Fate's Unwritten Path

Chapter Nine

Sasha's POV:

The crisp autumn air greeted me as I stepped outside, the chill in the breeze a stark reminder that summer was long gone. I pulled my caramel sweater tighter around me, its warmth a comforting contrast to the cold wind. My hair was pulled into a cute ponytail, and I wore blue jeans and black boots to fend off the encroaching chill.

The coffee shop Lucas had mentioned was just a few blocks away, nestled on a quiet street lined with colorful fall foliage. As I approached, I spotted a charming little café with large windows fogged up from the warmth inside. I pushed open the door, the comforting aroma of coffee and baked goods enveloping me.

Inside, the atmosphere was cozy. I found a table by the window and settled in, pulling out my phone to review the notes for the meeting. Moments later, Lucas arrived, his imposing presence unmistakable even in the casual setting. He looked every bit the part of the well-dressed mafia boss, though his demeanor was more relaxed today.

"Good morning, Sasha," Lucas said with a hint of a smile as he approached the table. He slipped into the seat across from me.

"Morning," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral. I noticed he had a coffee in hand and placed it in front of me. It's my usual. I know I've told him once before but still. "Oh, you remembered."

He chuckled softly. "It's hard to forget someone's favorite coffee order when you're dealing with them regularly."

I took a sip, the pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream was just as delicious as I remembered. "Thank you."

Lucas didn't waste any time getting down to business. "So, let's talk about this week. I have eight new cases for you, all involving people in my organization. And that's in addition to the other cases you already have. Which I am sure, is a lot."

I sighed internally. This was shaping up to be a monumental week. "I'll do my best to handle them all," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

Lucas's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me. "You seemed pretty busy this weekend. Did you have a good time?"

His question caught me off guard. I forced a casual smile. "I went out with some friends. Nothing too exciting."

Lucas seemed satisfied with that answer, though I could sense a hint of amusement in his gaze. What did he know that he wasn't telling me. He changed the topic back to work, discussing the specifics of the cases and what he expected from me. The conversation was largely focused on logistics, and I did my best to absorb every detail.

When it came time to pay, Lucas reached for the bill. "Let me take care of this," he said firmly.

I quickly reached for my wallet, feeling a twinge of guilt. "No, I can cover my share."

Lucas shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Consider it part of the deal. You're working hard this week, and I don't want you to worry about this."

Reluctantly, I let him handle it. We stood up, and I followed him outside. The chill in the air was sharper now, a reminder that autumn was definitely here.

As we parted ways, Lucas gave me a nod. "I'll see you around. And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

"Got it. Thanks again for the coffee," I said, watching as he walked away. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his interest in me than just professional courtesy, but I pushed the thought aside and headed back to my apartment.

Once home, I grabbed Scooby's leash and set out for a walk in the park. The wind had picked up, sending a swirl of fallen leaves dancing around me. Scooby seemed eager for his afternoon stroll, and his enthusiasm was contagious.

We made our way to the park, where I found a peaceful spot by a pond. I watched as Scooby bounded after the ducks, his playful antics a welcome distraction from the stress of the week. He barked excitedly at the ducks, but he seemed to draw the line at actually getting in the water.

I sat on a bench, enjoying the serenity of the park and the simple pleasure of spending time with Scooby. The park was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft quacking of ducks. Little did I know, Lucas's men were strategically positioned around the park, keeping a watchful eye on me from a distance.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. For a moment, the weight of the upcoming cases and the uncertainty of my future with Lucas were forgotten. It was just me, Scooby, and the gentle autumn afternoon, and for now, that was enough.