The Veil

Here little sheep

Emery's days followed a slow, predictable rhythm, the routine of someone who had learned to avoid attention. The cramped café nestled in the corner of this small city, with its cracked tiles, old wooden floors and coffee-stained menus was the perfect place for someone like her. She moved quietly among the regulars, practically a whisper in the hum of the morning rush. Her vibrant firey red hair often tucked behind her ear, rarely drew any glances. Her pale skin seemed to absorb the light rather than reflect it, and her pale blue eyes, bright yet wary, always stayed lowered when passing by. Her frame was small---so small, in fact, that some people assumed she was much younger than she really was.

She worked diligently, her hands shaking slightly as she refilled the cups for customers and took their orders, her movements automatic as she'd learned to blend into the background. Keeping to ones-self had its perks, so did being small and quiet. People offten overlooked her, and that was exactly how she liked it.

But today was different.

A group of very important-looking men strode through the door, their presence suddenly filling the room like an electric charge. Emery froze in place for a moment, her breath snatched in her throat.

They were all dressed in expensive suits, perfectly tailored to their powerful frames, their confident, assured steps caused the floorboards to creak underneath their feet. They looked like something out of a magazine- out of place in the small café, their visable authority making even the most boisterous regulars lower their voices.

The man at the center of the group was unlike anyone Emery had ever seen. He was magnetic. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a presense that seemed to suck the air out of the room. His skin was a very light fawn shade, like he'd been softly kissed by the sun, but not quite tan. His eyes are what really caught her attention as he'd caught sight of her. They went from being dark as the night, to reflecting the shade of blood upon being touched by the lighting overhead. The ruby-red coloring was intense and predatory almost, burning through her from across the room. She quickly ducked her head, focusing on the order pad in her hands, but she could still feel his gaze on her, following her, pressing against her skin like a searing heat.

It felt like the world narrowed, her heartbeat thumping in her ears as her hands clutched the notepad tightly, willing her fingers to steady, but all she could think about was his observing stare seeping through her like a scorching branding iron.

Pull yourself together Emery. He's just a man. You're fine.

But even as she reassured herself, the unease swelled inside her, causing her chest to tighten under its weight. She straightened herself up, swallowing the anxiety that started to coil around her lungs, she approached the table where the group sat.

"What can I get for you today?" Her voice was unsteady but she forced a soft smile, tapping her pencil nervously to her notepad. The men didn't really pay her much attention, except him. His eyes had been focused on her the entire time.

"Black coffee for the lot, Thank you." His voice was rich and deep, she hadn't expected it to sound so smooth. With a nod and a quick trip to grab the cups and pot of coffee off the counter near the front, she'd made her way back to their table swiftly. Placing the cups down to pour the steaming hot coffee for the gentlemen.

"Can I help you with anything else?" She asked, trembling slightly as she situated the drinks in front of them.

"No." He answered, his voice sounding sharp and commanding. The sound of it sent a little involuntary tremble down the back of her shoulders. It felt like an eternity before she could escape their table and go to the kitchen. But once in the back area, she let out a shaky breath she'd been holding. Who was that man? Why'd he make her so nervous? He smelt good... She shook her head sharply, gently patting her hands on either side of her face to slap herself out of it.