Page 35 of Mike's Assistant

“Yes, I’m on my way now. I promise.”

“Hurry, Jake. Abel and I are hiding in the closet. Mr. Pauly came home mad, and he and Mrs. Pauly were fighting. He hit her,” he said with a tremble.

“I’m on my way now. I promise. You stay hiding. I’ll be right there.” I pulled the phone from my ear and locked eyes with Mike. “I’m leaving. If you want to hurt me, hurt me, but my brothers are in trouble.” And with those words, I strode past him and out the office door.

There were several large men outside the office, including Talon. I didn’t know who the others were, and frankly, I didn’t care. I continued my trek, stopping at the elevator, hoping it was still on this floor. If not, I’d run down the stairs.

Thankfully, luck was on my side. Immediately after pressing the call button, the door slid open. I rushed inside and quickly pressed the button floor. The door began to slide close, but before they did, Mike and Vanessa jumped in the car.

“What—”

“We’re coming with you. I know you’re scared, but I care for you and the boys. I want, no, I need to make sure you and they are okay,” Mike said, almost like a plea.

“Yeah, I fell in love with those little buggers. We need to make sure they’re okay,” Vanessa said as the elevator began its descent.

I continued to stare at Mike. I knew he wasn’t lying; deep down, I knew. I’d trust him…. For now. Decision made I jerked a nod. “Okay.”

I stood nervously, watching the illuminated floor numbers change as we passed each level. Thankfully, most of the building was empty, and we wouldn’t be stopping constantly. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the carriage came to a stop, and the doors slid open with a ding.

“We’ll take my car. It’ll be faster,” Mike said.

I didn’t protest and simply nodded, sprinting to Mike’s sleek, black BMW.

As soon as we were all in, Mike wasted no time, starting the engine with a soft roar and speeding out of the parking garage, the tires screeching slightly against the polished concrete floor.

"Where are we headed?" Mike’s voice cut through the tension, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"The Willmont Apartments," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Both Mike’s and Vanessa's expressions shifted instantly. There was clear concern in Vanessa's eyes as she voiced her apprehension. “Jake, that's not the safest area. Why would you…?”

Cutting her off, I said, “It was all I could afford when we moved down here. Mrs. Pauly agreed to watch the boys, and it seemed like a win-win at the time.” I paused, swallowing hard. “Until it wasn't.”

Mike cast a quick glance at me, his eyes warm yet filled with concern. "Jake, you've been doing your best for your brothers. We all make decisions based on what we think is right at the time."

Vanessa, sensing my distress, added gently, “You've always had their best interests at heart. We’re going to make sure they're okay.”

Feeling slightly comforted, I nodded, though the weight of worry still pressed down on me. “I should've known better.”

“They’re going to be okay,” Mike said again as he sped up.

The car raced through the city streets, the glow of traffic lights flashing past us in a blur. Mike didn’t hesitate as he ran a red light, eliciting angry honks from other drivers. But he was singularly focused, weaving through traffic with a determination I hadn’t seen before.

The Willmont Apartment complex soon loomed ahead, a series of old brick buildings that had seen better days. Mike pulled in, tires skidding slightly as he parked abruptly in front of the entrance.

“Let’s go,” he said tersely, and together, we dashed towards the building.

My heart raced as I approached the door, the angry shouts from inside confirming my worst fears. Without hesitation, I pounded on the door, desperate for it to open. When it did, the overwhelming stench of alcohol greeted me, emanating from Mr. Pauly's disheveled appearance.

His eyes, bloodshot and wild, locked onto mine. "Who the hell do you think you are, pounding on my door like that?" he spat.

Before I could react, Mr. Pauly was inches from my face. He lifted his fist, and I braced for whatever was coming. But the blow never came. In a blur, Mike intervened, pinning him against the door with a vice-like grip.

“Don’t even think about it,” Mike growled.

Mrs. Pauly's distressed cries pierced through the room. "Get away from him!" She flung herself at Mike, tears staining her cheeks. "Let my husband go!" She turned her gaze on me. “I warned you not to be late! I should’ve never let a little faggot like you stay here!”

"Enough!" Mike’s voice, thick with authority, silenced the room. His single word was like the roar of the lion I’d heard early. It held strength and authority and brokered no argument. He was in command. The room was charged with a force that surged from Mike, leaving everyone frozen in its wake. It was raw power demanding immediate respect.

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