3: It was never about cleaning it

You will just have to pay for it later. His words hung over me like a death sentence as I finished cleaning his shirt the best I could offer.

“There,” I pulled back my hand, clutching the towel to my chest. “It’s done.”

“Good,” he said simply, standing up in one smooth motion. His tall figure filled the room again.

He grabbed his jacket from the table, reached into the pocket, retrieving his phone, and quickly sent a message. Shortly after, a knock on the backdoor startled me, making me stand and take a step away, before the door opened and a suited arm reached inside with a garment bag.

“El León,” the voice said.

“Gracias Julián. Wait outside.”

The door closed again.

Santiago began to unbutton his stained shirt, each motion slow and precise. My breath caught before I could stop it. His chest was lean, sculpted, a faint scar tracing just below the ribs.

His eyes flicked up, catching me staring.

“I’m glad you like what you see, dulce,” he chuckled, deep and amused. “At least something good came out of you ruining my shirt.”

I turned away quickly, my cheeks burning.

That made him laugh once – a sound sending heat low in my stomach, catching me by surprise.

“Relax,” he said, followed by an unzipping sound from the garment bag. “I’m not going to eat you.”

I turned despite myself, looking at him buttoning the new shirt. It was crimson red. Making him look even more dangerous. And breathtaking.

He smiled faintly. “Or maybe I am?”

My eyes widened, and my breathing stopped, unsure if he was teasing. He rolled his sleeves to his elbows, then smoothed the cuffs with perfect precision before his attention turned back toward me again.

I opened my mouth to say something but then decided it was better not to – so I closed it again, looking down on the ground. “No,” he said softly, taking a step toward me. “If you have something to say, say it.”

I bit my lip, as to gather my courage. “The shirt…” I started, eyes still on the ground.

He took another step, his black polished shoes within my sight now. “Yes, what about it?” His voice was still soft but also a bit impatient. Another step. He was standing right in front of me.

“If you knew you had a spare, if all you had to… Why - ?”

“I told you, nueva chica,” his hand caught my chin, gently, forcing my eyes to his. “It was never about cleaning it.”

I didn’t know what to say, my eyes blinking in confusion. Then, without warning, he closed the remaining distance between us and kissed me. My eyes were still wide – confused.

Slowly, he pulled back, a wicked smile on his lips. “Mm, soft.” He stepped back further.

“Now,” he said lightly, as if nothing had happened, “since you’ve already proven yourself capable of making a mess…” His eyes gleamed. “…let’s see if you can make something right.”

He stepped toward the door. “Make me a coffee,” he said over his shoulder. “If you can manage it without spilling this time.”

“Y-yes, Señor.”

“Santiago,” he corrected again, voice low. “Say it like you mean it.”

I hesitated, then forced the word out. “Santiago.”

“Good girl.”

He opened the door, holding it for me to pass through first, that same faint smirk playing on his lips. The murmur of the café returned instantly – cups clinking, low chatter, and Ana’s anxious stare from across the room.

As Javier approached with a respectful smile, hands clasped together, but nervous eyes assessing me, Santiago’s hand moved to the small of my back, guiding me forward, steadying my pace.

“Is… everything alright?” Javier’s voice was light, directed at Santiago, but his eyes were watching me.

“Sí, amigo,” Santiago said with a velvet voice, drawling the words. “The new girl will make me an espresso. No sugar.” The last was directed at me.

Javier approached me slowly, like he was ready to catch me if my legs failed me. “Valerie?”

Heat and fear tangled in my body, creeping up my neck, and for a second, I was afraid my legs would give out. And then, I felt Santiago’s hand moving lower, slowly, dangerously.

“Yes, sir – I’m fine. I will make it right away.” I said, too fast before hurrying toward the counter where Ana and Dom were waiting. Santiago chuckled as he moved to a table in the back, seating like a king with one arm lazily draped across the backrest of the couch.

Ana was already waiting for me when I stepped behind the counter again, a hand placed reassuringly on my arm. “What happened in there?” she whispered, eyes darting toward the staff room, which door was now slightly ajar.

I didn’t speak at first. I slowly moved past her to the sink. “…Nothing,” I said, before washing my hands.

“I – I just cleaned his shirt.”

Ana’s frown deepened. She waited until the water was off before replying. “You’re lying.”

I met her gaze, swallowing hard. “Ana, please. Just… don’t ask, okay?”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but before she could say anymore, Javier approached the counter. His expression was heavy, apologetic. “Valerie,” he said gently, “I’m sorry about what happened. I only wanted to hide you, to shield you from …” His eyes flickered nervously toward Santiago’s table where he sat waiting with a sly grin, watching my every movement.

“It’s okay, sir,” I murmured, but he shook his head.

“No, it isn’t.” His shoulders sagged. “Señor Morales – he’s here to help me. This café. My family. But I never wanted to drag you into it. You shouldn’t have been near him.”

“Javier, I—”

He raised a hand, silencing me softly. “Just… play your part, deliver his coffee – but keep your distance, Valerie.” He forced a tired smile. “Now, I’ll go help my wife finish the pastries before the evening rush. You’ll be alright?”

I nodded slowly. All I had to do was bring him coffee without spilling, right? And I really needed this job, since my manager kept cutting my hours at the hotel.

“Good – Dom will help you with the espresso machine.” He reached out, took my hand, and squeezed it for a second before disappearing into the kitchen, the clatter of trays and oven doors fading behind him. I sighed, turning to Dom. “So, heartbreaker – show me how to make an outstanding espresso. No sugar.”