03

WILLOW

Phones emerged, capturing the unfolding drama in the cafe. As I surveyed the scene, everyone eagerly anticipated my next move. Whatever I did now would become the talk of New York, tarnishing my once-perfect resume.

In my mind, I envisioned the potential headlines: "Willow Davis ousted by New York billionaire bad boy," What's his name again "Tristan Donovan." How could someone so attractive exude such arrogance and a terrible attitude? I wished I could strangle him in that moment.

After orchestrating my dismissal, he had the audacity to tell me to undress. His breath lingered on my earlobe, and a smirk played on his lips, aggravating me. I shoved him away, a deep frown etched across my face.

"Screw you! You don't own me; you're not my father, you asshole. She was my boss, and it's her job to fire me, just like she said, 'pack your bags and get out.' And I did just that. Just because you're some spoiled brat doesn't mean you get to treat me like trash. Screw your money, screw your standards, screw your arrogance, and lastly, screw you, you arrogant son of a bitch!" I shouted, my voice strained. Everyone gasped in shock, but I didn't care. I had just been fired by this jerk, and I wasn't about to let him play with me like I'm some object. Screw him.

My eyes scanned the room, witnessing everyone's mouths agape as if yelling back at him was a forbidden act. Unnoticed, tears traced down my cheeks. I glared back at Tristan, who remained motionless, reading me like a book and visibly shocked by my outspoken response.

Clutching my purse tightly, I whispered, "I apologize for the inconvenience," as I gracefully exited the cafe.

TRISTAN

'She's pretty.' That thought lingered in my mind as I pulled her back, instructing her to remove her uniform, a routine I'd put other girls through, and they willingly provided a strip show just to impress me. I'd then dismiss them with a check hefty enough to make them forget about finding another job.

To my surprise, she not only declined but also damn well insulted me. Frustration evident, she exited the cafe, destination unknown.

She's intriguing. Could it be that she's unaware of the cheque, or perhaps she simply isn't interested?

"Mr. Tristan, would you prefer your order to go?" Miss Josie interrupted my thoughts.

"Who was that girl?" I inquired, noticing the girl who had handed me my order.

"I have no clue about her; she used to come to work. I don't know anything about her background," Miss Josie replied, seemingly avoiding eye contact.

"You..." I gestured toward the girl who handed me my coffee, and she timidly approached.

"Yes, sir," she replied nervously.

"What's your name?" I inquired.

"Allison ."

"Alright, Allison , what do you know about that girl?" I questioned.

"I've never crossed paths with that girl, sir," I said with a smirk, watching her nervously swallow.

"I detest being lied to, and I'd hate to imagine a young lady like yourself ending up in a fucking ditch. Your friend lost her job; don't repeat the Same mistake with your life Allison ," I warned, eliciting a restrained squeal from her.

"Sit," I instructed, and she complied, settling down quietly with fear in her eyes.

"Her name is Willow Davis.."

••••••

"Willow Davis, huh?" A smile played on my lips as I left the cafe, my thoughts consumed by that eccentric girl. She embodied beauty – ember golden eyes, sun-kissed skin, rosy lips untouched by makeup, and her gold blonde hair cascading down her waist with stylish bangs. No wonder her friend called her Willow; she's captivating with perfect curves. Licking my lips, I couldn't help but find her intriguing.

As I reached into my pockets, I retrieved my phone, navigated to my contacts, and tapped on the "J" column. Pressing on the number, my phone dialed, and I patiently waited for the person to answer.

"What's your deal now? I'm in the middle of something important," a voice groaned, with heavy panting in the background, causing my smile to transform into one of mild irritation.

"Is fornication that important?" I teased, catching Hailey 's laughter in the backdrop.

"Tristan, you scoundrel," Hailey chuckled upon recognizing my voice.

"At this rate, you might as well film yourselves; you two have more than enough potential to skyrocket in the porn industry," I quipped, earning a boisterous giggle from Hailey .

"Why don't you join in, I'll film " Hailey said seductively hinting I'd be the one smashing Jaxon.

"I always knew there were some screws loose in you" I said, resisting the urge to place a bounty on her head.

"Come on Tristan, Maybe you'll actually make me cum unlike this bitch" I heard a slap and I couldn't stifle my laughter.

"So it's funny if he says something rude but when I say it I get slapped? " Jaxon groaned on the phone.

"I'll let you two catch up," Hailey said as she exited the room, leaving us to our conversation.

"You better have a good reason; I got slapped," Jaxon hissed.

"Enough with the banter. I need a favor. Search everything related to Willow Davis and report to me tonight, no excuses," I stated, as if I was about to kill a man.

"You got robbed or something.. " Jaxon asked worried about my tone, he knows me and I'll kill anyone who gets in my way that's why he's worried.

"Who's the dead man walking?" Jaxon asked one more time.

"That's why I need you to research it, and I want the results on my desk at the Casino this evening, no excuses," I declared, cutting the call before he could respond. I owe no one a fucking explanation.