AN: A lot of things happened these past months that I think I've been living in fast-forward or something. To summarize it up, I graduated, got my first job, and resigned my first job, move houses (again), still looking for a job and basically trying to get my life back in track. Anyway, this is a very short installment, but I figured its better short than nothing at all. I'm trying to get my rusty writing back in line. So, here it is! And thank you so much for all the reviews and encouragement! It helps… A LOT!

Chapter 10: The Gamble (Part 1)

Masao Takashi knew he was in deep waters the moment he agreed to cross the most powerful man in Japan. He knew, but as of now, he didn't have a choice. He'd pledged and swore his life to the man who'd saved his life at the tender age of eighteen. In fact, he'd willing shed blood countless of times for the man's cause. The organization rewards its employees handsomely for their loyalty. But he'd also witnessed how they react towards betrayal.

A quick death would be a blessing for Masao if the crime lord ever sniffs him out.

But for Masao, death in general could actually do him good to end this torment. As his name states, he was a righteous man. It's ironic how he still think himself as a generally good man when in fact he dwells in the underworld's filth. It might be the fact that Asami-sama has never instructed him to do something that is out of his comfort zone. He had a choice in that matter. Working under Asami-sama has always been a choice. They were never forced.

The man might be dangerous, but he was strict and respectable towards his underlings. Asami-sama has never degraded his man. The organization was structured so that members benefitted through each dealings. Bonuses were given to the employee who'd worked hard enough to gain the crime lord's approval. The working hours is flexible. They were even given a generous amount of annual leave.

The more you work, the more you gain. And even if you're a lazy ass punk, you could still survive and live quite a comfortable life with the basic salary. Basically, it's a good deal to work under such a powerful man with favorable conditions.

Masao had never imagined that he would betray such a man. The man who'd given him a second chance in life. He could never construct such situation to occur in his mind. He was just one of Asami-sama's underlings that is of little significance.

Maybe that's why they had chosen him. Someone who could escape, blend and fit with Asami-sama's countless men.

Yes, Masao could never imagined turning his back from the man whom he'd respected since eighteen. That is until… that moment.

The moment a package arrived with a delicate white bow at his doorstep.

It didn't take long for Asami to sniff out the mole. Humans are weak against pressure. Especially when they're separated from outside influence for hours. An innocent man would remain unaffected in such conditions. They didn't have anything to hide.

However, a man with something worth hiding would feel trapped between those walls. Like a wild animal, they'll remain anxious and unsettled. Such behavior was currently shown by the guard with the name, Masao Takashi.

Asami's mind supplies that he knew the man. Not well enough, but enough to know he was someone that was loyal to a fault. Masao didn't fit his profile of an ambitious mole. He didn't seemed like a person who has eyes for money.

Asami's focus was solely on the monitor. He observed the man closely. He could see the man was obviously guilt ridden. But there was profound sadness in his eyes. Torment in his eyes. The man looked resigned to his fate. As if he would gladly receive whatever punishment Asami deems fit.

"Kirishima, find out everything about this man."

Masao stood abruptly from the chair when the door opened to reveal Asami himself. He bowed in respect towards the man as Asami sat on the chair opposite of him. He hovers over his chair uncertainly before Asami gestures for him to take a seat as well.

With a heavy heart, Masao sat. Knowing full well that this is it.

How fleetingly short his life has been…but he accepts it. There was nothing to be done now.

The silence stretched as Asami eyed him with a calculated look. The man's cold stare was enough to make Masao sweat like a pig. It felt like forever before Asami spoke.

"How's your wife and daughter faring lately?"

Masao snapped his head up towards Asami in shock. He didn't see that coming. It might be an innocent question for any other person, but seeing this was Asami…

He knows.

Masao's mouth had dried up. He didn't think he could answer Asami and the crime lord seems to pick up on it as he continued on. Seeming satisfied with Masao's reaction.

"Your neighbor has been quite generous with the information. It seems like both of them have not been seen since last week" Asami stopped, letting Masao absorb that piece of info.

"Is this the reason?" Asami supplied when Masao refused to give any reaction. "Why didn't you come to me? Did you think I wouldn't be able to look after my own? Are you insinuating that I'm incompetent to be trusted?"

"No… Asami-sama...It's just…I just…" Masao shook his head, vehemently denying Asami's statement.

"Then what?" Masao flinched at Asami's commanding tone.

With shaking hands, Masao slipped inside his coat's inner pocket to produce a sleek smartphone. He unlocks the device, tap his gallery folder and opens the picture he'd taken approximately a week ago. Without a word, he showed it to Asami.

The crime lord's eyes widens in surprise. It was a first for Masao to see such reaction inflicted from Asami. Any lesser man would probably react like he did: vomiting his stomach's content.

It was a picture of a white box, with a delicate white bow. It would look innocent enough if it wasn't for the fact that a heart laid in the center. Beside the heart was a finger. A delicate finger that still wore a diamond ring.

"They still have my child" Masao said, almost in a whisper.

Urgh, Bronislav is a sick bastard!

On a side note, I'm currently working on an otome game with a few of my friends. And surprise, surprise…I'm the writer. If you guys are interested, please do support us! (I'm basically scrapping for food here *cries*) It'll be available for purchase when it's done. Leave a comment if you would like to learn more about us.