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“...Aren’t you going to try again?” asked Eden.
At the bar, Rose sent her a glare. Eden had only hoped that Rose would distract the Italian from her, but obviously, she had already given up on him. Rose finished her drink with a sour expression.
“One thing I hate more than losing, Eden, is being a clingy slut. I’m done with that guy. He’s all yours…”
After that, Rose swiftly moved on to another man near the stage, easily putting her professional mask back on. Eden liked how direct and cold-hearted Rose was. Although she was seen as arrogant and selfish by the other girls, at least she was honest about her intentions.
Still, Eden wasn’t feeling too well about staying there. She wanted to go back downstairs, check on her pups, and hide for a little while. As long as it was somewhere far away from the mafia lord. Why did he have to turn up at Jack’s bar with such odd timing? She just couldn’t feel at ease with all this.
“...Eden. He’s calling for you.”
She frowned and looked over her shoulder. As if the piercing stare wasn’t enough, now the Tiger was gesturing for her to come. Eden took a deep breath. If it had been anyone else, she could have ignored them. However, now all of the guests watched her actions, probably ready to shoot if she dared to make one wrong move. Grabbing her glass, she finished it in one go and snatched the two new ones Jack handed her with a glare.
“...Be a good girl,” whispered Jack.
“I’ll try not to bite.”
With that, she turned around and prepared herself.
She knew how to act. It was something she had learned from experience. A slight smile, not too wide, or it would have been obvious it was forced. Never walk too fast, but keep her posture straight and her head held high. You couldn’t seduce a man with your eyes on the floor.
However, this felt like the worst path to take. He was just a few steps away, but it felt like she was getting closer to a dangerous beast. She didn’t care for his minions, but she could feel the pressure from the man himself, like a cage around her. Her heart was thumping, like a prey sensing danger. Eden tried her best to hide her turmoil, slightly squinting her eyes and thinking about her pups. Her gaze immediately softened as she thought about Beer and Bullet; to everyone else, it looked like she was making those eyes at the boss .
As she got closer, she could see his features a bit better. Despite his pale skin, she realized he was probably of mixed race, with his eyes slightly wider than the norm, somewhat almond-shaped. His body was on the thin but toned side, and his posture reminded her of a resting feline. His clothes too, Eden realized they were even more elegant from up close. She was no expert, but she would have bet it was one of those expensive custom-made suits, Italian, of course... It was fitted to flatter his body, with a white shirt underneath and a black jacket, with flapless pockets and buttons made of some really shiny metal Eden couldn’t identify.
She carefully put the drinks down on the table for the second time that night, but then she cautiously sat down on the leather couch, leaving some space between them. He remained silent for a while, still staring at her. Bella’s trot song ended in the background, and Rose took the microphone to sing something a bit slower and more seductive.
“...You’re the quietest hostess I’ve ever seen,” suddenly said the Italian.
“You’re the oddest customer I’ve ever had,” Eden answered calmly.
“Why odd?” he asked as if he was enjoying this.
“For coming to a place only to cause trouble and pick a Part out of all the women available.”
“You’re a hostess too. Why wouldn’t I pick you?”
Eden frowned. His stare was too intense for her to remain as calm as she had hoped. Moreover, although she had been careful to sit reasonably far away from him, he still somehow felt dangerously close, too close. With his arm resting on the back of the sofa, his whole body was turned toward her. His fingers were playing with the little strands of tassels on her dress. He was too close. The movements were disturbing her a little, although they were barely touching the fabric.
“...Not as a first choice,” she whispered.
He chuckled and tilted his head slightly, as if he was trying to decipher her. Maybe he had never met a woman who’d respond to him like this. Maybe he was one of those men who liked women who resisted a little. She just couldn’t tell. His eyes were somewhere between playful and dangerous...
“You’re the odd one, Eden,” he said.
Her name on his tongue gave her the chills, and finally, Eden dared to look directly into his eyes. Just then, his smile widened.
“You’re not scared of me,” he said. “Most women are either afraid or attracted to me, but you’re neither of those.”
“Sorry for breaking your record.”
He chuckled. There was nothing apologetic in her tone. Eden was clearly wary of him, but that wasn’t the most interesting part. If anything, that was something he should have expected. No, the most interesting part was that she wasn’t even trying to hide that little fire in her hazel eyes.
However, there was also something about Eden that sparked his curiosity.
“...Aren’t you afraid of me?” he asked as if this was a trivial question.
“Death is less scary when you meet her every day.”
