Stuck In Big Brother Zone

"I'll be careful, Caleb. But I have to tell you, things are getting complicated," Maverick said, rubbing his temples.

"What do you mean?" Caleb asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Maverick hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's just...Lanky. He's not what I expected."

Caleb's expression turned serious. "Maverick, what do you mean by he is not what you expected? How different is he? Does he have magical powers?” He asked sarcastically.

“Of course not,” Maverick replied.

“Then what is it?” Caleb asked with furrowed brows, suspecting that something unholy was happening.

Maverick knew telling Caleb the exact truth might ruin everything, so he decided to lie. “He treats his workers well, he doesn't harass anyone. Also I haven't seen any sign pointing at him being a Mafia.”

“Ohh, Maverick, you need to focus on the mission. He is a drug dealer for crying out loud, they know how to hide their tracks. Moreover, he's treating you well because you just got there, after a while, he will show his true color. Who knows, maybe his workers are all drug dealers. Lastly, we have something pointing at the fact that he is a Mafia, the box with you. Where else would a seventeen year old boy find a box of cocaine if not given by his brother,” Caleb replied with a serious expression.

Maverick didn't look convinced, he couldn't imagine a nerd like Richard selling drugs to young boys, but he put on a facade, acting like he believed Caleb's words.

It was as if Caleb could read minds, because he didn't believe the look on Maverick's face. “Maverick, I know that you're a kind-hearted person. A lot of people said you aren't fit for this role, but I believe that you're capable. Don't let your feelings get in the way. Men might try to use you, but it will only last for a while," He warned him with a gentle smile.

Maverick nodded, knowing Caleb was right. But he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was getting in too deep, that he was losing himself in the process. A lot of men had used him in the past; some because of his parents' money, some to date his sisters, many because of business opportunities. He didn't want to be used and manipulated again, but he couldn't sort out his feelings for the hotties either.

“I understand what you're saying. But can we, I mean. Can I trust Black Wolf a little bit?” Maverick asked curiously.

Caleb's eyes narrowed. "Maverick, don't. Just don't. You can't trust him. He's a Mafia boss, for crying out loud!"

Maverick knew Caleb was right, but he couldn't help the way he felt. He was torn between his mission and his growing feelings for Lanky and Ashley. And he knew that if he wasn't careful, he could lose everything.

“If you're not up for it, it's better to return back home. We can as well forget about the investigation,” Caleb proposed with a worrisome gaze.

“Go back home, as a failure? My family would bury me alive if they found out. No one will respect me at the spy service. I am also sure that this will be my last mission. No, I cannot go back!” Maverick thought he was saying all these things in his head, but he was speaking it out, and Caleb heard him loud and clear.

“About your family…” Caleb began with a solemn voice.

“Yes, what about my family? Are they alright?” Maverick asked anxiously. The tone Caleb used had gotten him worried.

Caleb offered him a smile, trying to assure him that everything was alright. “Your family is doing fine, but I don't know how long I can keep lying to them. How about we work on telling them the truth, it might be hard, but lying is more dangerous. We don't pray for anything bad to happen, but in case it happens, I think your parents and siblings deserve to know what truly happened to you,” he advised.

“They would never accept me as a spy. They're too protective,” Maverick lamented. He had also missed his family, most especially his mother.

“I know what you mean, but I think they'll come into terms. By the way, hope you didn't forget what is happening tomorrow?” Caleb asked, changing the topic.

“Tomorrow?” Maverick mumbled, unsure of what was happening, suddenly he remembered. “Wait, it's my mother's birthday. Oh my gosh, I have forgotten, I haven't bought a gift for her,” he cried out.

Caleb looked at the facial expression on his face, admiring his cuteness. “Don't worry, I sent your mother a jar of scented flowers, perfumes, and chocolates in your name. You have nothing to worry about, I got it covered,” he assured him.

“Oh, that's a relief. Thank you very much, Caleb,” Maverick appreciated, and sighed.

They both sat down quietly on the couch, each of them lost in their thoughts. Maverick was thinking about his feelings, so was Caleb.

'Should I confess to him?’ Caleb wondered and turned to look at Maverick, hoping to pour out his romantic feelings.

It was at that moment that Maverick stood up and picked up the white box. “I will get going,” he informed.

“Wait!” Caleb screamed, stretching out his hands to stop him.

“Huh?” Maverick furrowed his brows in surprise, wondering why Caleb had stopped him. “What is the matter? Is everything alright? Or is something wrong with my mother?” He asked with a tensed voice, looking worried.

“No, nothing is wrong with your mother. Your family is doing fine….” Caleb assured him, and paused his sentence. He looked at Maverick, scared of getting rejected.

“Are you sure everything is alright? You know you can tell me anything, big brother?” Maverick tried to calm Caleb down, but his words ended up discouraging him.

‘Big Brother Zone.’ Caleb thought. “It's nothing, I will tell you later. Trust me, it can wait,” he informed Maverick.

Maverick didn't believe Caleb because he saw the look of nervousness in his eyes, but he decided to obey him. “Okay, greetings to my parents. For now, I need to deliver this package.”