Chapter 9 The Waitress

FLAVIAN

"I still have time. Marriage is not something to make rash decisions about." I recite my regular response.

"Thirty is calling. Time waits for no man, you know."

"Then I'll have to bribe it to wait for me." I focus on my food, not willing to engage further. I'm aware of the kind of glare coming my way. My mother and I have different opinions about this. She wants normalcy for me. How can I have a normal life when I'm always at war with Unai Merino? I have dangerous unfinished business to take care of.

"I'm serious, Flavian. You need someone to take care of you. Someone who's not your mother. I can help you find a housewife," she offers.

"Thanks, but I'll pass."

"Your loss," she shrugs, like I'm missing out on a great opportunity.

Settling down is the last thing on my mind, but now that we're talking about certain topics... "Stop sending servants to my villa. I can take care of myself, thank you very much."

She sighs before giving me the usual I'm tired of your stubbornness look, but she never gives up.

"I have a personal housekeeper," I lie. Her look tells me she doesn't buy it in the slightest.

"Really? I'm having a hard time believing you."

"She's not a live-in, but I'm going to rectify that," I add to the lie.

This time, I'm not sure whether she buys it, but if she does, she'd definitely want to meet her. I'm not wrong. Knowing her, she'll keep on sending the maids until she's sure about my story.

"If you meet her, will you stop pestering me with maids every time?" I ask. Though I know it's not just about my well-being, she uses them to spy on me too. I don't want her on my neck all the time. And I don't want to stress her, either. She's been through enough, which is why I try to be soft with her, even if it contrasts with my demeanor.

"You moron!" A screeching voice suddenly attracts everyone's attention before my mother can answer my question.

The next thing I know, we're watching drama unfold between two ladies, where one accuses the other of wrecking her home. My eyes remained glued to the one whose clothes are now loaded with soup.

At first, it's her resilience that catches my attention. The way she defends herself, blocking the slap coming her way, like she and the impeccably dressed woman are on the same level. I'm tempted to order some popcorn just to see more of what the fierce waitress is capable of, despite being at a slight disadvantage.

However, now that she has my attention, my eyes trace her beauty. I mean, it's not every day you take note of a waitress's beauty, but there's something about this particular one.

Suddenly, I'm not paying attention to whatever is going on. Her features intrigue me. Her black hair is neatly tied into a bun, revealing her captivating face. Her skin looks charming, and it's not just because it survived a burning fiasco. She's furious, but that doesn't change her gorgeousness. My mind must have taken a turn for insanity if eyeing a waitress like this in the middle of a fight is any indication.

"Women." My mother's voice snaps me from my haze. I shake my head as an excuse to get back to my normal self.

"See why it's hard to find a good wife these days?" I smile at her. That is the perfect excuse.

____________________

I have a meeting with Derrick in a private booth at Luvian. The games continue. Slacking is akin to putting your life at a higher risk. The strategies never cease.

On my way, I spot a familiar blackhead at the counter. My lips curve into a smile. Of course, I can't forget that face. The gorgeous waitress from earlier. My lucky day-or night. I never thought I'd see her again.

I assume she got fired after the incident?

Can she afford this place? How much do waitresses get paid?

This is a very big coincidence, and I like it. I'm not going to let it pass. Derrick is probably waiting for me, but that's what he'll have to do for now.

I approach the counter, where she is chatting with some other lady. The bartender notices me and I immediately know she's about to call me out, but I speak up quickly, beating her to it. I end up saying the most ridiculous, "Get me five shots of tequila."

My order attracts her attention. When she turns to look at me, I finally get a closer look at her. She's even prettier at a closer angle. She has the most beautiful blue eyes. Her charming skin makes me want to cup her cheeks and kiss those lips that look so delicious.

Unlike earlier, now she has her hair tied into a ponytail.

If someone asked me which style of her hair I prefer, I'd say I want a collaboration. Both make her look gorgeous. I'm quick to call her out for wanting to swallow me alive.

Hypocrite.

I have been doing the same. I don't just want to swallow her. I want to devour her, kiss the breath out of her. Run my tongue all over that charming skin. My dick twitches at each dirty thought.

However, when I tease her about earlier, she isn't in the slightest bit impressed. She's fierce. One more thing that draws me to her. She's not tense even when she should be.

The annoyance in her eyes makes me want to tease her even more. I think it's the reason why I don't react much when she pours the tequila shots on my shirt. She's a daring devil, and she's not sorry. I would love to stay here the whole night to test her limits, but she takes her friend and they walk away. I should be punishing her, but I'm not. Yet another strange thing for me.

My eyes are glued to her backside as she looks like she sashays away. Gosh, are those real? My palm print would look gorgeous on that. She disappears, and I'm left with the shocked bartender. That's understandable.

I don't know if I'll ever see her again.