100 Days to Seduce the Devil

Day Seventy-Five…

~~*****~~

[ EDSJ Five Star Hotel ]

As Nathan gradually stirred from his slumber, the soft glow of the breaking dawn gently filtered through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the room. He blinked his eyes open and the first thing that registered in his consciousness was the sensation of someone nestled close to him.

As he shifted slightly, Nathan's gaze fell upon the figure lying next to him. Jane was wrapped in his arms, sinking her body into his. She used his left arm as her pillow as she hugged him. Their naked bodies were covered by the quilt. He instinctively drew her closer.

Nathan couldn't help but smile as he observed her peaceful demeanor. His heart swelled with an inexplicable warmth at the sight of her. He marveled at the way she looked so effortlessly beautiful, even in the simplicity of slumber.

"Last night… was the most amazing night of my life." Nathan softly mumbled as he recalled their passionate moments.

He reached out, hesitantly tracing the contours of her face with his fingertips, careful not to disturb her rest. He brushed away a stray lock of hair from her forehead, his touch light and tender.

Nathan found himself lost in the moment, feeling an overwhelming rush of affection for Jane. He couldn't help but be struck by the depth of his emotions for her, a profound sense of gratitude for having her by his side.

"Thank you for giving me another chance… to start over with you." With a gentle sigh, Nathan leaned in closer, pressing a feather-light kiss on Jane's forehead.

It did not take long when the smile on Nathan's face disappeared. "I need to do something…" A cold glint flashed in his eyes as Vincent's face popped up in his mind.

With a plan in mind, Nathan decided to get up from the bed. In a careful and deliberate movement, he shifted his arm that was wrapped around Jane, trying to release her from his embrace without disturbing her sleep.

He slowly retracted his arm, sliding it out from beneath her. He held his breath, hoping that his movements would go unnoticed by Jane. As he inched away, a slight tug on the bedsheets caused Jane to shift slightly, murmuring his name softly in her sleep. "Nate… hmm."

Nathan froze, his heart skipping a beat. He held perfectly still, waiting for her to settle back into her peaceful slumber. He heaved a sigh of relief when Jane remained asleep. Slowly rising from the bed, he cast one more tender look at her peaceful form before quietly standing up and leaving the room.

He grabbed his phone and dialed Joker's phone number. It rang several times before it was answered by his subordinates.

"Hello, Supreme Leader? Is there something wrong?" Joker asked him in his sleepy tone. He was still in that hazy realm between sleep and wakefulness. He didn't expect that Nathan would call him as early as this. It was only 4:50 am.

"There is no need for you to continue staying under the King Stallion's command." Nathan sternly said, his icy voice mirrored his anger and resentment toward that organization.

"But why? I haven't fulfilled my task yet. Are you doubting me again, Supreme Leader?" Joker was anxious, wondering why Nathan was aborting his mission.

"It's not like that. No need to spy on them because I already know the identity of the King. However…" Nathan paused for a moment, clenching his jaw. "Before I pull you out, I want you to do something for me."

Joker's eyes widened in surprise when he heard that. He felt somehow useless. His leader managed to unfold the identity of the King which he failed to do. 

"Okay, Supreme Leader. Just tell me what do you want me to do?" Joker inquired, his eyes filled with intrigue and anticipation.

"Blow them up! The hideout of King Stallion Mafia… here in Country M!" Nathan gave his order sternly.

Joker: "..."

Joker blinked his eyes in disbelief. This was a very bold move from Nathan's end. He wondered what pushed his Supreme Leader to take a move first. He could tell that his Supreme Leader was very pissed off right now. 

'Did they offend him that much?' he pondered to himself.

"When do you want me to fulfill this mission, Supreme Leader?" Joker asked him again.

"Right. Now!" Nathan answered him with two simple words. But there was urgency in his tone. He couldn't wait to punish Vincent and Monica.

Killing them was not enough to ease Jane's suffering. He wouldn't give them an easy way out. They had to suffer for playing with Jane's feelings.

"This is your last chance. Show me your loyalty. I want to hear good news in a few minutes!" Nathan added.

Meanwhile, Joker felt intense pressure after hearing Nathan's firm command. He just woke up and he didn't prepare for this. How could he blow up the entire hideout without a high-explosive bomb? Furthermore, Nathan ordered him to do it right away.

"O-Okay, Supreme Leader. I got it!" Joker didn't waste any more time. His sleepiness dissipated in the air. He jumped off his bed and grabbed his jacket. He had no time to spare. He needed to accomplish the mission to prove his loyalty to Nathan. This was his last chance.

When Nathan hung up, Joker left his quarter. He had been staying in the King Stallion Hideout. 

'I have to be resourceful. Time is of the essence. I must act now!' Joker thought to himself, wishing to impress Nathan and gain his trust back.

Fortunately, Joker had expertise in creating improvised explosives. He would use his available materials and the resources in the hideout to blow up everything!

Twenty minutes later, Joker roamed around the hideout, carrying an assortment of makeshift explosives in a worn duffel bag slung over his shoulder. He was cautious with his every step, making sure not to attract attention. There were several members roaming around, staying on guard.

With eerie precision, the Joker began setting up his improvised explosives around the perimeter of the hideout, his nimble fingers working swiftly despite the complexity of his devices. He chuckles softly, trying to forget his uneasiness.

'I hope I won't get caught before I finish planting all the bombs,' Joker prayed inwardly. He checked his wristwatch. He only had ten minutes left. Nathan was expecting to hear the good news after half an hour.

'Tick-tock, tick-tock, the King Stallion's time about to stop,' Joker mumbled inwardly, trying to calm his nervous nerves.

Phoenix and Speed were both in the hideout. He just wished he wouldn't encounter those two today.

He carefully arranged the timers, connecting wires. The faint clicking of the mechanisms echoed through the empty space. Joker managed to avoid the observant eyes of the roaming guards. He made sure to hide the bombs very well.

Once satisfied with his handiwork, the Joker stands back, preparing to escape before blowing up the hideout. In a hurried movement, Joker went to the front gate, holding the detonator.

The moment he stepped out of the main gate, Joker pressed the button.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

Simultaneous loud sounds of explosion in various areas of the hideout erupted. The ground shook from the force of the blast. Flames licked the sky, shattered remnants of the building raining down like confetti.

'Oh Man! I did it!' Joker praised his own self.

The chaos broke out in that hidden headquarters of the King Stallion Mafia. He could even hear some screaming from the distance. He recorded the devastating scene using his phone and sent the video to Nathan.

'Uh-oh! I have to leave now!' Joker watched the building on fire for one last time before he turned around to flee.