The man who demands

Gwen's pov:

I checked the amount of sales we made today and it was poor. The sales kept declining every single day.

“Myra I will clock out soon, let's close up so you can go get rest” Polly says, She is one of the workers at the bakery and she has been with us for ten years. A very nice woman—even when I had to cut down some staff I couldn't let her go.

I nodded, closing the accounting book, “Has Jimmy and Grace left? I asked, standing up from my seat.

“Yes, just a few minutes ago” she replies as she wears her jacket. ‘I know you are worried about the bakery sales but we will thrive. You are smart, I know you will figure out a way” Polly smiled.

When she says ‘we’ my heart warmed, Polly is like an older sister I never had. She is the most strongest, fiercest, woman I have ever known.

“Thank you” I whispered, the bell chimes, even though we already turned the card hanging by the door, which indicates close.

“We are close” I yelled but the person by the door still stepped in. I and Polly turned towards the door.

It wasn't just one person—it was the three thugs that came here two weeks ago, demanding some monthly dues and another man who I didn't recognize. Making them four in numbers.

He carried a cold, calm demeanor, his eyes were already on me, like he was expecting something from me. I frowned, matching his intense gaze.

My gaze shifted to the other three thugs, “Why are you guys here again? I thought we settled it when you guys came here. Look I don't have any money to pay and if you think you can try anything I will call the police. And just so you the Sheriff is a close friend of my father” I warned.

The men didn't reply, they were just glaring at me like they wanted to have my head. But a low chuckle caught my attention, my eyes snapped towards the man.

Making me take a longer look at him. He looked different from the other men, His hair was cropped low, tattoo covered neck and a posture that screams superiority.

“She is fierce” His voice came, calm, teasing. I could hear the amusement in his voice.

I frowned at him. “Who are you?” I asked, my eyes were already judging.

“Oh pardon my manners, I am Cristóbal Márquez” he smirked as if I am supposed to be scared the instant he uttered his name.

I felt Polly shift uncomfortably, knocking over a chair.

Before I could say anything, he spoke again, “Miss Hopkins, I am here for same reason, my men has been last two weeks”

“I already told them, you guys are not getting anything from me, it is not like you are the government” I seethed my voice reeking of vernom.

“We are not here to shout, chiquita,” he said, his eyes watching me. “Let's sit and talk,”

Polly held onto me, she whispered “Please don't say anything to annoy them, Gwen” my eyes met her and there was fear in it. I had known her since she was eighteen, she is not intimidated by people or things

When we sat down, his face didn't give anything away. It was calm and expressionless, “when my men came to me, that someone had refused to pay. I was surprised. Everybody here in San Marlow would pay when they ‘owe’ me”. He paused.

“And they said it was a female, too stubborn and my men don't hit women” He continued, the words hanging in the air. If his men don't hit women, does he hit women?.

“So what? Are you going to hit me?” I glared, Does he think he could threaten me?. He scoffed and murmured something in Spanish that I couldn't pick up.

“No, I wouldn't waste my time on you,” Cristóbal drawled.

I was furious, my throat started to tighten. So this bastard hit women. What are the police doing to let all these criminals roam freely?

“I want my money ready when I come back here” He spoke, a small smile playing on his lips. He knew I was enraged and I would explode anytime soon. Who do they think they are?.

“What are these monthly dues for?” I asked, looking him straight in the eyes.

“Ask your father not me and where is he? We the men should talk,” he replied.

I won't answer his first question, these bastards think he could come in here and scare me. “I am not paying,” I said firmly.

I wouldn't pay some money because some bunch of thugs demand and when do things in San Marlow get to this.

“I admire your courage, Gwen But it would not do” He started, he says my name like he had the right to say it , “I am aware that you don't know who I am, it is okay to be ignorant” he stood up and adjusted his suit jacket.

“When I come back here, I want money ready”.

“Look Mr Márquez, I won't pay you anything. I can't and I won't, my father might have paid you but I am now in control and I won't pay” I stood up, matching his stare. Something flashed in his eyes, then anger settled in there. His jaw clenched.

“She thinks she is in control” he said to his men, who busted out in laughter. I gritted my teeth, he thinks women are not capable of doing anything good. Bastards.

“You are one of the men who thinks that women should do great things, shouldn't be in power” I

“Not my words but I do think stupid girls like you should just do as they are told” He walked closer, he leaned down, his face was near mine. I turned my head away from him, my jaw tightened.

When he straight up, “I won't like to waste my time next time. I came to see who had defied me but it was some tonta (fool)”.

I might not understand Spanish that much but he just called me a fool.

“Bastard” I gritted out, daring him to do his worst.

He just chuckled, “my uncle might agree with you” His voice sounds somewhat playful.

“But next time won't be pretty”.