Page 6 of Into The Light

“I’m not propositioning you for sex. It’s a business opportunity.”

“What kind of business opportunity?” My question didn’t mean I trusted him or would entertain his crazy proposal, but he’d piqued my curiosity.

“I cannot explain that now, but if you meet us tomorrow, we can tell you how you stand to make a considerable amount of money.”

Considerable amount of money? This must be illegal. I may be broke. He may be beautiful. But hell. No.

“I don’t know what it is you think I would be good for and why it is you think it, but I’m not meeting you anywhere. I’ve seen enough movies to know this doesn’t end well for me.”

His face didn’t change. A frozen gaze remained fixated on my eyes.

“Emilia,” Mark’s soft voice interrupted the stare down. “I promise you, there is nothing illegal or dangerous for you. This is an incredible opportunity. I wish we could tell you more but not here. Trust me... you’re going to want to do this.”

His eyes were honest and kind, unlike the straight predatory gaze of his companion. Aiden made me feel like a frightened gazelle; Mark eased my tensions. Still, this reeked of nothing but bad ideas. I’d made enough of those in my twenties with Jeff, and I wasn’t going to start into my thirties down the same crappy path.

“I’m sorry but I’m not interested. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” I pushed back my chair and rose. Both men stood in unison, Aiden opening his coat button again before giving me a nod.

“I hope you will reconsider. In case you do.” He nodded to Mark who whipped out a white card with only a number on it. No name, no logo, just a number. I took it and turned around.

“Emilia!” A shrill voice sent shivers up my spine, and not the good kind. My boss, Carol.

Son of a...

“Are you still clocked in?” she asked as she stood with crossed arms and an eyebrow arched so high it nearly touched her hairline.

“Yes, but I—”

“You’re on the clock and have been sitting at a table with customers. Unacceptable! I also heard you yelled at a customer tonight? He complained about you at the desk. Is it true?”

“Yes, but he—”

“We have a reputation here, Emilia! I cannot have you behaving this way. I’m sorry. There is no excuse. You’re fired.”

Fuck.

Watching her walk away I considered begging. I needed this job. Without it I was certain to lose my home. Even with both jobs I wasn’t sure if I could make it. I started after her, prepared to toss myself on the ground and cling to her ankle while I pleaded, but I stopped myself. Carol didn’t believe in second chances, so I’d just end up fired and with my remaining dignity in tatters.

I looked over at the bar to Eric who mouthed the word “sorry” and stuck out his lower lip. With a shrug, I slipped my hand into my apron and touched the wad of hundreds. This would have to stretch out until I could find another job.

Or would it?

My slow turn brought be back around to face Mark and Aiden. Mark’s eyes held sympathy while Aiden’s flickered with pleasure. With a breath, I spun and marched back.

“Promise me you’re not a rapist, serial killer, or criminal.” I stared Aiden straight in the eye.

“If I was, do you really think I would admit it?” A smirk lifted the corner of his lip for a beat.

“Promise,” I demanded.

“I promise,” Aiden said.

“Mark.” My attention shifted over to him, “Do you also promise neither of you are serial killers, rapists or criminals nor will you be asking me to do anything horrible like prostitution, drug running or anything of that nature?”

I realized the futility of my dire situation, and as Aiden pointed out, even if they had nefarious plans for me, they would just lie. Yet I found it necessary to ask before I did what I couldn’t believe I was about do.

“Emilia. I promise. This is a good thing and you will be safe.”

I gave them a sharp nod. “Fine. Where am I going?”