CHAPTER 002
1054 Words
Chapter 002
Selene’s point of view
I felt as though the cafeteria's air was pressing against my chest. I nearly choked when I finally managed to swallow the lump in my throat.
I let out a loud cough.
Everyone looked at me. While some were utterly terrified, others were irritated, thinking, "Can you not?" Some appeared to be silently pleading, "Please don't say anything stupid."
Trying not to trip over my feet, I shuffled over to the counter with a weak smile. But I froze when I saw Mesa Siete.
that table.
Those men.
They all three looked as if they had just stepped out of a high-end magazine photo shoot. However, it was their energy, not their appearance, that made my knees go numb.
In particular, the person is seated in the center.
His presence felt like a slap. He exuded danger in every way. His suit, crisp and smooth as if sewn directly onto him, had not a single wrinkle. His hair? It was so flawlessly slicked back and jet-black that it nearly appeared painted on.
Even though his brown eyes were warm, they didn't feel warm. They were cold. Sharp. It seemed as though a single glance could penetrate me deeply. Could his gaze truly penetrate me? It seemed as though he already knew my deepest, darkest secret.
I stepped back.
What am I doing? Stop staring! My body wasn't paying attention to what my mind was telling me.
I followed my gaze to his jaw. Sharp. The lips were pale and taut. Brows set in a frown like they hadn’t moved in years.
Seriously, girl. Walk away.
But I just stood there, checking him out like some silly high school girl. Heat climbed my neck to my face. I wanted to disappear by sinking into the floor.
My senior year sleep-talking in front of my entire class must have been worse than this. Yes. Unquestionably worse.
I coughed again, trying to pull myself together.
“Uh… good afternoon. What do you want to order" I inquired. The words sounded weak and shaky.
A fool. Avoid stuttering!
I felt like I had a live bomb in my hands, and no one else dared to speak. Fear was evident on their faces.
Then came that voice.
"Black coffee."
My heart leaped.
He spoke in a deep voice. Rough. In some way, it simultaneously soothed and scratched. It was as if he could command a room with just two words.
I nodded hastily, writing it down as if it were my last.
The next to speak was a smoother-sounding man to his right. "Just one cup of coffee. One sugar. There was only a single dollop of cream.
Easy. Be calm. Too quiet. His tone had a subtle charm that could likely persuade anyone, especially women, to do anything.
I held the pen tighter to prevent my fingers from shaking while maintaining eye contact with my notepad. I looked over at the third man.
He responded before I could ask.
"Milkshake with chocolate."
Hold on.
That voice.
Slowly, I raised my gaze.
No.
Mateo?
He was the boyfriend of Camila. He was sitting at a table with two men who seemed capable of crushing someone's skull with ease.
Why on earth is he here? Alongside them?
Yes, Mateo could be a little intense at times. However, he didn't mesh well with those two. They belonged to a different breed.
A voice behind me asked, "Are you okay?"
I turned and blinked. Mateo, the barista, not the milkshake guy, was the one who appeared anxious.
I gave him the order ticket and nodded. I looked around the store.
Camila, where are you?
I noticed a vacant corner. Nothing. Nor was she hiding behind the pastry counter.
Mateo nodded toward the rear and said, "She's in the kitchen." He must have noticed that I was looking.
I smiled slightly at him and turned back to Mesa Siete.
I put their drinks down in front of each guy, using all my self-control not to faint or spill anything. That was enough to earn a medal.
With my heart racing, I started to leave.
The deep voice behind me said, "Get me your manager."
I froze.
Why? He wants the manager, but why?
Did I make a mistake? Did I bring the incorrect order? Or was my breathing too loud?
Please refrain from doing so today. I cannot afford to lose this position. I must have it.
I gave a rigid nod without even looking back. I simply walked as quickly as I could in the direction of Señor Herrera's office.
Don't terminate my employment, please.
I stopped outside his door, inhaled deeply, and then knocked.
He yelled, "Come in!"
I winced.
Once he was kind. even grinned. However, he felt as though something had broken inside of him ever since his wife died. Like Papá, he is now silent and severe, and he is always angry.
Papá.
That is a different matter. I do not wish to discuss it at this time.
I pushed the door open. As usual, it creaked.
Herrera's head jerked upward. His glare struck me hard.
He grunted,
"Sir, someone asked to see you."
"Go."
I didn't need to hear it twice. I practically dashed back into the storefront.
And guess what?
It was deserted.
Only the three men at Mesa Siete were present.
Where are all the others? Lost.
I didn't hold them responsible. I would also depart if I could.
Why that person? The one in the center? The entire place feels like it's about to collapse, and he hasn't even raised his voice.
Pretending to be busy, I picked up a cloth and began cleaning a spotless table.
I looked in the direction of the kitchen door. Camila was nowhere to be seen.
That should come as no surprise. Did her boyfriend unexpectedly show up at work? She most likely ran as soon as she saw him enter.
especially considering how frequently he gripes about her employment here.
Oh no.
Why would he want anything at all?
How did he come to possess them?
My stomach grew constricted. I got the creeps from the way they sat and moved; they were all quiet and collected but still dangerous.
Let’s just hope I never have to deal with them again.
- Writer
