He Watched Me For Seven Months
A desperate cocktail waitress accepts a life-changing job offer from the powerful man who has been secretly observing her. What begins as a transaction becomes something far more dangerous and real, as dark secrets from her past collide with his present.
Three whiskeys neat. Two vodka sodas. One blue drink that cost more than I'd make all night.
The music thumped through the floorboards as I balanced the tray against my hip.
Six hours into my shift. Two more to go. My feet were already screaming.
My phone vibrated in my pocket. The hospital again. I couldn't answer now.
Men in tailored suits never looked at my face. Women in diamonds never saw me at all.
Thank you, gentlemen. Enjoy your drinks.
Then the air in the club shifted.
The crowd parted like dark water.
Three men moved through the space that opened for them.
Dante Russo.
Everyone in the city knew his name. Owner. Power. Danger.
I turned away quickly. A survival instinct. Never stare at a predator.
Do you see who just walked in? That's him. That's Dante Russo.
I know. Can you cover section three? I need to check my phone. It's the hospital.
In the staff bathroom, my hands trembled as I listened to the voicemail.
The experimental treatment wasn't working.
Everything I'd fought for. Everything I'd sacrificed. All of it failing.
A man in a black suit waited in the hallway, blocking my path entirely.
Miss Parker. Mr. Russo would like a word. Not a request.
He escorted me to the private elevator that led up, up, into the offices above.
The elevator opened into a massive corner office overlooking the entire city.
Floor to ceiling windows. Minimalist furniture. Abstract art on the walls.
Dante Russo stood with his back to me, holding a tumbler of amber liquid.
For several long seconds, he didn't turn or speak.
When he finally turned, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made me breathe catch.
Adriana Parker. 24 years old. English literature major who dropped out in your final year.
Working three jobs to pay for your mother's experimental cancer treatment.
Living in that run-down apartment building on Westfield Avenue with the broken heating.
How could you possibly know all of this about me?
I make it my business to know who works for me. Especially those who catch my attention.
He circled me slowly, like a shark circling prey.
Seven months you've worked here. Never late. Never complained. Taking every extra shift.
Handling difficult situations with grace, but your smile never reaches your eyes.
I have a proposition for you, Adriana Parker.
Double your current salary. Full benefits. And access to the best medical care in the world.
Why would you offer me this when you've just met me?
Let's say I see potential in you.
When I reached for the folder, our fingers brushed and electricity seemed to pass between us.
I haven't agreed to anything yet.
No. You haven't. But you will. I'm certain of it.
Don't make me wait too long for your answer. I'm not a patient man.
The elevator doors closed on his watching face.
In a bathroom stall with shaking hands, I opened the folder and looked inside.
A contract. A business card. A check already signed.
He knew I had no choice.