Unfit for Love

Chapter 8

Angelina's POV

"Yeah, right. And if you're a royal with a freaking king on the phone," I say, dragging out the word "king," "then I must be the Queen of England. Now get your royal butt out of my cafe. We're closed." I partially shout. I hate it when people flaunt their money and power. That's why I requested my own unit, "Shadows." Das sir had to fight for it with headquarters since it requires a different budget than usual, but I made it clear that the amount doesn't matter.

"I will call you back soon. Apologies for this," he says, his tone shifting to sophisticated before returning to a cold demeanor as he ends the call. He looks at me intensely, irritation clear on his face. He seems about to say something, but the door of the cafe opens with the sound of bells, and Stefano steps in, panting as if he had run a marathon.

"Apologies for the delay," Stefano says, looking at the rude man.

"Where the hell were you?" the rude man shouts at Stefano. Okay, this man definitely likes to boss people around.

I look between them and turn to Stefano. "Do you know this arrogant man?"

I see Stefano almost choke on air at my comment. He pulls me into a corner, lowering his voice so only I can hear. "He is a very high-ranked royal. Do not say things like that."

"Oh, I figured that out," I said casually. Stefano's expression changes as if he's seen a ghost.

"Did you say anything inappropriate to him?" he asks, his voice uneven.

"No, Nothing I recall was inappropriate," I reply, my expression steady.

"Dione, please, we have something important to discuss. I can't explain it, but I'm not supposed to be seen with this man. Can you make an exception for today? I'll drive you home if it gets late," he pleads, seriousness in his tone.

I sigh. "Okay, but you owe me one." I smile at him. We head back to the table, and Stefano sits across from the rude man. I force a smile and ask, "What would you like to have?"

He looks at me like he wants to slit my throat right here, right now. "Get me an espresso," he says. I turn to Stefano, who smiles and says, "Iced Americano." I nod and head to the kitchen to prepare their orders.

"Who is that man?" Mellisa asks as soon as I enter the kitchen, her expression questioning.

"Oh, he's Stefano's colleague," I reply.

"He is very rude," she remarks, clearly pondering something.

"You should leave. I'll handle this," I tell her.

"Are you sure?" Her voice sounds worried.

"Yes, Mellisa," I say while preparing the drinks.

"Right, why would you need this old woman now? Your charmer is right there outside," she giggles.

I look at her in disbelief. She's been teasing me ever since she found out Stefano visited the cafe late the night before yesterday and that I took his order. She thinks the mystery man who sent me those flowers is him. I haven't received anything since then, and Stella hasn't visited me either.

"See you tomorrow. Have fun," she says with a knowing smirk as she waves goodbye. I sigh as she exits. Having her around makes me feel normal like everything in my life is ordinary. I take the tray and head back outside. They suddenly stop talking when they see me, so I place their order on the table and return to the counter.

I observe the men talking through the CCTV monitor beside the counter. They are very alert of their surroundings and cautious about what they say. Their faces are blank, but their body language tells me they know someone is watching them. I scan the surroundings for any intruders, switching the CCTV camera view to check the outside of the cafe. Everything appears normal.