CHAPTER 57
LILY’S POV
Afraid we were been followed, I tightened my grip on my kids’ hands and quickened my steps, urging them to keep up. But when I glanced back and saw it was the bodyguards, I stopped.
I deflated with a sigh of relief, scolding myself inwardly for letting my paranoia and fear get the better of me. I thought we were been followed by the same bad people who paid that driver to kill me. Nonetheless, there was no need to be afraid. The estate with its top-notch security services was one of the safest in the city. It was one of the few reasons I chose to come live here. Though expensive, it was worth every penny
“You’re relieved of your duties,” I said to them in an unfriendly commanding tone, still brooding over how they didn’t believe me and let me in after I told them I was the owner of my house and the mother of my kids. “As you can see I’m their mother and I’m back so there is no need to play the tough guy around them anymore.”
I thought they stayed back to continue guarding the house or better, were planning on leaving since they’ve been active since yesterday and should need to get some rest.
“I’m sorry madam,” the taller one who had tried to call Noah earlier said. “But the boss gave us strict orders yesterday to never let the kids out of our sight.”
My eyes narrowed as I glared at him. He had an even more intimidating and dangerous look than the one with the hawk eyes. A grotesque scar ran diagonally from the top of his left eyebrow to the side of his face. The scar had ruined his left eye, making the eyeball barely visible. I wondered if he could see properly with that eye. He needed an eye patch to cover it because it was unsettling and kind of sickening to look at.
“We brought our car,” he continued, his tone almost persuasive, a stark contrast to his rugged and intimidating appearance. “We can drive them to school instead of you taking a taxi. It’ll be much safer that way. Plus, we’ll stay on the school premises till school hours are over to keep a close eye on them.”
Lila cowered close to my side, hiding her face away from them and burying it against me. It was obvious they frightened her. Liam on the other hand was pulling my hand, nodding enthusiastically and urging me to agree to their offer.
“Please let them come with us, mummy,” he begged eagerly. “If the other kids see them with us, they’ll be scared out of their pants and won’t make fun of us for not having a daddy anymore. Plus, they’re super nice and not as bad as they look.”
I lowered my gaze to him. Not giving in to his passionate pleas and cute facial charms, I said. “No!”
He stopped begging and turned away with a sullen frown on his face as if something of value had been ripped away from him.
Though Scarface’s suggestion was nice, I couldn’t agree with it. As rugged and intimidating as they looked, I couldn’t have them hovering around me and my kids like predator eagles. They’ll scare people including their friends and classmates away. Seeing them with us, people will have every reason to believe something is wrong.
“Have you spoken with your boss?” I asked them.
“No,” Scarface shook his head slightly. “He isn’t picking.”
I thought as much because I knew Noah must still be in bed. Last night was intense and being the boss, he could come to the office whenever he wanted.
“When he picks, tell him I relieved you two of your duties as I’m no longer in need of it. Thanks for your time. Bye!” I smiled sarcastically as I dismissed them and continued walking with my kids.
Since taking a taxi wasn’t advisable at the moment, I made up my mind to call an Uber. That will be a better option. The horror of yesterday’s incident was still stuck in my mind, sending cold shivers running through my skin each time I remember it. No matter what, I couldn’t bear the thought of experiencing it again, nor would I want anyone close to me to go through the same. So for now, I’ll stop using taxis and always be on alert.
However, I noticed the bodyguards were still following behind us. I could feel rage surging through my veins as I squeezed my eyes close for a moment, trying to bottle the feeling to no avail. Just how stubborn can these two men be? Can’t they understand simple English? They’re only wasting our time.
“Don’t you two get that I don’t want you following us or do you just have a hard time understanding your language in the morning?” I scowled as I faced them.
They didn’t say anything. They just stood there in military style, their gaze unflinching and expression stoic.
“Mummy, we’re going to be late for school,” Lila cried out helplessly.
“Madam,” the one with the sharp hawk eyes spoke. “We’re only doing our job and that is keeping your kids safe. Nothing more.”
I growled out in frustration, my fiery gaze cutting right through them. If only eyes had the power to kill or incapacitate, I would’ve used mine the moment they refused to let me into my own house to see my kids. Where did Noah even get them from? They’re so impossible to handle.
Fuming in fury, I grabbed my purse as though it were a weapon and quickly pulled out my phone.
“If you don’t get lost right now, I’ll call the police and have you reported,” I threatened, my voice sounding menacingly dangerous.
But that didn’t get them to move a muscle. They still stood there, staring at me as if challenging me to do my worst. The heads of some passers-by living in the estate kept turning in our direction, their curious glances lingering and wondering what the commotion was about.
I used that to my advantage.
“Since you two have decided to be stubborn, at the count of three, if you don’t leave, I’m going to scream at the top of my voice and let the entire neighbourhood know you’re kidnappers that have come to kidnap my kids and me.” I finished saying and started the countdown.
Judging by their looks, no one will have a hard time believing they were kidnappers or worse, professional killers.
That got to them because they exchanged glances before turning away reluctantly and heading back towards the house.
My kids and I hurried down the street as if we were being chased, rushing out of the estate. Fortunately, one of the neighbours, whose child also went to the same school, drove by and offered us a ride.