Chapter 44: Josiah

“They teamed up with Astra,” Stan said as we huddled in the HQ.

Just hearing the name Astra, my heart flutters that it hurts my ribcage. Remembering how my wife is in that gang and how they’ve joined forces with our archenemy is going to be the death of me.

Sage sighed.

“Does that mean we’ll need to take SeQret’s offer?” Charles asked.

“No!” I vehemently disagreed.

They all looked at me questioningly. I know what they are thinking. They must be thinking that I couldn’t get over Hannah yet but no. I don’t want to team up with some other gang to beat my wife’s gang.

Stan creased his brow. “What’s wrong?”

I pursed my lips in a thin line before letting out a deep breath. “Please don’t do that…” I told them.

They all looked at me in confusion. I feel so stupid begging them not to do that. I don’t want Eunice to get hurt.

Sage walked beside me. “What the hell? Are you not over your ex?”

I glared at him before looking away. I haven’t moved on? He, of all people, must know me better because he is my closest among all these men. But then, I don’t share my intimate moments with my wife.

Bradley laughed while Dorian just stared at me. Charles gave me an even more confused look while Stan just gave me an intent look.

“Then what?”

I sighed and shook my head.

I don’t want to tell them about Astra and Eunice. I understand what the collaboration with SeQret would mean to us and to them. It would be a win-win situation for us but I can’t stand the fact that this isn’t a good thing for Eunice.

“Astra is the strongest female gang in Korea, Josiah. I’m sure you know that,” Stan said. “They already teamed up with Glyph. Now, Glyph’s power has increased.”

“We won’t meddle with the females’ fight anyway,” I tried to rationalize.

Sage narrowed his eyes at me. “Exactly…”

I raised my brow. “So, why do we need to join forces with another gang? I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Dorian sighed. “Dude, can you understand the situation? If we don’t collaborate with SeQret, then Astra will attack us.”

I stilled.

“Why are they going to attack us?” I asked. “Astra’s not that kind of gang.”

I know. Astra is a gang that fights for the rights of women. They aren’t exactly there because they support violence and hierarchy. They are there with a mission and for a vision.

Stan looked at me, seemingly disappointed. “You have to set aside your feelings for SeQret, Jos. You know why we need them right now,” he said.

I pursed my lips in a thin line. I clenched my fist. This is not about Hannah. Damn, I can face Hannah any time of the day but when I think about Eunice being involved in a fight, I don’t think I think straight.

Bradley shook his head. “Be professional, dude.”

I stared at him hard. “I am professional.”

Charles raised his brow. “Then why are you acting like this, Jos?” he asked, purely curious.

I bit my lip and sighed. “Nothing,” I replied, defeated.

I can’t seem to tell them about Eunice. Damn, thinking about Dorian worrying about her makes me crazy as hell. I can protect my girl alone.

I let out a heavy sigh. “Fine,” I uttered.

Sage looked at me with narrowed eyes. I know that he can sense something else. I know that he knows Hannah being in SeQret is not the only reason why I hesitated on this one.

Stan nodded and decided to call SeQret for a meeting. We’ll meet tonight with them. That was his plan. And we’ll attack as soon as possible.

“What’s wrong?” Sage asked he saw me in the terrace while drinking coffee.

I glanced at him quickly before shaking my head. “Nothing,” I spat.

I heard him scoff before leaning on the railing. I know that he’s looking at me like he’s trying to observe if I’m going to tell him what I am thinking or not.

“What?” I asked him with a raised brow.

He stared at me. “You know I don’t believe you right?”

I rolled my eyes. “I am telling the truth,” I insisted.

He continued to stare at me before letting out a thunderous laugh. “You look so annoying when you’re lying.”

I quickly shot him a glare. I hate that he knows when I am lying. Sage and I were childhood buddies. We technically know each other since birth. I’ve always been thankful that he understands me more than any of the boys.

But right now, it’s a pain in the ass.

Sage nodded at me. “What’s with the hesitation for the team up? It’s not like you’re not in love with your wife,” he said. “Wait… Are you scared that she might get jealous?”

I gave him a lazy grin.

“Dude, she’s not going to know you’re with your ex. Ventrex is a secret. The gang is a huge secret. No one will know about it.”

I raised my brow at him. “I know.”

He creased his brows. “Then what’s the matter?”

I shrugged.

“Come on, Josiah!” he was almost whining.

I laughed lightly. “You wouldn’t believe it,” I said.

He narrowed his eyes at me as he tried to listen. “What? I think I can handle anything you tell me…just not your sex life because that would be gross.”

I snarled at him and he just laughed. “Days ago, I saw a note fall from Eunice’s book when I walked her to her class,” I started.

Sage looked at me intently and focused.

I sighed. “The note said, “We’ll get you, Gemini. Just you wait.” I confessed and immediately saw the sudden change in Sage’s expression.

“You mean…” he couldn’t even finish his sentence because of his shock.

I nodded. “I think Eunice is Gemini.”

Sage gasped. “Holy shit…”

“That’s why I don’t want to team up with SeQret.”

Sage let out long heavy breath. “That’s a plot twist,” he drawled. “Everyone thought you hadn’t moved on from Hannah yet.”

I rolled my eyes. “I was the one who broke it up with her, Sage. Do you think I would do that if I still have feelings for her?”

Sage laughed and shook his head. “So, you’re doing this for your wife?”

I looked at him lazily. This stupid asshole loves shoving it right to my face, right? He loves reminding me how whipped I am for Eunice.

“Why did you not tell the others?”

I shrugged. “I don’t want to expose Eunice’s identity.” And I don’t want to have Dorian protect her, too. I am enough.

Sage seemed to have believed what I just said. “Right,” he said. “But then may I remind you that your wife’s the strongest gangster among the females. She can protect herself.”

I smirked. Now, I know where she got her wounds. She was from a fight. And she tried to conceal them and lie about the reasons. What a bad girl.

“I want to be the one to protect her, Sage,” I said. “I’d lose my mind if I see her hurt and in pain. I’d kill for her.” And it’s true.