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

Rough night

ALEXANDRINA'S POV

I dragged myself into the Daily Grind Café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods a stark contrast to the exhaustion etched on my face. Dark circles under my eyes seemed to scream "stress" as I forced a weak smile onto my face.

"Thank goodness you're here," Mrs Skerret said from over the counter the minute she spotted me. "You're a little late, so start working."

Wow. What a nice way to be welcomed. She didn't even let me drop my stuff in my corner before sending me into the abyss.

I shook my head in frustration, but who was I to complain? As I walked over to where we usually dropped our stuff and changed into my work outfit, Racheal met me.

Racheal, my coworker, raised an eyebrow as she handed me a steaming cup of coffee. "Hey, girl, you look like you've been through a war. What's going on?"

I hesitated, unsure what to say. "Just didn't sleep well, that's all." I lied, trying to brush it off.

Racheal's eyes narrowed, but she let it slide. "Okay, well, if you need to talk, I'm here."

I nodded, grateful for her concern, but relieved she didn't push further, or else what would I have said? That I worked as a stripper? What exactly would I say to her?

"Thanks, Rach," I said, lifting the coffee to my lips and taking a sip from the steaming cup of coffee. That was all I needed to get through the day. 

As the morning rush subsided, my phone buzzed with a notification from the real estate agent. My heart skipped a beat as I read the message: "Meet me at 123 Oak Street at 2 PM to see the house."

I typed out a quick response, agreeing to the meeting, and tried to focus on the task at hand – serving coffee and snacks to the lunch crowd.

Just as I was starting to get anxious, my manager, Vic, called during my lunch break. "Drina, I need you to come to the club by 4 PM. Asher wants to see you."

My stomach twisted into knots. "What's it about, Vic?"

"Just be there, Drina. You know we talked about this before. I expected you to be more prepared for unforeseen circumstances."

I hung up, feeling a sense of foreboding wash over me. I was knocked off my feet.

Just a few days ago, I was just a regular waitress at the café by day, and a stripper by night, but now, I have caught the attention of one of the most ruthless businessmen in the city.

And worse still, I slept with him…meaning I had established some sort of stupid connection with the jerkface. 

But the voice in the back of my head whispered, "What are you getting yourself into?"

I pushed the thought aside and focused on the task at hand – finding a new home.

********

As I stepped out of the café, the warm sun on my face was a welcome respite from the chaos of the morning shift. I hailed a cab and headed to 123 Oak Street, my heart racing with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

The address led me to a charming apartment complex in the heart of the upscale neighborhood of Willow Creek. Towering oak trees lined the streets, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. The complex itself was a beautiful blend of modern and traditional architecture, with sleek glass facades and rustic stone accents.