Claiming Brielle.

Her Benefactor

4 Years Later

[Brielle's POV]

L: Good morning, little songbird. I hope you slept well. Do know that I'll be routing for you to land that audition today, though I know you'll do splendidly.

My driver will be waiting out front to take you to and from your audition today. Don't you dare attempt to go on your own.

L.

I stared at the message, taking in its words again and again as a comforting warmth seeped through me.

This was basically the norm since L came into my life, but up until this day, four years later, I had yet to actually meet him face-to-face, but despite that, he became the person I cared for the most in the world.

After my parents' deaths, L contacted me regularly and even rented me a small apartment to live in while I got my life back together, finished school, and even went to college.

He was like a guardian angel, watching over me at all times and protecting me as I learned to navigate life without my parents and with the constant fear that the one responsible for their deaths would soon come to find me.

Of course, he had been taken to jail and tried for two counts of first-degree murder, but every time I saw an article stating that an inmate had escaped or been released, I couldn't help but worry that it was him.

As the years passed without incident, I slowly began to relax until finally I was able to live my life without constantly looking over my shoulder, and I guess in a way I had L to thank for that since he left me with a strong sense of security I never would have felt without him.

Even if he was a mystery to me, he was still a big part of my life. He helped me through the initial months after my parents were killed. He stayed up many nights calming me. He urged me to follow my passions. He was my world and at times I forgot that he wasn't always there.

That was why, when I turned twenty-one and landed myself a contract with a well-known music agency, I decided I would pay him back for everything he did for me, down to the last penny.

I needed to do my best to land this gig since it was very high-paying and a good start.

B: Thanks.

I sent the single word before getting out of bed and giving a stretch.

“You’ve got to do well today, Brielle.” I murmured, heading to the bathroom so I could shower and prepare for the day.

When I finished, I took myself in the mirror, making sure that my makeup and long blonde hair were ready for the day. Of course, they are, and before I can even stop myself, I'm snapping a selfie and sending it to L, even if I'm still wrapped in a towel. And when my phone dings moments later, I know it is him.

L: Careful. Do you know how suggestive you're being with that photo, little songbird?

B: I do. What are you going to do about it?

Smirking, I sat my phone down, removed my towel, and once I covered my breasts with an arm, I picked it up again and took another selfie.

B: But if you want to accuse me of being suggestive, I should live up to expectations, no?

I sent the message along with the picture, and within seconds, my phone was ringing.

“Did you like my present?” I asked, feeling a thrum of excitement rush through me.

“You're being quite naughty today, little songbird.” L husked.

His voice was like honey, trickling down my body and leaving lines of fire leading right down to my p***y which longs for him.

“Then do something about it,” I responded, taunting him in hopes that he would show his face.

For the past few years, this was how things went. I would send suggestive things, and he would accuse me of being naughty, but to this day, he still did nothing to come and punish me like I hoped he would. Oh, how I longed for his hands to touch me and his lips to tease me and his... Goodness, I was getting myself all hot and bothered.

To say I had a crush on L was an understatement. I was over the f*****g moon for him and wanted nothing more than to actually meet him face-to-face, but nothing I did would get him to show himself.

“You know the rules, little songbird,” L chuckled, making my whole body come alive. “Not until the timing is right.”

“Timing,” I pouted. “What does that even mean?”

“That's for me to know and for you to find out. Now, stop wasting time; otherwise, you're going to miss your audition.”

Gasping, I pulled my phone away from my ear and took in the time.

“s**t,” I hissed, realizing he was right. “Gotta go!”

[Leo's POV]

I hung up my phone while smiling to myself.

“Was it your songbird?” Jackson, my right-hand man, asked. “You only look happy when she's involved, so why do you keep yourself hidden?”

“Do I pay you to ask questions?” I countered, looking out my window at the city flying by. As I do, grunts and groans began to sound around me, drawing my attention to the man who is gagged and hogtied at my feet. “You're awake?” I smirked, pulling a cigarette from my pocket and lighting it. “Great.”

Reaching down, I pulled the tape from his lips and then sat back up.

“f**k you!” He hissed, spitting at me in disgust.

“Sorry, you're not my type.” I chuckled, lifting a foot and slamming it on his face, then keeping it there. “I'm in a bit of a rush, so I'm going to keep this short.” I continued. “You can either tell me what you know about Clint, or you can die a slow and painful death. Which will it be?”

Clinton was the man who killed my songbird's parents and then tried to kill her. Even now, just thinking about what would have happened had I not appeared when I did that night left me wanting to kill the bastard with my own f*****g hands. Recently, he managed to break out of prison, and I knew there was a chance he would try to finish what he started. That was why I was secretly hunting for him.

Despite the seriousness of this situation, I managed to get the media to keep things hidden, as I didn't want my songbird to be stressed out before such a big audition.

“I ain't sayin a thing.” The man growls, urking my nerves.

“Fair enough,” I grin, taking a few drags of my cigarette and then snubbing it out on the man's cheek. “Then you've chosen a slow and painful death.”

As I speak, I watch my latest target squirm in an attempt to get away from my attack. He could act tough all he wanted, but in the end, he would cave like all the others. However, the rest of this would have to wait as I had an audition to attend where my beautiful songbird would be making her grand debut.

“You know what to do with him,” I announce as Jackson pulls up to my destination. “I'll join when I'm done here.”

“Got it, boss,” Jackson grins. “Enjoy being a creepy f*****g stalker.”

“Mind your words, or you may be my next target,” I warn before grabbing my jacket and climbing out of the car. “Now get the hell out of here.”