Nik's POV

I was reluctant to leave Maya's side but there was nothing I could do, I had duties to perform - very important duties that if not solved would become a problem for everyone whether I wanted it or not .

"How and where did you find him? " I asked Judy who surprisingly hasn't said anything for a while now.

Our eyes met through the rear view mirror and he answered "Its quite shocking cause he returned on his own with what's remaining of the ammunition "

My eye twitched, the thief returned on his own? what game is he trying to play? I rubbed my chin thoughtfully until Judy announced to me we've arrived.

I stepped out of the car and looked around the abandoned warehouse that looked like it would collapse anytime soon. My once playful aura dissipated at once and was replaced by a serious, intimidating expression.

I signalled Judy and he led the way into the warehouse while I followed after him while acknowledging the greetings some of my people stationed outside the warehouse were giving by slightly bowing their head.

Once inside the warehouse, I saw a figure standing if not almost dangling : his hands were tied upward with a rope to the roof while his clothes were bloodied and torn in diverse places.

" Let him down " I commanded Judy who then signalled his men and they released him and the guy slumped to the ground.

He remained motionless on the floor but Judy wasn't through with him, a bucket of water was given to him and he poured the whole content on the guy who stirred at once.

He was not given a chance to recover cause he was grabbed from the ground and placed on a chair that was stationed in front of me.

"Hi Leo, what a pleasure to meet you in person" I said to the guy who had dared to steal from me with a smile that spoke volumes.

Leo tried to open his swollen red eyes but winced instead and I smiled , my men did beat him black and blue. He was currently sporting a black eye and bruised cheek - his face was quite in a sorry state.

"I'm sorry but I had to do it " Leo said almost immediately surprising me. He was making this interrogation quite easy unlike others who would open up after a series of stomach churning tortures.

"Interesting " I murmured and crossed my leg over the other while stroking my chin. My blazing eyes staring into his , I asked " Where is the rest of the of the ammunition? "

" Sold " came his curt answer

" Where? "

" In the streets "

I closed my eyes and bottled my anger, how many times have I warned against my goods being readily accessible to the public.

Though we often did shady deals but we meticulously select our buyers since our weapons are expertly constructed and known for their quality, style and craftsmanship.

"Do you know how many lives you endanger by putting our weapons in the hands of just any commoner?! " I spat at him resisting the urge to swing a blow at him.

He wiped the bleeding from his nose with the back of his hand " I know which is why I'm very sorry, so you can do anything you want with me "

I scrutinized this guy closely, he looked like someone who was prepared to die but I can't help but feel he's protecting something or someone .

I asked "Why did you do it? "

He looked up through his barely opened eyes and said to me " I needed the money badly "

My brows arched " Why did you need the money badly enough to cross me "

He gulped and I saw fear flash across his features confirming my suspicion, he was surely protecting something.

"Don't make me find that out on my own cause then, I would not be magnanimous enough " I threatened and he gulped again.

He stuttered " Y-you won't hurt her right? "

I frowned " Hurt her? "

He repeated " Y-you won't do anything to her, right? "

My frown deepened into a scowl as confusion set in but suddenly a light bulb went off in my head and I let out a gurgle of laughter which came to a startling stop.

My eyes darkened " You endangered the lives of many and my company because of a woman? "

He began to shake visibly "I-I had to do it, she needed the money desperately "

I shook my head, tsk tsk, this guy got fooled by a woman - I can't believe he would be this stupid enough to risk his life because of a woman that wasn't even here to share his pain - I bet she had no idea of where he had gotten the money she must have spent shopping and others.

"Yeah, She must have needed my money for her manicures and clubbing " I said calmly but my voice was dripping with acid as he stared at me wide-eyed with shock.

"This interrogation is officially over " I said to him, stood to my feet and turned to face Judy " You already know what to do with those that steal from me " I stated and was preparing to leave when he suddenly screamed,

"She's dying ! "

I froze.

I turned to face him " Excuse me? "

Leo gritted "I didn't mean to steal from you but I can't watch her leave this world without having her wishes fulfilled either. I admit I wasn't the best boyfriend to her but I love her dearly and can't watch her leaving this world with regrets " he caught his breath.

"And even if I have to do it over and over again, I don't regret a thing, that's just how much I love her.So please don't bother her and let her die peacefully, you can do whatever you want with me instead "

I gulped and though I had my back turned to him, I felt exposed.

My hand unconsciously went to my heart, why was I feeling this way? I couldn't help but reverse this scene in my head as I pictured Maya and I being in this situation.

If Maya was the one dying with a lot of wishes, I would definitely try to get them fulfilled at any cost even if it means stealing from the devil himself.

I frowned, but I didn't love Maya.

Maybe I like her, but it was because she was going to be my wife and I had to show at lest that amount of feelings. I would do everything for her, not because I love her but because it's my responsibility - yeah, a sense of dedication.

I was just dedicated to her because I had made a promise to her and had to stay true to my promise ; that's all, nothing else .

I ignored his pleas and walked towards the entrance even though my heart was in a turmoil.

What's wrong with me?

"Are you Ok ? " Judy asked from the side rousing me from my thoughts and I realized I've been standing outside for a while now.

I cleared my throat " Those things he vomited, are they true? "

"Yes, it's being confirmed. His girlfriend is suffering from cancer and has less than three months to live "

"Mmm" I breathed and looked away when I met Judy's penetrative gaze. That guy sometimes, his gaze makes me uneasy as if he could see through my thoughts - is it because he has been following me for a while now?

Suddenly, Leo's pained screams filled my ears. Were my men torturing him? again?

"Let him go " I blurted out before realizing it.

"What? " Judy asked surprised.

"And give him some cash to take care of his girlfriend " I added drawing another " what?!" from Judy's lips.

"But the others would see this as an avenue to commit their own - "

"Am I stupid? " I threw at Judy when I understood where he's heading from. If news circulates that I showed mercy to one of the men that stole from me, the daring ones would try to commit same offence with the hope that such treatment would be meted out on them.

"I don't need to explain myself to anyone so let them dare " I said and added " But chop Leo's most beloved finger just to serve as an example to the others " I ordered and climbed into the car.

Judy gave the same order to his subordinates before climbing into the driver's seat and drove away - thankfully he didn't press further on the issue.

Bored, I couldn't help but go through my phone until I decided to check my calendar having realized something.

"It has been a month " I thought out loud

"What? " asked Judy who catched my words.

"I haven't had sex for a month now " I confessed, my eyes glued on the current date displayed on my phone screen.

A wry smile twisted Judy's month " Surprising, considering your sexual appetite is a thing of legend "

I knew it was true, I was once a man who couldn't last two days without doing it, but now it seems Maya has casted a spell on my member.