CHAPTER SIX

LORENZO GRAYSON\ KERZHAKOV©

My eyes couldn't stop lingering on him from the VIP section above, my eyes kept drifting back to the same spot behind the counter.

No matter how many times I tried looking away, I still found him.

Nick Walker.

That kid had a way of being everywhere. He's neither too close nor too far, just close enough to stay in sight and it was starting to annoy me.

“Enzo?” Kyle’s voice jolts me out of it.

I blinked and quickly shifted my gaze off the kid.

“You weren't listening to me.“ He stated. His eyes followed mine, noticing where my attention had drifted.

“I did,” I replied quickly. “I was listening.”

“No, you weren’t,” he said flatly. “You couldn't take your eyes off my worker.“

I paused.

Then I scoffed. “That’s not true.“

Kyle only nodded as I denied his words, like he had already made up his mind.

I exhaled slowly. “He’s just… around a lot. He’s everywhere. It’s hard not to notice.”

Kyle raised a brow. “If that is the issue, I can always arrange a transfer. New school…”

“No. That won't be necessary.” I cut him off at once. The last thing I needed was more change.

Kyle had already done enough. Kyle was once part of a syndicate and was somehow tied to my family, and someway, he's living a quiet life here. I never questioned how he got out. Men like us don’t just walk away. Still, Kyle built something stable before I found him again.

“Did you get the dashcam?” I asked, changing the topic.

Kyle shook his head and I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration.

“He clears his memory card every month so we couldn't find anything.“ Kyle explained

My jaw tightened. Just when I thought I was getting near the truth.

“I had my men check the card anyway, but still nothing.” Kyle added.

Frustration burned in my chest as I nodded. I pushed away from the railing and headed for the restroom.

The air inside was cooler and quieter.

I pulled out a cigarette and searched my pockets for a lighter, only to find them empty. I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.

“You want this?”

A stranger stepped closer and lit the cigarette between my lips. The flame flickered between us.

“Thanks,” I said and took a drag while I walked past him into the restroom.

When I came back out, he was still there. He blocked the exit, smiling as he stared at me.

“You’re my type and I can't take my eyes off you.“He said bluntly. “I’d like to see what you’re hiding.”

I stared at him, unimpressed.

“You’re in my way,” I simply said. Before I could move him, he dropped to his knees.

I let out a quiet scoff as his hands reached for my belt. I didn’t react. I just stood there, watching him with zero interest.

“Hang on, Sir. We're almost there.“ I heard that familiar voice nearby.

My head snapped up. I recognized that voice.

“Please don’t puke. We’re almost there.“ I heard again.

Nick.

We both froze the moment our eyes met. For a split second, neither of us moved.

Then I grabbed the man’s hair and pulled him back, hard enough that he stumbled. I fixed my pants without a word, took a drag from my smoke, and watched as the stranger stormed off.

The kid didn’t speak.

He helped the drunk customer into the restroom, leaving me outside. When he came back, he stood beside me, stiff and awkward.

I could hear him breathing fast and unevenly.

“I swing both ways,” I said. He blinked and turned to me confused.

“Wh… what are you talking about?” He asked, turning his face away from me.

I shifted closer. He shifted away.

Interesting.

“I have no idea why you’re scared,” I continued calmly. “Ah… right. You think I killed someone.” I nodded to myself.

That made sense.

I reached for his hands before he could pull away. His hands were cold and tense.

I rubbed them lightly, almost without thinking. A small chuckle slipped from my lips.

He looked up at me, startled. His breath hitched, then quickly looked away again.

He pulled his hands free. Without another word, he turned and helped the customer out, leaving me alone again.

I let out a long breath.

“What was I doing?” I muttered, tossing the cigarette aside.

∆∆

~ COLLEGE ~

The next morning felt like the other days.

I stepped out of my car and adjusted my glasses, already aware of the eyes on me from students and the other lecturers.

“You are quite good at getting attention.” A voice said beside me.

Professor Douglas.

I glanced at her and gave a polite smile. We walked together down the hallway while she talked.

There was something I needed from her. Something very important. And if things went as planned, I would get it.

I slightly bowed as I stopped at my office door.

“A gentleman wouldn’t leave like that,” she teased. “Walk me to my office.”

I hesitated for a second, then nodded.

Students watched us as we walked and exchanged talks. When we reached her office, she handed me her phone.

“Your number, I might give you a call.“ she said. I typed it in without question and returned back to my office.

Douglas’ father held power. Real power. The kind I needed if I planned to stay ahead of everything coming my way.

I took my phone and typed Kyle a message.

“We're in with the female Professor.“

I prepared for class a few hours later. The lecture hall was full as expected and I began attendance.

“Nick Walker.“ There was no response.

I paused.

“Nick Walker.“ I received nothing.

My eyes moved across the room until they landed on the girl beside his usual seat.

“Miss Campbell,” I called before I could think. “Where is your friend?”

She stiffened and stammered at my question. “I… I have no idea, sir.”

That was strange. Nick is someone who wouldn't skip classes.

“Robin Adams.“ I continued the roll call before fully starting the lecture.

After class, I stopped by the vending machine and grabbed coffee while I replied to messages from an informant, but something else caught my attention.

A familiar figure.

Nick.

The moment I looked up, he went into hiding. I almost smiled.

I took my coffee and walked toward where he was hiding.

He peeked out, checking if I was gone.

“Phew,” I heard him whisper. “That was close.”

“Really?” I said from behind him. “I thought so too.”

He jumped.

I reached out just in time and grabbed him by his hand to my chest before he fell.

The coffee tilted, spilling over my sleeve.

For a second, we both froze. We were too close again just like before and it felt…dangerous.