Chapter 5

Rose

Blade was a horrible boss, and I was planning to take his business for this very reason. He never verifies the supplied information after he sees the money offered. Most of the profiles lie. I was stuck with this man. I highly doubted my self-defense skills working here. 

I looked at him as he leaned closer, attempting to touch me. I had warned him away, but he was smugly smiling at me. He looked at me like I was his wounded prey. His eyes looked scary and wolfish ready for the hunt. 

Blade really needs to take extra precautions and get someone with better muscles like the silent guy who hit Benny. He looked like someone who knew what he was doing.

“So, Red, what do you have hiding inside that coat?” he moved his face even closer. “Don’t you think it’s a little too hot to be having that massive thing wrapped around you?”

“We don't want any trouble,” Benny groaned. He was sweet, but right now, I needed him to be like that muscled guy. “Why don’t you let us go, and maybe the boss will arrange something for the both of you for your trouble?” 

As if Blade would allow such a ridiculous thing, I scoffed. Benny could lose his job for even suggesting something that was absurd. 

“What was that?” dark eyes looked at me as I shook my head. “You clearly have something to say.” I looked away, not bothering with this conversation.

“What do you want me to do, boss?” muscles finally spoke, looking like he had somewhere else he wanted to be.

“How about we call, Blade?” he answered with much enthusiasm.

I didn’t like this guy. His dominance was a major red flag. He had a powerful aura around him he knowingly carried. I stopped my wandering eyes. Now was not the time for ogling. I wanted to get the hell out fast. 

“Are you going to let us go?” I asked.

“No,” he answered without missing a beat, “I’m letting him go. You are staying.” 

He stood and smiled at me. He brushed a few locks of his brown hairs off his face. I shook myself from having an adventure on his body that will lead me to uncharted territory. He was dangerous. This was bad for me.

“Why?” I blinked, looking at him as he curled his lips.

“That’s not how it works,” Benny retorted, making me annoyed.

“Benny, shut up,” I yelled and stared at this man in front of me. “What do you mean, you are not letting me go?” I began shifting in my seat. “This was a mistake. I came to the wrong room and you can just let us go. Who the hell are you guys?” 

“You’ll find out. Benny, make the call.” Dark eyes was really trying my patience with his response.

“Whatever it is you are planning. I want no part in it.” I gritted my teeth as he ignored me. “Let me go. I have a client to attend to.”

“Make the call,” he looked at Benny.

Muscles went back to looking like he was not part of the group. I should tell Blade to get more guys like that. Benny was useless here even if I was to signal him to let me loose so we could run. 

“It’s ringing,” Benny added.

“Put it on speaker.”

Blade took no time to answer his annoyance sounding from the phone, and I rolled my eyes.

“Where the fuck is she? Did you find her?” Blade's voice boomed on the speaker.

“Yeah but -,” Benny answered.

“Is she hurt?” he interrupted. I scoffed for a good reason. “Can she still work?”

There was the boss I knew and hated. I almost snorted. Dark eyes looked at me with a raised brow and I looked away and stared at Benny.

“She’s fine. That’s not the problem.” 

“That’s why I pay you to make sure there is no problem. Fix it and make sure her ass is in that room. Tell her I will be waiting in her apartment tomorrow.”

I hated Blade because he owns everything. I might live in a nice apartment with enough food and clothes on my back, but he still owns me and when he tells me to jump I ask how high. Tomorrow was my off day and there was no need for him to be there, but he was the boss. I will make myself available.

“Boss,” Benny’s voice was hesitant.

“Benny, I have a business to run and I don’t have time for that tone you are making.” Blade's response was pure annoyance. “She is late, and that is not how I run my business. Stop wasting my time and get her to her client. I will speak about this stupid mistake with the both of you tomorrow.”

“Looks like your guy here is not getting to the point,” Dark eyes glanced at me and smiled.

“Who the fuck is this?” Blade asked.

“I’m the one who has Red tied to a chair.”

He was grinning at me. I wanted to kick his shin or dig my heel in his toe. Seriously, this guy was running on my nerves. This was a mistake and all he had to do was accept that but he wanted trouble. His dark eyes are very clear in that fact. Which is why I need to get the hell out. I don't want any trouble. I have enough already.

“If you touch a single hair on her head, I swear it will be the last thing you do,” Blade responded. I would be flattered, but Blade was not looking out for me.

“If you knew who I was, then you wouldn’t have spoken to me like that.” 

“Look, I can hear from the way you talk. You are a businessman man,” he nods like Blade can see him, “Unless you tell me who the fuck you are, I will not be very pleased. The more time we are going around in circles, the more time my client who requested for Red will get agitated and if that happens, my business will get affected. I hate tardiness, so let my girl go and if you want her, you pay first. Just not tonight.”

I mentally sighed. Blade was not in this business to play. His concern, as always, is to please by using girls. He is good at what he does and has made a name for himself. Club Lotus is one of the best in the industry.

“How much did he pay?” I looked up, knitting my brows trying to gauge his angle.

“I can arrange another girl for you, but Red has been booked for the next 12 hours.” Blade sighed.

“I don’t care,” he responded.

What a dick.

“Look, this is not how I run my business. If you want her, wait in line. The waiting client specifically requested for her.” Blade argued. 

“You are speaking to Luke Zalchini,” there was silence.

Benny’s head snapped. He looked like he was about to pop a socket. Muscles seem to show a pleasing reaction, and Blade cleared his throat before he stuttered. Blade never stuttered. He makes people stutter.

“Mr. Zalchini, I don’t think I ever got the privilege of meeting you. I didn’t know you were in town.”

“I’m here for a day, and I suggest you keep this to yourself.”

“You have my word. How about I sent two of my girls over? On the house?”

Blade never offered anything for free. He loved money more than his wife and children. I wanted to burst out in laughter, but I looked at Benny, who had a pale face. All the color in his face was gone. I could hear Blade fumbling with his words on the phone and I narrowed my eyes at dark eyes. 

Who the fuck is Luke Zalchini?

Why does his name sound dangerously familiar?

*****

Luke

It’s good sometimes to throw my name around because afterward, I get exactly what I want. He was trying to bargain her out, which means she was one of his best and I would not wait until tomorrow. I was only here for the day to unwind, and since the accountant served her purpose, Red was going to be a better choice for me. She was a pretty little thing. I was dying to have time to have her alone. No doubt we were going to have fun together.

“Blade, I've heard about your business and I must say the reputation doesn’t do you justice,” I smirked and winked at her.

“You should visit the city more often. There is plenty of where that came from. You will not be disappointed. It would be my pleasure to give you the tour.”

“I would love that very much,” I laughed.

I knew he was kissing ass. He wouldn’t be a good businessman if he didn’t butter me up.

“About Red, can we arrange for next time? I can even arrange for her to come to you.” Blade still bargained.

He is an excellent negotiator too. Impressive.

“I’ll double the amount he paid,” I watched her look at me, shocked, and I winked at her again. 

Money was not an issue. Whatever I would spend on her would not be missed.

“I’m afraid that won’t-“

“I’ll triple it then,” I watched as her jaw went to the ground and Blade went silent, “Blade?” I called his name, wondering if he heard me. 

“That won't be necessary. I can’t let you pay that much unless you want me to send more girls.” 

Good answer because if he had tried to be greedy, then we were going to have a problem. 

“No need, she will do just fine. I’ll have Milo arrange for the payment.”

“No need. She is all yours. We can talk about payment if you are ever in the city next time. It’s a pleasure doing business with you,” he was hesitant. I could tell he did not like being strong-armed from his response.

“Great.”

“I hope you enjoy the service and let me know if there is anything at all you need. Do you mind if I speak to Red?”

“Of course, she’s listening,”

I moved closer to her and took the phone off speaker, but it was still loud enough for me to hear.

“You are with Mr. Zalchini now. Do whatever he wants. Don’t fuck this up,” Blade warned. "I will chat with you tomorrow."

“I aim to please,” she was snarky.

“Red, you better behave yourself if you know what’s good for you. You do not know who he is, so I suggest you do as he tells you. I don't want any trouble.”

She rolled her eyes. It was endearing to watch.

“Got it, boss,” she spoke and there was a hint of distaste in her voice.

He hung up, and I threw the phone back at Benny, which he caught. Benny got up on his feet and shuffled on his feet like he was contemplating running. He looked up at her before looking at me.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I was just doing my job.” he whispered.

“I get it,” I said, handing him his gun.

“T-thanks,” he nodded.

“You can leave” I watched him move fast, running. 

“How much am I sending for the girl?” Milo asked.

“Still to be decided.” I looked at her, amused. 

“Well,” Milo sighed, “Enjoy.”

“Get someone to keep an eye on the assistant.” 

“On it,” Milo responded and left.

I crossed my arms and watched her. It was too soon to tell, but this little encounter of ours was going to be enjoyable. The fire in her eyes, like her hair, was amusing. I always love a challenge.