Chapter 14: Andre’s Frustration

Davis walked towards the parking lot and started his motorcycle. But suddenly, two people approached him from the left and right.

"I didn't expect to find you here. So the rumors weren't true," a voice came from behind.

Davis turned around and asked, "Who are you? And what rumor? Seems like we don't know each other." He then lowered his motorcycle's kickstand.

"You're right, we don't know each other. But you took the woman I wanted," the man said—it was Andre.

At first, Andre had only planned to relax at Galam Resto with his two friends. However, he spotted someone who resembled the man who had beaten up Firman and taken Alisya from him. He then devised a plan to punish him.

And so, their encounter in the parking lot happened.

"Teach him a lesson," Andre immediately ordered his men to attack.

Two punches from the left and right swiftly aimed at Davis's head. Their movements were highly trained, possibly indicating they were martial arts experts. But what they didn't know was that Davis was a master in various martial arts styles.

Davis extended both his hands and caught their attacks. Then, he leaped up and kicked both of them in the chest, sending them flying.

Andre was stunned.

A few people approached after hearing the loud thuds, seeing two men sprawled on the ground.

The security guard quickly intervened, breaking up the fight.

"Please don't fight here. If you continue, I'll report you to the police," the security guard warned.

Andre and his two friends left, but before going, he threatened Davis. "Next time we meet, you'll—" He made a slashing gesture across his neck, signaling death.

Davis simply smiled, turned back to his motorcycle, and started the engine. The bystanders who had gathered dispersed since there was nothing left to see.

"Thank you, sir," Davis said as he passed the security guard.

The guard nodded. "Be careful, sir."

The roar of Davis's Honda Gold Wing echoed like a storm through the streets of Banjarmasin. People turned their heads as if witnessing the passage of a sultan. They dreamed of owning such a motorcycle, but for ordinary people—like this author—it was just a fantasy.

Davis roamed the city for a while before heading home. Along the way, he noticed a group of children dressed as street performers at a traffic light, likely trying to help their families.

He gave them each some money before continuing his journey.

A few kilometers later, he spotted a familiar figure and stopped beside her.

"Miss Juli, what happened to your car?"

Davis's voice was like a refreshing splash of water in the dry season—so desperately needed.

"My car broke down. Could you give me a ride home? I left my phone at home, so I couldn't book a ride," she explained.

"Sure, hop on." Davis patted the seat behind him to clear off the dust.

Juli quickly got on the motorcycle.

"Hold on tight, Miss. This bike is very fast, and I might have trouble controlling it," Davis joked, knowing his lie was obvious.

Juli saw through his bluff but still wrapped her arms around his waist. Davis felt the warmth of her embrace, blending with the cool night breeze.

It had been a long time since Juli had held a man like this. Her cheeks flushed—if Davis saw, she might have jumped off the bike out of embarrassment.

Davis remained focused, unaware of what was happening behind him. His thoughts lingered on the softness pressing against his back—reminiscent of Alisya's, but perhaps a bit larger.

Wearing a thin top and short shorts, Juli looked incredibly beautiful.

"Tell me the directions," Davis started a conversation.

"It's close from here—take Manggis Street next to the police headquarters," Juli replied.

Davis followed the instructions. Without a navigation system, he might have gotten lost, as this was his first time entering the area. In the past, he was just a poor youth who had never ventured far from his home.

"Manggis 3, turn right, then left, follow the road, pass Muhammadiyah Vocational School, turn right, then left again. My house is at the very end," Juli directed.

"It's quite a maze to find your house, Juli. I might forget the way back, especially since it's already late," Davis joked, seizing the opportunity.

Juli didn't respond, staying silent until they arrived in front of her house.

"If you forget the way, just ask Google for directions," she replied with a smile, then thanked him before pressing the doorbell.

"Damn… She's pretending not to get my hint," Davis thought but stayed put until the gate was opened by her housekeeper.

"Be careful on the road, I hope you get home safely, Boss." Her gentle smile and waving hand seemed to beckon him to stay. But that was just Davis's imagination—nothing actually happened.

Davis restarted his motorcycle and rode back to Pesona Modern Housing.

Upon arriving, Mr. Rahman opened the gate, allowing Davis to park his bike inside.

Alisya suddenly ran over from the house next door.

"Davis… where have you been? I was looking for you!" she pouted.

"Why didn't you call, Ai? I thought you were busy, so I didn't want to bother you," Davis reasoned, which sounded logical to Alisya.

"Ugh, you!" Alisya playfully poked his nose. "Why didn't you invite me in?" she added, pouting even more.

"Isn't it inappropriate to bring someone else's daughter home at night? What if I'm accused of kidnapping the daughter of the owner of Lima Rasa restaurant and get charged with blah blah blah," Davis teased.

"No one would report you for that," she countered. Then, without hesitation, she pushed Davis inside and locked the door.

Mr. Rahman could only shake his head. He knew it was a mistake to leave a man and woman alone under one roof. But what could he do? He chose to pretend he didn't care.

"I'd rather video-call my wife than think about what's happening inside," he muttered.

Whatever happened inside, we'll leave it for now.

Meanwhile…

BRAAK…! Andre kicked a trash can, sending it flying.

"Damn, damn, damn!" he cursed before turning to his two friends. "How's your stomach?"

One of them lifted his shirt, revealing a large bruise. "I suspected he was a martial arts master. His kicks were insanely strong."

"Yeah. I also believe that pure strength won't be enough to take him down. Unless we use power," his other friend added, wincing from the pain of nearly getting hit in a sensitive area.