She’s already taken [Part 3]

Being sheltered for a long time had its own advantages and disadvantages.

If she could only mention those one by one in accordance with her own experiences, she was afraid that she would not be able to contribute much to the subject matter.

She had little experiences and only a few basic knowledge, and she guessed she could correlate those with the unnecessary protection she was under since time immemorial. She could not pinpoint a specific time where she was let on all by herself; she was always with a bodyguard.

Coming to a nightclub with her elder sister on a whim would probably help her determine which was better—being surrounded by multiple security or not. She had nothing against her father’s men because they were all polite, and never had they scolded her even once. It was the complete opposite of how they were treating Dahlia, and when she could not contain her feelings anymore, Daphne had to confront her father.

It was rather unfair for her elder sister to be treated unjustly.

She was looking for her own answers, and she figured that sometimes, it would take more than being determined to find the reality behind anything.

Firstly, she was aware that Dahlia was headstrong—if her elder sister sure wanted something, then she would work hard to attain that something, even if it was by hook or by crook. Growing up without a mother, their father was fairly strict and watchful, and Daphne knew that he was only acting that way because he wanted to safeguard them from any harm.

It was sweet and thoughtful of him, she thought. Hence, she could not bring herself to question his actions and decisions. After all, he had never laid a hand on them. She rarely had seen him mad, and for her, he was the perfect father figure among all. And when she asked him about Dahlia’s guards years before, her father seemed to be unaffected by her skepticism. He told her that it was one way to discipline her elder sister.

He reassured her that Dahlia was not hurt, and if anything, she just learned.

“B-but she was slapped—”

Her father gave her a sharp look that had her shutting her mouth immediately.

She did not want him to think that she was challenging him, so she lowered down her head in submission. She heard him heave a huge sigh before patting his lap. Since she was slightly spooked by his demeanor, she was not able to react and follow his silent command.

Daphne’s young, innocent mind was going haywire. She literally saw it with her own eyes, and her father was not acting on it? She thought he was trying to protect them? What happened?

Was she wrong all this time? Had she mistaken the measures for something else and otherwise called safety and protection? Was it supposed to happen if deemed necessary? Did the guard have to shockingly slap her elder sister in the face? She had so many questions running on her mind, and she was beginning to feel helpless and frustrated by the second. These doubts seemed to have a distinct weight that was seemingly bringing her mood down along with her delicate heart.

“Come here, my child,” said her father with a firm tone.

With her head still down, Daphne slowly marched over toward him and sat down on his lap. He ruffled her hair, and the gesture itself instantly calmed her down.

She had always adored her father, and she did not want to question his love for them, too. Clearly, there might have been a misunderstanding, and she was just confusing herself by overthinking it. It was dark outside, and the night was no longer young. Perhaps, she was not able to see clearly that night, and right now, she was just spouting out non-sense to her concerned father?

Just by thinking that she was merely making a wrongful accusation toward one of their efficient guards, her heart sank.

She could no longer control her emotions, so she cried—loudly. She hid her face in her father’s chest, wrapping her small arms around him in attempt to console both of them. “I am really sorry, Father. I do not know what I am saying, and I am just afraid that Dahlia was hurt that time. That is why we have bodyguards, right? They are supposed to keep us safe,” she rambled on.

“You may not understand this today, my child, but the purpose of inflicting a necessary measure is for us to remember. You are brilliant, Daphne, and you do understand the importance of lessons in each person’s life, correct? Did your big sister cry after that? No? It is because she had it coming, and she had already anticipated the ramification brought about by her previous action. Each person is capable of controlling his surroundings, my child. Let us say that your sister is fighting her way for that control.

Daphne sniffled against his chest and shook her head sadly. She still felt torn and disconcerted. “I do not get it, Father.

“It takes time,” was his patient response. “Tell me, my child, which do you crave the most? Control or freedom?

That question was left unanswered for the past years.

Looking back on the interaction that she had spent with her father that day, it was proven that she was still naïve—she lacked understanding. In order to gain the essential knowledge to have her uncertainties cleared, she should step out of her comfort zone, and try breaking one rule for a change.

It was then she would be able to realize if the sheltered world she was locked in was in the right—and justified, and it was then she would be educated of different properties of universe. Being encaged with her eyes open was one thing, yet being freed and seeing all as it was—was another.

This was her choice; to explore and search for her answer.

“You must not leave the mansion while I come up with a decision that will benefit both of us, Daphne Garza. I understand that lying is one way to keep this up, and there is no way that I will let you tread on the heels of your sister. I had high expectations of you, and being lied to does not sit well with me. I must calmly ask you for your cooperation, please dump this boyfriend of yours. Do not get ahead of yourself, my child. You cannot afford to disappoint your father, can you?

Her eyes could not endure it longer, and some tears welled up. “A-are you making me choose, Father? Do you question my loyalty to you? Was it really a t-terrible decision to fall for someone at this age?” she whined softly. It hurt her that her father was not in favor of Kled after all, but he, making her choose, was another level of heartbreak.

Is it really supposed to be end up this way, Dahlia?

I really wish we could have talked more, so I could learn from you.

How do you handle this kind of anguish?

“I am asking you nicely, my child. There is no other option to this.

With that, her father turned to walk away, leaving her bruised and scarred on the inside.

⊷☽☾⊶

Tempe, Arizona

Valkyrie Nightpoint

November 21, 2050

9:40 PM

“Why are you sulking? I thought you wanted to come?” Dahlia narrowed her eyes, unamused.

Daphne found her mouth agape when she scanned her elder sister’s whole outfit. She was wearing a Lascana twist bandeau bikini, and the color red firmly complemented her curves.

The realization quickly dawned on her, and that was when she realized that Valkyrie was a swimming pool nightclub. That was why upon entering the place, she thought she heard the splash of water from somewhere near.

That could be it.

“Yes,” she whispered quietly.

All of Dahlia’s friends were already in their bikinis, and Daphne felt small just by observing the interaction between them. She had a few friends in school, too, but they never hung out like this. Perhaps, the closest to this event that she could think of was when they had to get together for a brainstorming.

She and her friends went to a coffee shop nearby, and they had settled their responsibilities there. It was kind of astonishing that those activities were enjoyable enough for her. Dahlia and Daphne were both from different leagues, and now, she was able to witness how happy she was by going out. This felt liberating in a way because she knew that they were not being watched.

At the age of twenty, their father had decided that bodyguards were no longer necessary.

Daphne stopped for a moment, and stroked her jaw in wonder.

Come to think of it…

Could that be the reason as to why her father specifically told her to never involve herself in a romantic relationship until she reached that particular age?

Was that the starting point of their freedom from being his sheltered daughters?

Hmm.

Now, Daphne was starting to feel guilty. She knew that her father was probably feeling betrayed right now, and it just came to her that he tried his best to act like he was okay during their lunch date earlier because he did not want to dishearten her, nor Kled, in the eyes of many people.

She was so selfish that all she could think about was getting his approval without putting much effort and explaining. She mentally facepalmed and chastised herself.

She should have known better.

“Hi.

Daphne looked up at the gentle voice who greeted—her?

“H-hello.” She smiled back. She was Dahlia’s friend, and the only one who was left in decent clothes, apart from her.

“I am Drixie,” she stated and held her hand out. “Daphne Garza, yes?

She stared at her in wonder. She was kind of bewildered that she had to utter her surname, too.

Drixie’s smile faltered. “Am I making you comfortable? My apologies.

Daphne gasped and furiously shook her head. What was she thinking? She was being rude. “N-no, I am fine. I just… you are the first one to come forward, and talk to me,” she mumbled meekly, fidgeting with her dainty fingers.

Making friends was a two-way process, and apparently, she was not doing her part the right way. Dahlia did not bother for an introduction, and to be honest, Daphne was quite okay with it. She was quick to panic. Besides, she did not know how she would project herself as friendly and nice.

It should be natural, right?

“Do you like swimming?” Drixie suddenly asked, a small grin appearing on her red lips. “I like swimming, but this place is too crowded. I told Dahlia that we should go to another nightclub tonight. Today is Friday, and we all know what it means.

Daphne bit her lower lip. “I do not,” she admitted, and chuckled afterward. She had literally no idea what the lady was talking about. What could be so special about Friday?

Drixie hummed knowingly. “Is this your first time to go on a night out?” her tone curious—yet at the same—interested.

She felt welcomed.

Drixie was exuding a friendly aura, and she liked her personality. The lady seemed approachable, and their conversation was not forced and awkward. Taking in her overall appearance, the first thing that called her attention was Drixie’s hair. It reminded her of the singer-songwriter, Gwen Stefani—platinum blonde.

Drixie was undoubtedly attractive, and her winged eyeliner that even Daphne’s elder sister could not get properly done, was flawless. Sadly, Daphne would not be able to contribute anything when it came to beauty talks. She was amazed, but she was ashamed to try it on herself.

“I… I just went here out of spite,” her voice barely audible.

She knew that it was not something to be proud of, that was why she felt relieved when Dahlia did not bother to ask why she wanted to tag along.

However, in attempt to make a friend, her reply was a bit instinctive. Maybe deep down, she was looking for someone who was willing to listen to her—a stranger at that. According to the book that she had recently read, opening up to a person you barely knew could be therapeutic.

It was not that she just wanted to test out the theory per se.

It was something more—something that she could not quite identify as of the moment.

“Out of spite, huh?” Drixie made a face before sipping her orange juice with a low chuckle. “Strict parents? I heard them all.” She shrugged and then looked at her, the lady’s tantalizing green eyes calculating. “Dahlia barely speaks about your parents, but she has mentioned before that she likes pissing someone off, particularly that person.

Her eyebrows knitted together. “That person?” Who was she talking about?

Drixie did not respond to that, and just winked at her playfully. “Would you like to come with me? I am planning to swim for a bit. It is crowded, yeah, but I do not pay shit for nothing.

Daphne blinked.

Did the lady just cuss?

“Well?” Drixie cocked her head to the side curiously. “Do you have a swimsuit with you?

Daphne averted her gaze, completely flustered.

“Do not tell me that you were not informed?” Drixie asked, her tone slightly clipped. “Dahlia is such a pain in the ass.

Such vulgar words coming out of her mouth had the young Garza speechless.

“I have an extra pair, Daphne, if you do not mind?” Drixie smiled sincerely. “It is okay. No pressure. If you do not want to—”

“As long as I am not a bother…” she cut her off. “I do not want to waste my chance to explore.” This was a foreign territory to her, and the best way to explore was to test the waters. She thought it was normal to feel uncomfortable at first because sauntering down a new zone had its implications.

She closed her eyes and muttered a small prayer. She had a lot of questions, and she could not wrap her head around the fact that they were all answerable by only her father.

Hang in there, Kled.

“Shall we go to the changing room?

She looked up at the smiling face of Drixie. Her expression was warm and genuine. “I… I hope you do not mind at all.

The corner of her red lips quirked up. “No, Ms. Daphne. Not at all.

Drixie helped her up.

She tailed behind her as she tried to observe their surroundings. She could not believe that in a few minutes, she would be joining these people, these strangers. Her palms started getting cold, and for some odd reason, she grew anxious. Wearing a bikini would mean that she had to show off some skin, and chills ran down her spine just by thinking about it. Staring at the back of Drixie, she asked herself, was it too late to back out? She felt like she might have bitten off more than I could chew.

“Drixie?

Her elder sister’s friend turned to look at her, her forehead creased. “Yes?

“I… I do not think I can do it,” she confessed. Actually, the whole thing was a mess, and she highly doubted that her father would appreciate this. Yes, her feelings were valid, but she should have tried harder to consider his feelings, too. He might be just upset, and would change his mind later.

Deliberately provoking him would do her no good. Daphne bit her lower lip in self-condemnation. The more she thought about it, the more she saw the error of her ways. She was practically adding fuel to the fire, and in the end, she might get burned for doing so.

She should get back home now.

Drixie smiled weakly. “That is fine. The question is not about if you can do it or not. You have only one option here, and that is to come with me. I would appreciate it if you do it willingly.

Daphne felt a needle prick the back of her neck, and a few seconds later, her vision became blurred.

“Target acquired. All teams now must leave the vicinity. I repeat, we shall vacate the premises right this instant.

⊷☽☾⊶

Los Cabos, Mexico

Hotel El Ganzo

November 20, 2050

11:45 PM

Stefano Garza was one cunning man.

He would give him that.

The rumors were rather true no matter how he brushed them aside.

He had no time to indulge himself in nonsensical tittle-tattle.

He had one remaining task at hand, and he liked taking his time before returning the compliment. Shipments after shipments, connections after connections. He had seen them all. He had made them all. Smaller groups stepping forward to converge toward Templonuevo Cartel were regarded as likely, and the odd sense of pride that rushed through his veins was disdainful and condescending.

Their series of decisions brought him bland amusement.

If that was their way to gain the respect of someone superior, he would be delighted to enlighten them of their absurdity. Forming an alliance was a demonstration of weakness, and these crazy bastards would not even dare hide the fact that they were only after the protection only he could bestow.

It was rather comical, watching these simpletons address themselves as highly political and revered in the name of the game, yet to be presented one commination from a foe had been determined as their undoing.

He let out a low, dangerous chuckle.

Alexis Miller was a good fuck. He would not deny that. She knew how to manipulate a man and go crazy over her desirable body. Had he never known she was a mole, tables would have turned favorably on her end.

He stroked his jaw and thought it over. He rented the services of Alexis, and he fucking paid a nice fortune for the woman to become his stress outlet.

Premier Kontonicolas was the most commendable among all of the Templonuevo lower heads. He was eternally pleased that this man had chosen to render his services under his command.

His dark gaze fell upon the lifeless body of Alexis on the couch.

“What a fucking waste,” he mumbled, not feeling a bit of remorse at all.

If she wanted to get fucked, she could have given the word, and he would take care of everything else.

He lit up a cigarette, and sat down beside the filth who had mistakenly underestimated him. It was obvious that she was sent for an assassination order, and he had never felt very insulted until tonight.

The addictive smell of the smoke lingered in the crisp, dead air, just like how the woman’s blood was unevenly scattered on the floor, tainting the heavy-duty couch in the process.

He shrugged, and puffed out some smoke.

“It is devastating to be shot right between the eyes.

He nodded and hummed. “Indeed.

“Permission to get the mess cleaned up, Sir?

He inhaled the nicotine into his system, and was slowly met by unfathomable rage half-way. “Send the body back to the rental conglomerate. Tell them that I do not appreciate damaged goods, and I shall head back for its worth.

Premier spoke after a moment. “Decapitated, Sir?

Pressing the burning cigarette butt into the woman’s skin, he was certainly irritated. “Of course.

“May I know the market price for Alexis Miller, Sir? I will ask them to have the amount prepared.

His malicious gaze darted toward Premier. “You do not have to bow down, Kontonicolas.

“I am aware, Sir,” the man replied gruffly.

He stared out the window while the rain was pouring. “I am not taking back the money. I shall come for its worth. I believe we are talking about several lives here.

“We all believe so.

A wicked smile curled across his face. “Release.

Premier let out a grunt of approval before looking up. “Stefano Garza.

The corner of his mouth twitched in interest. “Again?

“Please accept our sincere apologies, Sir. We await your directive before we take action. We have come to realize that you have something up your sleeve, and we do not wish to ruin your plan.

A vicious smirk appeared on his lips. For an old man, Premier, without a question, knew his shit. He had a vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the mob.

What a quintessential piece he was.

“Please give me the particulars. Stefano has been quite a pest, and this task shall not begin until I say so.

“He is persistent,” was Premier’s response in agreement.

“I asked for the particulars,” he repeated lowly.

“Please forgive me,” his voice monotonous. “As per checking, we have two possible pieces who are directly-related to Stefano Garza. He has two daughters, Daphne and Dahlia, eighteen and twenty-three respectively.

“Infiltrated?” he asked, disinterested.

“Drixie Washington, a trained sniper, she is under my command, Sir. She has infiltrated the system long before, and made friends with the eldest. I gave out the order six months ago—right after Stefano Garza made his initial move.

Slowly, it was becoming entertaining to him. “Ah, yes, the shipments ambush that he orchestrated to delay the business. We suffered casualties then.

“Yes, Sir. Would you like me to continue?

He lifted an eyebrow. “Do you happen to know if he is playing favorites?

“Daphne Garza, the youngest, she is kept sheltered until now. The opposing side makes sure that she is heavily protected.

That piqued his curiosity further. “I want her.

“Sir…” This was the first time that he had witnessed Premier hesitate. “I am hoping for your reconsideration. The youngest Garza is innocent, and I can attest to that. She is anything, but harmful, my lord.

He studied the man’s expression carefully, and he must applaud him for at least trying. However, not only did Premier challenge his authority, his words had intrigued him as well.

“You are dismissed,” he said coldly.

Premier was surprised, but he quickly concealed it. “I shall advise Drixie for her next mission, then, Sir.

“What is a mission without a deadline?” he challenged, watching Premier’s reaction. The man seemed to have an invisible attachment to that Daphne Garza. It was rather uncanny, and he could not help himself, but feel a little inquisitive.

“It is not a mission, Sir,” was Premier’s smart reply.

He gave him a small nod. “Tomorrow, Kontonicolas. I shall have the other one. I trust you enough that the youngest will not be a problem in the future, yes?

He was willing to take the gamble. Games were mundane when there were no risks involved.

I must demolish you, Stefano Garza—not because you are the last task of mine to deal with, but because you are asking for it.

Beginning with his firstborn should be a satisfying start.

Next chapter