The Proposition ✔️

chapter one

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Alejandra's POV.

I march out of the building, storming out of the door with such momentum that it slams against the wall and ricochets closed.

That pervert!

One minute we're discussing my restaurant, the next he's asking if he can take me out to dinner sometime. I shudder at the thought. The man is over twenty years older than me, not a chance. I scowl and push him from my mind.

I need a drink.

I take a taxi to my flagship restaurant. My other one is two hours away in another city. This one is my baby; it was started by my parents when they moved over form Columbia.

When I was twenty and in my second year over university, they were killed in an accident. I inherited the restaurant and my uncle looked after it whilst I completed my business degree.

At twenty-two, I took over and put everything into building a name for myself. Three years later, I've opened a second restaurant and I've just had an article written on my success in the local magazine. Both restaurants have an exclusive clientele, not many can afford my prices. I offer fine dining and a luxury experience.

The taxi rolls up, I pay the driver and I step out, smoothing down my body-con dress. I strut into the restaurant in my six inch killer heels acting like I own the place.

Oh, wait. I do.

I've worked damn hard to make this place what it is, I was handed everything by my parents, and I hate the stigma that I've had it easy, I haven't. I lost my parents, that's not easy.

I hope they'd be proud of what I've done.

I'm happy to see that all the tables are filled. It's only Thursday night, so that's a good sign. The maître d, Jeni, sees me enter and rushes over.

"Boss, I didn't know you'd be here tonight," she looks flustered.

I find it funny when she calls me boss, she is literally fifteen years older than me.

"Don't worry, I won't stay long. Just had a bad meeting with one of the investors, perv was hitting on me," I explain and shudder again. "I need a drink and then I'll be out of your hair."

I shoot her a smile and head for the stairs.

"No problem, stay as long as you want boss!" Jeni hurriedly calls after me.

Bless her, she's scared of me. I have no idea why, I'm not a horrible boss. I know the staff get nervous when I'm in the restaurant, so I won't stay for more than one drink.

I go upstairs to the second level, where we have the more exclusive tables and the bar. I lean against the bar and wait, with an amused smile, for Rafael to notice me. He's pouring out the remnants of a cocktail into a glass. He adds some edible violets and slides the drink over to the waitress. He catches sight of me in his peripherals and smiles, coming over to my end of the bar.

"Hey, Boss. What can I get you?"

"Pink gin, elderflower tonic, large," I order and give him a look that shows what a day I've had.

He smirks and gets to work. "Coming right up."

I scan the room, checking for any notable customers that I might recognise. A table of men in the corner catch my eye, they've booked the most secluded table in the restaurant, which I know costs extra. There's nine of them around a circular table, they're all Italian or Grecian looking and wearing suits. The one facing my direction catches my eye.