Parvel pov :
I was looking out the window when I heard the sound of my toaster, indicating my toast was done . I make my way to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast . Setting it on the table , I inhale the delicious smell of the fresh hot brewed coffee as I grab the newspaper to read . I was utterly scared by the content of this article : the police found two newly dead bodies possibly linked to the mafia .
The mafia .
For reasons no one can explain, they've developed a strange obsession with this small town. They've struck fear into every resident, and no one knows who they are or what they look like. They're cold-blooded and merciless—eliminating anyone who dares to stand in their way.
After finishing my breakfast, I head back to my room and start getting ready for work . it's already 12:30 and I was late
I work as a waiter at a restaurant called La Table Étoilée.
"Parvin, you're finally here . "My co~worker Kelvin greets me as I remove my coat and hang up on a wooden hanger in the Resturant's staff room .
"Hi, kelvin . How you doing today ?"
"I'm good .how come you're late ?" He asks.
"I hardly got any sleep—my obnoxious neighbor had company over last night, and with these paper-thin walls, I heard everything," I say while tightening my apron.
"Oooooooohhhhh, did you get to hear anything juicy? He says while smirking.
"Yeah right . "I let out a chuckle
"And you're such a prude, Parvin. You should've enjoyed the moment—because that's probably the closest you'll ever get to getting any action," he teases with a grin.
I roll my eyes and shake my head .
"No offense though bro . "Damn, you're a total knockout—but so uptight. You're 20 and still this innocent? Don't tell me you haven't even had your first kiss yet."
" will you ever stop insulting my sex life? " I crossed my arms as I lightly smile at him .
" I can't insult what doesn't exist. "He lets out his signature dying hyena laugh making me burst into laughter.
He looks around into the empty staff room we were alone . "Damn , why is no one here for my good comebacks ?" He dramatically sighs.
You're so dramatic . I giggle.
"And it looks like YOU have customers. Wait a minute, "What are they even doing in a restaurant when they're the whole damn menu?" he purrs flirtatiously. "Mmm… come to daddy."
All I can do is shake my head as I grab my notepad.
"Whew, I've got a serious weakness for a man in a suit," he adds with a smirk.
"I'm going now . "I inform him as I make my way out of the staff room .
"Good luck coming back with those trunks still dry!" he shouts after me, grinning wickedly as I shoot him a glare and close the staff room door behind me.
I adjust my uniform as I walk to the table where they are sat .
I stand before the three men in suit and I hate to say this but I had to agree to kelvin . They were extremely good looking . No doubt they were loaded . Some kind of businessmen or something. That dominating cold aura surrounded them. I couldn't help but shy away at their glares.
"Hey there , " The one on the left side said . Sending me a wink before licking his lower lips . He appeared to be younger than the other two.
Huh ? Me ?
"Shut the fuck up , Isaac. "The one on the right replied raising his brow and sending him a cold glare.
"What "That man is straight-up delicious." Isaac replied in a whisper .
Okay am literally standing right here . Can you let me take ur order so I can get out of here ?
I noticed his playfulness immediately fade away when the man in the middle stares at him . I was intimidated to say the least. He didn't even have to look at me to do that. Just being in his presence was enough to make me shiver .I'd be lying if I say he wasn't the most handsome man I've ever encountered. His features very rugged, very harsh, very masculine. His roughed up hair, sharp jawline and his stubble. Tanned skin and perfectly broad shoulders.
I snap out of my state of daze and shake away my thoughts.
"Um, can I take ur order ?"
The intimidating man suddenly flickers his eyes over to me . I immediately felt my heart race
His eyes.
His eyes were void , expressionless. It was scary . They were shaded a cold dark black .his eye carry tragedy, chaos . He had a mysterious, dark aura around him.
He was studying my face ."I looked away quickly, my cheeks betraying me with a flush."
"We'II have the steak and a bottle of your finest wine." The man on the right broke the silence.
"Of course. Would that be all ?" I ask.
He nodded and I smile lightly. walking away to the kitchen to place their order ."
I almost choked on all the testosterone at that table.
"I noticed you came in late today. It's always delights me " he bites his lower lip.
"I'm sorry , I-I didn't sleep well. "I explain.
"Giving excuses won't get you anywhere. you know what you need to do to keep your job. " he replies and I frown.
He grips my waist with force, his hand sliding forward and grabbing me where he knows he shouldn't. Leaning in, he mutters against my ear, "You look good enough to eat… One of these days, I'm going to fuck you so hard." I flinch. He's 45, married, and I hate how he touches me. I hate how helpless I feel every time. But I need this job—and he knows it. I just hope I'll find the strength to stand up to him someday.
"I hate feeling powerless. I hate how men look at me—like I'm just something to use and discard. Like I'm nothing but a body. No man has ever treated me with real care.
I wish I had someone.
As Henry lets go of me, I rush outside, lost in thought ,"I couldn't stop my thoughts from taking over."I was tired of people trying to take advantage of me.
My vision blurry, my face makes contact with a man's chest. Hard as rock. I was about to fall because of the impact but he gripped my hand preventing me from doing so. Looking up I realized it was the man from before. The intimidating one. He stood tall in front of me, looking at me with that glare of his.
"I-I'm s - sorry ." I apologize. Looking down.
There was a moment of silence before he spoke.
"Are you okay? .His voice husky and deep . I shiver.
No.
"Uhh, yes I- I'm fine . I'm sorry. " my eyes looked up to him and I immediately look away.
"No need to apologize, he deliver them immediately with a ruthless, masculine, harsh tone
In my head, I flinch. No warmth. No softness. Just that cold, commanding voice—like an order barked out, not a kindness offered. I don't know whether to be afraid… or impressed.
"I watch as he slips his hands into his jacket pockets and turns to leave.
As he walks away, each step pulling him further from me, his cologne still clings to the air—thick, intoxicating. It wraps around me like a grip I can't shake. I swallow hard, then finally turn to leave too.
What was that ?
The rest of the day dragged by dully. It was already 1pm. Meaning my shift was over.
"Brace yourself, bed—I'm coming
Making my way back home, I feel presence behind me. I turned around there was no one .
Feeling anxious, I walk faster. These street can be very dangerous especially for someone as gullible as me. I can't even defend myself in case of danger.
I fasten my pace and start running. At this point I was beginning to feel nervous. Just as I was about to make a turn, I feel arms grabbed me and a white cloth placed on my mouth, covering my nose. I let out muffled screams as I thrashed my leg and wriggled in the person's hold. Scratching and hitting to save my own life. But I started getting dizzy, I was surrendering to them .
And just like that, everything went pitch black and I was surrounded by darkness.