The Billionaire's Assassin [COMPLETE]

File 18: Death of a Father...Figure

Santa Barbara, California

2010

Family and friends were an important value to Rex. And no one, besides his mother, impacted his life more than his Uncle Leo. The chain around his neck went cold to the touch when he heard of his death from local officers. He was on special duty infiltrate a drug ring along with other members with the intent to meet and take down the head of the division. However, it was a trap, the meeting place combusting from the inside out. There were no survivors and Uncle Leo’s body was too marred to recognize.

“Ay Dios mio!” his mother cried, barely able to hold herself up when hearing the news. She cried for days in her room, even keeping the flower shop closed for a week until she could find the resolve to get out of bed. And even after, she would close it early.

Remy, one of the families closest friends, would come over with food his mother made to help heal their hearts. “Thanks, man,” Rex sighed, accepting a pot of stew. “We really appreciate your mom’s cooking.”

“No problem, bro,” Remy reassured him, giving him a brotherly hug. They entered Rex’s house where the staff members were cleaning up, getting prepared for dinner. “We’re here for you. You were practically Leo’s family.”

“Yeah.”

Rex recalled meeting his sister and abuela who flew from the other side of the country for his funeral Cara insisted on preparing. It made her productive and her heartache abate by making the arrangements. They were very gracious about it, even allowing her to keep Leo’s ashes.

“Honestly, he was more of a father and husband than my real dad.” Rex forced a chuckle that only made his throat feel brittle and swollen.

His father heard the news from his mother and barely gave two hoots about it. They were close when his father was around but now, his business kept him away from even the funeral. When Cara could barely hear a smidge of grief from him, her anger bloomed into a raging storm to the point that Micky disconnected and silenced her calls. She slammed her phone on the ground, the screen cracking on impact before crying once more.

“I think my mom loved Uncle Leo and he loved her back,” Rex admitted to his friend. Remy nodded, having known this for a while from seeing him drop by the flower shop or just calling to say hello every day. “He made her happy.”

They remained silent in the foyer while the vacuum roared to life in the living room. The staff buzzed around them, gussying up the stairwell and polishing the vase before replacing the flowers. Rex passed the busy staff towards the kitchen with the pot and Remy followed. “Why is the staff busier than usual?”

“Leo’s sister and abuela are leaving tomorrow and mom invited them over for dinner.” They’d stayed after the funeral for two more weeks, coming to visit Cara often and console one another. “We’re about to head to the mall to buy mom a new cell phone.”

“We? I’m invited?”

The chefs were busy preparing for dinner. The head chef gave them a salty glare to get out of his kitchen quickly. Rex ignored it, placing the stew in the fridge before turning to Remy’s confused expression. “Yeah, of course. Maya and Gabe are in the pool house waiting to head out.”

Stuffing his hands in his pocket, Remy attempted to get the depressed expression off Rex’s face, nudging him playfully. “So, how’s the new relationship going?”

Rex had been bouncing off the walls about the news at the flower shop the day after the party. “I just hope you treat her like a gentleman,” Cara advised, eyeing him knowingly. “Not like the dog I didn’t raise you to be with all those other niñas.”

“Mama, I have no clue what you mean by that,” he smirked which only made her roll her eyes. Remy laughed at their always amusing bickering as they unpacked a few boxes that morning.

Rex had been excited to tell his Uncle Leo that he finally got the girl of his dreams. And now he needed advice on keeping her. That was just before they’d received the news and their entire worlds came crashing down on them.

“The relationship’s good, for the most part,” Rex informed him as they headed out the back door. “Maya’s been with me this whole time, holding my hand while grieving. I feel bad about it.”

“Why? It’s good that she’s there for you.”

“I know but...feeling this way, I usually...do some messed up shit.” And I want to do some messed up s**t feeling like this. “You know how I am and now…”

“You don’t have Leo to bail you out if you get arrested again? Sorry...”

Rex scoffed. “I wasn’t gonna go that far. It’s just...nevermind.” He opened the door of the pool house just when Maya and Gabe ceased their chattering, looking at him with worried expressions. “What were you talking about?”

They both looked at one another before Gabe stood up. “Nothing. We’re just ready to head to the mall.” Rex gave him a knowing look, Gabe rubbing the back of his neck a telltale sign it was more than nothing. “We were thinking of getting a few things for your mom...and you.”

He shook his head, patting Gabe on the shoulders. His eyes wondered to Maya, standing coyly by the sofa. Since Leo’s death, he hadn’t been his cheerful, flirtatious self with her, which is what he believed brought some tension between them. “Guys, that’s nice but it’s been like three weeks. You can get something for my mom but nothing for me. Come on.”

Grabbing his keys off the coffee table, they all headed to Rex’s second favorite car, his black Range Rover. They all jumped in, Maya taking a seat bedside Rex in the driver's seat. Gabe and Remy sat in the back, buckling up. Turning on some music, he pulled out the driveway and through the shimmering gates of his estate. Despite the gloomy atmosphere, the sun was beaming down on them down the open road. Remy and Gabe tried to lighten the mood talking about some recent basketball game that peak neither Maya or Rex’s attention.

Soothingly, Maya placed a hand on Rex, granting him a comforting smile. These past couple of weeks have been guilt-ridden for her. If only she could have done something, anything, to prevent Leo’s death. They couldn’t figure out if Leo was working with Micky or if it was part of the job. They only knew Leo and the other intel held more knowledge about Micky than they’d imagined. And after finding out the agency had been tailing him, he would rather kill his informants than getting caught himself.

That was the most painful realization into what kind of man Micky had become.

Rex squeezed her hand reassuringly, turning into the mall parking lot. Jumping out of the car, he walked over to her and pecked her on the cheek tenderly.

“Thanks,” he muttered in her ear, grabbing her hand.

“For what?”

His green eyes had a comforting warmth to them when he stared at her. “For just being with me. I feel like I’ve been a mess since we started dating--”

“That’s not your fault, Rex. You’re still grieving and I understand that. Take all the time you need.” This time, Maya cupped his cheek in her hand and kissed him. She enjoyed kissing him. It was always a passionate shock, her body melting within his embrace.

He held onto her tighter, sinking deeper into her touch. That internal crave, that monster that dwelled so silently within him, for the time being, was starting to unravel from its cage. His fingers caressed the small of her back, finding a sliver of heated skin. He wanted more of her touch, to feel the softness of her skin, to feel something more than the pain that has been harboring for weeks.

Gabe cleared his throat loudly, forcing them back into the present as they tore their lips apart. “Remy and I can go inside if you both need a minute…”

Maya wiped the corner of her lip, cheek reddening. “We’re right behind you.”

They headed towards the mall, Rex and Maya having to catch their breaths. “Are you going to be alright?” she asked him. There were many layers to Rex that she’d been discovering, like finding hidden pages in a book she thought would be an easy read. Nonetheless, he kept her intrigued.

He nodded, taking her hand. “Of course. I’m glad I have you as a friend and more.”

Wandering the mall, they decided they had time to kill as they explored the different stores. Remy and Gabe roamed to the other end when they spotted a video game arcade and bookstore while Maya went with Rex to get a brand new phone for his mom. They agreed to meet at the food court after.

“Exactly how many phones does your mom need?” Maya asked, surprised when he ordered three of the latest models in different colors.

He rolled his eyes, handing the clerk his credit card. “She asked me to buy two more for Leo’s relatives to thank them for their hospitality. I can buy you one if you want.” He gave her a wink, taking in the way her exposed legs beneath her skirt made his heart race. “Make it my personal line.”

She smirked, having seen the expensive price tag. “I’m fine with the one I have.”

“Suit yourself.” He accepted his purchases and they headed out. “How about we check out some more places before we meet Gabe and Remy?”

“Sure.”

They spend twenty minutes checking out different clothes, Rex finally finding his comfort ground while picking out seductive outfits for Maya. There were a few guys staring at her backside as they walked around. When Rex noticed, he glared at them with eyes that spoke of merciless violence that had them walking away in fright. His Uncle Leo once told him people become more appealing when they’re in a relationship, like seeing a candy no longer on the market. And Rex was determined to keep his candy all to himself, wrapping an arm around her waist.

“Can’t wait until it’s bath suit season?” Rex murmured, grabbing a lacy crop top and holding it to her chest. Staring down at her, he traced her almond-shaped honey brown eyes, button nose, and plump lips he savored kissing. She was getting prettier by the day.

Maya snatched it out of his hands, placing it back on the rake. “I have a feeling I shouldn’t let you pick out my wardrobe this summer.”

“Oh no, you are not forsaking me the pleasure of choosing a revealing outfit for you.” Eyeing her with hunger, he placed a finger beneath her chin. “It’s the perks of being a boyfriend.” He inched closer deliberately, a hand running down her waist side. “Just give me that satisfaction--”

“Rex!”

Maya and Rex both turned to see Olivia and her friends strutting towards them. Olivia approached empty-handed while her friends behind her carried a significant amount of bags. She smiled at Rex then gave Maya a smug look as she walked in between them, pushing Maya aside.

“How are you holding up, darling?” she asked sweetly, reaching a manicured finger up to caress his jawline.

Like a fly to a venus trap, Maya caught her hand swiftly, tightening her grip with a fake smile. “Please don’t touch another girl’s boyfriend.” Pushing her hand away, she stepped between them to Olivia’s displeasure. “It’s rude.”

Olivia rolled her eyes, looking at Rex over her shoulder proudly. “I remember what you used to tell me, Rex. That you have a hard time processing your emotions, especially after losing someone so close.” She stepped around Maya, her hand lingering on his arm. He flinched away from her touch. “The offer earlier still stands if you need to get some aggression out.”

“Excuse me?” Maya retorted sharply, fist ready to grant Olivia a black eye for her promiscuous behavior. “What offer?”