FEMALE LEAD SERIES BOOK 1: HIRED GUN

Chapter 10 - stuck in the middle

ANDRIETTE LOUISE DE VERA

Normally, if someone invited me to lunch I'll decline fancy restaurants and just grab fast-food instead. I had the money, but I don't get the point of eating at a five star restaurant that only serves about 1/4 of food on a ridiculously large plate.

But I couldn't decline an important client, now could I?

Mr. De Leon insisted on going on the most expensive restaurant in the city.

A little bit dumb on his part if you ask me. Why waste money?

The restaurant wasn't packed. But it wasn't empty either. Huge chandeliers littered the high ceiling. Red carpets were rolled comfortably on the ground, so red that it looked like someone was slaughtered on it. And a live band was playing some sort of classical music that was somewhat pleasant to the ears.

And of course, people that would pass as a Christmas tree- because of the amount of jewelry and glitter they wore- were comfortably lounging on their own tables.

A waitress led us towards a larger table in the middle of the room.

The. Middle. Of. The. Fucking. Room.

Not only were I getting looks because of my not-so-luxurious- combat clothes. They were also 'whispering' some things about me that just sounded idiotic and dumb.

"What is a security guard doing here?"

"Is she a terrorist? Are we going to die?"

"Is her gun fake? It looks like plastic. Is she perhaps a cosplayer?"

Ah, what stupid idiots.

I kept silent and looked straight ahead, following Mr. De Leon's footsteps accurately. As they all sat down and ordered while the waiter waited, I scanned the room. To make sure no one was going to jump as while we least expected it.

It's never bad to always keep guard.

The moment they were seated comfortably, I went rigid. I didn't like crowded places for a reason. Especially when it was closed off and was present with innocent civilians.

It was the perfect opportunity for assassins and hitmen to attack. But they won't attack. Not while day light can expose them. A mask can only hide so much.

And I'm not an idiot.

Just as I was starting to get used to the stares and murmurs, Mr. De Leon abruptly cut off Jake's rambling about his weird cup collection.

"De Vera, have lunch with us"

I looked at him for a moment before continuing my look out.

"That would be unprofessional, sir"

Mr. De Leon pressed his lips in a thin line. Probably in annoyance. I mean, if I was him I'd be annoyed with myself too.

But I can't eat with a client. It's one of our policies. You should not get personally attached with your client. It would only make you weak.

Emotions make you weak.

"But I want you to eat with us"

I could feel everyone tense under my gaze when I looked at them. I could tell they're afraid of him. Mr. De Leon.

Who wouldn't be afraid of such a huge man?

Jay isn't.

I subtly saw him roll his eyes when Mr. De Leon kept staring at me. As if willing me to submit under his burning gaze that honestly irritates the he'll out if me.

"Its because you're his bodyguard. Isn't it? Then we'll eat as friends! Forget your complicated bodyguard-client relationship for a moment" Jake exclaimed in great triumph. Like he just solved the world's biggest crisis.

And Jay looked like he wanted nothing more than to disappear.

"No"

"We already told you we will eat as friends"

"I don't need friends"

The once lively and happy atmosphere that enveloped their table was replaced by nothing but awkward silence.

"Everyone needs friends" Jay finally spoke up before standing up, proceeding to make his way out of the restaurant. The others followed silently. I released a silent breath before sauntering off. Following their retreating footsteps.

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Hello. I know I promised a long chapter but my chapter planner isn't really cooperating. I really don't know the point of this chapter. Probably just a filler.

Btw, thoughts about Madeline?