"A martini, please," I said to the bloke over the counter—Zack.
"Hey, cutie. Why the miserable look and tone?" Zack asked, concern in his voice as he got my order.
"Man, I'm having a horrible day. Just give me the goddamn drink," I tried to sound stable, but failed.
"Not with that tone, chika," he said, handing me the glass.
"Thank you," I replied with a faint smile.
I walked over to the table where a group of thug-looking men sat and placed the glass in front of the blonde who had ordered it.
As I turned to leave, I felt a hand grab my ass.
fuck this shit not again .felt my rage rise. I could break some bones today, I really could.
I turned around and glared at the culprit—an ugly, greasy man who looked to be in his late forties.
"Is something the matter?" I growled.
"Carino, you've got a nice-looking ass. That's why I couldn't help myself," he said, smiling sheepishly.
I wanted to wrap my hands around his damn head and snap it off—but I kept my cool. I couldn't afford to lose this job too.
My shift had just started, but I already felt exhausted.
"Today feels a bit off," I muttered, glancing at Zack, who was behind the counter mixing up more orders.
"Why's that, chika? Someone messing with you?" Zack asked, his tone full of concern.
"No. You know I can handle myself," I said. "I just… I'm not at ease. I can't put a finger on it."
"Probably just stress," he pointed out.
"Definitely," I replied, rolling my eyes.
"You'll be fine. Here—take this to the other table."
"At your service, master," I said dramatically, trying to lift the mood. Zack grinned.
"Oh please—get out of here, you troublemaker."
"I'm off," I said with a mock salute as I headed to the table.
On my way back to the counter, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.
fuck not now.
"Hey, Zack, can you hold up for a second? Someone's calling me."
"It's okay, chika—go pick it up."
I smiled, untied my apron, and hurried outside. The noise inside was deafening—I needed quiet.
When I checked the screen, my mood dropped. landlady.
I sighed, then answered. "Hey…"
"Hey. I know these are your working hours, but I don't care."
"I told you to give me the remaining two weeks," I said tiredly.
"Kya, I wish you knew how calm you sound on this call—yet you haven't paid me anything in six months."
"I'm sorry. But trust me—I'm working on it."
"You've been working on it for how long now?"
"You know Mum's sick."
"Sweetheart, I know. But I've got bills too."
"Okay. Two weeks."
"One."
"Ugh… But please—hello? Hello?"
fuck.
I need a smoke.
I grabbed my pack of cigarettes, sat on a bench just outside the bar, a few steps away. I needed air. My life was falling apart.
"Ugh. Twenty-nine years of living, and all I've got is chaos. I'm still trying to figure out who I am and what I want. Everyone seems to have their life together—except me. Work is stressful, relationships are a mess, and most days I'm just trying to survive."
I dragged hard on the cigarette.
"That's life," came a raspy voice.
"I don't recall asking for your opinion," I snapped, frowning—and then it hit me.
I'm supposed to be alone here .
I shot up immediately and turned toward the voice. A tall figure leaned against the wall in the shadows.
"Who's there? And why are you talking to me?" I asked, slipping into defense mode.
"It's not safe for ladies like you to be out alone at night," he said, stepping slowly toward me.
"Do I look like I need babysitting?" I frowned.
His scent hit me. It wasn't just cologne—it was… wild, intoxicating, and impossible to place.
Now he was standing right in front of me.
What a height...6ft maybe 6'1
He had a sharp jawline. His dark brown hair was damp, maybe from a shower. And those amber eyes… they pierced right into my grey ones. His body was lean, muscular, perfectly built.
"Never seen anything like me before?" he smirked.
"Yes—I mean no. No!"
I'm an idiot .
His soft chuckle snapped me out of it.
Who was this man?
"I asked who you are," I said.
"I'm Xavier."
Just hearing him say it…my insides twisted,my wolf stirred.
"So… Xavier. You're not from around here, are you?" I asked, taking a few puffs.
"Smoking's bad for your health."
"Aww, that's so sweet of you, Xavier," I said sarcastically. I took one last puff, flicked the cigarette away, and crushed it under my heel.
I turned back toward the bar.
He didn't follow me, but I could feel his eyes burning into my back.
"Didn't get your name," he said.
There was something in his voice—soft but commanding. It stirred something inside me.
"It's Kya," I called back.
He smiled. His eyes crinkled. "It's unique."
I chuckled, low and husky. "Haha."
But I wasn't about to fall for that charm.
"I'm not falling for it, Mr. Stranger," I said with playful defiance.
He smirked. His eyes sparkled with mischief.
"You don't have to."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Good. See you around, then," I said, turning to enter the bar.
As I stepped inside, the sound of clinking glasses and soft chatter returned—but my mind was far away.
Bills. Rent. Mum. Work.
I needed money.fast.