Chapter 4

 /-Octavia-/

It was lunch break, and usually I made some brownies and cookies for those who liked to have coffee in the afternoon.

Just as I took off my apron and headed to the front desk, someone walked in.

It was probably the milky scent that caught my attention, but as my eyes connected with those oceanic blue eyes, I knew I was in for trouble.

"What are you doing back here?" I blurted before I could stop myself. Nile was visibly startled by my hostility, but I didn't care. 

I wanted him to leave before Axel showed up unexpectedly and caused more trouble. 

"That is not the way to treat a customer." He smiled it off. "I enjoyed your coffee. Came to get another and leave a large tip, of course."

A smile threatened to burst out of my lips. He was so kind and soft-spoken. Why couldn't Axel be like that? Why did I have to end up with someone cruel?

I didn't let my worries show on my face.

"What type of coffee? I have muffins and cookies too. You can get some for a couple of cents," I told him. 

"Latte and the cookies, please. I have thirty minutes; can we talk?" He asked.

"I'm sorry, I don't indulge my customers," I responded, walking away. He caught my wrist, and I let out a wince, yanking my hands from him. 

The coffee burn was already peeling off, and it stung like hell. 

"Hey, are you okay? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Can I see your wrist?" He asked, but I backed away from him. 

"It's fine, I'll just get your coffee."

I walked away before he had the chance to question me further. As soon as I was behind the door, tears poured down my cheeks. 

I couldn't tell if it was from the burn or the heartache of not being able to entertain Nile's advances. 

I wasn't even sure what he wanted from me yet, but Axel wasn't going to give me the opportunity to find out either. 

After preparing his coffee, I added three muffins because I wasn't sure of how many he wanted. 

His worried expression surprised me. 

"Hey, I'm really sorry about what happened. I didn't mean to hurt you," he apologized once again. 

"I'm fine," I smiled to put him at ease. 

"Can I talk to you then?" He asked. I wanted to say no. My logical brain told me to say no, but I found myself nodding. 

Since there were no customers yet, I had no excuse to avoid him. I sat opposite him as he picked up the coffee.

My eyes rested on him as he took a sip of the coffee. His eyes closed, and I felt my heart flutter. It felt so good to watch him genuinely enjoy my coffee. 

"Where did you learn how to make such great coffee? Is there a secret ingredient? I swear no one beats this," Nile said. 

"I genuinely hope you're not flattering me, but I'm grateful nonetheless," I said. 

"I take it you're not sharing your recipe," he chuckled, then picked up a muffin. I waited eagerly for him to taste it. 

His reaction was even more precious than the coffee. I could swear a small moan fell off his lips. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so much satisfaction from watching a person eat.

At this point, I didn't even care if we talked or not. I was happy watching him eat. 

"Have a bite," he offered, but I shook my head quickly. "Come on, we've already shared a lot more than kisses. One bite won't kill you."

My cheeks colored in embarrassment. I took a bite, and he gave that breathtaking smile that sent my heart into a frenzy.

"You like it?" he asked. 

"I made it so obviously, yes," I answered, rolling my eyes to conceal the smile. 

"I'm sorry if my presence bothers you. I just can't seem to get you off my mind, no matter how hard I tried. I think I'm addicted to you." He said, and I almost choked. 

"I'm sorry... Have a drink. I didn't mean to be so forward, but I'm not used to beating about the bush. I like you, Octavia."

I didn't understand how he could even consider someone like me for anything other than a fling. 

"Don't you think addicted is a strong word?" I asked.

"Like is also a strong word," he stated. "And I know you think it's too soon, but I like to be open about my feelings. It's up to you to reject me or not. I will respect your decision, whatever it is."

I was at a loss for words. How could he like me when I was nothing but a prostitute? Axel's little plaything. 

Was this some kind of prank?

"We only just met..."

"You can keep finding reasons why this is wrong or inappropriate, but none of it will change my feelings. I am just asking for a chance, Octavia. Let me show you the love you deserve." He said softly, taking my hands gently. 

My eyes watered. 

"What about Axel? You think he will be okay with this?" I asked him. 

"He can only be upset, but I promise you he can't change how I feel about you. I will talk to him, alright?" 

I slowly extracted my hands from his. It was easy for him to say. Axel was a very pretentious and evil man. He would smile and pretend he was okay with it, but the minute Nile was gone, he would unleash the demon within him. 

"I'm sorry, but I don't feel the same," I lied. "You are just a customer, and if you don't mind, I would like you to remain that way."

Hurt flashed in those beautiful eyes, but he simply smiled at me. 

"It's fine then. I will remain a regular until you are ready to accept me," he said.