Task

Varce’s POV

I had missed this office for the most part. I could tell it just got cleaned and there was a lot of paperwork and business deals waiting for me. Even though Boris had been working in my stead, it was still too much.

Who would have thought, memory issues at this point in my life. Somehow my father died and I got to know only three weeks ago because I woke up from a coma.

Still, I made sure his burial was grand, even though I detested the man for forcing me into this dark life, into his dark reign.

Now I'm back as the Captain.

Boris watched my every move as I went through some of the files that were on my desk. His features softened, like he pitied me for not remembering a lot of things.

The doctor said it was possible I could regain it, but it would take time and I wasn't supposed to stress myself at all, but here I am.

The most painful part is that apart from my father's burial, I still had to deal with the fact that a deal my father planned with another gang had gone south in terms of weapon sharing and unpaid debt. 

Everyone watched me, wanting to see how I would handle it and what I would do exactly. The pressure was already weighing me down as I thought of possible solutions the whole ride home. 

I wasn't new to this life but with each gang, caution needed to be taken. I needed to be wise with my dealing as I couldn't afford to have any more enemies especially in this dark moment of vulnerability.

“Captain Varce.” Boris lips curled up in a teasing grin as his voice cut through the silence.

Boris had been my best friend and personal assistant for years now so it's no surprise he stepped in for me the whole time I was in the hospital. Now he was just making fun of me.

“Boris, stop trying to make fun of me and just call me Varce. I'm sick, remember?”

He flashed a disapproving glare at my remark.

“Quit whining already. Have you thought of anything concerning that deal? I do have an idea on how to handle it.”

My eyes lit up in anticipation of what he had planned.

“Actually, it's been bothering me. I don't want any bloodshed and at the same time, I would never hesitate if it came to protecting our gang. What do you suggest? After all they are the ones that did the double crossing.” I stated as a matter of fact.

“I will reach out to their leader tomorrow. We'll see if we can come to a reasonable conclusion. If he acts funny, we kill.”

“You do that then.”

Boris tapped me slightly on my shoulder before walking out of my office. The second he did, I dropped the files and sank into my seat, then ran my hands through my face in complete tiredness.

I thought about the sealed envelope in my jacket pocket. It was something I wasn't ready to open. I knew that whatever was in it would shake things up for me and this gang, so I just let it sit there until I was ready. I couldn't even tell Boris about it.

In spite of all of this, realizing I didn't need a new recruit was at the top. Just why did they decide to recruit someone when I was away? I would've never let it happen.

“Igor! Igor!” I always had security, so one of my men came right in by the second call.

“The new recruit. Bring him to my office now.”

I would send this guy away. Now that things were rough, he could be my enemy for crying out loud. How did he even find us? It was awfully suspicious and I didn't care if I was being paranoid.

Igor did as instructed and after a good five minutes of doing absolutely nothing but resting, I got a timid, faint knock. If the office wasn't so quiet, I probably wouldn't have heard it. So he wasn't just petite, but he still had no balls? Knocking like a pussy?

No. He's leaving today.

“Come in.” I said, annoyance and irritation present in my voice. The tiny figure walked in, his face facing the floor instead of upwards to hold my gaze, his hands tightly squeezed at his front. His movement was lazy, but he managed to make it to the centre of the office.

“Sergey.”

“Captain.”

“Look at me when you're talking to me. Don't disrespect me.” I spat out. 

He raised his head up and his eyes did nothing to hide his fright. He looked so small and frail. I wondered if he even had muscles under that jacket.

“Remove your jacket.” I ordered.

“Captain?” He jerked, shock spreading across his features within seconds. He was uncomfortable.

“Did you not hear what I said?”

He looked unsure for a second as if he would rather run off than do as I've ordered and just when I had given up, he got rid of his jacket. A black short-sleeved shirt was all he had on under it, so I ordered him to roll the sleeves up to his shoulders.

He did as ordered, his heart thumping in his chest. I grinned upon seeing them. His muscles were the most embarrassing I had ever come across in my entire life. He had the physique of a woman and he had a long way to go, a way I had no time to cater for.

“Look at those lean muscles. I don't even need to do much to send you away now. You're leaving today. Pack your things.”

“Captain! Why?” He cried out, his voice shaky like I just betrayed him.

“Don't question my order. Leave my office now.” I was clearly done with the conversation at this point.

“Please, please. Please let me stay. I'll do anything, I'll work hard. Just don't send me away.” He rubbed his hands together as he begged with all his heart.

“Who are you, and what have you come here for? What do you want?” My suspicion just kept growing. 

“I just want to ride bikes and fit in.”

My lips curled up in an amused grin.

“And you think this is the place? In the face of war, can you even defend yourself?”

“Maybe if you let me you'll see. I'm sorry but I can't leave. I love it here.”

I blinked, then let out an incredulous laugh as my eyes scanned the length of this man. How dare he talk to me in such a manner?

“Are you talking back, Sergey?”

“No Captain. Just give me a chance. Just one time, any task.” His voice was throaty and it cracked a little. He really wanted to be here. Too bad we can't have all we want.

I chuckled darkly. He had shot himself in the leg for this. I would task him so hard he would beg to leave by himself and honestly, I have some impossible tasks already.

“Good. You will face your task tomorrow. If you fail it, I hope I won't have to remind you.”

“And if I pass, I get a wish.”

My eyebrows shot up again. Now I was conflicted; amused or annoyed?

“Do I look like Santa Claus?”

“No sir. Thank you, thank you!” He dashed out immediately.

I rubbed my eyes and breathed out, exhausted.

The nerve of this fucking woman.