Chapter 5 - My terms

Romeo can not believe what he sees on his phone as a text message. He merely left her a while ago and James had the guts to let his bodyguards attack her in no time. But what about his contacts who he had paid to protect her? He was very angry. He knew that James will do something but he didn't know it will be this soon. He calls his lead contact who answers on the first ring.

"You were supposed to protect her. He said as soon as the voice answered on the other line. Why the hell did you allow her to get hurt? He asked furiously.

"We tried our best Boss, but she was too stubborn. She even thought us to be her assailants and started throwing things at us until they hurt her before we could rescue her," he said

"Who are they?" Romeo asked 

"James bodyguards boss, we caught two of them but four escaped. We have them tied up in a secret place". He says assuredly.

"We took Maria to St. Luke's hospital and she is responding to treatment, he said.

"How serious are her injuries?" He asks even more concerned.

"There are no physical wounds or bruises. She was injected with something we suspect to be cocaine and was also hit on the head". The doctor says she will be fine". He revealed.

"So all this happened and you are telling me now? Why didn't you call me earlier?" He yelled.

"Sorry Boss, everything happened so fast and we were more concerned with making sure she was okay," He said with regret.

"So is she fine now?" He asked.

"Not completely but she is better". He said 

"Okay, you stay there till I come and don't go anywhere. 

"Yes, boss".

Romeo ends his call and zooms off to the hospital. He keeps wondering to himself how his life has changed in a short space of time because of this girl he barely knows. He didn't worry about James' bodyguards, he knows he will use the two to get the remaining four who escaped in no time. His main concern is Maria and how she is faring.

He walks into the hospital and a lady runs to him grinning like a baby who has been offered candies.

"Romeo, She called flirtingly.

"Do I know you?" He asks hastily trying to avoid her and walking straight to his contacts who are waiting anxiously.

"No, but what matters is that I know you, she said pouting. Just let me know when to come over. I can be your date for tonight", she said flirtingly.

Romeo is filled with rage. He can't understand why he is no longer amused by such things. The bad old Romeo would have given her a time and place, sending her payment to her bank account before she even arrives. He didn't mind paying in advance because his 'fans' not only wanted his money but him as well. They felt proud of being his date for a night.

But this Romeo no longer fancied such things. He is dead to his past life. He gives his business the much-needed attention but never again does he look at another woman after meeting Maria. But he also knows that his life will not be easy with this new change.

"He picks his phone and dials Acid. Make a payment to....and what's your name?" He asks her sternly.

Judy, Judy Simmons. But why that face? Won't you give me that charming smile? she says provocatively.

Judy Simmons, Romeo says over the phone, completely ignoring her request and hangs up. He looks around as if searching for someone. Then his eyes meet with his contacts and he begins to walk away but that didn't stop her. She starts running after him screaming.

"Wait! Wait!" Romeo stops, then turns to face her with an annoyed look. His face clearly showing how disgusted he is.

"You didn't give me a place and time,," She said tracing her forefinger over the middle line on his chest. His defined well-built curves were visible in the T-Shirt since his leather jacket was unbuttoned.

"Just enjoy the money. I don't need a 'fan tonight". He said, removing her fingers from his chest and turns to leave.

"What about tomorrow or time you want?" she keeps chanting after him.

"Romeo turns around and looks her straight in the eye. I don't need you. I have given you enough money so go and have fun", he says walking away. 

"No way! I don't need your money. Hey, call whoever it is to reverse it. I want you for the night because my friends say you are the best. I also want to have a taste of you. Look I have a lot of money and I can even pay you if you like, she says, shoving a bundle of dollar notes on his face. It's not about money Romeo, I also want a piece of you." She says with all seriousness.

Romeo was dumbfounded by her utterances. So he was like a trophy for them as they were also toys for him. They were not just in for the money but more. Now he knows he has to do something to keep these girls away from him. He starts thinking about how Maria will feel if they were to run into him when she is around. He didn't have any relationship with her but he has also started thinking about her feelings. When did he start thinking about a woman's feelings? This new Romeo has changed so much, he thinks to himself.

He glares at her again and says. "I am sorry Juliana". 

"It's Judy", she cut in.

"Sorry, I mean Judy. I am no longer the same man I used to be and if you don't mind, I have someone important to attend to."

"Then reverse the money, she said angrily. You just sent me $10,000. I don't need your money. I am hotter than Sandra and Beatrice. I am also prettier but they had you and keeps bragging about it. Don't you think I also deserve a fair share of a night with you? She says almost in tears". I want them to know that I am better," she says holding back the tears that so much wanted to fall.

Romeo looks at her helplessly. Little did he think he will be a cake that women will be competing to have a piece of. He knows he has to find a way to end this but for now, he needs to see Maria so badly. He signals one of his contacts to handle her whiles he follows the second one to the VIP ward. He hears Judy cursing his name when the contact blocks her way from following him. 

Maria is awake when he enters the ward and immediately turns her head to the side when she sees him.

"I will still not come and live with you. Don't think I am weak because of this". she pouted.

It made Romeo smile. She looked so fragile and beautiful.

"Why will I want you to live with me? You are so strong and fought off your attackers. I only came to congratulate you." Romeo said ironically.

"It's not funny", she says with another pout.

"I didn't say it was", Romeo says with a mischievous smile.

"But you are making fun of me, she pouts again.

"Am I? You said you could take care of yourself even when it's clear to you that James will stop at nothing to have you back". He says sadly.

"But it wasn't James".. she said seriously.

"The men who tried to hurt you were his bodyguards", Romeo says.

"No, I know those guys. They work on contract. They don't work full time for James. Other people hire them to work for them as well.

"So who is behind this", he asks with anger.

"I don't know, she says softly. I wish I did". She sighs. I don't know who else is after me and I don't know why", she says burying her face in her palms.

"Don't worry, Romeo said, as he sits beside her on the bed, hugging her to his strong chest. I will find out, He whispered in her ears, trust me, I will, he said looking straight without blinking whiles he caressed her blonde hair. He slowly breaks the hug and whispers, you have some rest, I will be back." He says standing up.

"Wait!" She yells. Are you leaving me here? she asks with fear evident in her voice. Romeo decides to take advantage of her fear and says-

"I don't want to but you give me no choice. I will get you some bodyguards." Romeo says and pretends to walk away.

"No. I will go with you but it has to be on my terms, Maria says, surprising Romeo.