AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Bella! How are you? How’s your room? Are you ok? Is everyone being nice to you?” Chloe says making me laugh- she always looks out for me. It is really strange being so far away from each other.
“I’m good! Katie one of the other stylists met me and showed me around a bit and helped me sort out my room. She’s invited me out tonight with a few of the other guys from the salon. We are meeting in the bar in about an hour. I’m not sure where we are going. It will be nice to get to know everyone, I hope they like me.”
“That’s great I’m glad you’re settling in. Of course, they will like you, don’t be daft! A night out sounds like just what you need, what are you going to wear?” she asks. I hadn’t really given that much thought. I didn’t have much to choose from really. I’d brought my best black jeans and a couple of lace tops; that would have to do.
I chat to Chloe for a while and promise to call her tomorrow with the night’s gossip. I freshen up, put a few more curls and some backcomb in my hair and put on some natural make up. I am ready in my jeans and top when Katie knocks at the door. She looks stunning. Her pink hair is long and thick with extensions. Her makeup is much heavier than mine, she looks gorgeous. Katie is wearing a short navy sparkling dress, and barely-there stilettos. I am definitely under-dressed.
“Would you like to borrow something of mine Bella? We are about the same size, I have a few dresses that will suit you perfectly.” Before I could answer, Katie ushers me into her room and is rummaging through her wardrobe. We settle on a black one -shoulder dress. It is a little shorter than I’d usually wear but I have to admit it makes me look good. Katie also gives me a similar pair of shoes to those she is wearing.
A little while later, we walk into the bar and instantly I know the group we are meeting. They give off this fabulous aura. I feel a flutter of excitement; tonight is going to be a good night. The group are so friendly and welcoming. I had been worried they may not like me. I can be shy at first which some people mistake for ignorance. I worry about what people think of me too much. I need not have been worried though, they all have me relaxed and being myself from the start.
There’s Nick the hair extensions specialist and his partner Joe, Sarah the receptionist and James the colour expert. They’re all immaculate; hair, make up, clothes, each one with their own unique style. I am in awe of them all. We’re all chatting and laughing when we are suddenly interrupted.
“Hello guys! Fancy seeing you here, I hope you’re not making too much noise and making the guests feel uncomfortable?!” a gravelly voice interjects. The group all pull faces and roll their eyes. Nick then turns with a false smile, to face the man who has just approached us.
“Graham, how lovely to see you,” he says in a sarcastic way.
“It’s Mr. Graham to you Nick,” says the man who looks like he works at the hotel. The man’s eyes catch sight of me- he comes over and stands right beside me.
“Wellllll Heeellllloooo there, I haven’t met you before- what is your name?”
Katie instinctively grabs my arm and pulls me towards her.
“She’s with us and we were just leaving, weren’t we guys?” she responds protectively.
The group jump up and we leave before I can say anything. I have to practically run to keep up with them and these shoes definitely aren’t made for running in! We exit the hotel and enter a nearby Wetherspoons just a few doors down.
“So, who was that Katie? I get the impression you don’t like him?” I ask.
“Don’t like him, ha, that’s the understatement of the century! He’s the biggest slime ball you will ever meet. So many girls have had to leave because of his smarmy ways. I don’t fully know what happened to them but they felt the need to quit their jobs with no notice. I’m not talking just a couple either. I’m talking tens of girls just in the past 2 years I’ve worked here.” She shudders visibly feeling repulsed.
“Why doesn’t someone report him? Surely that’s a sackable offence, not to mention illegal!” I say.
“Some of the girls have tried but unfortunately, he is the manager of Trinity by King. So, his word is stronger than theirs. Just stay away from him Bella. If he says or does anything that makes you uncomfortable, tell me straight away, promise?” she instructs.
“Yes, I will, straight away.” I reply obediently. Katie reminds me so much of Chloe. Always having my back.
The drinks have been flowing for a few hours. We’ve worked our way through the gin list and I am having so much fun. I have not stopped laughing. The guys decide it’s time for dancing! We leave Wetherspoons and head to a bar which apparently is the “place to dance”. We settle at a table near the dance floor and order a round of drinks. I excuse myself and made my way to the toilet. All these gin and tonics have gone straight through me, as well as a little to my head. I’m feeling a little tipsy, but still in control. I do what I need to do, wash up and leave the toilets. I’m on my way back to our table, when I feel a sweaty hand grab my shoulder. I turn to see the owner of the sticky body…Mr. Graham. My heart sinks. I look around to see if I can see anyone I know. Unfortunately, I’m out of sight from our table. I’m in a quiet, dark area of the bar. Only those who are coming to use the toilets would see me.
“Hello beautiful, I’m glad I’ve caught you. I want to introduce myself. My name is Mr. Graham, I am the manager of Trinity. So I am, so to speak, your boss,” the smarmy man said, far too closely to my face than I’d like. I can smell the alcohol and garlic on his breath. I hold in a gag.
“Yes, I know who you are,” I say.
“Good, so you know that I can make your time working for us as enjoyable or as painful as I wish?” I feel sick as he comes closer to me and continues, “I have a fully stocked minibar in my penthouse apartment. It has a fabulous view of the city,” he whispers, while stroking my arm. “I am sure that dress of yours, would look wonderful on my bedroom floor,” Graham laughs moving his body uncomfortably close.
“No! Get off me, do not touch me!” I scream. I push him away, but he grabs me around the waist, pulling me closer to him. Out of nowhere, a pair of big strong hands grab his arms and throw him on to the floor.
“The lady said NO!” bellows a resolute voice.
I stand, slightly jelly-legged, and watch as Graham tries to make his way back on to his feet. The tall, dark, muscular hero picks him up by his shirt and escorts him to the nearest security guard. My hero then returns and asks me how I am. It is then I realise it is the same guy I saw in the lobby when I arrived at the hotel earlier today. My body reacts the same way it did then. Tingles and warm pulses spread all over my skin.
“Thank you,” is all I can bring myself to say. He looks at me with a dark, heated desire. His gaze runs down my body and back up to my eyes.
“Did he hurt you?” he says.
“Not really, just scared me a bit that’s all,” I reply.
He relaxes a little. “I’m Damien, and your name is?”
