It'd been a month since me and Sean dating and I couldn't be more happier. He really brought out the best of me. I looked happier, even Liam and Dani sensed that but I hadn't told them yet, afraid of their reaction. They'd be so pissed that I hid something like this.

My dinner tradition with Sean still went on though we texted the whole day. I just couldn't get enough of him. Dani always questioned me about coming home late but I just told her that Mrs. Hardy gave me a long shift because one of the workers quit the job. In fact, my shift was shortened because there was a new worker so I only had shift on Monday until Thursday.

I was relieved when I heard the news though my payment would be decreased too. But that wasn't the only good news I got. Few days ago, my mom called and she said that my dad got a promotion and they could send me more money. I was thinking how happy my life right now when I was interrupted by my idiotic best friend.

"What are you smiling about?", Liam wiggled his brows.

I rolled my eyes. "It's nothing"

"It doesn't seem like nothing to me", he said taking a seat beside me.

"Well, first of all, my shift is shortened now thanks to Hailey, she was hired, and my dad got a promotion", I explained.

"Wow, that's really good news. You know what that means?", he smirked.

"What?"

"It means that we can always hang out now. It's been a while since we last had coffee together or ate the disgusting croissants at Joey's", he scrunched his nose.

"Since you said that, wanna grab a coffee?", I asked but already knew the answer to that.

"Hell yeah", he said standing up.

//

"Oh man, I'd forgotten about how disgusting this croissant is", I said pushing my plate away and Liam just chuckled.

"So, do you want to watch a movie tonight? There's this new movie and I heard it was great", Liam said enthusiastically.

"Eh, tonight?", I asked hesitantly.

"Yeah. What? Do you have a plan?", he asked looking hurt.

"Well, it's just a regular dinner but it's ok since we have dinners everyday and.. ", I blurted but stopped when I just realized what I just said.

"Wait, dinners everyday? With who? Dani?", he asked confused. Crap, how do I tell him now?

"No, it's a guy", I said carefully.

"Oh", was all he responded.

"And he happens to be my boyfriend", I added

His eyes widened. "What? Wait, how can't I know this? I'm your best friend", he sounded angry and hurt.

"Liam, calm down. I wanted to tell you but I just couldn't get the right time. And besides, you and I are always busy", I said. "So, forgive me?", I let out a smile.

He sighed. "Yeah, I'm sorry too. I was just overreacted. Anyway, I'm happy for you", he smiled.

"Thanks. And I'd love you to meet him sometimes. You're gonna love him", I said.

"Wow, you must really like the guy", he said as he took a sip of his coffee.

"I do", I giggled. "So, how about that movie?",I asked.

"I thought you're going to have dinner with your boyfriend?", he said confused.

"I'll just text him I can't tonight and want to spend time with my best friend", I said nonchalantly as I took out my phone.

"OK", he grinned.

***

SEAN POV

I just got a text from Valerie that she couldn't have dinner with me because she was going to watch a movie with a friend. I replied to her text before throwing it on the bed. I know I always see her on dinners but I missed her. And when she told me she had a plan made me a little bit upset. Maybe she was bored with me and that made her cancel our dinner?

I shook out that ridiculous thought from me. What the hell was I thinking. She had friends too and I shouldn't be so possessive of her. I needed to let her spend time with her friends too.

I got up from my bed and went downstairs to my study. But before I got into the room, Larry's voice calling my name filled the hall.

"What is it?", I frowned.

"It's about the 'rat' ", he said showing me some files in his hands.

"Get in", I said quickly opening the door.

"What do you got?", it's been months now and the 'rat' problem still wasn't solved yet.

"We got a lead. One of the guys who watched the bar said that he came back yesterday and met with the same guy last time. And turned out, the man he met is Peter Cruz"

Peter Cruz was one of my enemies and like me, he was in the gang too. He was totally bad news. Though I was known as the cruelest and most dangerous man in the country, Peter Cruz was more than that. He'd kill women and children without mercy if necessary. All their family were part of the gang as well and his uncle, Jonathan Cruz was the leader. Let me say that Jonathan was not a big fan of me because I killed one of his cousins.

"And the bad news is that the 'rat' wants to meet Jonathan and Peter agreed to it. He said that he'll arrange a meeting in Chicago next week", Larry said in serious tone.

The 'rat' must be planning something. He knew Jonathan had a vendetta against me and I bet he wanted to seek help from him.

"So, what should we do?", Larry asked concerned with my sudden silence.

"We're going to Chicago next week. Tell Jack and Andy they are coming too", I said as I got up from my chair to pour some whiskey in my glass.

"Alright"

"Oh, and Larry", I said before he closed the door.

"Yeah?"

"I need someone to watch Valerie for me while I'm away. Just in case", I said and he nodded.

"Of course. I'll have Hunter do the job", Larry said.

"Thanks, man", I thanked him feeling relief.

Actually, I didn't want to leave Valerie but I needed to get this done. I didn't want to risk them knowing Valerie was my weakness. Especially when it involved Jonathan and his gang. I knew what they would do to my girl and I couldn't let it happen.

Suddenly my phone buzzed and it was a text from my girl asking me about my dinner. I was too busy thinking about the 'rat' that I forgot to eat dinner. Thank God my girl was so thoughtful about my well being that I went downstairs to grab something to eat, something that I never did. I rarely eat in the house. I mostly had takeout or ate at the club.

I headed to the kitchen and found Georgie was eating her salad. I looked around the kitchen to find something to eat but I found nothing.

"What are you doing?", Georgie asked as I looked into the fridge.

"Looking for food", I said still ransacking the fridge.

"You do realize that we don't cook dinner right?", I stopped ransacking the fridge and slammed the fridge door shut.

"If you like, you can have my salad", she smirked evilly. She knew how much I hated salad or any healthy foods.

"I'll pass", I said. I opened some cupboards and found bread. I guess it's better than nothing.

"Found my food", I said showing it to Georgie and ran upstairs back to my office.

I ate the bread and I instantly spit it out. It was stale and disgusting as hell. Damn it, I was starving and there was no decent food in this house. On cue, there was a knock on the door. "Come in", I said rather rudely.

"Hey, I just bought some pizza. Do you want some?", Larry's head peeped in.

"Thank you Jesus", I looked at the ceiling.

***

VALERIE POV

I was sitting in the car with Sean driving me to campus. He insisted on driving me though I'd told him that I could walk. But then he'd say that a good boyfriend always drives their girlfriend. I just rolled my eyes to the ridiculous remark but I obliged anyway. He turned off the engine and walked out to my side to open my door, something that I kept telling him not to do.

"So, I'll pick you up here like usual?", Sean said kissing my temple.

"I think I'll be late today. I have extra class at 3", I said sadly.

"Alright. Then I'll see you at 4", he rubbed my back.

"OK", I smiled then pulled away.

"Uh, aren't you forgetting something?", he asked. I looked at him confused and checked my bag and pockets.

"You forgot to kiss me", he pouted his lips. I chuckled and walked towards him to press my lips against his.

"That's better. Good luck at class", he said giving me another passionate kiss, making me blush. I started walking to my class but then someone grabbed my arm roughly making me shriek.

"Who was that with you just now?", Liam asked looking angry.

"Liam, what are you doing? You scared the hell out of me", I said yanking myself out of him.

"That guy just now. Who is that?", he looked serious.

"That's Sean, my boyfriend", I started to feel pissed now.

"You're kidding me, right? Your boyfriend is Sean Winters? One of the most dangerous men in America?", he started to yell, making me flinch. I never saw him this angry before.

"What are you talking about?", I shivered.

"Your boyfriend Sean is the leader of a dangerous gang. Everyone in this town knows him, Val. He's a criminal", he said. I felt like my heart just stopped beating and I felt a tear fell down my cheek.

"Please tell me that you're joking", I whispered but Liam just stood there which answered my question.

"No, you're lying. He's not a criminal. He's my boyfriend", I cried.

"You know I'd never lie to you about something like this", he said in a serious tone making me sobbed harder. He hugged me, giving soothing words. Now I understood why people starred when we were walking together. It was because they knew who he really was.

We stood like that for a while until I pulled away and wiped my tears. "What should I do?", I asked.

"You have to break up with him", Liam said sternly.

"B-break up with him?", I stuttered and Liam nodded.

"He's a killer, Val. He kills for money and I don't want you to get hurt because of him", he said and I gasped. No wonder he was so rich and owned many businesses. It was blood money. I couldn't believe I was so stupid falling into his tricks.