Lucian looked at the woman behind the counter. His father never described what Crystal looked like, and the woman in front of him didn't match what he had expected.
She looked calm, clean, and composed, not someone you'd imagine running anything illegal.
The shop didn't help either. The place smelled like roses, and soft music played in the background. He started to second-guess if he was even in the right spot.
Lucian stepped forward with a casual smile. "Hey, I was told this place was still open late," he said, trying to sound like a normal customer.
The woman didn't smile back. Her eyes were steady. She didn't move from behind the counter.
Lucian cleared his throat. "I'm looking for someone named Crystal."
She tilted her head slightly. "Never heard of her."
His mouth opened, then closed. That wasn't how this was supposed to go. Diego made it sound simple, go to the address and say the name. But now that he was here, it was clear this wasn't going to be simple.
"I was sent by someone," Lucian said. "He said I might find a job here."
The woman didn't react at first. She looked at him in silence for a few seconds, then finally spoke.
"I love my shop," she said. "And I'm not hiring."
Lucian stayed still. He chose his words carefully. "I wasn't told much," he said. "Just that I should come here and speak to you."
The woman looked at him. "Like I said, I'm not hiring. Also, I'm about to close up. If that's all, then please."
Lucian hesitated.
She wasn't being rude, but she wasn't inviting either. Her tone was firm. Not angry—just final.
He stood there, unsure what to say next. Was she doing this on purpose? Or did she really not know anything?
He glanced around the shop again. Everything looked normal. Flowers. Clean counters. Quiet music.
Maybe this wasn't her. Maybe he was wrong.
He nodded once. "Right… sorry to bother you."
Lucian turned toward the door, but moved slowly. His mind raced as he reached for the handle. Diego wouldn't have sent him here without reason.
Something felt off. Either this woman was hiding it well, or she was testing him. And he had no idea which one it was.
He stopped just short of pulling the door open.
What now?
"Lucian, am I right?"
He stopped and turned. She was smiling. That caught him off guard, he never told her his name.
His throat went dry, but he managed to hold his posture. "Yeah. Can I help you with something?"
"I don't think you can help me with anything right now," she said calmly. "Unless you have something special to offer that most people don't."
He paused. This could've been the moment to mention the deal, the power, the fact that he wasn't exactly normal anymore.
But that would've been stupid. His father's words echoed in his head, never tell anyone unless it's life or death. For all his hatred toward the man, Lucian knew when to take good advice.
"I learn fast," he said.
She gave a short chuckle. "Everyone learns fast if the situation demands it and the reward is high enough."
Lucian didn't respond. She looked at him for another moment, then her tone shifted.
"But actually… I do have something you can help me with. Ever done courier work?"
He shook his head. "No… I'm still—"
"Young?" she interrupted. "That won't get you far around here. I've seen kids younger than you carry out jobs that would make grown men cry."
Lucian swallowed hard and stayed quiet.
She picked up a phone from under the counter, dialed something, then paused. Her eyes didn't leave him. "Wait outside. If you're serious, I'll give you something. Just remember, if you mess this up, you don't get another try."
Lucian gave a nod and stepped outside. His mind was already running through possibilities. Courier work. It sounded simple. But nothing about tonight had been simple so far.
As Lucian stood outside, he tried to process what just happened. That was it? A courier job?
The door behind him opened. The woman stepped out holding a medium-sized box. She handed it to him without ceremony.
"I want you to deliver this to a club," she said. "When you get there, don't open it. Don't ask questions. Don't try anything stupid. Just hand it over and say this, 'It's for last month and this month. Next month, we're cutting off all deliveries.' Got it?"
Lucian stared at the box, then back at her. "That's it?"
"Yes. Do it right, and I'll decide if you're worth anything more. Now move."
He hesitated. "How am I supposed to get there? I don't even know where—"
"My secretary will take you."
"Secreta—"
A sharp engine sound cut him off. A car pulled up fast, then slowed beside them. The headlights dimmed.
Lucian turned to look. It was a black Honda Civic, clean, detailed, and in perfect condition. The window rolled down.
A young woman was behind the wheel. Long black hair, gold hoops, sharp eyeliner. Gorgeous. Lucian caught himself staring and cleared his throat.
The older woman glanced toward the car. "Alexa," she said, "take this boy to Russell's Bar. He's making the delivery. Let him do the talking, but keep an eye on him."
Alexa gave a small nod. "Yes, madam." She turned her eyes on Lucian. "Get in."
He adjusted his grip on the box and walked toward the car.
This wasn't what he expected when he left the house. But at least now, things were moving.
Lucian got in and closed the door. He placed the box carefully on his lap and took a quiet breath.
The car started moving, smooth and low against the road. Inside, it smelled like faint perfume and leather.
He glanced over at Alexa.
She was still just as stunning. Sharp jawline, perfect skin, lashes that didn't even need mascara. She didn't look at him, but her focus on the road only made her more intimidating.
After a few seconds, she spoke without turning. "You gonna keep staring, or should I drive slower so you get a better look?"
Lucian blinked, caught off guard. "Shit—sorry," he said quickly. "Didn't mean to be weird."