The Attack
Erik
I was in the dining room having breakfast with my mother, when Claudia made her presence known, greeting us all effusively. “Good morning, everyone, what's for breakfast today?”
She walked over to me and kissed me on the cheek, and then she sat down next to me, and she waited for the maid to come to take care of her. Then, Claudia turned her attention to my mother, smiling at her. “How have you been, Rosa, I have not seen you around. What have you been doing lately?”
My mother raised her head, looking into her eyes. She glanced at me, giving me a disapproving look. “Erik, I'd like to have my breakfast in peace from now on. In addition, I wish I could be at my home without having to meet all kinds of people I don't know or don't want to meet. That's the minimum I expect. If you aren't able to offer it, I'd better find another place more private. This house looks more like a catwalk than a home.”
My mother returned to her food without saying anything else, leaving me with my mouth open. My eye caught a glimpse of Claudia's shocked expression.
Despite knowing about my situation, she agreed to be my lover. If she wants to stay with me, she has to put up with all of these things.
“Rosa, there is no need for all of this, I know you don't like me, since I'm not Nora, but Erik and I wish to be together, please give us a chance.”
She looked at my mother with hope in her eyes, and when my mother heard her speak again, she put down her cutlery and put it on the plate. Then she turned her full attention to her, “There is you, Claudia, and also, is Melissa, Sahara, Rita, Sophia, Mandy, Tania, Cindy, and the list goes on. My son couldn't keep his pants up even to save his marriage, he inherited the disease from his father, too. And you know that because you've always been one of them. Now, I wonder what kind of woman who respects herself does with a man like him?” She pointed her finger in my direction. I know she's my mom, but her words were hitting hard.
“So, what opportunities, you are talking about? It's ridiculous, what you say. Poor Nora, she had no choice, but you. That only makes me think of one thing.” My mother's eyes were hard and calculating.
“What are your reasons for being with him? Knowing his lifestyle? Money? Do you want to climb high? Or, other things?”
My mother suggestively emphasized the latter. I turned to Claudia, and her face was contorted in anger. When my mother hits, she does it by aiming to kill.
Claudia got up from the table and said, “Excuse me, I've already lost my appetite.”
She was about to leave when my mother interrupted her. She hadn't finished yet, with her. “Nora asked permission to get up from the table. You will have to get used to many things if you want to take her place.”
“MOTHER! That is enough.” I hit the table, making everyone jump in fright. My mother only raised an eyebrow at my outburst. She knows I would never touch her in my life. She is untouchable, I would never dare put a finger on her.
Claudia hurried towards the staircase, and now, on top of all my problems, this was the only thing that I was missing, a dispute between women.
As I turned to look at my mom, I asked, “Why are you doing this? How is insulting her going to benefit you? If it hadn't been for me, she wouldn't be here now.”
My mother gave me the most incandescent look I had ever seen. “That's right, Erik, you are responsible for everything. It's amazing how immature you act for someone who's 33 years old. Where did your education go wrong? You have no idea what the words loyalty and commitment mean. Obviously, you only learned from your father. He was a disease for the world, and only taught you the worst of him, and on second thought, I think he never had anything good to teach you.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head. And when she opened them again, her look was so sad. “He treated us as his enemies as if we were less than him because we were his family, and it was our duty. As if our purpose in life was to accommodate his demands, no matter how painful they were. You lived it, Erik, and saw everything, but you're doing the same. You know, son, it is as if your father had reincarnated in you, and I cannot endure living a life like that again. Your father was a really evil man, with everybody. I hate the situation you have put me in. Knowing my past, shouldn't you be a little more tactful and realize how your actions affect others?”
I saw her eyes that were on the verge of bursting into tears when she said, “No, son.” It was clear to me at that moment that this was a serious issue for her.
“The beatings he gave me, his infidelities, his lack of love for me. At a certain point, his behaviour became normal for you. You learned to see women through your father's eyes. Something to use and keep, until the moment you need it again. You are not your father, but you seem to wish to be. These past few days, I have had the chance to reflect on all the things that have happened. Ultimately, I came to realize that, you, my son, have robbed me of a family. The one I wished to have so much, and I have never been able to enjoy it as I would have liked, because of your father.”
I was impressed and had wide eyes. “Nora, my grandchildren, you, me. Together in this house, living like a real family, but it appears to me that my wish will never come true. That is why I have decided. What I'm going to do hurts a lot, a lot. You don't know how much because you are my only son, Erik. But I have to leave you.”
Those words made my blood run cold. No, my mother cannot abandon me. I won't allow it, “What are you saying, Mother? Do you want to leave your house? And because Claudia is here? That's ridiculous. She is not the first one to step foot here. I do not understand why you are acting so upset suddenly.”
My mother closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then said, “No, Erik, you didn't understand anything. The women you bring here, are not the problem, It's you, everything has consequences in this life. But you want to avoid opening your eyes to reality. I'm leaving because I can't bear to see how you become the man I hate the most. And after his death, I still hate him. Even his very name gives me a stomachache. No Erik, no more. I hope that one day you will change your path and see the true value of people who are loyal to you or were. And, son, remember that I will always remain by your side and support you in whatever you need.”
My mother smiled at me and added, “I am your mother, and I always will be.” With that saying, she turned around and walked up the stairs, leaving me with a wounded heart.
∞∞∞
The next day, I found out that my mom had left in the morning. I was pissed and disturbed and didn't know what to think about it. Her words cut me like knives.
Deep down, I know she's right, but she's my mother, and she should stay by my side. First Nora, and now her. The only two women I have ever loved, and they left me. I accept that I am not the easiest to deal with, but they owe me blind loyalty.
The knock on the door brought me to reality when Claudia entered without waiting for my permission. She saw me and came over to me, seating on my legs, and then she kissed me on the mouth. I kissed her back since right now, I am needing all the distractions available.
The kiss heated up, igniting my desire. I spread her legs and reached into her panties. Claudia was ready for me. Her moan told me what she wanted to give me. I didn't waste any more time and arranged for her to ride me. I unzipped my pants and pushed her panties aside. Accommodating my member in her entrance, I push forward. Claudia moaned with pleasure, her screams turned me on more.
I moved closer to her face and grabbed her lip with my teeth. Over and over again, she brushed her clit against me as she pushed her hips forward. It made me harder.
While still inside her, I got up from the chair and sat her down at the desk. As fast as I could, I rammed my way in. During each thrust, I was releasing frustration and fury accumulated during these days. Claudia began moaning louder. I wanted to explode at that moment, and without any care in the world, that's what I did.
I came with such force that Claudia cried out in pain, as I was holding her hip with such force that I would surely leave bruises. When I'm done, it took me a second to recover, and then I released her and adjusted my pants.
I threw myself into my chair, looking up at the ceiling. Claudia seemed disoriented, so she probably didn't finish, like me. As soon as she got down from the desk, she fixed her skirt. As she looked at me for a moment, she said, “Baby, I'm hungry; take me to the seafood restaurant. After all, I deserve it.” She was upset. I don't like leaving women hanging, but today I couldn't wait.
And to make up for it, I told her, “OK, give me half an hour, and I'll see you at the entrance. I'm hungry too.” She smiled triumphantly and hurried out of my office.
I went to my room to have a shower, and twenty minutes later, I was already downstairs waiting for her. She came smiling toward me, always dressed to kill. Not only that, but she is one of the best ornaments I have ever hung on my arm. “I'm ready, handsome.”
I put my hand on the small of her back and guided her to the car. The restaurant where she wanted to eat is about thirty minutes from here. The food is good, I have to accept it, and a little distraction will do me good. I have to settle my thoughts and think about what to do from now on. I have many conflicts to take care of, with only a few options.
Thanks to the lack of traffic, we arrived earlier than expected. My car was received by the ballet parking staff, and during the exchange of keys, I noticed the man staring at me for a few seconds before he carried on as usual. I thought it strange, but everybody knows me here, and it was not uncommon for people to stare at me.
We were welcomed by the manager and led to our table. Thereafter, he ordered a waiter to bring us the menu and take our order. Since the waiter had left, I noticed that the place was quiet, more than usual for this time of day. Claudia was talking non-stop, and I noticed that occasionally, she looked sideways, as if nervous. Maybe she was still angry with my mother. It is common for women to hold grudges for a long time. However, she'll have to get used to it since my mother comes first.
Five minutes later, the waiter arrived with our drinks. Everything looked good, so without waiting any longer, I started with the drink. But I noticed from the corner of my eye that three men entered the establishment. The administrator received them and led them to a table not far from us. The waiter came to take their orders and after writing their orders down, he left.
Claudia, for her part, fell silent suddenly; that was unusual and odd, I thought. We then received our food from the waiter, he put mine in front of me and did the same with Claudia's.
When she came forward to take her drink, she spilled half on top of her. Claudia stood up abruptly and yelled at the waiter to see what he had done. Then she addressed me and said. “Erik, darling, I'm going to clean up this mess, won’t be long.” She kissed my forehead and left.
I saw her leave with a bad taste in her mouth for a reason, I raised my fork to continue my meal when I noticed the three men abruptly stood up. I realized at that moment that I was in danger and that they were here to kill me.
Immediately, I fell to the ground after hiding behind the table, I reached for the gun I had been hiding in my calf, and using the table as a shield, I started shooting at the same time. The men hid wherever they could; one of my bullets struck one in the chest, who cried out in pain.
As I kept shooting at them, the other two started firing back at me. A bullet managed to pass the wood table, hitting me in the leg. “AGRRRR” But despite the pain, I kept my guard up. I emptied my pistol into them and quickly reloaded. I started shooting in all directions until there was not a single bullet left.
After that, there was only silence, but I still had my knife, so I took it out of my coat pocket and got ready for the attack. But this never came. I looked out to see what was happening. And with satisfaction, I noticed that two of the attackers were lying on the ground, bleeding and unconscious. Then a movement caught my attention, and the third subject came out of hiding, heading for the door at full speed.
I no longer had any bullets to shoot, so I couldn't do anything else. After all, took out my mobile and activated my alarm. My people would be here any minute. Then I paid attention to my leg, which was bleeding, and in a lot of pain. It looks as if it had done some damage.
Behind me, I heard Claudia scream and heard her heels approaching fast. “Erik, Oh! God, what happened? You're bleeding, I have to call an ambulance. Hold one, Erik, you will be fine.”
She took her mobile out of the bag, but I snatched it from her before she could make a call. I shook my head, telling her not to.
“Give me something to make a tourniquet, I'm losing a lot of blood. Hurry!”
After searching everywhere for something that could stop the bleeding, she found a cloth napkin, which I tied tightly enough to stop the bleeding. During that moment, I felt as if my head was spinning, and the last thing I wanted to do was pass out. There is still a threat to my life.
But Lucky for me because soon after, I heard Thomas in the distance, It was until then that I was able to relax my body. As he approached me, I heard his footsteps. He bent down and said, “Boss, we're here, don't worry, the doctor is with us and will be able to treat you while we get to the clinic.”
Since I didn't have any strength left, I nodded. Then, Thomas carried me in his arms. As I got into the car, I caught a glimpse of Claudia's worried face. I closed my eyes at that moment, not knowing anything else about myself.
∞∞∞
I heard noises in the distance, and people talking. However, I did not understand it well. I was not at all lucid. Then I felt a hand squeeze my arm.
“Son, Erik, wake up.” My mother, that was my mother. I felt her shaking my arm more forcefully, this time. After putting in a great effort, I opened my eyes.
I was blinded by the light for a moment before I could see clearly again after several blinks. The first thing I saw was my mother's watery eyes. She looked so relieved when she saw my face. She grabbed my hand and kissed it several times, “Mom.”
“Son, you woke up?” I nodded.
“You gave me the scare of my life, don't do it again.” She began crying; my mother was a strong woman and seeing her cry disturbed my mind. With my hand raised, I wiped her tears away with my fingertips.
“Don't cry for me, I'm not worth it.”
But she shook her head, saying, “And if I don't cry for you, who would? You are my son, Erik. The only one I have. And until heaven claims me, I will be here for you, always.”
Suddenly, Tomas and Raul entered the room, followed by Daniel. With relief evident on his face, Thomas told me, “Boss, you woke up, finally.” Raul and Daniel looked terrible. The two of them look like they haven’t slept in days.
“Boss, did you recognize someone? Is there anything we can work with? Raúl and Daniel checked the security cameras in the area. In our investigation, we learned that the man fled the shooting several streets away, but was picked up by a car without license plates. Following that, we weren't able to find them.”
My memory of the incident, Tomas's words, trigged it. Darkness filled my eyes. I remained completely still, thinking. Meanwhile, I felt a stab in my back. There was the knife of betrayal. Rather than blood, poison filled my veins, and I was able to taste bile in my mouth.
“I don't know who organized this attack, but I know where to start.”
