Page 5 of Kaid's Empire

“You will not find a better restaurant, and I believe it was you that I heard shouting and upsetting my customers,” he replies.

Sighing, I shake my head. “Fine, I made the scene all by myself, it had nothing to do with that horrible pompous bitch up there. Now, if you don’t mind, you can take your shitty restaurant and go fuck yourself,” I snap.

The men around the table stand abruptly and take a step towards me. I step back. But the man sat in the centre of them all doesn’t move, he simply holds up his hand, halting them. My eyes dart around, fear creeping up my spine. This isn’t normal. “Let her go,” he orders.

I don’t hang around, I dart up the steps as quick as I can and run back to my hotel.

Four

Theia

I stay around my hotel for the rest of the day, being cautious not to run into those men, whoever they are. I am not stupid, I know Monaco is known for being a corrupt place, being a tax heaven for the rich, but there was something about those guys… they seem like the type of people you do not want to mess with. It’s not so bad staying at the hotel, laid out on a sunbed on their private beach, being served delicious cocktails while I read.

“Madam, a drink for you from the gentleman just over there.” The waiter places the cocktail down. I put my kindle down and look through my sunglasses at the guy the waiter is pointing at, and the guy raises his drink and smiles. I smile politely at him then hand the drink back to the waiter. “Tell the gentleman that I'm very grateful but I do not accept drinks from strangers,” I state, placing the drink back on his tray.

“Very well, madam,” he states before walking off. I pick up my kindle and get back to reading.

Not long after, a shadow is cast over me. I look up to see the guy that had a drink sent to me. “I figured if I came over and introduced myself then we wouldn’t be strangers and you would allow me to buy you a drink.” He smiles.

I look him up and down. He's a good-looking older guy with silver hair––he almost reminds me of George Clooney. He confidently takes a seat on my sunbed. I sit up, moving my legs. “Please take a seat,” I state sarcastically.

“So kind of you to offer.” He winks, not at all bothered by my sharp remark. “I'm Calvin, I am from New York, and I am here on business. I am a Virgo and I like to play poker and watch classic movies.” He smiles. “Now you know who I am.” He clicks his fingers, calling the waiter back over. “Two of what she's having,” he orders.

I peer at him over my sunglasses. “You could have just made that stuff up, and you know nothing about me,” I point out coolly.

Still not deterred by my obvious cold demeanour, he nods and continues like I'm being warm and friendly. “Good point. I know, what about if I tell you something about myself that is embarrassing, something that I would never normally tell people… How about that? Would you believe me then?” he asks. My lips twitch, fighting a smile. I have to hand it to him, he is good. “Ah, I see, I am breaking down those barriers. Good then, it’s a deal.” He leans in a little closer, but still being respectful enough to give me my space. “My very first date… I took her to a street food market. Unfortunately for me and her, we went to the one place that did not cook the food well. Just an hour after we had eaten, we both had to scramble for the toilet,” he states.

I smile but shrug. “So what? You got food poisoning on your first date, that’s not embarrassing.”

“Ah, but when you both have food poisoning and there is only one set of toilets open nearby and you both have to sit side by side with just a small partition separating you, hearing each other’s sounds, smelling each other’s smells…” he states, raising his eyebrows.

I can’t help it, I laugh. “Oh, well, that is unfortunate.”

“You Brits are too polite; it was more than unfortunate; it was a fucking nightmare.” He laughs, shaking his head.

I hold my hand out in greeting. He stops laughing and takes my hand in his, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on the back of my hand. “And finally, she gives me an in.” He winks.

The waiter brings us our drinks, and I have to say, it’s nice talking to him. I feel relaxed.

“So, can I ask why you're here on business? What exactly is it that you do?” I ask.

“I'm a lawyer, my client owns this hotel,” he states.

My jaw drops. “Woah, way to name drop. So who owns this place?” I fish.

He places his finger on his lips and shakes his head. “I cannot divulge that information. Tell me about yourself,” he distracts.

“Very quick to divert the conversation there, but okay. I'm Theia, I come from England, and I am on my holiday,” I state before taking a sip of my drink.

“That’s a very vague description about yourself. How do I know that I am safe with you?” he asks.

I laugh. “Well, you don’t, you’ll just have to trust me, and before you ask, no, I am not going to divulge any embarrassing stories about myself.”

He laughs and we continue talking for a while. A man wearing a suit approaches, and he has a cold stare. “You are required for a meeting immediately,” he orders Calvin.

Calvin nods and stands. “Duty calls. Have dinner with me. Eight o’clock in the restaurant,” he demands.

“Sure,” I agree, smiling. He smiles in return before walking away.

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