CHAPTER 7: HIDDEN BREATHE

Brewster walked out of the hospital with his head down. 

He had walked around the garden, trying to gather his thoughts before meeting Jimmy as he feared worrying the young man. 

Jimmy had tried so much for him. He'd picked him up from the Cafe he used to work in, the first place he decided to make some money from after things went down the drain with his family but things weren't looking up at the Cafe either. 

He was too young and naive. The boss was too callous, and he would sometimes renege on his payment. The boss believed that Brewster had no one to fight for him, but Jimmy did. 

Not only did he fight, but he also took Brewster away, rented a studio apartment for him, and introduced him to the industry. However, the industry was just as bad as the outside world. 

Brewster was scammed. Where Jimmy could not see, he was made to sign a document that cut off his survival route. As someone with no backing, he was rendered helpless and made a slave to work his ass off while getting little payment. But that wasn't the end... they wouldn't even give him any resources!

Brewster let out a deep breath, deciding to forget the things that made his heart ache and focus on the bright future that awaited him... he hoped. 

"Brother Jimmy!" Brewster called, forcing a cheerful smile on his face. 

Jim looked toward him and waved back. He walked to stand before Brewster, "How is your mum?" He sounded worried. 

Brewster's eyes dimmed significantly, but he smiled again, "She seems to be getting better." He paused and shrugged, almost nonchalantly. "I just need to make a lot of money now, and she will be fine." He added. 

He strode toward the car, leaving Jim behind as his smile faltered and sadness returned to his eyes. He opened the car door and stepped in. Seeing that Jim had entered the car, his sadness disappeared, and a smile returned to his face, "We should return home." He suggested. 

Jim nodded. "We should eat something before then. I will stop at the restaurant ahead."

Brewster was about to respond when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He brought it out, and his confusion glinted in his eyes for a few seconds before it receded. His heart raced slightly... 'I think I can start making some money already...' He mumbled to himself as he read the message on his phone's screen. 

"Brother Jimmy, please take me to the STAR HOTEL." 

Jim raised a brow, "He called?"  His tone was low and sad. 

Brewster lowered his eyes, and his mood remained unreadable. "Yes, he did. He wants to see me as fast as possible." He explained. 

Jim sighed deeply. He ruffled his hair and cursed under his breath. He started the car and drove off, not saying another word to Brewster. He knew nothing could stop the man from seeing the little guy, and stopping him now wouldn't make things nice for both of them. 

Jim drove to the hotel and watched silently as Brewster entered the hotel. He wasn't a fool. He could see how Ace saw Brewster as nothing but a plaything, and he also knew that to someone like Ace, Brewster wasn't worth much. 

Ace was dangerous, especially to a young and vulnerable Brewster...

Jim held the steering so tight that his knuckles turned white. He closed his eyes for a while as if deliberating something, and soon enough, he opened his eyes and searched for his phone. He tentatively dialed a number and placed the phone to his ear. "If I do what you asked, will you allocate more resources to Brewster?" His tone was hoarse, but his eyes showed determination. 

A masculine laughter rang across the phone, followed by a string of words that only Jim could understand. His jaw clenched, "I will do anything. Did you not target him because of me? I will do whatever you ask. Just make Brewster famous." Jim said with every breath he could muster. 

His hands trembled, and the phone nearly fell. His eyes grew red, but his lips slowly curled up, indicating how relieved he felt. "I will meet you at the hotel then." He said, and his hand shook as he ended the call. 

He looked toward the STAR HOTEL again and nodded his head. "Don't worry, Brewster. I will protect you from now on." He mumbled under his breath and started the car, leaving his exhaust filling the heavy air. 

Brewster entered the suite, and sitting in bed in a bathrobe with a laptop on his lap was Ace. The dim lighting highlighted his handsome features, and his strong biceps were on full display. 

Hearing the door open, he raised his eyes slightly and glanced at Brewster.

Brewster breathed hitched. He could feel Ace's terrible mood. 

Ace returned his gaze to his laptop, "Wash up." He ordered. 

Brewster nodded and slowly dragged his feet to the bathroom. His mind wandered as he opened the shower, letting the water pour over his body while he rubbed it. "I hope... he pays me this time." He silently wished.