Chained To The Devil novel Chapter 34

Alexander

I enter the bar. All the men stare at me, but I don’t give a damn.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. The only reason I’m back: to recover a piece of the puzzle I’m about to complete.

I need to stay low to avoid some bastards sticking their noses in my business.

I already have Khalid on my back—no need to add more.

This bar is discreet, frequented only by criminals and fugitives. It’s rare for anyone to stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. They’re too scared of being ratted out.

I don’t need her help. This was just an excuse to force her to come out with me in exchange for her precious weapons.

“You’re still just as handsome.”

I lift my head and meet the gaze of the waitress. I give her a smirk.

Gina.

A brunette with green eyes, a body that’s perfect in all the right ways—I’ve tested it several times over the years. I can see a sparkle in her eyes, which means I still affect her.

“It’s been a while since you’ve come around…”

She’s using a sultry tone. I smile in amusement. I imagine she wants me to take her right now on the counter in front of all the men here.

“You haven’t changed.”

“I assume you’re here on business, but maybe afterward we could spend some time together? For old times’ sake.”

“I came to retrieve something, not to see you again. Don’t get your hopes up.”

She looks offended and immediately walks off to the back of the bar.

Suddenly, there’s no sound at all in the bar. I place my hand on the gun in the back of my pants. I turn my head. I smile slightly when I see her in the doorway. So she’s the one who caused the silence?

The outfit hugs her curves perfectly. She’s caught the attention of every man in the room.

“Excuse me, can someone help me please? I lost my car keys and I need help finding them outside,” she says in a sweet, sugary voice.

She leaves the door wide open and walks out, showing a perfect view of her ass. She’s got balls.

All the guys rush to the exit to help this poor damsel in distress. It makes me smile, and relieved, I remove my hand from my weapon.

She’s not so useless. In just a few minutes, the bar is emptied of all its occupants, except Gina, who’s probably cursing me for rejecting her.

“The last time I saw this bar empty was during a police raid.”

I turn my head and flash a big smile. I stand from my seat.

Yasser smiles and opens his arms wide. We give each other a warm hug.

“I’m glad to see you again.”

He smiles and sits on one of the barstools. I joined him and sat beside him.

He has long brown hair with some grey strands, a scar over his left eye, a burn on his left cheek, and a dominant build for a man in his forties.

“You’ve become a man, kid.”

“You become a man from life’s low blows, right?”

“So, you’ve become the big boss? I didn’t think you’d follow that path, too, but good for you if it works.”

“When you’ve got talent in something, you use it.”

“Everyone respects you. No one dares talk behind your back.”

“I had to build my reputation.”

“So that’s how you got everyone out? I knew you wanted to talk in private, but I didn’t think you’d empty the whole bar.”

“I had help. From a woman.”

He rolls his eyes.

“You’re working with women now?”

“It’s a long story. I don’t have time to tell it. I’ve got a lot to do.”

“Time is money.”

I glance at the back of the bar to make sure no one’s listening.

“I need to talk to you about something serious, Yasser.”

“I’m listening.”

“I asked you to meet me here because it’s far from where I live. I didn’t want to put your life in danger, or your family’s.”

He loses his smile.

“Put my life in danger?”

“I don’t want you mixed up in my business. If the wrong people find out I met with you, they’ll connect the dots fast.”

He raises his eyebrows.

“I don’t have it on me.”

“I know you’ve got it in one of your pockets. You’d never come to see me without it.”

He touches the right pocket of his pants.

“Do what I asked you to do.”

“Or what? You gonna point a gun at my head?”

I sigh.

“Yasser, I’m asking you as a friend. Give me what I came to get.”

“Are you sure about this, Alexander?”

“I’ve got what it takes to face the consequences of my actions.”

He looks me straight in the eyes. He understands I’m not about to look away.

He searches his pocket and pulls out a black envelope folded in half. He hands it to me. I check the contents and slip it into one of my pockets with a satisfied smile.

Another piece of the puzzle just fit perfectly.

“You made the right choice, Yasser.”

“I hope you won’t regret it and that it’s worth it. I’ve lost a lot of close people. Make sure I don’t have to attend your funeral; you’re family to me.”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“If you need anything, call me. For you, I’m ready to come out of retirement and bring out my old toys to kill anyone who wants to hurt you.”

“That won’t be necessary. Enjoy your family and your retirement.”

“You’re the next generation, Alexander. Be worthy of it.”

I smile at him. Before leaving, I advise him,

“You should go out the back of the bar to avoid being noticed.”

As I’m about to leave the bar, he places his hand on my arm.

“Take care of yourself, Alexander.”

With a small nod to salute him, I head to the exit of the bar.