The Enemy I can't Resist

*Maya's Pov* The air in The Black Lotus was thick with the scent of whiskey and memories. A light cloud of cigar smoke drifted up, and the soft jazz music hid the quiet talks of men trading fortunes like poker chips. I sat at the bar, my fingers gripping the edge of a glass I had no desire to sip from. My leather jacket felt out of place among the suits and shiny diamond rings. That didn’t bother me; I wasn’t here to get anyone’s approval. Because tonight, I was not here as a bartender; I was here as an observer. My eyes moved to the walls, which had pictures showing power and influence from the past—depictions of power and influence that stirred something deep within me. Every picture perched there reminded me of them. The Cassandros. They were the cause of my presence here, the reason I endured these late shifts and lived in perpetual anxiety over my sister’s well-being. “Earth to Maya! Maya, are you with me?” Ava, my best friend, waved her hand in front of me. “You’ve been lost in thought again. What’s wrong?”" I quickly focused back on her, finding comfort in her presence away from the chaotic thoughts in my head. Her dark brown skin shone in the soft light, and her curly hair looked bright and beautiful. She was once again dressed in one of her signature striking ensembles—form-fitting jeans and a lively top—but tonight, her usual vibrant spirit seemed dimmed. Her eyebrows knitted together in concern. “Maya?” she repeated, worry in her voice. I blinked, then blinked again. “Sorry,” I said, looking back at her face. “Maya, you’ve been deep in thought since we got here,” Ava said, her hazel eyes narrowing. “What’s on your mind?”" I forced a smile, trying to push away the weight of my worries. “I was just considering Mia’s hospital expenses,” I answered, my tone more stable than I actually felt. Ava’s expression relaxed, her worry evident. “You You know, you can’t keep putting yourself through this. You need to take a break or something. This place isn’t good for you.” I shook my head, feeling the familiar prick of anger rise within me even as my throat locked up with barely suppressed emotions. “You know I can’t. Every shift I take is just barely enough to keep us afloat. If I don’t work, who will cover her medical expenses?” My stomach churned at the image of my little sister resting in that clinical white bed, machines beeping, her delicate hands gripping the stuffed rabbit I had given her years back. My fingers clenched into a fist. I needed to do something about her bills before the hospital decides to kick her out. “f**k!” I muttered quietly, raking my fingers through my hair." “Your well-being matters too, you know,” Ava said gently, leaning closer. “You’re wearing yourself out, and this can’t continue.” “I have no other choices, Ava, and you know it,” I snapped, frustration rising. “Those heartless bastards did that to me... To my family.” My voice shook, and I hated how weak and small I felt. I looked away, trying hard to hold back the tears that wanted to come. If the Cassandros hadn’t ruined my father, hadn’t driven him to drink and finally killing himself, maybe we wouldn’t have been left with nothing. Maybe my mother wouldn’t have succumbed to the depression that tore her apart. Maybe I wouldn't be sitting in a bar full of rich criminals, debating whether she had the nerve to do what needed to be done. “I hate them so much, Ava,” I gritted out tightly, tears momentarily blurring my vision. Ava sighed and clasped my shoulder. “I understand—” “No, no, you don't,” I scoffed out, cutting her off. “Do you often wish you can just kill off one family because of hatred?” Ava opened her mouth to answer me but no words came out. She didn't need to. I'd known Ava since high school, and despite the bold and mean girl persona she often presents to wade off unwanted attention, she was actually the sweetest, and most innocent person you could ever meet. I shook my head slightly. “That's how I feel towards the Cassandros,” I added with an air of finality. “And I will make every single one of them pay dearly for the suffering that they have inflicted on my family.” Ava stared at me for some seconds, another deep sigh escaping her lips. “Just… promise me you’ll think things through. Revenge isn’t everything, Maya,” she cautioned, her eyes searching mine for understanding. Before I had a chance to reply, a rough voice cut into our discussion. “Why, hello sweetheart.” I didn’t even glance up. I could already tell the type—entitled, arrogant, drowning in expensive cologne. I took a deep breath before turning to face the man who spoke to me. He appeared to be in his late forties, with a shiny gold watch on his wrist and a tight suit. His smile was relaxed, but I didn't miss that predatory glint in his eyes. Just like half the men in the room. They disgusted me. “Not interested,” I muttered, my tone flat. He stepped closer, his smirk widening. “A girl like you sitting alone in a place like this? Sounds like you’re looking for trouble.” He ran his leery, beaded gaze over me and openly stopped to ogle my breasts. “Hey, can't you hear the lady?” Ava slipped into the conversation, annoyance lacing her tone. “She isn't interested. Now beat it.” His laugh was low, amused. “Or what? You’ll scream for help? beg for assistance? Delicate ones like you require a competent man like me to look after you,” he smirked, his hand resting on the front of his pants. I gripped my glass tightly, my pulse unwavering. “Just walk away,” I cautioned, my tone resolute. He leaned closer, his smile broadening as though he found this amusing. “Ohh now, don't be too stiff, my darling—” “Is there any problem, ladies and gentleman?” A familiar voice boomed beside us. Raising my head, my gaze collided with that of Kai Black–a broad-shouldered man with a scar along his jaw– and owner of the exclusive bar we were in, and my grip on the glass loosened. The p*****t disturbing us took one look at Kai and visibly blanched. “N—no...Of course not!” he stuttered and swallowed uncomfortably. “I was just merely talking to these beautiful ladies.” Kai raised a brow, the tiny movement making him look even more menacing. “Really?” The man gulped. Hard. “Yes," he squeaked, his face turning red. He looked like he was about pissing his pants. Kai stared at him, long and hard before his expression eased up. “Good,” he murmured. “Why don't you be on your way now, good sir.” The man blinked, evidently taken aback that he was dismissed so easily. “Oh.” He coughed lightly and straightened his suit jacket. “Of course.” Without looking back, he rushed off in the other direction as if his pants were burning. Holding back a laugh, I turned to Kai and gave him a small thankful smile." A huge smile broke out on his face, making his hard features softer. Now, don't get me wrong, Kai was an attractive man— handsome even alright, but only if you look past the perpetual scowl on his face. “Anything for my favorite girls." He beamed down at us, his eyes lingering on Ava for a beat longer. And from the corner of my eyes, I noticed Ava was adjusting her top... Or should I say her boobs, a sultry seductive smile on her face. I held back my eye roll. Jesus Christ! This two should get a room already and f**k each other! Kai blinked and cleared his throat. “So, Maya, you sure you're not up for a shift tonight? Joe won't admit it, but I'm sure he misses you already.” Joe was another part-time bartender here and my coworker. “Naa, I'm sure he's got everything handled,” I said, throwing a brief look at the tall, blond haired young man who was tending to customers at the other end of the bar. Kai nodded. “Okay then, see you tomorrow.” he glanced at Ava once more, his eyes drifting across the visible swell of the top of her boobs. “You girls have a good night.” I gave him another curt nod and pretended not to notice as he winked at Ava before leaving. “Jesus Christ, can you guys just f**k already?” I groaned. Ava dragged her eyes away from Kai's retreating backside and smirked. “And who said we haven't?” she wiggled her brows suggestively. “Didn't I tell you about it?” I fake gagged, even throwing in some little retching sounds. “God, please no,” I cried and Ava giggled. Yup... Ava totally likes Kai. “Hey,” Ava suddenly said, her voice cutting through my thoughts. “Look over there.” I tracked her gaze to a group of sharply dressed men near the entrance, their laughter ringing out. One of them leaned in closer, his voice soft yet clear. “Did you hear about the Cassandro party next week? It’s going to be hosted by Dario Cassandro himself.” The name sent a chill down my spine. Cassandro. Dario Cassandro. The man who had inherited his family’s empire, the very empire that had destroyed mine. My heart began to race, the wheels running wild in my head. “Did you catch that? The Cassandros are throwing a private party. It’s going to be massive,” the man went on, unaware of my rising curiosity. Ava glanced at me, worry etched on her face. “Maya, don’t even consider it. You know how dangerous they are.” But could hardly hear her above the thumping of my heart. This was my moment—my chance to face the adversary, to uncover a vulnerability, to make them pay.