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ELSIE

My hands were shaking and I felt my throat get dry.

Why was I getting nervous over nothing?

I'll just serve the table and that was it. It's not like the people there are going to interrogate or yell at me. Well I hope they don't.

I have had couple of times where costumers tried to make conversations with me. Telling me their life stories or problems.

This will be more of a business dinner so I don't think anyone will even pay attention to me.

"Is my hair okay?" Aspen asked and almost whined while looking at herself in the mirror. I knew the struggle of not being able to fix your hair when you needed it the most.

"Let me pin this strand." I said and took the bobby pin from her hand. I carefully fixed the back of her hair, while trying not to mess up anything else.

"Ugh thank you. I'll literally cut it bald one day. I swear I can't take it anymore." Aspen had a beautiful shinning blond hair. It was long and straight.

She was tall and had a stunning porcelain skin. Her piercing blue eyes were the first thing people noticed about her and she had the most adorable smile. Long elegant posture was what I envied the most about her appearance.

I on the other hand, was completely opposite.

I was pretty short, well average high but I guess people around me were always tall. Even though I was on the skinnier size, I didn't look like a model. And being like this wasn't really my choice or from having diets. It was more because I didn't have time to take care of myself.

With Ian and everything, I barely had any time to actually look after my figure.

My boobs were none existent and as well as my ass. I had glasses resting on my button nose because my vision was worse than ever. Now that I thought of it, I haven't visited the ophthalmologist in what it feels like forever.

Today my red wine hair was in a slick bun and I was glad that at least my hair was not acting up.

Since I was young, I have been insecure about my hair. It was slightly curly and always required a lot of time and care. Even my classmates use to make fun of it and since middle school, I have been straightening it or putting it in tight hairstyles.

"They will be here soon." Lucas walked by us and all we were able to hear, were his harsh breaths.

He left as soon as he informed us and I nodded my head twice. Okay...

We still haven't gotten our uniforms so I was wearing our usual clothes. White shirt and black dress pants. The apron around my waist was in a dark burgundy colour and somehow matched my hair.

There have been couple of important dinners here. It was a den for rich people. I have served them and nothing ridiculous happened. It was like a regular day.

This time though, our boss specifically emphasised how major this business dinner will be. Apparently a lot of important men will attend it.

My mind went back to Ian. He was staying at Travis' place. Just like always, he offered for him to be there till I come back.

It tore my heart that I couldn't take him out. It always turns out to be like this. Every time I make him a promise, I break it. So many times I have told him that I will be taking him either to the park or to his favourite fast food restaurant, or anywhere else he loved, something had to come up.

Just like today.

"Elsie, the guests are here." Aspen spoke and I cleared my throat.

We walked over to the table. My shiny flats made quiet noises on the floor as we made our way over to our destination.

They were seated on the more private area of the restaurant, where usually these type of dinners were held. Mine and Aspen's job was to serve them food and stay as close as possible in case they needed something.

Thankfully they were not going to be ordering since they were going to be eating a special dish that the chef prepared.

Aspen took the order for the drinks and we quickly walked to the kitchen. We grabbed all of the drinks and everything else we needed.

The tray in my hands felt too heavy and I struggled to stay still on my shaky legs.

Where was this anxiety coming from I had no idea. I hated myself for being like this.

There were total of seven men around the table. On the head of the table was a man probably in his thirties. He had all black suit and a thin silver chain around his neck.

His green eyes were following each man that spoke and were rounded with thick dark lashes. The brown soft-looking hair was messily pushed back. As I got closer to him, I noticed a small scar run over his nose that had a light dust of freckles over it.

He looked intimidating though. The way he was sitting alone made me want to get away from him.

The other man were all also dressed in suits with expensive watches on their wrists. Laughs were heard here and there but the man on the head of the table looked like he wanted to leave any moment.

After we served the drinks, me and Aspen retreated to our positions. Away from the table yet close for any requests.

From what I was able to hear, they talked about business and hotels and restaurants. Boring conversations.

"Do you know that the man over there with the black suit is the Carolingian." Aspen whispered so low that I almost didn't hear her.

Carolingian. I have heard of that name before.

They were involved in the crime organisations world. That much I knew. It was no secret that there were couple of Mafia families that lived here. We have heard it on the news or read online.

Nothing too much was particularly known about them but we knew they lived here.

Also our boss was definitely involved with them. As a worker here, I tried not to pay too much attention to that. I just needed money and that was it. What they were doing was none of my business.

"And that man over there. The one with the blue eyes is the boss of the Ferreira family." I averted my gaze to where he was seated. He had dark brown skin that shone under the lights. His eyes on the other hand were in a very beautiful blue colour.

He looked ethereal.

"How do you know all of this?" I whispered back.

"I'm very noisy as you know." She really was. Whatever information I needed, I just texted Aspen for it. And I had it delivered in few minutes.

I nodded my head while chewing on my lip from nervousness. All I wanted to do was smack myself in the head for being this anxious over nothing.

My fingers reached for my glasses and I pushed up the bridge of my nose.

A loud laugh echoed through the space and it was one of the men around the table that spoke the loudest. He was probably in his late fifties but man did he not know how to keep the conversation down.

Lucas called out for us and it was time to serve the food.

When we reached the kitchen, chef Raoul gave us a smile and clapped his palms together. "Let's see if they like it." He said and let out a throaty chuckle.

"Of course they will. When have people not liked your food?" I said to ease his nerves even though I myself was shaking from anxiety. But it was true. His food was amazing.

"Thank you, Eli." He smiled my way and I returned the smile. Raoul was like our father over here. He made sure that all of the workers ate the best food as well.

Like the kindest person he is, he sometimes prepares food for me before I leave so I can take it home to Ian.

"Well, make sure to tell me all of their reactions okay?"

"We sure will, Raoul." Aspen spoke and we grabbed the plates filled with delicious-looking food. It also smelled heavenly.

We pushed through the door and made our way to the main space.

I placed the plate in front of the intimidating man and saw him nod his head and point his gaze in front of him.

I did as well with the other plate and when I noticed the glass of the intimidating man empty, I offered to refill it.

"Do you want a refill, sir?" I gestured to his glass.

"Mhmm." He hummed and from that same small sound, it was evident that he had a low rough voice.

Just like I imagined. I don't know why was I even imagining it.

With shaky hands, I took a hold of the drink and started pouring it.

The glass was not even half way filled when I felt a hand on my back. It was the loud guy. His palm rested on the small of my back for a few seconds and the action made shiver run down my spine.

My eyes widened and like the clumsy person I was, I accidentally spilled some of the drink on the jacket of the intimidating man.

Oh crap.

"I'm so sorry, sir." I immediately started apologising and placed the bottle on the table. My boss looked at me from his seat. Shit. I was in trouble.

Without thinking, I snatched one of the tissues and began dabbing it on the rich material of his suit. It must cost fortunes and I ruined it.

But why did the loud guy even placed his hand on me? What was his deal?

"It's okay. It's just a jacket." Okay so he really had a deep voice. He suddenly stood up and stripped the soaked suit jacket. He was tall, like really tall. The muscles on his stomach and arms flexed as he was now left only in his shirt.

"Clean that and leave." Boss forced a smile on his face as he gritted out the words.

"Again, I'm really sorry." Is all I said before I wiped the liquid off the table and straightened myself up. Before I left, I lifted my head and looked at the man again.

This time his green eyes were on me and I felt my cheeks coat in blush.

"Sorry." I apologised for the last time, turned around and hurried back to the kitchen.

Way to go Elsie. Great job.

The last thing I need right now is to be fired. What if he demands that? I wouldn't be surprised if he did.

Aspen looked at me with pity and reassured me that everything will be fine. Well I hope so.

I tried to push the ill thoughts of losing my job aside and continued with carrying plates to the main place.

The time passed very slow but my heartbeat was beating like crazy. With clasped hands, I stayed in my place until the whole dinner was finished. We picked up the plates and cleaned everything around.

Thankfully no one said anything to me but I'm sure my boss will soon have a conversation with me.

I watched the men leave and my nerves started to ease.

Aspen gently rubbed my arm up and down in comfort. "Elsie, you won't lose your job don't worry. It happens. Also you should tell our boss about that man touching your back."

"I don't want any trouble. If he doesn't mention anything neither will I."

"Don't say that. You should definitely tell him. He has no right to put his ugly hands on you." She was right but I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I'm sure I'll be the one to get in trouble if I said anything about it.

How will I stand up against a man that probably owns half the city?

"It's okay, Aspen. I just really hope I don't get fired." Her gaze stayed on mine for few more seconds and then she finally nodded her head.

⋆˚✿˖°

I pushed the door open and stepped outside on the warm weather. Summer was nearing and the air was becoming warmer by each day.

Nothing beats the feeling of finishing a shift and knowing that I'll just go home lay on the couch and rest. Well if nothing comes up.

The bag in my hands had a small container with food in it and I adjusted the strap of my purse higher on my shoulder.

The sun was already set as it was past 8 pm. The streets were nicely lit with lights but still, it was pretty dark. Especially on the side of the city where I lived.

I fixed my glasses for the hundredth time as I made my way down the sidewalk.

Ian must be waiting for me patiently. I knew how much he hated when he had to be at Travis' place at his time.

He was use to being home and playing with his toys in his bedroom or in the living room.

Cars passed by and I kept my gaze up front, not wanting to get attention from the wrong crowd. It was the last thing I would want right now. I didn't have any energy for fighting and I was freaking tired.

A sound of a vehicle being near reached my ears and I fastened my walk. Just when I thought of it.

The window of the car opened and someone spoke. "Hey, Elsie right?"

As soon as I heard the voice, I recognised it.

The intimidating man. What did he want now?

I turned my head to the car and saw him inside. One of his hand was on the steering wheel while he was slightly bending his head just to look at me.

I stooped in my place and cleared my throat. Was he going to make a big deal out of earlier?

"Yes?"

"Get in the car. I'll take you wherever you need. You shouldn't be walking alone at this time."

"No, thank you. I'm fine." I said immediately. Was he being for real? Did he really thought I'll get in a car with a stranger?

He let out a sigh before nodding once. Just when I thought that he was going to drive off, he opened the door of his car and got out.

He placed his hand on the top of the car and looked at me again. This time his eyes traveled over my outfit.

Most people thought that my style was ridiculous. That had its own benefits. It kept unwanted male's attention away from me.

I had a green t-shirt with a hot pink thin cardigan on top of it and navy blue pants. The scrunchy I had on my hair was in a yellow color and my purse was in the same shade.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved experimenting with colors and was never ashamed to wear something different.

"I won't harm you. I'll just take you to your home."

"Look, I'm sorry for earlier but I just want to go home peacefully like I do every day. Alone." I empathise the last word. In what world would the head of the Carolingian family even offer something like this?

I didn't need getting involved with him in any way.

"If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have been offering you this in a nice way. I would have thrown you in the car before you were able to utter a word." His eyebrow lifted. It was true but you never knew people's intentions.

"Still, it's a no." I tightened my grip on the bag and didn't back down.

"Okay then." He pushed the door close and locked the car with his key.

He rounded the car and stepped close to me with his hands in the pockets of his black slacks.

"Then I'll walk you to your home." Oh my God, was this man not going to give up?

I didn't said anything, I just stayed still, my head slightly tilted to get a better look at him. There was a lump forming in my throat and my heartbeat increased again.

Couldn't he just leave?

"We can stay here all night if you want."

And he sure was not joking with that. He seemed pretty determined to do what he was intending to do.

"Alright." This man in front of me was going to find out where I live. Amazing. But I'm sure if he wanted to find out, he would have already. Wasn't he like mega rich or something? He must have every information with the snap of his fingers.

Shifting the bag from one to another hand, I began to walk.

The man that I didn't even know the name of, started to walk with me. Well he was like four feet away from me.

He was on left side of the sidewalk, while I was on the right side, close to the buildings.

His polished shoes clacked on the concrete as we silently walked. This was not awkward at all. The man walked like he owned the world though.

The people passing by cowered themselves at his presence. It must feel great for him. Not being scared to walk at this time on the streets. I was actually terrified of it.

About fifteen minutes passed when the apartment building appeared in my vision. The old man from the sixth floor was outside like always with a beer in his hands. He wasn't of any harm but I know that the fights he had with his wife, were so loud that everyone in the building was able to hear.

"Well, sir. Thank you." I said when I stopped on the street before going on the other side of the road. He didn't have to exactly see in which flat I'm going.

"Fenix. And you are welcome." That was a... beautiful name.

I gave him a quick smile and waited for him to walk away. He didn't. I was going to lose my shit.

"You can go now. You must have more important things."

"I don't. You think I walked over to here just to let you alone again?" Just when I thought I was going to get rid of him. Whatever.

"Okay... Bye." I waved at him and hurriedly crossed the street. Billy, the drunk neighbour muttered couple of words but I was already inside of the building.

FENIX

She disappeared behind the doors and I waited for a few more seconds to make sure she was fully safe.

My eyes were still sore from the outfit she wore. Who even wears that much colours together?

My jaw clenched as I saw another drunken man join the one that was already standing close by the door. She lives here and has to walk all alone.

I grabbed the phone from my pocket and quickly found Kieran's number.

"Sup boss?"

"Find out informations about Elsie that works at Nino's restaurant. Everything you can find. Who she lives with, if she has a boyfriend, who her family and friends are..." As much as I didn't really care, still there was a feeling in the back of my head wanting to know more about her.

"On it." Kieran said and I could practically see him nodding his head.

"Before I forget. Make a call to Big John, I want to see him tomorrow."

"Did something happen at the dinner?"

"Yeah, I want to exchange few words with him." Or cut few of his fingers to more exact. Or I could just cut off his whole hand. He has no business touching people without their permission.

"I will." With that we hung up and I threw a last glance at the flat before I turned around and got back to my car.

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