Chapter 1
I worked at an uptown bar where the list to get in is longer than anyone could count. Only high-end CEO's and corporate 500's could get in. I was a waitress and even though the tips were good most of the men couldn't keep their hands to themselves. Most girls quit after a week but I needed the money so I stayed on.
In the lady's locker room, I pulled my rusty brown hair into a bun pinning down the fly always. Checking my makeup and uniform in the mirror I put on my best fake smile before walking out onto the floor. Cigar smoke and rich alcohol filled my nose. Ben the bartender waved me over. “Hey Piper VIP room 2 needs these drinks yesterday.“ He said handing me a tray of whiskey and scotch I could never afford.
Walking threw the lion's den I felt their eyes on me smiling I walked past them to the stairs and right up to VIP room 2. Knocking on the door I heard a deep husky voice speak.
“Come in.“ Opening the door I saw 4 men. The first 3 were older and the other one was probably early 30's. He has large thick shoulders and a 3 piece suit black with a dark tie. His hair was slicked back his underneath was shaved. His jaw looked like it could cut diamonds and his pricing hazel eye looked into my soul. It gave me chills.
“Are you going to give up our drinks or stand there?“ One of the old men said blowing out a thick cloud of cigar smoke.
“Oh yes sorry sir.“ I said placing the drinks down I smiled before walking to the door.“
“Gosh times have truly changed you can't hire good people I swear.“ The old man said I felt my shoulders tense as I walked out of the room. I can't lose this job. Walking back to the bartender I saw the new girl pinned against a wall. Rushing over to her I pulled the guy off of her.
“Hey what the hell man.“ I yelled at him.
“We were just having fun mind your business.“ He said pushing her back against the wall.
I could see the fear all over her face. Pulling on his shoulder. “We aren't strippers or hookers you don't get to touch us.“
“Buzz off bitch.“ He said back handing me. I hit the ground landing on my ass. Holding my hand to my face I watch a big black shadow walk up to the guy and clock him right in the jaw. The new girl ran away. When I looked up again I saw a big hand reaching for me.
Standing up I dust myself off. “I had it covered…” I stopped talking when my eyes met his. I felt my stomach flip as I stepped back. “I'm so sorry sir. It won't happen again.“
He didn't say anything as his eyes burned holes threw me. I couldn't move I was like a deer in the headlights. After what felt like an eternity (but was only a few seconds) eight men ran up to us.
“Boss, what happened?“ A man in a much cheaper black suit asked looking from me to the mystery man.
He kept his eyes on me as he spoke. “Take the trash out would you.“ A couple of guys picked up the creep and dragged him away.
Reaching into his suit Mr. Tall dark and handsome pulled out a dark handkerchief. “You're bleeding.“ He said handing it to me.
“Oh.“ I said touching my lip. I wince from the pain as I dapped the small cut. Looking up again to say thank you I'm met with a space where he was standing.
Rolling my eyes I walk to the bar. “Oh shit P are you okay?“ Ben asked setting down a cup he's been cleaning for 10 minutes.
“Yeah some ass backhanded me.“ I said leaning on the bar. “Is it bad?“
“Well… it's not great.“ Ben said poking my swollen lip.
“I have work after this.“ I say with a loud sigh. The next couple of hours blur busting tables and telling men hands off.
Back in the locker room, the few girls still here are huddled around my locker. “What the hell?“ I ask moving them aside. Tucked in the closed door is a black card with silver metallic letters.
"PRIMAL HAVEN"
Was the only thing written on it. What the hell is this? I can hear the girls whispering behind me as I flip the black card over in my hand.
“Isn't that the resort casino that world diplomats wait years to get into?“ One of the girls said and they all shut up.
Opening my locker I threw the card in my back pocket changed my shirt and left. Why would someone leave this stupid card for me? It has to be a joke. Checking my phone I rush to the nearest bus stop. Shit, it's five am I have work in thirty minutes.
On the city bus to job number two I try to cover the purple swollen lip with makeup. Every little bump sends my finger right to it making throb. Finally giving up I look around.
A few seats away there is a young guy in a cheap black suit looking at me. What's wrong goon patrol there wasn't room on the battmobile. I chuckle to myself and he shifts his weight still looking at me. Okay, now he's giving me the creeps. Pulling the cord above my head the bus comes to a stop and I leave the bus.
Walking down the sidewalk I get a deep chill in my spine. I turn my head and the creepy guy is behind me. What the hell? He isn't right behind me but I know he is there. What is this guy's deal? Was his buddy the guy who got kicked out of the bar?
Just a few more minutes Piper and you're at the Cafe. I quicken my pace. Why did I get off the bus? At least on the bus, there were other people around.
I can hear his footsteps coming up behind me. Do I go for the tried and true keys between the fingers or just kick him in the balls? Fuck it I'm going kick him. Turning around I'm almost face to face with him. Taking a deep breath I kick him as hard as I can.
He lets out a deep groan followed by a small screech. Holding his jewels he falls to his knees. I take a step back. My heart is pounding.
"I don't get paid enough for this," he said through clenched teeth.
"Ew, you sicko you get paid to stalk women?" I asked taking another step back.
"No the boss asked me to make sure that Jack ass from the bar didn't follow you and to make sure you made it where ever safe," he said still very much in pain.
"Oops," I said offering to help him up. He waved my hand away as he slowly stood up.
"Do you want some ice?" I asked. Now I kinda feel bad fuck he could have been less creepy about it.
"Yeah. Jezz did you used to kickbox?" He asked.
"Nope Soccer in high school" I replied pulling out my keys to open up the Cafe door. Samantha was already at work. She shot me a confused look as I helped him into a chair. I popped behind the counter for some ice.
"Hey, are you okay?" Samantha asked.
"Yeah ill explain later," I said walking back over to him. Looking up I saw him on the phone.
"It's not funny! She kicked me, boss. Okay, see you then" He said as I handed him the bag of ice.
"Look I'm sorry but next time don't be so creepy," I said trying to sound sincere.
He didn't say anything he just iced his crouch and laid his head down on the table. I went to work with Samantha cleaning the coffee machines and wiping down tables. After a few minutes, I heard the little bell on the front door chime. Turning I smiled, "Welcome to..." It was him. Mr. Tall dark and handsome from the bar.
His eyes shot to me. Looking me up and down before looking at his wounded goon. He didn't say anything as he walked over to the table scooting out the chair in front of the creepy guy sitting down.
I took a deep breath pulling out my order pad. "Good morning what can I get you guys?" I asked with a big fake smile and my best customer service voice.
He looked up at me and I got the same chill as before. "Did you get my card?" He asked
"This one?" I asked pulling it from my back pocket. He gave me a nod.
"Be there at 8p.m tonight" He said before standing and walking out the door his friend followed close behind.
I was a little taken aback by him and I messed up quite a few orders that day.
"Okay spill it!" Samantha said leaning on the counter as I filled coffee orders.
"I'm not sure what you mean," I said trying to remember what this order was.
"You don't? Okay how about we talk about the two dudes in suits this morning," she said helping place my order on the tray.
"Oh them. Well...." I said rushing off to give the coffee to table 7.
I spent most of my shift trying not to answer any questions about it. I didn't want Samantha to know about my other job. She warned me not to take it but I needed the money so I didn't tell her. I knew at some point I would have to tell her I just didn't think it would be today.
"You better tell me something or I'll think the worst," she said crossing her arms.
"Okay fine," I said letting out a sigh. "I took the job at the bar even though you said not to and there was an incident up there last night."
"What do you mean incident?" She asked resting her hand on my shoulder.
"A guy got a little too friendly with one of the waitresses so I stepped in and he hit me," I said poking at a coffee mug sitting on the counter.
"What? You better be joking?" She asked
"No, but Mr. Tall dark and handsome hit the guy and threw him out of the bar and send goony tones to make sure I didn't get followed. I didn't know that so I kick him in his family jewels and well you know the rest," I said with a big smile trying to smooth things over.
Samantha didn't look amused. I could feel the heat coming off her as she replayed what I just said in her head. I refilled a few more coffees as she just stood there and after a while, she walked up to me and said the funniest thing, "Are you gonna bang suit guy because if not I will."
I laughed so loud that all the customers turned and looked at me. Samantha took my hand and lead me into the back of the Cafe.
I was still laughing when she covered my mouth. "For real he was hot," she said.
"Okay, I've got to ask the guy I brought in here or the guy that walked in?" I asked trying not to laugh again.
"The guy you brought in here. He was super cute," she said. I could see her starting to blush.
"He's all yours," I said checking my phone. "And with that note, I'm off work," I said shooting her a smile and walking out the front door.
I stretched sitting at the bus stop. I can't believe it's already 10 am and I'm not even tired yet. I guess that's the perk of working at a Cafe after an all-nighter at the bar. It wasn't so bad I just had 2 bus rides and I was home.
Sitting there scrolling threw social media a black car pulls up and another goon in a black suit steps out. "Miss. Shaw?" He asked
"Yeah?" I hesitated to answer.
"I was sent to give you a ride home," he said opening the back door of the car.
"Nope. No way I'm getting in a mystery car with some random guy," I said crossing my arms.
The man pulled out a phone and handed it to me. It rang a few times when I heard his voice, "Why aren't you getting in the car I sent for you?"
"I don't know you or this guy you sent," I said.
"Get in the car," he said a little more annoyed.
"No. If you want me to show up tonight then I'll see you then but stop sending your goon patrol to stalk me or I'm not going. Got it?" I said.
I heard him sigh before speaking, "Give Josh the phone."
Handing it back to Josh I watch him close the door and drive off. I guess that was that. After my 2 bus rides I was tired walking up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment Turing the key I locked it behind me and headed straight to my bed. Flopping down I set an alarm for 6 on my phone and passed out. It had been a long day.
