Lucky had chosen this particular time—when it was dark—to come out.
It was starting to become embarrassing. No way he'd come around again. She'd insulted him several times over. Slapped him three times now. Yet here he was.
He met the former model at the door. She was still smitten by him. Everyone else still was. So what exactly was her problem?
"Hello. Is Nelly around?"
"You again."
Then she stepped aside.
Entering, he braced himself for the worst.
Instead, her soft face lit up when she saw him. It would have made him happy—then he saw the darkness in her brown eyes deepen.
Of course. She wants something.
He smiled.
"I have a condition."
She must have been desperate to accept that quickly. Then again, it was the same thing last time. How does she manage to become more mysterious each time?
---
A tall man in his early thirties strolled through the park. He wore ash joggers and a black top, with a face cap pulled low, concealing his eyes. Still, one could easily spot the playful smile resting on his lips.
By his side walked a lady over three inches shorter. Her brown eyes glistened with determination as she moved in comfortable shorts and a sleeveless top.
Nelly couldn't help stealing glances at the charming playboy. They were getting far less attention than usual—the cover of night had played its role, even concealing his face. Still, she knew most people could tell from his posture. Very few people had that kind of charisma.
"You're not going to tell me what you want, princess?"
She hated when he used that word.
"I'm not your princess. Weren't you the one who asked me to walk?"
"Oh, please don't pull that card."
"Which card?" She frowned.
"The one where you pretend you don't want something and then make it look like it's for me."
"Lucky, I don't have time for games."
"Are you going to tell me what you want, then?" His tone changed. The smile disappeared. "I'm only going to give you this warning once. I can whine and do crazy things for you. Even take a bullet. But the one insult I can't take is insulting my intelligence." His voice turned cold. "If you do that, I'll kill you."
A wave of terror washed over Nelly. Her heart skipped. Her body trembled.
She'd never imagined the eccentric playboy as a true danger—at least not to her. How could she forget?
What's wrong with you, Nelly? This was the most influential man in the country. How did she keep forgetting that?
Only then did she realize the possible danger if she angered him. They were in a park alone. Few people passing. Lucky had taken down thugs in the blink of an eye. Then she felt sorry—she'd truly been looking down on him.
Lucky burst out laughing. "I really had you there!" He jerked so hard he slapped his knee several times. "Come on, Nelly. Why so serious? You actually think I'd hurt a girl?"
Nelly didn't know whether to cry or laugh. What the hell is wrong with him? Her hand moved instinctively, wiping the beads of sweat that had formed on her forehead. Only then did she realize she'd been frozen in fear.
She slapped him hard on the shoulder.
"Ouch! What the hell are you made of?"
---
A little while later, they sat on a bench in the park. Nelly stared at Lucky with all seriousness while he whistled away.
"So tell me. Can you find him?"
He frowned. "I'm not helping you find your ex, princess."
"I've told you, he's not my ex."
"Oh yes, 'complicated.' I've heard that one before. So he's no one, and yet you want to stalk him?"
"I'm not—" She hated how playful he could be. "What's wrong with you?" She grinned despite herself. "Can you find him or not?"
"So let me get this straight. You want me to find someone, and the only thing you know is his name? You have no idea if he's married. You don't even know if he's in Abuja."
"Have you tried social media?"
Nelly sighed. That part scared her—the part she hadn't been able to admit. Why couldn't she find any details about him online? Even about his father? As the playboy listed her lack of information, it seemed even more hopeless.
Standing up, infuriated, she said, "I see. I guess I'll find someone else." She turned and started walking.
"I didn't say I can't." His voice stopped her. "Oh, princess, if there's something I can't do, I doubt you'll find anyone else capable." He smirked. "The question is—what's in it for me?"
Lucky couldn't believe how naive the pretty girl was. The first sign a person is dangerous is that there's no digital trace of them. But why had this guy shown up now? And what did he mean to her?
Well, he had no choice. He would do anything to keep her by his side.
Lucky sighed. "Can you at least describe him?"
---
Nelly grew increasingly anxious at work. It had been more than a day since she'd given Lucky the description. Her desperation was starting to show.
Worse, he wasn't replying to her calls or texts. What's wrong? Did he ghost her?
By the third day, she'd given up waiting for him. I guess he couldn't do it. Still, it was unlike Lucky to stay three days without reaching out.
She only had four days left.
Sighing, she retraced her steps back to her first option. I should have done this sooner.
A few minutes later, she stood in front of Kelvin's office, trying and failing to come up with the best excuse.
But just as the door opened, her phone chimed.
A new message on WhatsApp.
From Lucky: 22 Ademola Street, Guzape. Pick a random package and deliver to John.
Though weird as the message seemed, it gave her joy. It was all she wanted.
Pumping her fist in the air, she screamed, "Yes!"
"Miss Nelly."
The familiar cold voice called for her.
"Mm-hmm?"
"Did I call for you?"
"Sorry. S-sir. I thought you did. Must have been a mistake." She turned to leave shyly.
"How are you such a terrible liar?" His voice was still cold.
Nelly froze mid-step. She turned to look at him.
Kelvin wore just his white shirt, dashing even in that. From the distance, she could smell his cologne. She fought the urge to go closer.
Think, Nelly.
She had to come up with another excuse.
"I... um, wanted to know if you're free for lunch tomorrow." Damn, what was she saying? Kelvin already thought she was attracted to him. Now she was only making it worse.
He bought it? What?
His lips curved into a smile. "No, I'm not. But I'll tell you when I am."
Nelly frowned. She'd been so caught up that she'd forgotten—he was a womanizer too. Somehow, this was a good thing. Smiling, she turned. "Okay. I'll be expecting it."
---
On the evening of that day, a taxi pulled up before a big black gate. Over ten meters high, the fence on either side was almost as tall. From a distance, it looked like a maximum-security facility.
A lady stepped out of the taxi—grand and poised. She wore a black gown, legs covered in hose tucked into heels. Her eyes were hidden behind dark goggles, suggested by an eccentric playboy. Only her arms and neck revealed her caramel skin.
Nelly's plan was not to hide today. She still wanted to confront him herself.
Her eyes latched onto the big black circle hanging on one corner of the fence. 22. She had to be sure this was the right house. This doesn't even feel like a house.
Walking gracefully, she strolled toward the gate. Suddenly, Nelly had a bad premonition.
"Stop right there!" A heavy voice called out.
A primal fear fought its way up, spreading through her body. Her eyes followed the direction of the voice.
On one corner of the fence, perfectly hidden from sight, was a small circular hole. Nelly shivered as she recognized the circular metal pointing out of it.
"If you take another step, I shoot. State your name and business."
She found it hard to breathe, desperately gasping for air. She'd forgotten what it felt like to have a gun pointed at her.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself.
"I'm Nelly. I have a package for John."
A second later, she heard the loud sound of metal grinding against metal. From the mighty gate that seemed impregnable, a small slit was cut—just enough for a person to fit through.
"Come in."
Nelly took another deep breath.
Just what the hell are they protecting?