Chapter 12: Twisted Love

"Why was Julia suddenly all over you? Do you think she knows?" Clara's eyes burned with curiosity.

"She saw the card, Clara. I wouldn't be surprised if she knew who I was even before that." Clara nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "So, it's your first time in my room. What do you think?"

"I love it. It's unique. Your drawings are incredible – I never knew you could draw."

My phone rang. It was Nelson, the guy overseeing a few of my investments since I chose to remain anonymous. "Yes, why are they giving you trouble? Please take care of it." Clara tried to see who was on the call, curiosity evident in her eyes. I hung up and looked at her. She was wearing reading glasses and a black Nike tracksuit.

"Let me guess, Nelson having problems again?" she asked.

"Yes. It's my dad demanding to meet the owner of the restaurant I just took over."

"It's your choice, James. I'm still trying to figure out why you kept your identity anonymous."

I smiled at Clara. "So, are you prepared to start college tomorrow?"

"Yes. Why wouldn't I be? We're going together, and I have a true friend in you."

Clara stared deep into my eyes. "You are still coming, right?"

"Yes, of course." A knock at the door interrupted us. It was Kyle and Claire.

Claire beamed. "Since it's our last day before college, why don't we all go out?"Kyle wore blue jeans and a black t-shirt, while Claire was in a blue dress with black lace heels.

"I don't know if James will be up for it, but I'm in. We should go to the mall and do some bowling," Clara suggested.

I wasn't in the mood, but for Clara, I'd do anything. She was my strength when I was bullied and my voice when I couldn't speak. I vowed to protect her. My brother Kyle was laid-back and went with the flow, but lately, he had been drinking more. Our dad had left him at least half a million, which he used to start an online health business. He'd done well for himself, with a few sports cars and a house by the lake.

Clara recently told me Kyle had been texting her, saying she was pretty. She hadn't told Claire, but Clara thought she might like Kyle. I wasn't sure if it was her way of making me jealous, but Clara also said she'd only date Kyle if he and Claire broke up. I didn't know how to feel about Clara's growing connection with Kyle. Claire didn't mind; she and I had become close, but my heart was still with Clara.

"Let's get ready," I said.

"Kyle, would you mind if I drive with your brother? You can drive with Clara," Claire suggested. Clara frowned. "Claire, why? I mean, you and Kyle are a couple."

"I agree," Kyle said, looking at me. "Is there something you guys aren't telling me, Clara?"

"No, I just need to discuss something with your brother. We all know each other; it's not like I have any intentions with James. And Clara, it's not like you and James are dating, so why would it be a problem?"

"I don't think I feel like going anywhere anymore. You guys can go; I have to prepare for tomorrow," Clara said.

"Me too. Why don't you and my brother go? I also have to prepare for tomorrow," Kyle added. Clara glanced at Kyle. "You should be with your girl. I don't see why we can't all just go together in one car."

"Great idea. Let's go together," I said. "We can talk about whatever you want to tell me later. Is that okay, Claire?"

"Sure, let's go."

We decided to take my 335i. Clara sat in the front, and my brother and his girlfriend were in the backseat. When we arrived at the mall, it was crowded. We headed to the gaming center where there was a bowling alley. I partnered up with Claire, and Kyle teamed up with Clara. We were winning by three points. I couldn't help but notice Kyle and Clara getting closer, laughing at each other's jokes. It didn't bother Claire. After beating them, Claire remarked, "We make a good couple." Kyle and Claire argued over the comment, and Clara started to withdraw. She spoke less to me and kept looking over at Kyle whenever she spoke to him.

Three men approached with three girls. They looked to be in their early twenties. Two men wore suits, and one had a tracksuit. The girls were dressed up. "Are you guys still going to be long?" asked the man in the black suit, glancing at his Rolex.

Kyle, annoyed after the argument with Claire, snapped, "Can't you see we're still playing? Find something else to do."

The men looked offended. As they approached, I sensed they weren't ordinary men from the streets. The guy in the Rolex grabbed Kyle by the chest. "Boy, do you know who we are?"

Kyle pulled away. "I don't care who you are. Find something else to do."

The other two men came closer. Claire looked worried. "Kyle, let it go. I'm sorry, he's mad at me," she said.

Clara stepped closer, but the three girls blocked her path. "Where do you think you're going?" one of them sneered. Claire jumped in, standing in front of the taller girls. "Leave my sister alone."

"Boy, you better get on your knees and apologize, or face the consequences," the man in the Rolex demanded. A crowd gathered, watching the scene unfold. Another seven guys in suits joined them, surrounding Kyle.

Kyle realized the seriousness of the situation. I had to step in without revealing my identity. Clara smiled. "You have no idea who you're messing with," she said.

"Who are you? A nobody," another girl scoffed. "Enough, Clara. You're just escalating the situation," I said.

Clara looked the girl up and down, then turned to Claire. "Let's leave, guys."

"You're going nowhere," the man with the Rolex said. "Your boyfriend started this, and he needs to get on his knees and beg for forgiveness."

"Me, beg? Never," Kyle spat.

"Kyle, just say you're sorry, please, and let's leave," I urged.The man turned to Claire. "You're a pretty girl. Join me, and all this will be forgotten."

"You asshole," Kyle yelled, punching the man in the stomach. His men grabbed Kyle by the arms."Oh boy, I wish you hadn't done that. Take him outside," the man ordered.

"Enough," I said, stepping forward. "You with them?" the man asked.

I leveled my gaze with his. "You don't touch my brother." Clara's eyes widened, sensing my anger. She had never seen me mad.

"You will let my brother go, apologize to Claire, and then walk out."

The men laughed. I had now identified the man – Michael Jones, the son of #3Michael Jones, a powerful family with the highest lawyers and judges on their payroll. His father, Bill Jones, was ruthless, with thirty skilled armed ex-military men protecting him and a thousand bodyguards around his house.

I stepped closer to Michael. "I know who you are. Let's not start a war that will end badly for you and your family."

The crowd stepped back at hearing the name Michael Jones. Michael smiled, looking at his watch. "So you know who I am, and I don't see you on your knees begging for forgiveness." Claire's and Kyle's eyes widened at the name. Kyle now understood what he was up against not even his father could save him from this.

"Listen, I'm sorry. I never knew who you were," Kyle said.

"Oh, now you're sorry. It's a bit too late for that, don't you think? You humiliated me and my friends. Lick my shoes and give me your girl, and I'll let this slide."

Kyle looked at Claire and nodded. He was about to lick the man's shoes like a dog.

"You don't do anything," I commanded. Kyle and Claire looked at me as if I were crazy.

"In a few minutes, you'll be begging me," I said, Michael laughed. "Me beg? Are you insane? Do you not value your life? Do you have a death wish?"

"I would do as he says," Clara said. Claire and Kyle looked at us as if we were insane.