Chapter 2: Chapter 2

ZERO

I stare coldly at the guy, who is staring back at me in complete shock.

It seems he did not know my true identity. It is normal since I have always allowed Nic to manage the front end matters of the club, including the staff. I only handled the finances.

"But... Why are you firing me? What did I do wrong?" The guy regains his senses and starts asking me desperately.

"He was your ex, wasn't he?" I ask back icily. 

I came out for a smoke, wanting to be completely alone after receiving that particularly frustrating call. Instead, I got to witness that stupid scene. I only heard a little but it was enough to tell me what was going on. 

I stepped in to push the larger guy away because this guy had yelled out in pain. And that sound of pain... It brought back some memories that I absolutely hate.

The guy nods dumbly in response. 

"He is going to come back for you. And I don't need that kind of problem at my club." I say straightforwardly.

Club Monday is my baby and my base. But everyone knows not to touch this place. Even my rivals do not dare to do so. Not even the authorities because the front is completely clean. 

I want to keep it that way. I do not need some kid bringing his problems and letting people think that they can come to my club to mess around.

Besides, I have no intention to keep a problematic staff. Nic usually runs deep background checks into the people he hires. Did he not know about this guy and his potential issues?

"So just take your stuff and leave." I order firmly while I take my cigarette box and lighter out from my trousers pocket. I light up a stick while staring at the guy.

He is clenching his fists and looks extremely upset. 

I watch as he swallows heavily before saying in a contrite voice, "I am sorry for that but... I really need this job. I promise he won't come back here."

I doubt it. I have been in this world long enough to know that his crazy ex would definitely come back. People who are obsessed will never give up easily, be it to an object or a person. I have seen it with my own eyes.

I am about to open my mouth and tell him to get lost but the back door of the club opens. Nic steps out and his gaze immediately shifts from the guy to me. Nic does not miss a beat. 

He could put the situation together without me saying a word. That is how scary Nic is but since he is indebted and loyal to me, I trust the guy with my life. Even though he could take it away in a second with his skills.

"Boss, can I speak with you for a moment?" Nic asks quietly.

I shrug, inhaling a puff.

"Blue," Nic is talking to the other guy now. So his name is Blue. But that is of no importance to me now. "Go back to the bar first."

Blue looks utterly confused and hesitant. "But he..." Blue glances at me.

"I will talk to you later. Dash needs help." Nic gives him a firm look that Blue can only nod hopelessly. He shoots me another bewildered gaze before heading into the club.

Once we are alone, I take another drag before speaking to Nic. "What is his story for you to bother helping him?"

"His dad passed away when he was just a baby. His mom is sick but he doesn't know it yet."

“What is she sick with?” 

“Cancer. Stage 3.”

I nod as I finish my cigarette before tossing it to the ground and putting it out with my shoe. That kid's story is too close to Nic's. 

Nic, who barely knew his father who abandoned them and he lost his mom to cancer despite all my help. Nic rarely feels sympathy towards another person. Not when he can kill without even blinking his eyes.

"You are amazing to have dug that far." I give him a small, rare smile.

"I always do." Nic smiles back a little, which is equally rare.

"If you want to help him, go ahead. But I don't want any more trouble. We have enough as it is."

"I get it."

BLUE

I do my best to concentrate for the rest of my shift because the club is crazily busy even on a weekday. Despite my worries, I do not make a single mistake, thankfully. 

When it is finally closing time at 3am, Bew comes up to the bar where I am cleaning.

"You okay?" Bew asks worriedly. "I was watching you from the DJ booth. You kept frowning."

"Yeah, Bew is right. You okay there, Blue? You have been glum since you came back from your break." Dash chimes in as he hears us talking.

"Um..." How do I tell them that I have been fired by the big boss himself? The big boss they have never met but I managed to do it in my first week! And getting fired in the process..

"Blue."

All of us are startled by the sudden appearance of Nic. When did he appear? Like the first time I saw him, Nic is dressed smartly in a navy blue shirt with black trousers. His dark hair is a little messy but it seems to be styled that way on purpose. Unlike the big boss whose hair was styled back neatly as though he really took pride in his appearance. However, both of them have the same serious and cool expression.

"I will like to speak to you in private." Nic says quietly.

Both Bew and Dash look confused. Even Palm and Alice had walked over to check what is going on. Shit. I am pretty sure none of them have been summoned personally like this before.

"It is about your contract. I have it ready." Nic adds calmly.

My eyes widen in shock. Contract? But I thought I was already fired...

"Oh! Right! You have yet to sign it right? All of us did when we joined." Bew smiles at me.

At that, even the rest lose interest. Dash continues cleaning up the bar while Alice and Palm says they are done and will be leaving.

"Go on. I will wait and send you back." Bew tells me.

"It won't take long." Nic says as he walks away. I follow him hurriedly.

He leads the way to an office in the back. It is of a decent size. There is a work desk with a laptop and a couple of shelves with files. There is also a wardrobe and a couch with a pull out bed. A door is opened, showing that it leads to a small bathroom. Does Nic actually stay here?

"Sit." He gestures to one of the chairs before his desk while he moves to sit down at the larger chair behind it.

I do as I am told quickly. "Nic, about earlier..." I feel the need to explain myself.

However, Nic shakes his head and cuts me off. He stares at me seriously, looking a little scary and I shrink back instinctively. 

"What happened earlier, the boss has decided to let it go on the account that it happened the first time. It must never happen again, do you understand?"

I can only nod. They have decided to give me another chance!! Thank God! Now, I just need to tell Terry to back off.

"Good. Here is your contract." Nic picks up an envelope and hands it to me. "It contains the details which I briefly mentioned to you a few days ago. Your salary is as such and tips you earn are entirely yours. The rules you need to follow are inside as well."

I scan through it. I pretty much knew about all these from my brief conversation with Nic when I first met him and also from Palm and Bew.

"If there are no issues, sign on both copies and you can keep one." Nic instructs me.

I signed it quickly because a tiny part of me is still worried that Nic would change his mind. Or the Boss would come bursting in and tear this contract right before my eyes...

"Alright. You can leave now." Nic dismisses me when I am done. He keeps my contract back in the envelope. 

I stand up to leave but pause. I can't help but tell him gratefully, "Thank you, Nic. I will work hard and won’t disappoint you. I promise."

Nic gives me an impassive look for a few moments. Eventually, he merely nods. I am about to head out the door when his soft voice stops me.

"Blue."

"Hm?" I turn back to look at him curiously.

"You are from a single parent family, aren't you?" Nic asks softly.

I blink. How does he know?

As though he can read my mind, Nic adds, "Bew told me."

"Oh." That isn't so strange. He must have asked Bew about me when Bew recommended me.

I nod. "There is only my mom and I after my dad passed away."

I see some emotion flashing in Nic's eyes but it is too quick for me to determine what it is.

"I see. Take good care of your mom." He says quietly. I do not think too much about his words because it seems like a general concern.

"I will. And that is why I need this job. I don't want to burden her." I explain.

"Good. I will see you tomorrow." Once again, I am dismissed. I smile at him before leaving, feeling lighter than I did earlier.

At least I wasn't fired… And I hope I will not offend the big boss again.

You are reading story [BL] Club Monday – Zero x Blue at novel35.com

Or it would be best if I never meet him again.

ZERO

"Boss."

I lift my chin in acknowledgement at Guy who greeted me the moment I walked in. The dim warehouse is extremely noisy tonight with the high number of gamblers, as usual. 

I tuck my hands into the pockets of my trousers as my gaze scans the place.

This place is one of the illegal gambling dens I owned. Since I took over the gang, I have strict rules for the gang to not get involved in drugs and prostitution. This is one of our strongest forms of livelihood. Along with money lending and dealing of weapons and stolen cars. 

Guy is one of my most experienced and trusted subordinates that I placed in charge of all the gambling dens.

I start walking to the back of the warehouse. Guy along with my two assigned bodyguards follow closely behind me. As I walk, I scan the crowd with disinterest. There is a small office at the back and I head inside. Unbuttoning my suit jacket, I sit on the large chair behind the desk. My bodyguards wait outside as Guy shuts the door. He moves to pour me a drink from a tiny bar he had set up in the corner.

"How is business?" I ask as he hands me the glass.

Guy pours himself a drink before turning back to me. "Quite good. We have a few red customers tonight. I am keeping my eye on them."

Red customers are those who chalk up a huge debt and possibly do not have the means to pay the money back. Guy sips his scotch and uses his other hand to push his long hair back.

I smirk. "You need a haircut." Guy has been with me for a long time. Not as long as Nic but enough for me to trust him.

Guy grins at me. "Prae likes my long hair. She thinks it is sexy." Prae is his high school sweetheart. She works for me too but on the legal side. She helps me to manage a restaurant that I invested in. She is a tough woman too, knows the rules of dating someone like Guy and working for a gang.

Guy moves to open one of the drawers and pull out a huge envelope. "This month's profits. You wanna check it?"

I shake my head and sip my drink. "Pass 20% to Nic. Split the rest among our men.” 

"Got it, Boss."

Then, we hear angry shouts coming from just outside the office. It does not sound like part of the gambling scene.

"Let me check it out." Guy narrows his gaze, setting his glass down. 

He opens the door. We see a scene right away. My bodyguards and another of our subordinates are under Guy holding back an older man. He looks disheveled with his messy hair, beard and wrinkled clothes.

"What the fuck is going on?" Guy demands to know.

"Guy, he wants to borrow more money but he is a red customer. He already owes us 500,000, not including the interest."

"Please.." The older man starts begging. "Just another 500,000. I will win it back! I was on a winning streak!"

"No." Guy says coldly. "If you can't even pay back what you currently owe in a week, I am going to break your fingers personally."

"Please Guy..." Then the older guy notices me sitting in the office. His eyes widen as he starts begging me instead. "You are the big boss, aren't you? Please.. Tell your men here.. I will pay it back.."

He tries to push past everyone to get to me in the office. My bodyguards shove him back. I set my glass down and stand up, buttoning my jacket. I decide to ignore the deranged addict. Such small matters can be handled by Guy.

"I am leaving." I tell Guy who nods.

I walk out of the office and past the guy who is being blocked by my guards. After taking a few steps, I hear an angry yell behind me.

"BASTARD! DON'T IGNORE ME!"

I turn back in time to see the guy breaking free from my guards. He is surprisingly quick and nimble. He pulls out a pocket knife and charges towards me. Before I can dodge fully, he manages to slash my right arm, through my clothes. The cut isn't deep but I start bleeding profusely.

I frown. I am faster next and before he can swipe at me again, I use my uninjured hand to grab his hand that is holding the knife and twist it, forcing him to drop it. I kick him hard in the stomach and he falls to the ground, groaning. My guards rush to pin him to the ground.

"Fuck, Boss are you okay?" Guy stares at my arm in panic.

"Break his arm." I spit out. "And he has three days to repay his debt...or else, get him to beg on the streets.” 

"Yes.." Guy nods at his head at the subordinate who grabs the screaming and kicking guy up forcefully, along with his knife and tug him away.

My two bodyguards immediately apologised to me. "We are sorry... We should have been faster.."

"Save it. Don't make the same mistake again." I scowl and they nod in fear. The guy was deranged after all and desperation usually gives people an edge. They probably underestimated him.

"Boss, do you need me to call Doc?" Doc, whose name is actually Dan, is my own private doctor. It is not like I can go to any hospital openly with my status. 

"It is fine. I can deal with something small like this on my own." I examine the cut. It is bleeding like crazy but it is not that deep. "I will do it at the club. Let’s go back now.”

BLUE

Saturday night at a club is pure madness. The crowd is unbelievable especially with Club Monday's popularity. I have been mixing drinks non-stop since opening time.

"Blue, can I get a bottle of water?" Bew leans over the corner of the bar counter and asks me loudly. 

We are usually on the same shifts thanks to Palm who knows we are best friends. Bew is now taking his break from DJ-ing. The club is blasting music from his playlist.

I hand him a bottle and he waves his hand to gesture a thank you. I go back to mixing drinks. After drinking his water, Bew moves closer to me so that only I can hear him.

"No sight of Terry tonight again."

It has been more than a week since the Terry incident and how I was almost fired. I told Bew everything after signing the contract with Nic. He was amazed that I had managed to meet the mysterious big boss. After he got over drilling me about the guy, he then called Terry to threaten him. Terry requested to speak to me so I did. It was only to tell him that I really need my job and told him to stop messing with it.

To my surprise, Terry actually apologised and somehow he agreed. He said he would give me time to cool off but he wanted me to promise I would meet him once I am ready to talk things out. To get him off my back, I agreed. Bew wasn't happy but I told him at least Terry would not bother me at the club. Bew does not believe Terry so since then, he has been checking every time during our shifts so far. Honestly I don't really believe Terry either. Why would I when he is a cheater?

"Good." I sigh. 

I am really feeling exhausted tonight. From worrying about Terry going crazy and changing his mind to appear here again to losing my job. I need the money. I need to get my savings back so that I can start supporting my Mom. She has done enough for me.

"My break is over. Wait for me after work to head back together yeah." Bew tells me. He sends me to and fro now, worried about Terry harassing me.

"Hey Blue. Go for your break. Fluke just came in. We can manage." The part-timer I am on shift with tonight tells me.

I thank him and sigh in relief. I could use the break. After washing my hands as usual, I head to my locker to pull out my sandwich and my phone. Now I take my breaks in the small break room in the back they have for staff. I used to prefer going to the alley because it is quieter. Now, I am never going to the alley again. It is safer to stay inside. 

I finish up my sandwich while checking my social media accounts. When I am done eating, I decide to go to the washroom before heading back out earlier. Even though I am tired, I enjoy my job so I don't mind standing for long hours mixing drinks. I am about to exit the break room when a person enters. I stop in my steps right away.

"Nic." I greet the man politely. I have not seen him since I signed my contract.

Dressed in an all black suit, Nic nods at me. "There is a first aid box in here, isn't there?" He is asking me quietly.

"Oh...um.. It is in the cupboard." I find myself moving to open the cupboard that is behind me. There is a white box with a red cross on it. Palm told me that he had bought it in case any of us needed it.

I take the box out and am about to hand it over to Nic when there is the sound of a phone ringing. Nic pulls his phone out and frowns at the screen. He answers it.

"Guy... Hmm...Yeah he is back here. He is fine. What? Fuckers." Nic's gaze narrows and he looks extremely scary suddenly, more than before. I hug the box and stand there like a wooden man. "I will come over now. We can handle such small matters without him. Give me 5 minutes."

Nic hangs up the phone and pockets it. He lifts his gaze and seems to realise I am still standing there.

"Blue. I need you to do me a favour but it absolutely has to stay between us."

"Um....." I can't say no, can't I? Nic helped me to keep my job. "Okay, I promise. What is it?"

"Turn right down the hallway and head to the last door. Knock on it and pass him this first aid box. Don't ask any questions. I need to rush to a place now. Tell him I will text him."

Nic does seem to be in a hurry as he rushes out the instructions. Then, he turns and hurries away.

What the...

I take a deep breath. It is just handing a first aid box over. I am not stupid. I know who needs it. Even though I am terrified to be seeing him again, I have no choice. I will just hand it over and go back to work.

I walk to the room slowly. I have not been to this part of the club before. I stand outside the dark wooden door and take a deep breath before I knock on it hesitantly.

"Enter."

The rough voice almost makes me jump. I open the door slowly and enter cautiously.

"Nic, what took you so long... Why is it you?"

I freeze at the cold glare that falls on me. He is right there. The big boss. He is sitting on the only couch in the room and he does not have a shirt on. He is pressing a towel to his bleeding right arm. My eyes widened at the sight.

At both the sight of this muscular body that is covered in all kinds of scars and the blood. Yes, I could not resist checking him out a little. I am gay after all.

"I asked, why is it you?" He scowls and I find myself shrinking. He is really a mafia leader. Someone powerful with that oppressive aura...

"Nic… Nic..um, told me to pass you this.. He rushed off. He said he would text you." I manage to answer softly despite my fear.

To help myself, I remind myself that I am not doing anything wrong. I am just helping Nic.

The boss's gaze narrows. "Put the box down here and go." He gestures towards the coffee table right in front of him.

I manage to nod and actually move my feet. I place the box down and am about to turn to leave but somehow... I can't help taking another look at that injury. The towel is completely soaked with blood. 

With my mom as a nurse, I am not a stranger to injuries and blood. I visited her in the hospital where she works many times. I even learnt basic first aid skills from her. I used to help Bew or Terry if they got hurt.

I know I would regret asking this and Nic did instruct me not to ask anything but... My big mouth still opens. "Can I help you?"

The big boss tenses visibly as his icy dark eyes meet mine again. "Why?"

Fuck, I am terrified at how scary he is but i can’t back away now. In fear, I start speaking extremely fast, rambling even. "Umm... I... My mom is a nurse. She taught me basic first aid skills...and to always help people. Let me help you. As a thank you, for keeping my job."

That last part came to my mind suddenly. He did let me keep my job and I thanked Nic but not him. He is the one who calls the shots around here, doesn't he? Even though I wished I would never bump into him again...

"Hm. Close the door first."

I am shocked by his unexpected agreement. I hurriedly move to close the door.

"Lock it."

I do as I am told. It is his office after all. I take a quick moment to glance around. Like Nic's office, it seems to be an office slash mini place to stay. There is a bed at the corner. But this room is bigger. There is even a full bar at the corner.

I turn back to the Boss who is watching me impassively. "So, show me your first aid skills."

Well, I already got myself in this situation. Let me just do what I can..

"Um.. Okay.. But first, I hope you don't mind, what do you like to drink?"

"Scotch neat." He answers without a beat.

I nod and move quickly to his bar to pour him a drink. Damn, all his bottles are the expensive kind. I place the drink down on the coffee table beside the first aid kit.

"You may need that." It is something I am used to doing. Using alcohol to distract the injured person from the pain. I have used this tactic on Bew and Terry, and it always works. But this guy, he is obviously a lot tougher. A drink still would not hurt though. 

The big boss does not say anything but just keeps staring at me. I swallow my saliva and sit down beside him. "May I?"

He nods, giving me permission. So I focus my gaze on the injury on his right arm and not his handsome scary face or the hard chest and abs. He has abs… an eight pack. Even Terry does not have abs. Not a single one. I wanted to smack myself internally for thinking about this now. What is wrong with me?

I push his hand, that is pressing on the wound, aside gently. I remove the blood soaked towel to examine the cut. Thankfully, it is not that deep.

"It is not that deep. I will just disinfect it and help you bandage it up so that it does not get infected." I tell him what I am going to do because deep inside, I don't want him thinking I am going to try and take his life or something. He is a mafia leader, he should have some trust issues right?

He surprises me once again when he simply nods. "Hand me the scotch."

Okay. I guess in his eyes I am not a threat at all. Well, he is twice my size...

I hand him the glass and he takes it to sip the drink calmly. I open the first aid box and focus on cleaning his wound. For the next 20 minutes, he just watches me work while sipping his drink. He does not even flinch when I clean the wound with a disinfectant that would sting. Seeing all the scars on his toned body, this injury may be nothing to him. 

When I finally finish wrapping a bandage around his arm, I say, "You should avoid letting water touch this area for a few days." 

He does not reply me, as he stares at the bandaged wound. In the awkward silence, I throw the trash away and pack the items back into the first aid box. I glance at my watch and curse. My break will be up in 5 minutes.

"I need to get back to work!" I pick up the box and stand up. I take one last glance at the scary guy who has been silent the past 20 minutes with that impassive expression.

"Um… Well, take care. And I won't say a word about this. I promise." I still want to keep my job and possibly my life. I can't go around telling people a mafia leader got injured. Not even to Bew. If his ego gets hurt, I may lose more than my job.

"Please be more careful." I add softly. But regret it almost instantly. ...Shit, where did that concern come from?

I quickly move to the door before I say anything else stupid. I open the door and exit. I was about to close it behind me when I heard his deep voice.

"Thank you... Blue."

I close the door.

He remembers my name.

Maybe, this should really be the last time I see him. Before I get into trouble again.

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