Sebastian
Ipulled up outside the warehouse in Putney. It was one of Matt’s, where he kept his firearms. Callum was meant to meet us here with some of his products. He’d better make good on that, or I’d put a bullet in him straight away.
I stepped out of the car, and my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out, seeing Aria’s name flash up. I stared at the screen for what felt like a lifetime before it stopped, and a text came through straight away.
Aria:
What time should I have dinner ready for?
I swiped the notification on my screen to dismiss it and placed the phone back in my pocket. I needed a clear head for this.
Who the fuck was I kidding? My mind would be on her regardless, because I was lying to her about everything I was doing. I just had to keep reminding myself it was for her own good. It was to keep her safe.
I looked up at the metal shell in front of me, pulled the door open, and made my way inside. I could hear people talking, which meant everyone was already here.
There stood Callum with Jamie and Matt with one of his guys, Charlie. An array of firearms was laid out on the table in front of them.
Callum held his hand out, and I looked down at it, then met his eyes. “You’d better not be fucking about with any of this,” I warned.
He shook his head, a small smile curling on his lips. “Did my offering yesterday not prove to you that I was serious?”
I just glared at him. He wouldn’t have done all of that if he weren’t. And it would be bad business for him to try anything, because he knew I wouldn’t let it go. He clapped his hands together. “Shall we get started?”
“Callum was showing me the Glocks he can supply. They’re pretty good quality,” Matt said.
I picked up the Glock 19, feeling the weight of the metal against my warm hand. It was lighter than the ones we were currently getting. Ejecting the mag, I checked for any bullets. Empty, like it should be. Clicking the mag back in, I then pulled back the slide, checking for any rounds.
Lifting the gun, I aimed it right at Callum’s head and pulled the trigger.
“Bang,” I said, looking Callum dead in the eyes.
Jamie went to pull his gun, but Callum put his hand there to stop him. “Sebastian knew it was empty, Jamie. If he were going to kill me, he would have by now.” He met my eyes, and I gave him a smirk.
I would if I could, but if I did and Aria found out, she’d fucking hate me for it, and I wasn’t going to let this guy come between us. I’d already made her feel a type of way I never wanted to.
“I’ve looked over them, and they’re a lot better than our current supply. The prices are reasonable, too,” Matt said.
Matt was an expert in firearms. I knew enough to get by, but it was his job to know all there was about them, and I trusted him.
“I’ve got things I need to do, but Matt can sort out the negotiations with you.”
I needed to get home to Aria.
I turned the lock on the patio doors, which led into the kitchen from the garden, and stepped through, silently closing them behind me.
I checked my watch. 3 a.m. Aria would be fast asleep on the sofa. She never liked to go to bed without me and would try to wait up, but sleep always got the better of her.
I made my way quietly through to the foyer and then the living room. There she was, exactly as predicted.
My eyes drifted over her, as if I was trying not to miss any detail. I already knew every inch of her, but recently, it felt like when I tried to remember things, my mind couldn’t find them. Like I’d lost her somewhere along the way.
She’d propped up all the cushions on the sofa to lay her head on.
That messy little bun of hers sat on top, and she had one of my T-shirts on, something she’d wear around the house when we were alone.
Her favourite purple blanket covered her legs.
She looked so beautiful. Mesmerising. I didn’t want to stop looking at her because it felt like she’d disappear.
After a moment, I moved my feet and scooped her up in my arms, pulling her a little closer as I walked out and up the stairs.
She never stirred. When she was out, she was out.
She was the same when we were younger. She’d fall asleep halfway through the movies we used to watch.
Any normal person would have got up and left the room, but I wasn’t normal.
I didn’t want to leave her. I never wanted to leave her.
I wanted to watch over her and keep her safe, even then.
I pulled the blanket back before softly lowering her to the bed, and then gently placed it over her.
I slouched on the edge of the bed, removed my jacket, and pulled the tie off, undoing the first few buttons.
I was exhausted. Not physically, but mentally.
Everything had started to take its toll, trying to juggle it all.
My phone started vibrating, and I let out a heavy breath when I saw Soran’s name. I kept my voice low as I answered.
“You need to come in. It’s urgent.”
I sat up, alert. “What is it?”
“We need to discuss the meeting you had with Callum and Matt before we sign off on any deal.”
“Right now?”
“First thing in the morning.”
“The deal isn’t for another week, and I can fill you in another time. I need to be in the office tomorrow.”
“This is about everyone and what’s best for the Organisation. Having that information about whether we are moving forward or not with Callum will benefit all of us.”
My eyes drifted over to Aria, fast asleep in bed. She always looked so peaceful when she slept. Tipping my head back, I briefly closed my eyes, then rubbed my eyelids to try to remove the weight from them. My limbs were heavy, like they no longer wanted to move.
“Fine. Tomorrow morning.”
I cut the call.
Removing the rest of my clothes, I climbed into bed next to Aria.
Leaning over, I gently stroked her hair out of her face and faintly pressed my lips against her forehead.
“Please forgive me,” I said, barely a whisper.