Flames

~The Girl on the Cover~

“What’s her name?”

Kendrick Oliver Alvarez’s voice was cold as he held a glossy magazine in one hand.

His eyes were locked on the woman on the cover a model in a red satin dress, seductive gaze, curves that seemed sculpted to wreck the focus of anyone who looked.

They were in the private lounge on the top floor of Alpha Tower. Quiet, cold, and filled with luxury. But Kendrick’s attention was fixed on the woman in the photo.

“Hyacinth,” answered Noah, his most trusted man. Tall, calm face, always alert. Holding an iPad, and always standing two steps behind his boss.

“I want her. Find her.”

Kendrick’s tone left no room for doubt.

He was used to getting what he wanted women, businesses, information. All it took was his signature, and it was his.

Noah hesitated. “Sir… this girl… there’s a slight complication.”

Kendrick turned slightly. “Complication? Is she sick?” he asked, almost bored.

“She’s been out of the public eye for a while. Not very active anymore. But records show she’s still signed with Starshine Agency,” Noah explained.

Kendrick smirked, lips cold.

“With all our connections, do you really think anything’s hard for me?”

He tossed the magazine onto the center table and propped his feet up.

“Pull every string, Noah. I want her before the week ends.”

“Yes, boss.”

In Noah’s head, it’s just a girl on a cover. But he knew Kendrick.

When he wanted something, nothing not laws, not bones stood in the way.

The next day, Noah headed to Starshine Agency with three men in suits. They looked like they didn’t care who saw them.

They were greeted by David Lim bold personality, flashy, and famously connected to the elite.

“Welcome!” David said, kissing his chihuahua on the cheek. Dressed in a floral polo and oversized sunglasses indoors.

“Let me guess… someone’s looking for my baby girl again?” he asked while stroking the dog.

“Actually, my boss wants to meet with Hyacinth. It’s urgent,” Noah replied.

David rolled his eyes. “Alvarez, huh? That good-looking but dangerous mafia guy? Hmmm… lemme see.”

Noah smiled. “You know him well.”

“Your boss has paid me for women before. But Hyacinth? She’s different. Not easy to book. Tell your boss to pick someone else.”

“Double the price,” Noah said without hesitation.

David paused. “Hmm. That’s what I like a man who thinks fast. Fine. But I have one condition.”

“Name it. I’ll handle it.”

“She’ll meet him tonight. But I don’t want any drama. Tell Kendrick he needs to be gentle this time, okay?”

“Promise.”

Noah smiled as he watched the talent manager kiss his dog again.

In his head, there’s no such thing as ‘gentle’ with Kendrick.

That night, Noah returned to his boss’s penthouse. Kendrick was lounging on a leather couch, feet up, swirling a glass of wine the kind of calm before something dangerous.

“Boss, meeting’s secured. David Lim set it up himself. 8 PM tonight.”

Kendrick smiled. “How much did he ask for?”

“Double. As expected.”

“David’s always been greedy,” Kendrick said, swirling the wine glass.

“But for Hyacinth? I’d pay ten times if I had to.”

“Do you really want to get to know her, boss? Or is this just…”

“She’s different, Noah. Those eyes... they pull you in.”

Kendrick stood and stared out at the city skyline through the glass wall.

“I want to see her. Tonight.”

“Even if she’s like a pitbull?” Noah asked.

“She’s tough?”

“Tough, boss. As strong as your whiskey.”

Kendrick smirked. “That’s what I like. The challenge.”