Nunew accidentally crashes CEO Zee Pruk Panich's car when working as a valet. He expects Zee to make him pay back the cost of damages but the young businessman has another arrangement in mind.
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I stood at the bar, the cold glass leaking droplets over my fingers as I held it. The alcohol had barely been touched yet I held the drink tightly. Using it as my defense. As the reason I was here. To act the part. To not show that I was anxious. Worried. Fucking angry.
He was the one who called the shots. Who made the schedule. Who assigned the days. It was supposed to be last night. I had been waiting an entire week for it. Counting down the hours until I would see him again. The sun had set, igniting the flame of anticipation. I had paced around my apartment. Thrown on a million different outfits. Styled my hair. Checked the mirror more times than I cared to admit.
But he never showed.
My grip on the glass tightened and I quickly lifted it to my lips before taking a sip. The burn hit my tongue. Reminding me of a rougher surface, scalding me as it pressed against me, claiming my mouth. Nipping at my lower lip. Demanding entrance. I swallowed tightly as I lowered my drink back to the bar.
I had tried to remain calm. Levelheaded. Logical. I had reminded myself that this was a contract. I couldn't expect more than that. I had signed the paper, agreeing to this set of boundaries. Knowing that he had total control over the situation. It had been intoxicating, letting him decide. Giving myself over to him. To his agenda. To the fire I saw burning in his gold hued eyes as he watched me pick up the pen and scribble my name.
But try as I might to ignore it, I couldn't help but feel that it wasn't enough. That these boundaries were more like a cage. Keeping me out. Keeping me at a distance. Perhaps this was just who he was. Dictating those in his life, expecting them to accept that the outcome with him was unpredictable. That he may take them higher in life than they could have ever expected to go. That he could disappear and leave them in a dark room with only the shadows of a memorable time to haunt them. It was infuriating to not know what he would choose. If he would honor his contract. If he would watch it burn as he walked away.
But it was also exhilarating. Trying to keep up. To learn more. To be close to him. It made my head spin, my body buzz, my senses come alive. I wanted to explore this new territory. Open the cage. Delve inside. I wanted to get closer, even if it meant I would get burned along the way. Even still, it didn't mean I would forgive last night. Not when the disappointment was still so fresh. He wasn't the only one who could deal out punishments.
"Drinks are for customers, Nunew. Not staff."
I jumped, my hand releasing the glass as I turned towards my manager. He had a sour look on his face, his large arms crossed over his chest. I tried to put on my most apologetic expression, a sheepish smile rising to my lips. "S-sorry."
The elder man gave me a once over, his irritated gaze still lingering, before he nodded towards the bar. "Just stay focused. It's a busy night. Keep your attention on the guests."
My lips pulled into a tight line as I gave him a curt nod before he walked away. I sighed, glaring at his back. Wishing I could be anywhere but here. I had found this job shortly after the night Zee had visited my apartment. It wasn't ideal but it was something. A way to keep my rent paid. To put food in my pantry. To keep me away from the lingering idea of crawling back to my parents.
