now, as they made their way up to Wesley’s room in the mansion, Richard couldn’t keep his hands off Wesley. But just as they tumbled into bed there was a knock on the door. Wesley growled and got off Richard. He opened the door ready to tear into the person who dared to interrupt them and stopped short.

“Dad? What happened?” Wesley asked.

“The Lincolns are attacking everyone in our business,” Wesley’s dad said.

Wesley’s demeanor changed imperceptibly. He looked his dad square in the eyes and said, “I will take care of it.”

“Will you?”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You have become sloppy. You are too horny to see your enemies closing in on you. How can I trust you to do your job when you are running after this one like a lost puppy?” Mr. Hamilton asked pointing at Richard.

“What I do or not do in my personal life is none of your concern,” Wesley seethed. “Get out. I am perfectly capable of discharging my duties.”

Mr. Hamilton gazed at Wesley as if gauging his sincerity and then slowly nodded. “If you fail, you know what will happen. There won’t be an exception just because you are my son.”

“I know.”

Mr. Hamilton then turned his attention to Richard. “I suggest that you leave while you still can. Otherwise, you may not like what you find.”

Richard stared in confusion at him but Wesley hissed at his dad. “Leave him alone.”

Mr. Hamilton scoffed and left the mansion with a final glare directed at his son. Needless to say, neither Wesley nor Richard was horny anymore. Richard sighed and sat up on the bed. “What exactly is your family business?”

Wesley looked like he was about to deflect the question but Richard wasn’t ready to let the topic go. So, he placed his hands on either side of Wesley’s face and made him look into his eyes. “If you don’t answer me truthfully, I will leave.” Richard meant what he said. He didn’t care what Wesley’s job was. He just wanted to know the truth and if Wesley would trust him with it.

“Leave,” Wesley said.

“What?”

“Leave. Our relationship is over. Lead your life however you want to. You are fired from your job too.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? I ask you a question about your life and you end things with me? You know what? I thought we were in love. I was wrong. I fell in love with a man who doesn’t know what it means. That is the truth. I don’t care that you fired me. I have lived for months without a job before. Thank you for doing me a favor and letting me know your true character.”

Wesley appeared to be in pain but he didn’t stop Richard from leaving. Richard couldn’t fathom why Wesley was acting so strange. One minute it was like he was happy to be in Richard’s presence and the next he wanted him out of his life. Richard vowed to never date again. He wouldn’t be able to survive another heartbreak. He decided to use the fortune he came into unexpectedly a few months back. After all, no one had claimed it yet.

Richard started walking towards the nearest bus stop. He was contemplating what to do with his fortune when Lisa called. He sighed and answered the call.

“Rich, be alert.”

Richard frowned at his mobile wondering why Lisa would warn him. He had no chance of asking her as she had ended the call and switched off her mobile.

***

“I want all of the Lincolns to be watched. Shadow them and don’t lose them. If you do, I will definitely kill you,” Wesley said to his men.

“Are you alright, Boss?” Terry asked.

“Mind your business, Terry.”

Terry didn’t comment and went about doing his work. Wesley felt hollow but he knew that he mustn’t show weakness in front of his men. That is a sure-fire way to make his men mutiny against him. He blew out a breath and thought about what he must do. He cannot protect everyone associated with the Hamilton family but he damn well can avenge any fallen comrade. To do that, it was necessary to know who he must kill. That is why he sent his men to shadow the Lincolns. He must find who is helping them take out his allies.

The Mafia Dons are forbidden from hurting each other’s family and friends. Therefore, someone outside of the inner circle must be helping the Lincolns. If the fight doesn’t end soon, the Godfather will deal with them and that is not something any Don is looking forward to. It was considered madness to go against the rules of the Godfather.

Though there were many sharks in the mafia business, only three families were powerful enough to rule the shadow world. The Hamiltons, the Lincolns, and the Carters. Of course, the Godfather ruled over all of them but he generally stayed out of their business as long as he was paid a cut. No one knew what he looked like and what his name was.

Wesley had been foolish to think that he can have Richard. How can a man who doesn’t know about the existence of an underworld ever be in his life? He had vainly believed that he can keep Richard shielded from his world but his dad had made him see how risky it was. That is why even though it ripped his heart Wesley had thrown Richard out. At least now, he will be safe,

Wesley had first seen Richard a year ago. The man had been with his girlfriend then. He had felt immediately drawn to Richard. In spite of his better judgment, he stalked Richard. He discovered what a spectacular soul Richard had and also his miserable state of finance. When Belinda left Richard, he was jubilant but also furious at the woman for abandoning Richard. He had secretly deposited millions in Richard’s account so that he can finally be happy and live life as he wants to. He also took care of Richard’s boss and replaced him with Terry.

Richard had puzzled him though. He didn’t spend the money but he didn’t check where it came from either. Wesley tried to understand Richard when they started dating but Richard managed to always surprise him as he was unpredictable. The further their relationship progressed the deeper Wesley fell in love with him but alas the dream of having Richard forever was short-lived. It broke Wesley’s heart to hear Richard say that he had fallen in love with him as he couldn’t say it back. He desperately wanted to yell the words but the urge to protect Richard was stronger and so he kept quiet.

Richard will always be the love of his life but Wesley had no intention of letting him know that.

***

Richard hated being the prisoner of the Carters. He had been on his way to Lisa’s apartment when he was captured. He knew well why he had been kidnapped but what he didn’t understand was why the Carters decided to risk the wrath of a powerful man. Perhaps they thought that they can escape somehow. A pretty stupid thought in his opinion.

***

“What did you say? The Carters are working with the Lincolns?” Wesley asked in shock. He really has lost his knack for keeping his enemies in check. His dad had been right. His obsession with Richard had cost him his leadership qualities. He banged his head against the wall in frustration.

“Sir, there is more news. Your former lover has been captured by the Carters,” Terry said.

Wesley’s blood ran cold. He didn’t want Richard to be hurt. He sacrificed his love to ensure that and yet Richard has been targeted. It was all his fault. Wesley felt himself spiraling and took a few deep breaths to calm himself. “Prepare to attack the Lincolns.”

“The Lincolns?”

“Did I stutter?”

“But what about the Carters?”

“We will deal with them later. The Lincolns are our major concern now.”

“As you wish.”

Terry left to relay the order to the rest of the team. They had a lot of planning to do.

***

The war with the Lincolns ended within a few hours. The Lincolns had not known what struck them. Wesley tore through them all like a maniac; no one dare to stand and fight him. His men took care of those who ran from him. At the end of the war, none of the Lincolns were alive.

Wesley stood surveying the damage his men had incurred. It was minimal. “Take rest. Tonight, we fight the Carters.”

None of his men asked for more time to rest or heal. They proudly nodded to let him know that he had their support. After all, he had put the interests of the Hamilton family before his own interest. (They all knew how much Wesley loves Richard.) Instead of resting, they began to ready themselves for the imminent fight.

***

Wesley broke into the Carters’ headquarters ready to kill anyone who thought about stopping him from rescuing Richard. The vision that greeted him wasn’t something he ever thought he would see. Richard was sipping a beer and across him sat a man in his late forties. They appeared to be having an argument. Richard was the first to notice him but he merely frowned. Noticing this the other man turned around to see the cause of the frown.

“Mr. Hamilton, welcome. I am sure that you would have done a splendid job of rescuing my son but I didn’t want to wait for you to arrive. So, I took action. Thank you for dealing with the Lincolns,” the man said.

Wesley stared in bewilderment at the man. Recognizing this, the man said, “Forgive my manners, Hamilton. My only excuse is that I am growing old. My name is Nathaniel Topaz. Everyone calls me ‘Godfather’.”

Wesley reeled back in shock. Richard was the son of the Godfather? What was happening? He tried to form words but couldn’t.

“You handled the crisis incredibly well. I will ensure that your dad understands that but I need you to answer my question first. Did you know who Richard was?” Nathaniel asked.

“I did not. Who would be foolish enough to fall in love with the Godfather’s son?” Wesley yelled.

Silence filled the room for several painfully long minutes. “You love my son?”

Wesley didn’t know what to say but in the end, decided to tell the truth. “Hopelessly.”

“And you decided that I didn’t deserve to know that? You just threw me out because you didn’t know how to handle your feelings for me?” Richard asked, his tone ice cold.

“I was trying to protect you.”

“I didn’t need your protection!”

“How was I supposed to know that?”

Richard groaned in frustration as they were both at fault here but he wasn’t ready to forgive Wesley yet. So, he stormed out of the building.

“He left me because he didn’t like the underworld but he got tangled in it anyway. Take good care of him, Hamilton,” Nathaniel said.

Wesley nodded and hurried after Richard. “Richard, wait.” Richard paid him no heed. “RICHARD.”

“Go to hell,” Richard yelled.

Wesley was impatient. He had let go of Richard only because he thought that Richard would be safe without him but now he knew that Richard will always be in danger whether he was with him or not. The Carters had captured him to negotiate with Nathaniel. There will always be some fool who thinks he can outsmart the Godfather. Wesley did not intend to let Richard out of his sight any more than necessary. More than the need to protect the need to kiss him senseless was stronger at the moment but Richard wasn’t showing any sign of giving him a chance to apologize.

“I need my $500,000,000 back.”

That got Richard’s attention. He whirled around and punched Wesley right in the face. Wesley let the punch connect and tugged Richard towards him by grabbing hold of his other hand. As a result, Richard slammed into Wesley.

“Let me go,” Richard hissed.

“Not until you hear me out,” Wesley said holding Richard in a bear hug.

“I don’t care —

“I love you and I am sorry that I didn’t tell you that night. I am sorry that I let you, the love of my life, walk out that night and I am sorry I kept you in the dark about my ‘family business’. All I am asking for is another chance to prove that I will always love you and never let you go again.”

Richard had stopped fighting in the middle of Wesley’s apology. He tried to keep glaring at Wesley but failed miserably. He gently knocked his forehead against Wesley’s and said, “I love you and I am sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner. I too kept you in the dark about my past. We were both at fault. Let’s forgive each other and move on. Okay?”

“Okay,” Wesley said and kissed Richard. “Your dad is truly terrifying.”\

Richard laughed. “Yes, he is but he likes you. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let you near me.”

“The Godfather approves of our relationship?”

“My dad approves of our relationship. The Godfather is indifferent to it and will tear you to pieces if you do not discharge your duties responsibly.”

“Duly noted.”

“Now, take me home but you still have to grovel at times when I remember how much you hurt me.”

“Gladly, my love.”

The End