A setup

2.

Annabel got to the hotel in no time and rushed into the massive building. While the elevator took her to her boss's office, she arranged her clothes that had been ruffled as a result of how she rushed to get there and exhaled.

The elevator dinged open and she rushed out immediately. 

“Good evening, sir.” She greeted with a bow the moment she walked into his office.

Mr. Mike studied her from head to toes. The hotel uniform she was putting on fitted her perfectly, and the skirt did justice to bringing her curves out a bit. 

“Perfect for the job,” He muttered to himself.

Annabel wondered what he had muttered, but before she could think about it, he drew her attention.

“Follow me,” He stood up and started walking out of the office. Annabel hurried after him as he led her to the kitchen. There was a tray of food resting on the counter there. She needed no one to tell her what to do next, and quickly took it.

“What room should I deliver the food, sir?” She asked with a smile.

“Room 345, it's on the third floor. Take the elevator to make it faster,” He said. She nodded and turned to leave. “Annabel,” He called.

“Yes, sir.” she turned to look at him.

“Make sure you do tonight's job well. Your employment depends on it.” He warned and walked away.

Annabel arched her brows, trying to figure out what he meant by her employment depended on it. She was among the best staff, who were diligent and got all the praises. Being responsible for delivering food to customers wasn't easy for them because they get humiliated, and occasionally get yelled at and insulted by the customers.

Even at that, she did her work from her heart because she needed the money. She wasn't going to flaunt tonight's order.

She took the elevator to the third floor and located the room in no time. When she got to the door, she inhaled and exhaled before placing a knock on it.

There was silence for a while before the door opened, revealing a gorgeous young man. Annabel tried not to drool, but it wasn't working for her. As she looked across the room, her eyes locked onto him. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a lean, athletic build. His dark hair was styled in a messy, yet effortlessly stylish way, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to twinkle with mischief. 

His chiseled jawline and full lips gave him an air of confidence and strength. She couldn't help but notice the way his muscles rippled under his fitted shirt as he moved, and the way he exuded a quiet, magnetic charm that seemed to draw others towards him. He was undeniably good-looking, and Annabel couldn't help but feel a flutter of attraction deep within her.

She shook off her thoughts and cleared her throat. “Here is your food, sir.” 

“Are you going to stand there being pretty or bring it inside?” He asked.

Annabel said nothing. She hurried to the room, dropped the food on the table and turned to leave.

“Hey, not so fast, pretty eyes,” He drawled and walked to where she stood. Mr. Mike had told him that the girl he was sending was relatable, and he was right. This lady had the curves and everything he wanted in a woman. He couldn't wait to make her scream and moan out his name.

Annabel couldn't comprehend what he was doing. Her eyes widened when he trailed a line on her cheek. “What are you doing?” She asked, moving away from him.

“What does it look like I'm doing?” He asked, rolling his eyes at her.

“I've done what I was sent to do. Enjoy your meal,” She said and turned to leave, but he drew her back and pinned her to the wall.

She gasped.

“What—” She couldn't complete her statement as he shut her up with a kiss. Annabel's eyes widened as anger built up within her. How dare he kiss her without her permission? She wasn't going to accept that.

She bit his lip and he let go of her immediately. His once calm eyes darkened.

“Why are you acting like a novice? Didn't your boss tell you that you're mine tonight?” He frowned.

That was when Annabel recalled the meaning of what Mr. Mike told her earlier about doing her work well. Her eyes widened and she took a step back.

“He set me up,” She muttered and covered her mouth.

“I don't have all night, Missy. Let's get this over with.” He pulled her, but she yanked her hands away and slapped him on his face, hard! His eyes widened as his hands went to his cheeks.

“Stay away from me, you monster! How could both of you plot against me?” She thundered and dashed out of the room, slamming the door to demonstrate her anger.

“You'll regret slapping Roland D'Ville, Missy. I swear you'll regret it.” He picked up his phone.

***

When Annabel got to the reception, she saw Mr. Mike there.

“I didn't know you would stoop this low, Mr. Mike. I expected nothing like this from you!” She snapped.

Mr. Mike scoffed. “I thought you were in dire need of money, but it seems you're comfortable with the condition you're in.”

“I need money, but I won't do such to get it.” She retorted.

“That's not my problem, Annabel. I gave you an order, and you screwed it up. Pack your things; that's if you even have one. You're fired!” He blurted out.

Annabel felt like a thunderclap just sounded in her head. “Sir, please. You can't do this. I really need this job, please!” She went on her knees, but his mind was already made up.

“My mind is made up, Annabel. Except you're ready to go and do whatever Mr. D'Ville tells you to, then get out of here.” He snapped.

“I can't,” She insisted.

“Get lost!” He turned to leave.

“What about this month's payment? The month is ending.” She sniffed.

“Your payment for this month has been canceled.” He didn't wait for her to say anything else and walked away.

Annabel burst into tears. How was she going to survive? Where would she find another paying job like this one? Her sister's health issues were there, and the debts too. How would she be able to raise the money?

She looked up and saw Roland smiling at her. Cursing at him under her breath, she stood up and left the hotel.

As she walked home, she continued to cry, while thinking of how to find other means of survival.

She wiped her tears before entering the house so that when she went to check on Audrey, the little girl wouldn't know she cried.

She dropped her bag and headed for Audrey's room. When she got there, the scene she met shocked her. The girl's body was sprawled on the floor, her hair scattered everywhere, and she was foaming from the mouth.

Annabel gasped. “Audrey!”