"Dammit" I yelled as I slammed my fist on my desk and knocked every item off watching them crash to the floor. I knew the time would come when other rivals would start looking for my weaknesses, but I didn't expect them to find out about her so soon.

Little Lucy didn't know what business I was involved in, she was too young to know and I didn't want her asking questions. All she knew was that I was in charge of several large companies and was boss to loads of workers. Ever since mum and dad passed away I have been suffocatingly protective over her so much so that she has 2 bodyguards with her at all times and I know her every move. Call me crazy, but apart from Maria, she's the only person I have left. If something were to ever happen to her, I'd crumble and fall.

"Boss. The men are in the cars waiting outside ready for your next orders".

My fists clenched tightly together as I desperately tried to reign in my anger that was increasing by the second. I had to be calm in situations like these, my father always taught me that.

"Let's go. There's not a second to spare". Pushing my chair back I stood up abruptly grabbing my phone and slipping it into my pocket before nodding my head at the door. Jackson nodded in response and headed out the door first as I followed closely behind him.

They've messed with the wrong person.

A 20 minute drive later

"I want eyes and ears on the surrounding areas. If there's a threat then there's a high chance they could already be here. However, I do not want you to fire unless they fire first. We are next to a school, I do not want frighten any children or anyone injured. If you see someone suspicious, take a picture, do a background check and if you feel the urgency then knock them out and bring them to the warehouse. Am I clear?"

My men nodded sharply and relayed the message on the phone to the other men in their cars situated in different positions around the school. It may have looked dramatic, but when it comes to Lucy, I don't play around.

I stepped out the car and held my jacket over my arm as I confidently walked over to the entrance of the school.

"Good morning Mr Gray. Did Lucy forget something today?" The bored looking receptionist suddenly perked up and tugged at her collar as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

Suddenly a few female staff members peered out from the staff room door way staring at me. I could practically smell their desperation coming off at them like an disgusting smell.

"No, it was more that I forgot something. Lucy has a hospital appointment and won't be coming back to school today".

"Oh, er of course. If you could sign her out and I'll inform the teacher and bring her here". The lady at the desk pushed forward a clipboard and offered me a black pen with a smile. Grabbing the pen from her badly fake tanned hand I proceeded to write down all the fake information about Lucy's hospital appointment.

As I continued to sign and date the pupil removal form I could hear hushed whispers from the receptionist speaking to Lucy's teacher. But before I could listen to more she put the phone down and typed away at her computer.

"Dean, what's going on?". I placed down the pen as my little sister's voice echoed around the room making my heart race. I looked up at her to see nothing but confusion on her face. She knew full well that she didn't have a hospital appointment, but thank God she was smart for not questioning me.

"We have an appointment. It was my fault, I forgot". I tried to sound as convincing as possible, but from that familiar look I could tell she didn't believe me and had a lot of questions.

"Hope it goes alright Lucy" the annoying receptionist blurted out loud efficiently making Lucy jump.

Instinctively, I grabbed Lucy's hand and dragged her out of the reception keeping her close to my side hoping to scare off whoever was after her.

As I escorted her over to the car and ushered her inside quickly and quietly she stared accusingly at the other men in the car and let out a loud sigh as she put her seat belt on.

"What's going on dean bean? I know I haven't got an appointment". I nodded at Jackson to start driving and whispered for him to take me and Lucy to the Riverside Cafe.

"Seriously, don't call me that again. But I'm sorry for lying Lucy, we just had a problem at work". How the hell was I meant to explain that a threat had been made against her.

"Oooohkaaay? But why am I involved?". I smiled subtly. She was smart for her age. Most kids nowadays loved being taken out of school randomly. But not Lucy. She loved school and loved learning. That was the effect of our mum and dad.

"Listen Lou, a rival boss threatened me over my business and I didn't like the idea of you being at school and unprotected should anything happen". Lucy stared at me and the men unsure as to whether my reason was enough to convince her. But thankfully she shrugged her shoulders and turned to look out the window.

"So where are we going then?".

"I'm taking you to the Riverside Cafe. Some of my men will be coming with us too". Honestly I just wanted it to be us two, but I wanted extra men around for protection. I doubted anyone would do anything. They'd be stupid to. But I wanted them there just in case anything should happen.

"But we had a big breakfast. It's only like 10:50am".

"Are you serious Lucy. I'm offering you more food. Free food". Suddenly the car fell silent, I could tell the men were trying to hold back their snickers.

"Oh, well then. Drive faster please".

And as if on queue the car erupted with the laughter we had so desperately tried to hold back. The little food monster in the back soon joining in with the infectious laughter.

As we pulled up alongside the cute and relatively new cafe, we all stepped out of the car and stared straight up at it. I had never been here before but had always wanted an excuse to take Lucy and I.

"Where is Rosie? Is she still back at the house" Lucy suddenly blurted out making me choke on air.

I turned to see men snickering and chattering amongst themselves wondering who this Rosie was.

"She's gone home".

"What. Did you force her out? I'll kick your ass if that's the case".

"Language Lucy. And no. She had to go back. She wanted to go home". Lucy rolled her eyes and made an o shape with her lips. Opening up the door I held it open and gently eased Lucy inside and signalled for the other men to follow.

The cafe was not massive, yet held so much life. There was a calm atmosphere, the room smelt like vanilla and the aroma of coffee wafted through the friendly cafe. Soothing music played quietly in the background as people enjoyed their delicious drinks and tasty food.

Heading over to a large empty table, I pulled out a chair for Lucy and smiled as she whispered a small thank you before seating herself down in it. I watched as my men sat down one by one staring around the adorable little cafe.

My back was facing the busy cafe atmosphere, but as I stared up at Jackson to ask him for any news, I noticed he was staring up behind me with a small smirk on his face. Just as I turned around to see who or what he was looking at, a small quiet familiar voice came from right behind me.

"Hello my name is Rosie and I'll be your waitress. Can I get you any drinks?"