Page 18 of Frayed Bonds

“And can I please get a strawberry milkshake as well,” I speak up.

Instantly all eyes are on me as the waitress nods and walks away.

“Val, we’re at one of Tevici’s top restaurants and you're ordering a milkshake.” Natalia looks at me slightly concerned.

I shrug. “We could be on the moon, and I'll probably still order one.”

Milkshakes, specifically strawberry ones, have always been my favourite drink since I was a child. My mother would hate it whenever I drank it, complaining about how much my stomach would ache after. Even though my lactose intolerance left me close to death, nothing could ever stop me from drinking it.

“So, back to you working for the Vitales.” Natalia changes the topic back to me.

“I need a job to help pay for things for Papá, and Antonio offered me one.”

“Why didn’t you tell me anything?” She stares at me wide-eyed.

“It’s nothing to worry about. I mainly need a job to hold me over until my commissions work out.” I shrug.

“What's the catch?” Natalia pushes.

“There isn't one. All he said was that Ambrose can be quite difficult,” I say slumping back into my chair.

“Hmm, of course he is. He probably fucked his last assistant, and then fired her,” Natalia scoffs.

“Just because the news portrays him a certain way doesn't mean that’s actually how he is.” I rush to his defence.

I have no idea why, considering he's been nothing but an asshole since recognising me. Something about seeing him cry makes me think there's more going on behind the scenes than what he lets the world see.

“Just be careful, please?” she pleads.

“Of course. Besides, if anything goes wrong, at least I can sue them for millions.” I attempt to joke, but it’s only met with a grave expression from my best friend.

The drinks arrive at our tables just in time. I'm grateful that our waitress seems to have a sixth sense about bringing the drinks in at the perfect time.

“My manager is starting to stress me out so much,” Natalia sighs as she takes the last sip of her third drink. After the first Negroni Sbagliato, we both moved on to other drinks, hers being margaritas. She insists that tequila is the only alcohol that doesn't leave her with a hangover, and even though I love it almost as much, it always leaves me feeling like death the next day.

“She seems like such a sweet lady,” I say, leaning forward to slip some more pasta into my mouth.

“She is an absolute sweetheart to anyone she meets for the first time. As soon as she is comfortable around you, it's like this monster is unleashed. She’s been laying on the pressure extra thick these last few weeks.” Nat sighs.

She’s right in the middle of her second world tour, as well as promotions for her second studio album. Which means interviews after interviews and more red carpets than I’ll probably see in my lifetime. I’m surprised her visit to Tevici is as long as it is, usually, her team keeps it to a few days maximum.

As my eyes scan the room, I take in the different types of people in the restaurant. A chill runs down my spine as I notice a door off to the back of the restaurant. If it weren't for the large men guarding the door, I would love to assume it is a utility closet, but I have a feeling there's more to it than a few brooms and mops.

“I'll be right back,” I say as I stand up from the table.

“Mmh, are you going to the bathroom?” Nat asks, swallowing her drink quickly. “I'll go with you.”

“It’s okay, it’s just over there. I'll be fine.” I wave her off and begin walking towards the back of the restaurant.

A chill runs down my spine, and I glance over my shoulder to see if anyone is behind me. The restaurant is seemingly unchanged behind me, not a single person moved from their spot. I don’t know why but it felt as if someone was right behind me.

As I round the corner, I walk straight into a solid surface. Embarrassment climbs up my face and I close my eyes as I bring my hand up to rub my head. It isn't until I feel a warmth in front of me that I open them again, and look straight ahead at the solid surface and realise, it is indeed a person. A very large, muscular person.

My nose recognises him long before my eyes can adjust to the suit, Ambrose. My eyes rise to see him in all his glory. The heat emitting from his body is intoxicating, and if I wasn't in such a delicate, short dress I'd feel the need to begin discarding items of clothing.

I mentally shake the thought of dropping my clothes for Ambrose out of my head as I realise how bad it sounds, even inside my head.

The glare he’s giving me is enough to dissolve every ounce of warmth in the small hallway. I stumble back as if it has physically impacted me. Except, I don't get far due to a grasp on my arm.

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