Rickey rose from his chair as he walked to Maya, sitting with his knees as he stroked her by the hair. Maya lifted her face, but her shoulders slumped giving a stooped posture. Her eyes were dull and all she did was give a small nod to Rickey.

“Today You've proven not to just be fearless but accountable. And I must commend you greatly, Maya's head tipped back on her neck looking upwards-agreeing, but without emotion.

"Look at me. I want those who aren't scared to fight even at the sight of blood.”

He whispered to her ears. Maya swallowed hard. “I brought this to you for my freedom. Her eyes shut slightly with a slack expression, her heart ached as her chest tightened.

"Just as you promised.” Her eyelids gummy and her throat sore. A desire to escape the inner grief that laid within. He reached out for her hand, placing it on his. Her fingers numb-weakness laying in its muscles. She looked at him. Then swallowed hard. Rickey flashed a stare back at her.

“Don't worry. Relax.” Maya's head pulled backwards as her shoulders pushed forward. Her hand shaking. She pinched the bridge of her nose, squeezing tightly her eyes-diverting attention to the document that sat on the floor.

“You need to keep that save, you know.” She whispered, pointing to the document, which made him blink-jolting back to reality. He helped her to the bed. Then turned to get her tea.

“You need to drink some tea. Refresh yourself. And be strong again.” She pressed a tight smile, tipping her head side to side. Lips pressed together in a slight grimace. For a moment, her gaze ping-ponged avoiding eye contact. Rickey grabbed the document and ID credentials as he turned to the dressing mirror.

A wide grin playing on his lips with eyes that sparkle. His foot bounced as he squealed softly, pressing the document to his chest.

“What could this be for him. This is the first time he's this excited.” Maya whispered softly, tilting her head slightly.

“So what are you going to do now you have the document?” Her eyebrows furrowed as she blinked slightly.

“I'll let you go. But on one condition, he hesitated, smiling at nothing with strong contact, very little blinking as he took large, savoring breaths.

"You have to do something for me.” “What could that be?” She asked, circles under her eyes, her gaze shifting from him to the clock, then the door — Furtively.

“Be my right hand, He finally voiced, equip one of the females to be like you. And you will be free.” His chin; high with a smile that tugged at the lip region as his intent stood firm in his heart.

“But that wasn't part of our deal.” She voiced, scrapping a hand through her hair. Hands falling to her sides as she squeezed her eyes shut.

“Really?” Rickey's eyes glossed over her as he folded his hands, watching. “What are you even saying, Maya forcefully opened her eyes, turning to him with a corded neck, speaking through the teeth with forced restraint.

"I almost lost my life out there!”

“And I totally commend you for that. You're a strong woman.” He applauded, but she waved it off; she wasn't buying it.

“He was going to shoot me on the forehead. I did this just because I want you to let me go. Can't you get it!” she snapped, her eyes widened yet brows furrowed. Her neck appeared shrunk, hunching over as if choking down a sob.

“Listen to me Maya, he drew closer to her. I want you around me.” She lifted her face, but her shoulders drooped as she stared down at Rickey's hand which was on hers. Rickey looked at her, leaning in. His posture relaxed as his eyes shone brightly in the light. His muscles lost tension as his skin flushed.

"Shedrack shouldn't be in that position, he said calmly. You see this right here. He gestured to the document. Maya looked at it. Her chest tightened giving a pensive expression.

"With this, not only will he have a bad record, but he would never be fit to partake in neither the electoral nor the mafia city system. Which apparently gives me the position immediately. You know how much I've worked for this fame and the Mafia Empire as a whole.”

“Then what happens to me? Her brows pulled in. A hollow formed in her chest. Her eyes red- a gaunt appearance.

“Trust me when I say you will not only be free. You will get absolutely everything you've ever wished to have.”

Rickey's eyes raised, offering a questioning gaze causing an air of readiness to blow through them. But Maya's face remained blank, looking down. As he hugged her from behind passionately, but she just stayed numb. Speechless. Before creating a small space between them with a question.

“I know what happens to anyone who defaults to your rules. But I'm confused. You said nothing about the enforcer's findings. She said slowly, her breath drawing in with muscles rigid as her eyes squinted — tightening.

Rickey clasped his hand under her chin, maintaining strong eye contact with his lips parting slightly.

“Can I get… clarity on that note? What's your decision? Or is this a bait to lure me into doing more malicious acts with my martial skills?”

She shot him sidelong glances while keeping her head still. Frowning. “You're mine now. And I always keep what's mine.”

Rickey lean closer, brushing a strand of hair off her face. His pupils large with a heartbeat that quickened.

Maya's mouth slacked as she lifted a single eyebrow before coughing; pretending a drink went down wrong in her throat.

“Is this real? Oh my God! This can't be happening.” She muttered, clearing her throat to avoid eye contact.

The CCTV cameras in my office hold many secrets to some websites, past and present and many other things I wouldn't want out to the public as this would ruin my chances of getting the position with the electoral system.

A clean record is needed for this to work.” He spoke into her face softly. His cheekbones prominent with a bubbly smile that curled his lips. He hugged Maya again in a bit to reassure her, but a strand of her hair stood high, refusing to settle.

“Now. When I juxtapose the two together, You brought me this document from Shedrack and the next minute you're betraying me by sneaking to the CCTV cameras. I can't help but doubt that the allegation was false.”

Maya's eyes flashed open before letting her head fall back. “Was this really coming from him?” She doubted, but the truth stood so close, closer than she had even thought.

“And from the look of things, if you were truly guilty, you wouldn't have returned to me. So. I can't punish you for that. The enforcer would have to do more checks because I know you aren't the one he's referring to. It doesn't just click!”

She struggled to speak, to find her words, but Rickey split her lips with his index finger.

“You don't need to say anything. I trust you.” Maya's face relaxed a bit, grinning. Fingers loosely clasped in her laps as her head tipped back taking in a deep, satisfied breath. A weightless gaze.

“This is a game. You scratch my back and I scratch your back. No kidding around. When I say something I mean it.”

His eyes sparkled with a warm voice- an open demeanor. Maya let out a gaping mouth, her mind circled with redundant questions to ensure the moment was real. He kissed her slowly on her forehead and that completely jolted her back as their both eyes lurked intensely on each other.

“For every job well done comes a reward, he whispered, his chin high and a radiant smile. And in your case you aren't exempted.” His hand anchored to her hip which made her skin skipped, sending a jolt of electricity rushing down her spine. “

I will help you look for your mother. You just have to trust me.” His words sliced through the room feeling too good to be true.

Maya's mouth fell open. Her eyes bulgy with a tentative look. A sudden coldness hitting its core. A flush of adrenaline tingled through her. Speechless. He reached out for her forehead and kissed it, slipping out a small old photograph of her mom from his shirt.

Maya's eyes flickered open. Eyes brightening as memories recalled gently reaching out to the photograph.

Clutching it to her chest, her eyes prickled with tears while her breathing slowed welcoming the moment.

Their eyes lurked with tension and a rollercoaster of emotions too strong to ignore.