CHAPTER TWO-COFEE AND CONSEQUENCES
1057 Words
The next morning, Mark found himself walking down the rain-slicked streets toward Denise’s coffee shop.
The sky was gray and the city air smelled damp, but he didn’t care. He needed another cup, and maybe just maybe, a few more minutes in her presence.
Denise looked up from the counter as he stepped in. Her brow rose with a small smile creeping through her lips.
“You again?” she asked, her voice laced with amusement.
“I can't seem to forget the warmth of your shop,” he said, removing his soaked jacket and laying it on the edge of the counter. “And I also am in dire need of your coffee magic.”
She shook her head, smiling faintly and in disbelief at his flattery. “Magic, huh? You’re giving me way too much credit. Uhm….” She was trying to remember his name.
Mark smiled immediately when he noticed. Her attempt to remember his name brewed subtle joy in him.
He remembered that one of his guys had said that if a lady says she doesn't remember your name after you told her, she definitely likes you.
“Is that your way of saying I don’t deserve free coffee?” He asked her, still smiling.
“Maybe,” she teased him. “But that depends on how charming you are today. Mr…..” She hinted at getting his name again.
“Mark. Mark Stein.” He noticed the shock on her face.
“Are you by any chance related to Richard Stein?” Denise asked in surprise.
“Sadly, yes. He's my father.” Mark replied sarcastically.
“Oh come on. It can't be that bad. I mean you probably grew up in a big mansion, plenty of food, private jets, ladies...” Denise said.
“Hmmm. Ladies, you say?” Mark asked rhetorically. “Well, let's just say I've never been very keen on chasing after things in skirts.”
“I see. So you must be the first non-existent billionaire heir to be a saint? Denise asked with a small smile accompanying her sarcasm.
Mark laughed.
Something about the easy banter warmed him. For a moment, he forgot the ticking clock inside his body.
“I'm sure there are many more like me,” he replied softly.
“Humph.” She shrugged her shoulders and dropped a cup of coffee in front of him.
“Is this on the house too?” Mark teased her.
“Not a chance. You're rich and I need cash.” She extended her palm wide open to him with a fake stern face.
Mark smiled again. She was making him forget all of his sorrows. He dipped his hands into his pocket and put enough money on the counter.
She was shocked when she saw the money. He noticed her shock and gestured with his hands for her to keep it. Her smile of gratitude was priceless to him..
As he sipped, Mark noticed her looking toward the shop window, eyes narrowing.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
Denise’s smile faded. “Just… people you don’t want paying attention to you.”
Mark’s curiosity peaked. “People? What kind of people?”
Her tone softened, almost pleading. “Listen, I like seeing you, but you shouldn’t… you shouldn't get involved with me. It’s… complicated. I am complicated”
Mark leaned closer to her. “I don’t care how complicated it is. I can handle complicated things. I just want to know. Are you safe.? Is someone after you? ”
She didn't answer him.
“Denise, is it immigration?” Mark asked her this question trying to figure out what the problem could be.
If she was an undocumented immigrant, sorting her citizenship wouldn't be a problem for him.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she handed him a napkin to clean the spill on his hands.
“Mark, you don’t understand. Some things, I mean some people aren’t worth it. Just stay away, please.”
Mark’s jaw tightened. “I can’t do that. I won’t do that.”
“You just met me, Mark. You don't know me” Denise sighed.
“It doesn't matter, Denise.” Mark replied.
The bell above the door jingled, and a group of men in leather jackets entered. Denise suddenly grew very tense, gently stepping in front of Mark.
“Coffee to go,” she said quickly, avoiding their gaze.
Mark noticed her fear, the way her hands shook slightly as she touched the coffee machine.
He wanted to ask, to push, but her eyes begged him to stay silent.
The men looked around for a while and sensing no threat they decided to leave. One of them kept a very long eye contact with Denise and Mark noticed.
As the men left, he leaned in and asked her in hush whispers. “Who are they?”
Denise shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Just be careful and try not to come here so often. Please.” Her eyes pleaded with him one more time.
Mark’s stomach tightened with anxiety. He wasn’t sure what kind of trouble he was walking into but the protective instinct surged in him.
He would find out, no matter the cost. Maybe Denise didn't know that stubbornness was one of the many traits he inherited from his cold father.
Before he left, Denise spoke softly. “Mark, I mean it. Stay away from me. It's for your own safety.”
Mark smiled, gently touching her hand. “I can’t Denise. Not when I see you like this. You’re worth every risk to me”
Her eyes glistened and she scoffed. “You have no idea what you're getting yourself into.”
As he stepped back into the wet city streets, Mark noticed the black SUV across the street again.
The same one from the other day. The tinted windows reflected the shop’s neon light.
Inside, a man watched Denise with deliberate patience. A faint smirk curved his lips. Carlos Vargas had noticed again.
Mark’s heartbeat started racing. Something told him this wasn’t going to end with coffee and smiles.
As the SUV drove off slowly, Mark’s heartbeat began to slow down.
He was drawn to Denise and pulled into her warmth but why were dangerous, and merciless men circling around her, watching every move?
- Writer
