CHAPTER 4

I got out of the shower and began to towel dry my hair. I stared at my work uniform that was laid on the bed in disgust. Tiny shirt. Tiny skirt. Pantyhose. Basically humiliation stitched together with thread.

My brother Dylan had his girlfriend over so he wouldn't be missing me much, not like he ever does.

I slipped into the shameful uniform anyway. I hate this skirt so much. I finished up with dressing and grabbed everything I'd need for the night and dashed out. I was almost late for work. The manager, Luke -who had the leadership skills of a bucket- would go out of his way to make my shift miserable. Satan, not today.

Thankfully, I got there right on time. I settled in and the night began. The smell of smoke and cheap alcohol, mixed with just the right proportion of sweaty bodies to make a sane person question her life choices was soon in the air. 

And as soon as my shift began, it ended. Tonight was a relatively easy night.I grabbed my things and headed out, on my way home. It was so late already.

“Hey cutie pie” I heard a slurred voice behind me as soon as I got out of the bar.

“Hey, I'm talking to you. Nice ass” He added and moved to smack me but not before I hit his hand and gave him a slap across the face.

“You're going to regret this!” He growled, staggering towards me. 

“Leave her alone” I heard a low voice say, somewhere in the shadows. Guardian angels do exist after all.

“And who do you think you...?” The drunk man began.

𝐶𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑘.

The unmistakable sound of a gun corking. Okay, maybe not an Angel.

“Woah, woah, woah… I'm leaving. I'm leaving” He said, staggering back into the bar. Now it's just me and some guy with a gun. No reason to be alarmed of course. He stepped out of the dark and I soon realized it was Adonis. 

“Hey love. Are you okay?” He asked, cupping my face in his hands.

“Why do you have a gun?” I asked, obviously shaken. He smiled.

“It's not a gun. It's just an app on my phone with sound effects ranging from a meowing cat to a corking gun. Works every time. Now, are you okay?” He asked again, this time pulling me into a hug. He smelled like expensive body wash. He smelled so clean. Like cedarwood mixed with something sinful. I held onto him and buried my face in his chest while his hand snaked around the nape of my neck with his fingers raking through my hair, gently massaging my scalp. I gasped quietly at how good that made me feel.

“I'm fine” I answered. 

“I'll drive you home” He said. 

“You work here on the weekends?” He asked as soon as we got into his car.

“Nope. Everyday 5pm to 9pm. It's just me and my brother so we have to work everyday.” I answered.

“Hmm. I see.” He replied, taking glances at me. 

“Is it okay to ask about your parents?” He asked.

“Yeah, it's cool. My mum grew up in the foster system so she never really had a family. She was a single mother and died of cancer two years ago. We lost almost everything trying to make sure she survived it.” I replied, staring into space. I felt his hand on mine and turned to him. 

“I'm so sorry about that, Love” He said, his eyes filled with compassion. I nodded.

“Have you had something to eat? You look really tired.” He asked. I shook my head.

“Wait here. I'll grab something for us. A burger and fries?” He asked and I nodded. He nodded back and got out. It was probably twenty minutes later when he got back. 

“Hey, how are you?” He asked.

“I'm fine” I answered and he nodded and started the car. Soon we were at my house. Dylan and his girlfriend had obviously gone to bed.

“Can I come in?” Adonis asked.

“Sure” I answered.

“I'll just go freshen up. I'll be out in a bit” I added. 

I took a quick shower and changed into my pyjamas. Aren't these too childish? Should I wear something sexy? I don't even own something sexy. What am I even thinking? It's not like I care what he thinks.

I walked into the living room to see Adonis had set the food on the table and was sprawled on the floor with his headset on, humming to music. He looked so peaceful. I cleared my throat and he realised I was back. 

“Aww, aren't you so cute! Sponge Bob nighties?” He said with a smile. God! I knew I shouldn't have worn these. 

“Can we just eat so you can leave?” I asked.

“No. I'm spending the night. It's too late to drive home” He answered.

“Well, you're not permitted to stay here” I replied.

“Your brother says it's fine” He said.

“He saw you?” I asked.

“Uhh, durhh?” He replied like I just asked the dumbest question ever.

“I don't know about you, but I'm starving” He said, popping open a can of Coke. 

I might as well have one. It's going to be a long night.