Black Rose [Regulus Black]

10 - passionate hodophiles & mysterious widows

"Hello there, darling," the man greeted her as she walked up to him, holding a steaming tray of food.

Alessandra had never seen him before yet she could already tell he was one of those typical clichéd rich businessmen who strutted around like they owned the place and objectified women. She gave him an uninterested smile, trying not to let the absolute irritation she felt show on her face. It was too late for this nonsense. Thankfully, she only had to sweep the floor and she'd be out of there soon enough. She only had to bare with it for a short while, might as well smile while doing it.

"You all should smile more often," he commented, watching her as she set the food down on the table. "The waitress who took my order was absolutely sullen-faced, I tell you, it was the expression of someone who clearly has no interest in holding down a job."

"Our apologies, sir," she replied politely, resisting the urge to take the tray and smash it over his head. Unfortunately, it would go against their policy that the customer was always right, so she restrained herself.

He merely grunted and began digging into the food, so she walked away and grabbed the mop from the supply closet. Humming lightly, she began cleaning the floor, wishing the man wasn't there so she could just snap her fingers and have everything cleaned within a second.

"OI!" she heard a man call out, and turned to face the very red-faced customer.

Quickly placing the mop elsewhere and washing her hands, she rushed towards him, wondering what he could possibly want.

"I've been calling you for ten minutes now," he snapped, annoyed.

She wanted to snap back that it'd only been ten minutes since she'd gone, but she calmed herself. "I regret the inconvenience caused."

She truly didn't.

He instantly relaxed. "Perhaps you could make it up to me later, eh?" he winked, and she felt discomfort rise up in her.

She chuckled uncomfortably. "Is there something you require?"

"Just the check. Unless, of course, there's something else you're willing to give me."

She cringed slightly, yet remained composed. "I'll bring you the check."

Ten minutes later, he was out the door, and she breathed out a sigh of relief. She waved her hand across the expanse of the room, watching in satisfaction as everything began to tidy itself up. Grabbing her bag, she walked out, locking the door behind her.

"Hello, sweetheart."

She jumped slightly as she turned to face the same man who she'd served only minutes earlier. Giving him an awkward smile, she nodded and began to walk down the street to her house. This was why she took the last shift, it was when the streets were empty and the creeps came out to play. She could defend herself, but what about the other poor girls who didn't have magic?

"Say, are you going back to your house? Would you like some company tonight?"

"No, thank you," she muttered. Despite knowing that she could protect herself if it came down to it, situations like these always terrified her.

"You sure?" he questioned, perfectly sober yet sounding so drunk at the same time. "I don't make bad company, princess."

"I'll have to refuse. Have a good night," she tried to bid him goodbye, but to no avail. She continued walking, her heartbeat speeding up as she felt his footsteps trail behind her.

"I will if you come with me. Or for me, whichever you prefer."

"Did you not hear her say she's not interested? Get lost," a voice rang out behind them, and her heart nearly stopped beating as she turned to face the newcomer.