“On who?” The familiar streets ahead reminded me of the cafe where I worked before this man kidnapped me. “I used to work in a cafe around that corner down there. Serving customers and earning tips. I bet they have already replaced me.”
Rodion scanned the street, as if he were looking for someone. “Let’s eat there then.”
My heart leaped. “Wait, really?”
He gave me a quick look. “Why not?”
“My boss probably wouldn’t let a waitress serve me. She hated me for no reason. Breathing near her was offensive.”
“Let’s see her try that,” he said flatly.
“Maybe they’ll serve us because of you,” I muttered.
We turned the corner, and I smiled. The cafe looked exactly as I remembered it. The outdoor tables, tucked under wide umbrellas, were lined with seats along the sidewalk.
Mornings used to be the busiest, but now they looked quiet. There was a couple, a woman busy on her laptop, and someone walking a poodle past. I pointed to it.
“That’s the one. They make the best coffee in town.”
Rodion nodded. “Good. Just the place I wanted.”
I looked up at him, and for a second, I forgot the street and the cafe. The way he wore those sunglasses should’ve been illegal. The lenses were dark enough to hide his eyes but not his expression. He looked like trouble dressed in money.
“Are we spying on someone in the cafe?” I asked.
“The building across.” I followed his line of sight to a tall law firm with glass panels that mirrored the street. I didn’t ask if he had business with an attorney. Right now, all I could think about was the people I used to work with.
The thought of running into Carmen made my stomach twist. Rodion chose a table outside and pulled out a chair for me. The gesture sent warmth to my cheeks. He sat across from me, and the table was so small his knees brushed mine, caging me between his legs. My skin tingled at the memory of how he had held me in the shower less than an hour ago.
“What would you love to order?” A voice asked beside me, grabbing my attention.
My heart caught in my throat when I looked up and saw Calla standing beside me, holding an order book. She was staring at Rodion like she couldn’t believe he was real.
“Calla,” I called.
She turned to me, her gaze skimming over my face without recognition. I lifted my sunglasses enough to show my eyes, and her jaw dropped.
“Alessia?” Her face lit up in shock. “Oh, my God. Where the hell did you disappear to? You didn’t even tell Carmen you were quitting.”
Sliding the sunglasses back down, I smiled. “Is she inside?”
Calla rolled her eyes. “Nope. She just left, probably downtown, to check on the other cafe. Oh, and we got your replacement.”
“I guessed so,” I said.
“She’s so full of herself,” Calla groaned. “Bossing people around and wearing way too much lip gloss for someone working behind a pastry case.” She paused, gave me a once-over, and wrinkled her nose. “And what the hell are you wearing?”
That made me look down at myself. I wore a black skirt and a white button-up. All I was missing was the apron, and I would look like a maid.
“Don’t mind me. I woke up and felt like wearing this.”
Calla shook her head like she couldn’t believe me. Her eyes drifted to Rodion. He sat still, his sunglasses on, his broad shoulders visible under the black jacket, his head tilted as he watched the law firm.
She leaned in and whispered, “The last time I checked, you were not dating a tall god who looks like he walked straight out of a crime thriller. Girls can’t stop staring. Is he your cousin? Is he single?”
Fighting back a laugh, I bit the inside of my cheek. I cleared my throat.
“This is…” I trailed off. No one ever called him by his name.Maybe it wasn’t a name he wanted out in the open. His world didn’t operate like mine. Names meant leverage. “... Artur. His name is Artur.”