The Sinner's Heart (SIN CITY Series: Book #1)

Drina

ALEXANDRINA'S POV

I hustled around the café, my feet aching in my worn-out sneakers. Not that I couldn't afford another pair of sneakers - in fact, I had a lot of them - but this pair was my favorite because it was gifted to me by my mother before she passed on.

Another day, another dollar, or so the saying went. I tsked, shaking my head at the thought; one couldn't earn enough money from being a waitress at the café.

I had been working at "The Daily Grind" for what felt like an eternity, and the monotony was starting to get to me. I longed for something more, something exciting, but for now, I was stuck pouring coffee and waiting tables.

Although the environment was a cozy one, it felt like heaven to me.

"Drina, table 12 doesn't have to wait for an eternity before they get served, do they?" Mrs Skerret, the owner of the café said, hissing at the end of her sentence.

One thing about Mrs Skerret was that she was a lovely lady, but when it came to her money and business, she didn't tolerate any slacking.

I turned to her and giggled. "I'm on it, ma'am."

As I rushed to deliver a tray of drinks to table twelve, my mind wandered to my art. I had a canvas waiting for me at home, begging to be splattered with paint and brought to life. But for now, it will have to wait.

I turned a corner, lost in thought, and collided with a tall, imposing figure. Hot coffee splashed everywhere, soaking the man's crisp white shirt and tailored suit, while also spilling some on me.

I hissed at the slight pain but stopped halfway when I realized that something was wrong.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, mortified. Did I really have to start my day like this?

For fucks' sake!

A hiss escaped his lips as he winced in pain. I quickly grabbed a handful of tissues from the counter and rushed back to him.

"Let me help," I said, starting to dab at the stains on his suit.

He didn't respond, but his eyes locked onto mine, piercing and intense. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I worked to clean the mess.

The more I dabbed, the more I realized that it was a waste of time. I wonder if he would let me dry-clean the suit for him. But looking at the quality of the suit, it would cost me a lot.

"Shit," I muttered, my eyes glued to the suit.

As I glanced up, I realized the entire café was staring at us. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and I felt my face heat up with embarrassment.

Just as I was finishing up, the man's hand shot out, gripping my wrist. I froze, startled.

"Don't," he said, his voice low and commanding, but at the same time sending a jolt of tingles down my spine.

It was husky and velvety at the same time, and ran smoothly down my spine and straight to my core.

Damn it!

I looked up at him, unsure what to say. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body again.

Without another word, he released my hand and turned to walk away. I watched, stunned, as he disappeared into the crowd.