AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Look, this is a little left of field and I would prefer if you didn’t ask questions, just a simple yes or no will do.” I started and he raised an eyebrow, crossed his arms, and nodded once.
“I have a business meeting this Friday and I need someone I can trust to come with me. Are you able to? I’ll pay you for your time.” I said and the visible shock on his face had me realizing this was a mistake.
“Well, that wasn’t what I expected.” He said and I glanced at my watch, wanting to hurry this along.
“What did you expect?” I said and he grinned. I noticed the little dimple almost hidden by his beard, his blue eyes lighting up with amusement.
“I thought you were going to ask me on a date.” He said and I snorted a laugh.
“Look. I get it. You are a good-looking man who gets up close and personal with women making them all hot and bothered. I am sure you are a great catch and all, but I have no interest in dating someone. I just need someone who is able to throw a punch if they have to.” I said, glancing at his client who looked bored and annoyed at me.
“Fair enough. Call me crazy, but I’m kind of intrigued, so sure. Send me the details and I’ll be there. I would love to see why a little woman like you needs a bodyguard at a business meeting.” He said.
I didn’t want to answer that question, so I nodded and turned on my heel.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” I left the gym, ignoring the glares from Tamika at the front desk as I went and wondered if I had made the right decision.
What was the worst that could happen?
Three
Katerina
Ipushed open the doors to the Inked Latte café, the smell of coffee instantly relaxing me. The man behind the counter looked up and smiled.
His hair was overdue for a haircut, hanging loosely around his ears and giving him that rugged Jon Snow look.
I may be a mafia woman who was seemingly always busy, but I had seen the show too.
Besides, the man in question never would have let me live if he knew I hadn’t watched his all-time favourite show.
His brown eyes lit up when he spotted me walking towards him and I raised my eyes at his neatly trimmed moustache. He handed a takeaway coffee to the woman at the counter before he grinned at me.
“Kit-Kat. You’re running late today.” He teased and I rolled my eyes at him.
“No. I have a business meeting and I am meeting someone here first.” I said as he wiped down the milk wand.
“Do you want your usual cup of sugar?” He said and I narrowed my eyes at him.
“It’s coffee.” I shot back and he laughed.
“Sure, Kit-Kat. That large coffee with vanilla syrup, a shot of honey, and whipped cream is really just coffee in disguise.” He teased and I rolled my eyes at him, taking a seat on one of the bar stools.
“How’s your mother?” I asked and he winced.
“She is giving them a run for her money. She might not remember me, but she somehow memorized the PIN code to get out of the nursing home and escaped.” His smile didn’t hide the stress beneath.
“I’m sorry, Riley. Do you have anyone to cover you so you can take time off?” I handed him my credit card and he waved it away.
“I have a new manager starting next week. Hopefully she can take some of the pressure off. It’s a tough business right now. No one wants to work in hospitality anymore.” He glanced around the store before sitting across from me.
“I have a new kid here during the day to help clean some tables and dishes but I’m still here seven days a week.” He shrugged.
“What about you? I haven’t seen you in a week. What kept you away from the coffee?” He asked as I glanced at the cabinet with the pastries and sighed.
“Just some business stuff to take care of.” I said and he hummed.
“Sure. Are you ever going to tell me what it is exactly that you do? I’ve only known you for years now and you still just saybusiness.” I looked at him, trying to figure out how to avoid answering when Leo walked into the building.
