3

JAXON

"I don't care whether it's possible or not. Get it done, Eric. Find him and bring him to me," I paused, dabbing my cigarette onto the ashtray. I could hear his heavy breathing from the other end of the phone, scorched and shredded. I could feel the fear radiating off him in waves through the phone.

Just the way it should be.

"If you fail to do this, Eric." I paused, a mirthless chuckle escaped my lips. The pause I left in between my words was solely for one purpose, it was so my words could sink properly into his skull.

I wanted him to know I meant every word.

"I'll find you, Eric…"

"I'll find you and drain every ounce of blood that courses through your veins. I'll set you on fire and watch you burn until there's nothing left other than your ashes," I growled into the phone, pounding my fists into my table for the umpteenth time.

I heard his breathing pick up at a faster pace.

"You can call my bluff, but as you know, I'm a man of my word," I said into the phone, my gaze traveling through the large glass windows in my study, settling on the sparkling blue water of the swimming pool.

"Do you hear me, Eric?" I asked him.

"Yes, boss." He answered, hoarsely, his voice quivering.

"Now, get to work." That was the last thing I said to him before hanging up. I lifted the phone off my ears and spun around in my swivel chair, setting it on the table. I opened a pack of cigarettes, took out one, and lit it. I took a long drag and puffed out some smoke, dropping my head backwards with my eyes closed.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts and my eyes fluttered open instinctively.

"Come in," I instructed gruffly. 

The door creaked open, and a tall figure stepped in. She had a tray in her hands, containing a glass of water. I furrowed my brows, mentally picking my brains and trying to remember when I requested water.

Oh.

About five minutes ago or so.

"Good evening, boss." She greeted me politely and dropped the tray on the table. Her hands lingered on the tray, her non-existence cleavage coming into view. The white shirt she wore pressed firmly against her slim frame, the buttons threatening to pop, due to how tight the shirt was.

I knew what she was trying to do.

I chuckled, tapping my fingers on my table.

"What's your name?" I inquired, my gaze trained on her. I watched as her face lit up at my question. She twirled her black hair between her fingers, passing a flirty smile onto me.

"Cassandra," She answered, purring seductively. My lower lips twitched in a smirk at this action. I held up my index finger, waving her over.

"Come here," I instructed her, keeping my voice as husky as it could get. Without hesitation, she strutted over to me and I grabbed her by the waist, pulling her onto my lap, earning a light squeal from her.

Her palms dropped to my chest and she seductively bit her lower lip. I shot her a cold smirk and grabbed her by the neck, applying pressure onto my grip. I watched as her eyes widened in fear, and muffled screams exited her lips as I tightened my grip around her neck, making it so difficult for her to breathe.

"The next time you try this again, I'll put a gun through your head," I growled, choking her. She was coughing violently in my hands, but I didn't stop.

"Taken?" I asked her and she nodded vigorously. I threw her to the floor by her neck and she landed with a loud thud, wincing and coughing violently. She shifted backwards on her butt, her eyes as wide as the size of saucers, fear crippling her.

"Get out," I uttered coldly. She didn't waste a second in the office. It was as though she was on fire. She rose to her feet and bolted out of the room. I undid my cuffs and popped a few buttons open, threading my fingers through my already messy hair and a sigh exited my lips.

My phone beeped and I picked it up. It was a text from Maria. 

Baby sis

I'm skyping you. Now!

Just now.

Before I could even breathe, her call came in. I rolled my eyes and picked it up. Messy black hair was the first thing that greeted my screen and then, a little bit of rustling. Her green eyes shone brightly, crinkling with utter softness and warmth.

"Hey, Grumpypants!" She grinned cheekily at me. 

"Hey," I smiled lazily at her, leaning into my seat.

"Have you been sleeping?!" She cried out, obviously alarmed at the bags that adorned the skin under my eyes. I rolled my eyes at how extreme she was getting.

"I'm alright, Maria," I told her, subtly. She huffed, pouting softly at me. For a girl of Twenty-three, she acted like she was twelve. It was so hard to believe that she just had her first child, roughly three months ago. Maria got married to Andrew when she was still in college. That was about two years ago.

She had said she didn't see any reason to wait since she had found the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. They have practically been best friends their whole lives. Andrew was a good guy and I trusted him with my little sister. I saw no reason not to allow the lovebirds to do what they wanted.

"You look so lean!" She whined dramatically and I couldn't suppress my chuckles.

She was such a drama queen. 

"I'm fine, Maria. You don't have to worry about me." I assured her in a much gentler tone. Her face which had morphed in worry lit up, which had me furrowing my brows at her in confusion. I watched as the nanny dropped Xyra in her arms.

"Is she alright?" I asked, softly and she giggled.

"She's fine. She's just asleep. Awww, are you worried about your niece?" She teased me and I scowled at her. She was so small, clad in a pink onesie and a matching hair band to secure her curly hair in place. 

The sight of her was enough to tug at my heartstrings. She was so beautiful.

Maria rocked her gently in her arms.

"Ugh, you'd do anything for her! You should see the way you are looking at her right now!" Maria gushed and I felt my cheeks turn red in embarrassment. She wasn't lying. Xyra had me wrapped around her pinkie.

“You are a handful, Maria." I sighed.

"I just wanted to check up on you. Are you okay, though?" She asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Of course," I answered curtly. She watched me with a calculative gaze for a while before nodding her head. Not because she believed me. She didn't. But, she didn't want to press further.

"Take care of yourself, Jax. I love you." She smiled at me and I hung up. I threw my phone carelessly on a stack of papers, sinking into my chair afterwards. 

I love you too, Maria.