The Tormentors (Prey Series #1)

Chapter 12

Liessa

After school, I head to the café for my shift.

"Hey, Liessa. Good afternoon," Cherry greets.

"Afternoon, Cherry," I mutter tiredly, tying on my apron.

"What happened to you today?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.

I sigh, "Classes, self-study, work... I’m exhausted. I'd kill for my bed now."

She gives me a small smile, shaking her head. "You’re pretty hardworking. If I were you, I’d probably fall into depression with all that pressure."

I laugh, "Or maybe, if you were in depression, you’d just pick up a few more jobs to keep yourself busy."

She gives me a puzzled look, but I only wink back, filling a cup with coffee—the one lifesaver in this place, especially since it’s free for staff.

But then, just as I take a sip, the door opens, and in walks trouble itself: Brian, Asher, and Tristan. They’re regulars, sure, but not during my shifts. The knot in my stomach tightens. And something in my gut says them showing up now is bad news.

They stroll in, arrogance dripping from each step. Tristan’s eyes meet mine, and he smirks, heading my way.

"Hello, Newbie," he grins, flashing those dimples. If he weren’t such a jerk, I might even find them cute. The other two take seats nearby, but their eyes stay on me.

I take a deep breath, forcing calm, and smile, meeting Tristan's gaze. "Hello, sir. Please, have a seat. Our waitress will bring you a menu." I gesture toward Cherry, who seems to be giving Tristan a little too much of a dreamy look.

Tristan raises an eyebrow, glancing at Cherry. “Sweetheart,” he says, his voice honey coated, “would you mind handling your colleague’s tables while she serves us?”

Cherry’s about to respond, but I jump in, my tone polite but firm. “Apologies, sir, but we each have our own sections, and we’re not allowed to switch.” I smile a little extra sweetly. There's no rule like that, but something tells me they’re here for trouble, and I’d rather avoid it.

Brian leans back in his chair, fixing me with a cold look. “We want you to serve us. I’ll speak to the owner if I have to.”

Just as I’m about to protest, Luciana—the owner—walks in, and my heart sinks. These lucky bastards.

“Oh, Luci,” Tristan greets her with a casual hug, flashing me a victorious smirk. “Just asking your new girl here to serve us. But she doesn’t seem too thrilled about it.”

Luciana’s gaze sharpens, her disappointment is clear. “Of course, Tristan. She’ll be with you right away,” she says, throwing me a look that says she expects me to do as I’m told.

Frustration and exhaustion swirl in me, and I know I might be in trouble. "Thanks, Luci." Tristan flashes me a smug smile before rejoining the other two, who are watching me intently. I almost, almost glared at them. If they weren't my freaking customers.

"Now, Liessa, please do your job properly from now on. Don’t disappoint our customers." Luciana’s words draw my attention back to her.

I nod. Luciana’s usually great and never pressures us to do anything, so if she wants this, I can’t argue with her. "Sorry, I’ll take care of it, don’t worry."

With that, I gulp my coffee like it’s a shot of whiskey, steeling myself. Clipboard in hand, I take a deep breath and walk over to their table.

I smile politely. "What would you like to order, sir?" I ask.