Ava's Pov:
A week had passed since I started working at the restaurant. Each day was harder than the last.
Those men still followed me but they weren't consistent. They never got close either. I learned to accept it and move on with my life. Alicia told me to file a report but I didn't have any evidence and they hadn't done anything life threatening….yet.
"Ava could you quit moping and actually get to work?" Daniel yelled behind me.
He was brutal, and loyal to Kira. He was a server like me but he bossed everyone around, and Kira let him.
"Yes boss." I said, unable to hide my discomfort.
Not being able to handle the situation with those men and living in constant fear was starting to make me worry.
They were at the restaurant again. Same table, same order. They barely touched their food when they came. I knew they were there for me. But, I kept my cool and avoided serving them.
Unluckily for me, I had to serve them this time. Daniel gave me a cold look and tilted his head towards their table. That was his way of telling me to do my job.
I took a long breath and walked over to them.
"Welcome to Kora. What can I get for you?"
"We're regulars. Aren't you aware of what we like by now?"
"Yes, I am. It's just part of my job to ask. I'll be right back with your order."
I was about to walk off when the skinny guy grabbed my hand tightly.
I gasped. "Let go of me."
"Did I overstep? I'm sorry." he let go. "I just wanted to introduce myself."
"Oh." I turned back to look at him and dusted my shirt.
"My name's Marvin, and my friend's Tim. You're Ava, I suppose."
"How did you know my name?" I asked in one breath.
He chuckled. "Your name tag silly."
He was playing with me and I didn't like that.
"If that'll be all, I'll go get your food ready."
I turned around and walked off. They didn't stop me, surprisingly.
A few minutes later, I walked out of the kitchen, tray in hand, a smile faintly painted on my face and hope of survival.
"Ava are you okay?" Mia asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
I headed to their table. I could feel Mia's suspicious expression behind me but she was the least of my problems.
I dropped their food on the table and turned around immediately.
"We don't want this." Tim, I suppose, pushed the food away.
"We came here for something else. But because of the stress, I'll double the bill."
And they just stood up and left.
My knees were shaking. My breath was running.
*ding*
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
I slowly took it out.
"Be prepared."
My heart dropped to my stomach. Quickly, I shoved my phone back into my pockets and tried to pretend I didn't almost pee my pants.
I went to the bathroom to wash my face. I prayed, hoped, that this wasn't the beginning of something I wouldn't be able to fake my way out of.
The fear I was living in stopped me from posting on social media. I had Nadia and her followers laugh at me for it but I didn't care. My life was in real danger.
The day only became harder as I thought about it. I imagined them waiting for me to check out so they could follow me home again. I could barely concentrate on anything.
And that annoyed Kira.
She only came around when we had important guests, which we didn't tonight so seeing her was very shocking. Her criticism only made things worse for me. She called me to the side and threatened me.
"You're on your third strike Ava. The moment I catch you slacking off or zoning out again, you're done."
"I'm sorry Miss Kira. I was just…"
"You didn't get the memo? I hate excuses. This is a five star restaurant, not some scrappy bar. Do what has to be done or get out." Her tone was slightly higher.
I didn't say anything after that. She continued to complain but I was barely attentive.
"Do you hear me?!"
I snapped back to reality. "Yes ma'am. Loud and clear."
"Give a lower class a chance and you get lower class results." She whispered loud enough for me to hear.
I left before she did and went back to serving.
A few minutes to closing, a customer walked in. He had a long coat on, the kind that screamed wealth. I had seen a lot of rich snobs over the week but something about him was different. He seemed….humble and the complete opposite from every wealthy person I'd met.
I was about to walk up to him to tell him we were about to close but I stopped when I noticed two other men walk in. They were the strange men that had been following me. And worse, they came with their leader.
Multiple thoughts filled my head and I told myself I couldn't do it. I stood behind Mia without saying anything. She wanted to ask something but Kira interrupted her.
She walked up to the man with a wide smile. He greeted her with an air kiss or whatever they called it. From their expressions, I could tell they fancied each other.
I just watched from behind Mia, who was just as shocked as me. Seeing Kira truly smile was rare. Not the type she gave other customers. We could all tell this was real, and that scared me. What if Kira was part of their plan to kill me?
"Ava go!" Mia yelled.
I looked up to see Kira and the man staring at me.
Mia gave me a side eye and whispered "go" again.
I hesitated, but finally worked up the courage to move.
"Good evening Sir." I greeted.
"Good Evening Miss Ava."
"Well then, I'll leave you two to it." Kira said before walking off.
"Sit."
I obeyed.
"So, Ava. I'll assume you have a terrible memory."
"Excuse me?"
"Well I wasn't too surprised when my guards told me you didn't recognize them but I didn't expect you to forget me too."
"I'm sorry, do I know you?"
"You don't. But you do remember getting chased across the street from Wine n Dine right?"
My mind went back to the last night I worked at Wine n Dine. I sang for Leon and got chased by his guards after he passed out.
"Those were my bodyguards."
My mouth flew open. "Oh my God. Are you here to arrest me? I promise I didn't do anything to you."
"Oh but you did. You put me to sleep."
"Could you please go straight to the point."
He smiled. "I can tell you're nervous. Pardon my men. I asked them to spy on you but they weren't stealthy enough."
"Why would you ask your guards to spy on me?"
"Like I said, you put me to sleep. It's been a while since that has happened."
"You have insomnia."
"Oh so you do know me." His smile widened.
"No, I don't. I read about you that night but that's all I know."
"Would you like to know more?"
"How and why would I want that?"
"When you start working for me, it'll come in handy."
"Work for a man who sent people to watch me for over a week? Hell no."
"I completely understand why you'd be scared. But, I had to make sure it was you before I made a move."
"There were better ways to do that, sir."
"I agree. How about you hear me out and decide if being angry at me is worth it."
I didn't say anything.
"I want you to work as a live-in personal assistant."
"What? Is this some kind of joke?"
"No, it's not. As much as I hate to say it, you're the only one that could put me to sleep."
"How am I supposed to believe that?"
"I wouldn't work this hard to speak to you if it wasn't true." he took off his coat. "Listen, I know Kira. You'd be getting hell working for her with a small pay. If you agree to work for me, I'll pay you more than you'll ever earn here."
"That doesn't change the fact that you put me on edge. I can't work for you. I don't even know you."
"You don't know Kira either."
"And how am I sure you don't have other motives?"
"There's a contract that states boundaries wouldn't be crossed. If I attempt to, I could go to jail and a fine will be paid."
"Oh."
"I'm not letting you sleep on it. I need an answer now."
I looked behind me. Everyone was giving me death glares, especially Kira.
"How much is the pay?"
"Two thousand a month."
My hands flew to my mouth.
"I'll take that as a yes?"
I didn't say anything, he smiled.
"Here's my card. I'll be expecting a reply tonight."