Chapter 4

[KHALI]

~Flashback~

My schedule had already ended, so I was simply strolling around the casino, as usual, taking in the sights. It's a requirement of my pitboss job. I reached the slot machine section as I continued walking. Those who dislike playing cards prefer to use a slot machine. It is, in fact, simple. You just have to load up your machine, choose your pay lines, set your bet, hit the button, and have fun. Easy, right? But I couldn't fully enjoy my evening since the thoughts of that Jane Casanova— yeah, whatever her name is— irritated me. Not only did she humiliate me in that round, but I was also compelled to be her property. Nobody has any claim to me. I own myself, and I've never intended to be someone else's property. I despise it when someone forces me to do something I didn't want to begin with.

I decided to leave the noisy slot machines alone and call it a night. I noticed a guy forcing a girl to get up from where she was sitting on my way to the exit. I squinted my eyes and concentrated my attention on them, and I immediately recognized the girl. Why do I always seem to collide with her? Of all people.

"Hey, come on. Don't be so hard to get. Get up. Let's go to my place," the guy said, grabbing her by the waist, but the kitten was uncomfortable. She's not in her right mind, and I'm certain this guy had something to do with her current state. I made a fist and was ready to approach them when I came to a halt.

I shouldn't be bothered by her because she embarrassed me. I changed my mind and turned to walk away, but I was interrupted by the brunette's shouting.

My conscience begs me to help her, but a part of me feels it's none of my business, and the prospect of her humiliation is quite tempting. As I look at them, I bite my lower lip. The woman was nearly dragged off her seat, and she is now sitting on the floor.

"Khali I swear to God. You're seriously crazy if you help that woman," I murmured to myself.

"Let go of me!” the woman yelled. I chewed my lip, refusing to help her.

"You fucking slut! Why don't you just get up? I know you want me too!” the guy told the brunette.

Okay. This is just one-time. This will be the first and last time I help her. I walked up to them and approached the jerk right away.

"Excuse me? Could you kindly let go of her?" I asked, calmly but vehemently. The guy just scowled at me while clutching the girl in her arm. I didn't enjoy the sight of her wince as a result of his grip. I don't like her in the least, but I can't stand it when someone is treated so badly.

He tried to pull her up again, making her groan in pain. "Who the fuck are you? Just mind your own business," he said.

"You're hurting me! I don't like you! You're so ugly!" She yelled at the jerk. I was about to giggle at how she subconsciously insulted the guy, but I restrained myself because of the situation. I took her other arm this time so the guy wouldn't pull her. She can’t even utter her words clearly, and I'm very sure this guy drugged her.

"I saw her first! Just go find other sluts out there," he scorned at me. Did he really think this girl is a prostitute? This time, his statement enraged me even more.

"She's my girlfriend. If you don't let go of her, I'll make sure you don't get out of here without breaking your bones, and trust me, the security won't even help you," I warned, pulling the girl closer to me and resting my hand on her waist. Surprisingly, the girl merely went with the flow and hugged me around the torso, giving me a strange warm feeling, but I ignored it. The guy just snorted and then let the girl go. He walked away, shaking his head and holding his hands in the air. I waved to the guard standing nearby to drag the jerk out of the Casino. Never again will I let a perverted predator into my Casino.

“Ooh my savior~", I nearly forgot about the girl holding and snuggling against my neck, and I just groaned frustratingly. Her breath tickled my skin, producing a slight shiver, but I quickly stopped her as she was ready to hold my face. Jesus Christ! She's such a pain in the neck!

"Alright, listen to me. Do you have anyone with you? You need to go home right now!" She wasn’t even listening to me, and I started to feel irritated. She was just staring at me, fascinated, with a foolish, stupid gorgeous smile on her face. Goddammit! I looked around to see if anyone was looking for her, but everyone was too preoccupied with playing and having a good time to notice. Except for me, no one had cared to aid her earlier.

"Do you know where you live? I'll just drive you home. It's not safe here," I tried to ask her, but as expected, she didn’t give me a decent answer.

"I'm with a chipmunk. Where is that chipmunk?" she mumbled as she peered beneath the tables. She was simply wandering about like a wild, drunk girl, and I was following her around like a fool.

"Holy crap! What am I going to do with her? Pets aren't allowed in here. What chipmunk is she talking about?" I murmured to myself as I watched her every move. She almost fell, and I snatched her arm to keep her from falling. Oh, God! I wish Jey was here to help me. I'm sure she can handle this woman.

"Alright, I've had enough. I'll just take you home," I said as I grabbed her arm and led her out of the Casino. I told Steven I was already out, and he just nodded.

After seeing the girl I'm with, Thomas, the valet, teased me and exclaimed, "Yow! Khali, going home already? Who’s that girl? Khali's going out with a girl? This is news!"

"Just shut up, Thomas," I said, and he responded with a laugh. Thomas is a friend of mine who is also a chic magnet, but unlike Steven, he never tries to flirt with them because it isn't his priority. He claims that he wishes to work professionally. His features are manly, and he has tanned skin that appeals to girls

He handed me my car key, and I walked to the shotgun seat to open the car and let the inebriated human dumpling in.

"Wow, you have a nice car! How can you afford this baby?" she inquired, but I ignored her. I'm pretty sure she won't remember anything tomorrow, but what she did to me will stay with me forever. After that, I proceeded to the driver's seat and waved farewell to Thomas, who was still smiling and mouthing phrases that I couldn't understand, but I knew it was all part of the joke. I merely drove away with a shake of my head.

She was already knocked out when we arrived at my apartment complex. Oh great, I'll have to carry her now. I exhaled deeply before exiting the car and approaching her side. Her enticing aroma began to linger on my nose as I unbuckled her seat belt. I began to have a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I tried to ignore it. I need to keep reminding myself that this girl is a threat. I'm sure she, like everyone else, is a walking red flag.

"The hell! She's..so..damn..heavy!" Before walking towards the building's entrance, I carried her and closed the door of my car. The receptionist gave me a friendly nod as soon as I walked in, and I just smiled sheepishly at her. She even assisted me in operating the elevator, which I greatly appreciate.

"Thank you," I said to the receptionist, who responded with a mumbled, "You're welcome."

I waited for the elevator to arrive at my floor and cautiously stepped out as soon as the door opened, not wanting the brunette to smack her head on anything.

You're a genius, Khali! How am I supposed to swipe my card at my door? I was about to put her down on the floor when it was thankfully opened from the inside.

"Khali? Oh, who's that girl?" Jey asked curiously. I can clearly see the twinkle in her eyes, which I know, is not a good sign.

"Thank god! You're here. She's so freaking heavy! And please don’t ask anything," I warned her as I went in.

"Why? Oh wait, is this when the best friend was supposed to go out because you're going to have sex with this girl?" I merely stared at her when she strangely asked. Unbelievable.

"Shut up, Jey. I'm not having sex with her. I just helped her because she was drugged—whatever. She's a customer in our casino, and she's my responsibility."

"Not when she's OUTSIDE the casino," Jey emphasized the word ‘outside’.

Oh good lord! Please just spare me with this conversation. I’m already tired.

I laid her down on the bed and tucked her beneath the covers before I faced my best friend, who was admiringly looking at the girl.

"Stop your perverted mind, Jey!” I told her.

"Are you jealous? If you don't like her, I'll make a move on her," she remarked as she walked up to the bed. However, I grabbed Jey by the back of her blouse and dragged her out of the room. I'm a lot stronger and taller than she is, so I can easily do that. She's a full-fledged midget.

She whined, but I had already slammed the door, thus sealing her out.

"Khali! Just don't be too rough okay?" She murmured behind the closed door. I'm going to shut her out of my flat next time. I grumbled and ignored my best friend's bullshit. I changed first, then grabbed a pillow and a blanket. Tonight, I guess it'll be just me and the couch. But before I could leave, the brunette's phone rang. I figured that if someone is looking for her, it's best to let them know she's safe. So, I retrieved her phone from her bag. I could smell her strawberry scent on it. I bit my lower lip to keep myself from flinging myself on the bed and nuzzling her aroma. Shit! I have to keep my mind straight. I'm supposed to be irritated by what she did to me earlier.

I checked the caller ID, and it said "Dad." Most people would panic in this case because they will be speaking with her parents. But what makes you think I'd be afraid? His daughter is the one who has wronged me. I pressed the response button, and what followed was completely unexpected.

"Where are you, Jane? I can't believe you ditched Nicholas! I gave my word to them, and you're just going to do this?" the old man yelled over the phone. I felt a pang of sympathy for this girl because I had no idea she had such a demanding parent.

Despite my desire to tell him to back off and quit being such a manipulative jerk, I chose to talk calmly and politely. 

"Hello, sir? This is Khali Luciano, I believe Miss Terranova had forgotten her phone on her way out, and I insisted on meeting her to talk about her business plan," in the style that always earns the parents' approval.

"Oh, Uhm,... My apologies. She didn't inform me about that meeting. Luciano? Are you perchance related to Vincent Luciano, the owner of L Hotels and Casino?" I grinned and turned to face the brunette, who was soundly resting on my bed.

"Yes sir, I'm his daughter. I hope you won't get mad at Miss Terranova. It was my fault".

"Oh no. It was just a misunderstanding. Pardon my actions earlier. Do you know where she is right now?" He asked.

"She just left a few minutes ago. I'll come by to her office tomorrow to give this back to her"

"That's OK; I'm sorry for her carelessness, and it's nice to meet you; I hope our proposition piques your interest," the old man added.

I returned my gaze to her. I narrowed my eyes as I immediately came up with a way to retaliate against her. I'll be able to use my UNO reverse card this time.

"Yes, I find it interesting, and I would love to have a further discussion about it, with her, of course," I told him.

"That's great! Whatever you require, please inform Jane; thank you, and I hope to meet you some other time," he chuckled.

"Of course, I'm looking forward to it," he said as he hung up the phone, and I placed her phone on the nightstand. As I perched on the bed's edge, I locked my gaze on her. She resembles the appearance of a lovely kitten, with strands of hair covering her face and blowing as she breaths. Hah! I must not be deceived by this kitten. She is a monster who should be taught a lesson. It’s payback time, Terranova.