Chapter 4

I shook my head, and the man smiled, seeing through my lie. Of course, I wanted that money, and he knew my expression of need spoke volumes about me. He walked towards me, and in fear, I lowered my gaze, feeling the scent of his expensive perfume, but this time it felt different, more subtle.

“Look at me…” he commanded. I raised my shy eyes, and he smiled again, almost hypnotized by my face. But why? Why was he speaking to me so kindly now?

“Let’s make a fair deal. I want to work with you,” he said. My eyes widened immediately in disbelief. Who was this man? And what was I about to get myself into?

¶

Hours earlier

“How can I help you, Mr. Kyelef? It’s an honor to have a Montenegro in my humble establishment.”

“Let’s get to the point, Bines. I don’t have all day. Have you found any leads on Belladonna?”

“Did you bring the money?” I raised the briefcase but held it back before giving it to him.

“I want the information first.”

“Unfortunately, we only know that someone helped her escape because there’s no trace of her at the airports.” I frowned, frustrated by the lack of information.

“That’s it? Do you think this is some kind of joke? If I came to you, it’s because your methods aren’t exactly legal. I want her found, or you won’t get another dollar!” I yelled, throwing a chair aside in anger.

“Mr. Kyelef, calm down,” the man said, smoking a cigar with amusement. Suddenly, one of his men whispered something to him, and his expression darkened.

“Your brother is here, and he doesn’t look happy.”

“Caesar… Damn it.” I grabbed the briefcase and stormed out, my soul burning with impotent rage. I stopped, trying to calm myself, but the anger and frustration overwhelmed me. What good was having so much money if I couldn’t find her? Suddenly, someone grabbed my hand, pulling the briefcase, which flew into the air, and then I saw her.

¶

Present

I fidgeted with my fingers nervously, seeing the dirt under my nails. I looked around in embarrassment, and of course, we attracted the disgusted and repulsed looks of the café's patrons. It was too elegant and refined for someone like me to be here. Why did he bring me here?

“Order whatever you want,” he said suddenly, smiling at me. Was he really smiling at me? Why had his attitude changed so abruptly?

“W-whatever I want? I don’t understand,” I said, my voice trembling. He let out a light laugh, which made me even more nervous.

“Yes, please. I want to treat you for the uncomfortable situation I put you through.” He gestured for me to look at the menu. Was he referring to how he treated me in the private room? I didn’t understand anything.

“Uncomfortable…?” I murmured incredulously. He’s being kind because he feels sorry for you, silly… He feels indebted because he’s a good person. After all, he saved you. Decline… you’re making him uncomfortable being by his side. Just look at him. Why would he invite you to eat as if you were a lady he fancied? I smiled politely and said,

“Don’t worry, Mr. Montenegro, I’m full from yesterday… Besides, I’m very strong; I can endure it.” I indicated cheerfully, trying to hide my discomfort. He chuckled lightly, mesmerizing me with his beauty. He was so handsome… I had never seen anyone with such fine features… and less who smiled at me, a mere homeless girl working in a seedy bar, despised by everyone.

“I can imagine how strong you are, but I would like you to accept my kind offer to treat you to something.” I shrank into my chair and timidly replied,

“A glass of water is fine…” I said, looking down. He sighed and said,

“You’re difficult.”

“No! I-I just don’t want you to spend money on me. I can’t repay you for everything you’ve done for me…” I stammered, speaking hurriedly and clumsily. For a moment, he looked at me in confusion and then said,

“Then, I’ll order for you. The hot chocolate here is exquisite, and you might like a slice of cheesecake.” My eyes lit up at the word chocolate. He raised his hand to call the waitress and placed the order. Everything fell silent, and before my eyes, there was only him. Why was he so kind to me? No man had ever been… I only remembered mistreatment and disdain from people. A smile formed on my face when I heard,

“This place has completely lost its class, women of ill repute eating alongside customers, what a shame… did you see how she’s dressed? She’s a prostitute.”

I smelled my clothes and felt guilty for making him look bad, despite how kind he was being to me. I shouldn’t be here. I had to repay his kindness in another way. I stood up stiffly, surprising him.

“I think… I’ll eat outside,” I said awkwardly, trying to smile slightly.

“No, you’re my guest, and any offense to you is an offense to me,” he said angrily to the waitress, who was covering her nose.

“My apologies, Mr. Montenegro. We’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again,” the woman quickly said, placing the cheesecake down, while the couple left with loud protests as they argued.

“Now, please sit down,” he said again, and confused, I complied. He looked at me with a smile, encouraging me to eat. I nodded, taking a spoon to try a piece in silence. As I passed it over my mouth, an expression of delight crossed my face.

“It’s so delicious…”

“I’m glad you liked it. Now we can talk properly. I think we got off on the wrong foot. So, how about we start by introducing ourselves?” I nodded with my mouth full of cake. He took out a handkerchief and handed it to me. Embarrassed, I took it and said,

“My name is Belle… well, that’s what the homeless people who have taken care of me since I was born call me.” He frowned and asked,

“Did your mother or caretaker die?” I nodded, looking down.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-one…” he looked surprised, staring into the distance as if thousands of questions were running through his mind. Then I blurted out, finally understanding what he wanted from a simple scavenger found in a seedy bar.

“I don’t do that kind of work! I’m sorry… I know I work in a pub, but I can’t sleep with any man. In fact, I was only going to serve tables tonight,” he looked at me in surprise, then let out a gentle laugh, resting his chin on his hand, looking at me with curiosity.

“No one’s ever told me I look like a pimp. Do I look that bad?” I quickly shook my head and said,

“You’re the most handsome and kind man I’ve ever met! Even though you seemed grumpy at first… I think you’re a good person.” I blurted out so quickly I didn’t think about it. I looked at him intently, and he seemed flattered, then gave me a sweet smile with dimples.

“Belle, the job I want to offer you is at a mansion, specifically the Montenegro estate.” Surprised by such an opportunity, I quickly responded.

“I can cook, do plumbing, and I’m very good at gardening. Mr. Beethoven taught me…” I said sadly, remembering my grandfather. What was I doing? I had to leave.

“I-I have to go immediately.” I stood up quickly, surprising him with my sudden change of attitude.

“What? Why? Wait a minute!” He grabbed my hand, holding me back, and I said firmly with a worried expression,

“If you want me to take the job, I need you to lend me money.” He looked at me silently for a few seconds and then said without hesitation,

“Deal. Let’s go; I’ll take you!” He surprised me by leaving the money on the table with elegant calmness. Without much more talk, he took my hand and walked towards the exit. Why did it feel like he was a completely different person from the one I met a few hours ago? The memory of an intense look in the dark sent shivers down my spine. His presence… his voice… had I been mistaken?