Deal with the devil
Adelina’s fingers trembled as she wiped down the sticky bar counter for what felt like the hundredth time that night. The smell of alcohol and smoke clung to her clothes, a stark contrast to the faint scent of vanilla she had always preferred. The low hum of voices filled the dimly lit bar, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter or the clinking of glass.
She didn’t belong here.
She knew it with every fiber of her being.
But her mother’s hospital bills didn’t care about her pride.
A month ago,Adelina had been working part-time as a waitress at a small café, saving every penny she could. But when her mother’s condition worsened, the medical expenses had drained their savings overnight. Desperation had led her here—to Red Moon, a bar known for its rough crowd and whispered dealings in the back rooms.
She had sworn she would never work in a place like this.
And yet, here she was, serving drinks to men who looked at her like she was something to be bought.
“Hey, sweetheart,” a deep voice drawled.
Adelina turned, forcing a polite smile as she placed a glass of whiskey in front of the man sitting at the bar. His dark eyes roamed over her like he was assessing her worth. She stiffened but didn’t back away. She needed this job.
“You new here?” he asked, taking a sip.
She nodded. “Just started last week.”
He smirked. “What’s a sweet thing like you doing in a place like this?”
Adelina knew better than to answer. Instead, she grabbed a rag and busied herself wiping down the counter. But the man wasn’t deterred. He leaned in closer.
“I’ve got a proposition for you.”
Her stomach twisted. She had heard the stories. Women who worked here often got offers—offers that had nothing to do with bartending.
“I’m not interested,” she said, keeping her voice steady.
His smirk widened. “You haven’t even heard what I have to offer.”
“I don’t need to.”
But before she could step away, he grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but not painful—yet. “Come on, sweetheart. Don’t be so quick to say no.”
Adelina’s pulse pounded in her ears. She glanced around, but no one seemed to notice—or care. She tried to pull free, but his grip tightened.
Then, just as quickly as he had grabbed her, his hand was ripped away.
“I believe the lady said no.”
The voice was calm, smooth, but laced with a quiet authority that made the air shift.
Adelina turned and found herself staring into the piercing gray eyes of a man who didn’t belong in a place like Red Moon.
Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a sharp black suit that looked absurdly expensive, he exuded power. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his chiseled jaw was set with quiet confidence. There was something dangerous about him—not in the way the men in the bar were dangerous, but in a way that made it clear he was always in control.
Alexander Cross.
She knew who he was. Everyone did. Billionaire CEO. Ruthless businessman. The kind of man who didn’t tolerate disrespect.
The man holding her wrist scowled. “Didn’t know she was yours.”
“She isn’t,” Alexander said coolly. “But if you touch her again, you won’t have hands left.”
A thick silence filled the space between them.
Then, with a muttered curse, the man let go and stalked off.
Adelina exhaled shakily, rubbing her wrist.
“You okay?” Alexander asked.
She nodded, though her heart was still pounding. “Thank you.”
He studied her, his gaze unreadable. Then he reached into his pocket and placed a thick stack of bills on the counter.
“If you’re that desperate, take this.”
Adelina stared at the money. It was more than she had made in a month. Maybe even two. Enough to get her mother proper treatment.
But taking it meant admitting she couldn’t do this on her own.
Her pride warred with her desperation.
“I don’t need—”
“Yes, you do,” Alexander interrupted smoothly. “And if you keep working here, you’ll regret it.”
She clenched her fists. He was right. She did need it. But taking money from a man like him?
That was a different kind of debt.
Still, what choice did she have?
With shaking fingers, she reached for the money.
Alexander watched her, his expression unreadable.
“Smart choice,” he murmured. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.
Adelina stood there, gripping the money tightly.
She had just made a deal with the devil.
She just didn’t know it yet.
