PROLOGUE
At first, Sateria found it difficult to acclimate to her new reality. Unlike many who had faced the harshness of street life, her upbringing had been relatively stable and predictable. Residing in a cozy apartment near Lake Michigan, she spent her days working at the bustling Grand Lux Café, a vibrant establishment renowned for its lively atmosphere and delectable menu. The café attracted a steady stream of customers, creating a whirlwind of activity that kept her on her toes. For Sateria, this frenetic energy was nothing short of invigorating. The tips flowed generously from grateful patrons, allowing her to comfortably cover her bills and indulge in little luxuries. Despite the challenges ahead, her life felt grounded in routine and purpose.
On an ordinary day, the bustling restaurant’s door swung open, and in walked a figure that commanded immediate attention. With her keen eye, the hostess immediately recognized him and gestured for him to follow her, guiding him past the throngs of anxious diners. Those patrons, some of whom had been waiting for what felt like an eternity, narrowed their eyes in disbelief and envy.
He moved with effortless confidence, his dazzling smile radiating warmth that seemed to light up the entire room. As he settled into his seat at a prime table, the air around him shifted; curious glances and murmurs rippled through the crowd. They watched him with a mix of fascination and resentment, their anticipation now a part of the unfolding drama in the restaurant.
Aurelius Johnathan Gianopoulos Jr. strode purposefully through the dining room, an intense energy trailing in his wake. There was an undeniable magnetism about him, an aura that drew every gaze away from their meals to focus solely on him. His tall, athletic frame stood out effortlessly amidst the crowd, exuding confidence without an air of arrogance. His striking green eyes were deep and intense, captivating anyone fortunate enough to share a moment of connection; they seemed to hold a spark of intrigue that dared you to look away.
His brunette hair was impeccably groomed, softly tousled yet free of styling products, giving him an effortlessly polished appearance. Clad in attire that balanced sophistication with casual elegance, Aurelius glided rather than walked as though the room was his stage. The attention he commanded was not merely due to his physical attractiveness but stemmed from a charismatic presence that seemed to envelop the space around him, leaving a lingering sense of admiration in the eyes of those who watched.
Despite his wealth, not everyone recognized him. He may not have been a celebrity, but his affluence was undeniable. On that particular day, Sateria manned her station with an air of exhaustion; she had little patience for rude customers. Johnny, known by this name among his friends, intended to approach her respectfully and kindly. Yet, the undeniable chemistry between Sateria and Johnny hung in the air, evident to anyone who glanced in their direction.
She approached his table with a slight tension in her shoulders. Although her mood was not quite bright, she was still committed to providing a pleasant experience for her hungry patrons.
“Hello, and welcome to Grand Lux Café. I’m Sateria,” she greeted, her voice warm despite the weariness in her eyes. “What can I get for you today?”
Johnny’s gaze lingered on her, captivated by her toned physique and polite demeanor. “Hello, Sateria,” he replied, a hint of eagerness in his smile as he leaned slightly forward, clearly hungry for more than just food.
Sateria had encountered many customers like him before, those whose eyes roamed over her too appreciatively, and she recognized the look all too well. With a practiced and disingenuous smile, she asked, “What can I do for you today, sir?”
Her indifference to his identity took him aback; she seemed completely unfazed, which he found utterly unacceptable. Glancing down at the menu before him, he didn’t need to think long. “Well, I’ll take the filet mignon wrapped in bacon, medium, please. Baked potato and green beans on the side.”
Sateria glanced at her watch, her brow furrowing in confusion. It couldn’t possibly be that late. She realized with a start that what he had selected was indeed from the dinner menu, and it was only two in the afternoon. A genuine smile broke through her earlier facade as she responded, “Sir, we are not serving dinner yet. Might I suggest something from our lunch menu instead?”
Charlotte, her sharp eyes always alert, never overlooked the finer details regarding their patrons. As she observed Sateria’s behavior, a subtle frown crossed her face. Moving gracefully through the restaurant, she reached Sateria’s table. “Sateria, could I speak with you for a moment?” she said, her tone calm yet authoritative.
Sateria, frustrated, rolled her eyes dramatically, her breath catching in disbelief as onlookers turned to watch the exchange. She sighed heavily and followed Charlotte to the wait station, her posture tense and defiant.
“What now?” Sateria snapped, impatience lacing her voice.
“Do you have any idea who that is?” Charlotte asked, her gaze steady and probing as she pointed towards the customer.
“Yeah, some rich asshole who is being just that. An ass,” Sateria answered.
With a steely gaze that felt like it could pierce through to her soul, her boss held Sateria’s attention momentarily before saying, “No. That man is our benefactor—our bread and butter. Mr. Gianopoulos, the owner of this establishment, gets whatever he wishes when he asks for it. I understand that you’re still new to our team, but I must implore you: don’t anger him. Just do as he asks.”
Sateria, frustration just beneath the surface, huffed in response. “Charlotte, please. We’re in the midst of the lunch rush. I couldn’t care less. He’s messing with my tips!” With that, she turned on her heel, ready to walk away.
A cold, sharp tone cut through the clamor of clattering plates and chatter as Charlotte warned, “Be mindful of the hand that feeds you, girl.” Sateria could feel an icy chill emanating from her boss even half a room away. The tension in the air became almost tangible, and she froze mid-step, compelled to acknowledge her superior’s words. “He may be an ass,” Charlotte continued with unwavering authority, “but without him—or this place—you wouldn’t have a job, and neither would twenty others.”
Sateria smirked, a mix of amusement and exasperation dancing in her eyes. “Yeah, right,” she muttered under her breath as she turned on her heel and strode back toward the table that awaited her attention. She paused briefly, inhaling deeply, as she sought to steady her nerves and regain her composure amidst the lively chatter and clinking dishes around her.
With a polite smile plastered on her face, she approached Johnny’s table, her heart racing slightly as she tried to wipe the previous encounter from her mind. “I’m sorry. What is it that you wanted again?” she asked, her tone professional despite the flicker of irritation beneath.
Johnny’s smile widened, an unmistakable glint in his eyes as he leaned slightly forward, his gaze fixed on the nameplate adorning her breast. “I want what I asked for,” he replied, lingering on her name, “Sateria.”
There was a brief moment when Sateria felt a surge of annoyance and an undeniable intrigue. “As you wish, sir,” she said, her smile almost too sweet, masking the disdain she felt. It seemed she had heard Charlotte’s voice echoing in her mind, urging her to play this part perfectly.
Johnny’s grin deepened. A hint of desire flickered in his eyes as he saw the woman standing before him, and intense chemistry crackled between them.
~~~
Sometime in the future
Sateria’s heart raced with excitement as she anticipated the evening ahead. With his charming grin and magnetic presence, Johnny had promised to whisk her away on a grand adventure to celebrate his latest business triumph. Though she initially believed that his new property acquisition was the reason for his enthusiasm, a nagging curiosity lingered in her mind.
“Meet me at my office, and we’ll go from there,” he had instructed, the twinkle in his eyes hinting at something more. Sateria felt a grin spread across her face as she readily agreed, eager to see where the night would lead.
She paused momentarily, recalling his favorite color — a vibrant red that always accentuated his energy and passion. With that thought in mind, she hurried to her closet, intent on finding the exquisite red dress she adored. However, her smile faltered as she sifted through the neatly hung garments. It was missing. “Ugh,” she muttered under her breath, realizing she must have left it at the dry cleaners.
Casting a glance at her watch, panic set in as she noted the time. Six o’clock. It was too late to retrieve it since the cleaners had already closed. After a moment of disappointment, she shrugged it off. Focusing back on her wardrobe, Sateria spotted another red dress, this one more tailored for a festive company Christmas party than a celebratory night out with Johnny.
Despite its more formal style, she couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the sight of the crimson fabric. She knew her man would adore seeing her in it, love her all the same, even if it lacked the daring cut of her first choice.
After a refreshing shower, she wrapped a plush towel around her damp body, the fabric clinging lightly to her skin. As she approached her underwear drawer, anticipation stirred within her. She carefully selected a matching lacy red set, adorned with delicate little black bows perfectly placed to accentuate her curves. Slipping into the silky fabric, she couldn’t help but smile coyly, her thoughts drifting to Johnny and her affection for him.
Just a few years ago, it would have been unimaginable to her that she would find herself living such a luxurious life as a kept woman; yet here she was, relishing every moment of it. Johnny ensured she was adorned in exquisite clothes and sparkling jewelry that glimmered against her skin. Her condo on Michigan Avenue was a stunning reflection of her style, elegantly decorated to her liking and graciously funded by her beloved Johnny.
She savored the freedom that came with this life; there were no obligations to work or cook. Her only responsibility was to be there for him whenever he desired her company, which was enough to fill her heart with contentment.
She couldn’t help but smile, reminiscing how he made her heart race with every tender touch. Sateria stepped in front of her mirror, her brow furrowed as she scrutinized her outfit. “Unless I’m half-naked, he won’t be satisfied,” she thought, a mix of playful self-awareness and anticipation swirling within her. With a determined sigh, she reached for the striking red cocktail dress hanging in her closet, its fabric glimmering under the soft light. Slipping it on, she felt the dress hug her curves just right, the vibrant color making her feel both bold and beautiful. “Ah, oh well,” she murmured to herself, a blend of excitement and nerves dancing in her stomach as she stepped out of her apartment, ready to embrace the evening ahead.
Looking rather good in her mind, she stepped from her place in her red dress. Almost skipping to her destination, she was happy. Johnny asked her to join him in his office. Johnny wanted to be alone. She loved him at this point, and nothing would keep her from that. Stepping off the ‘L,’ she looked around to see if anyone was watching. Three men stood in the station and stopped talking when they saw her. She turned, winked, and kept walking. Hmm, she thought. Perhaps this dress isn’t so bad after all.
Ten minutes later, she went down the polished hallway to his office, her heels echoing softly against the marble floor. Before she knocked, she retrieved a compact from her purse, the small mirror catching the light as she checked her reflection. Satisfied that her makeup was flawless—her smoky eyes accentuating the curve of her lashes and her lips adorned with a soft, inviting shade—she tucked the compact back into her purse. With a quick tug, she smoothed out the fabric of her form-fitting dress, ensuring it lay perfectly against her silhouette.
She raised her hand and rapped gently on the door, the sharp sound breaking the silence that surrounded her. Moments passed, and the stillness persisted. She knocked again, a bit more firmly this time, acutely aware of Johnny’s reputation for punctuality. He could not tolerate tardiness, and her thoughts raced as she glanced down at her watch, the hands indicating that she had arrived on time.
Growing restless, she knocked again, the sound ricocheting in her ears, but still, there was no response. Curiosity mixed with concern as she placed her hand on the cold doorknob, hesitating momentarily. Did he have an important meeting she was unaware of? With a gentle turn of the knob, she pushed the door open just a crack. Her breath caught as she stepped into his office, the shadows spilling across the room, shrouding it in an unsettling silence.
She gently eased the door wider, a sense of anticipation prickling at the back of her mind. “Johnny?” she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She half-expected him to leap out and give her a playful scare, as he often did. When she entered his office, an unusual warmth enveloped her. Warmer than the crisp sixty-eight degrees he prided himself on maintaining. He frequently joked about his Mediterranean roots whenever she complained about the chill that usually permeated the space. Puzzled, she noted the absence of the familiar cool air, wondering if the air conditioning had malfunctioned.
The door shut behind her as she stepped inside, sealing off the outside world. Her gaze swept around the room, landing on the window behind his desk, which was shattered, jagged shards glinting in the soft light. A cold wave of confusion washed over her. “Johnny?” she repeated, her voice tinged with concern, echoing softly in the suddenly stifling air.
~~~
