Romance

Chapter 1

Independance was something that I had always dreamed of. But once I gained my independence I realized how lonely it is. For some it can be truly freeing and for others it can be a reminder of what you had lost. Growing up sheltered and never being allowed to pursue my dreams or go anywhere was horrible. But now with the freedom I have I cling to what i used to know. In a way i follow the rules my parents set for me and my siblings. I needed some normality to my life. I took what i learned from my father about business and put it into my own. I held the same beliefs with my own twist. Sometimes I wish to just go back on it all, but I know I am a better person because of my independance.

I woke every morning and looked around at my apartment. It was simple it was clean and it was barren, nothing like my childhood home. Every morning I woke early and began preparation for the day ahead. I took all I learned from my mother, grandmothers, and nannies and opened my own cafe. The desserts of their countries were inspiration for my cafe and they were my passion. I loved watching people try a baklava for the first time or even a Ma'amoul. The unique taste of Middle Eastern desserts brought people into my cafe along with my specialty drews. The joy and pleasure of people's' faces when they eat and drink my food makes it all worth it. For the hours my cafe is open my life doesn't seem so lonely anymore.

Today was just another day, I woke and readied myself for the day. I took the stairs from my apartment above the cafe down into the kitchen and finished the baking for the day. I checked inventory and made a list of things to send Amal my baking assistant out to buy. I cleaned and washed down every counter, table, and chair in the cafe once again. I dusted the glass lanterns that hung from the ceiling and warmed the espresso and coffee machines up. By six o'clock my loyal employees started to filter in and help with the preparations for the day. Amal finished backing and stocking the pastry display, Brandon changed the menu board, Felicity and Nathan set the tables and Sara polished the cash register.

I took a step back and admired my hard work. To think years ago my parents handed me a check and some luggage and kicked me out of the house. I took the little of what I had a built a highly successful cafe in Los Angeles. I looked up at the clock hanging on the side wall and saw it was only minutes away from seven o'clock. It was almost opening time.

"Alright guys remember best behavior, keep it clean and have fun." I said addressing my employees.

"You got it boss Lady." Brandon said saluting me.

I smiled as I walked over to the door and flipped the sign to open. It was the beginning of another day.

...

I growled as my jet landed in LA. The city was filled with gold diggers, celebrities, and annoying paparazzi. I did not enjoy the public eye and I hated dealing with the people my company catered to. I looked over at my assistant Peter and frowned at his fingers that were flying across a keyboard.

"Peter!" I said making my assistant jump with a start and looked up at me.

"Yes Mr. Volkov?"

"Is there anywhere that I can get a very strong cup of coffee in this god forsaken city?"

He nodded his head quickly "Oh yes sir I know just the place."

"Very well tell the driver where to go."

I stood from my seat on the jet and made my way down the stairs and towards the car waiting for me. I was in no mood to deal with anyone until I had a very strong cup of coffee. Once Peter was finished telling the driver the address he settled back into his seat and started to list off my agenda for the day. I looked out the window ignoring Peter's voice and watched the city of Los Angeles. When I realized the direction we were headed in I frowned deeply.

"Peter are we headed towards Beverly Hills?"

"Yes sir, but this cafe is anything but your typical Starbucks. The cafe is this Middle Eastern themed place with brilliant pastries and the best Turkish coffee you will ever have."

"I hope you are right Peter."

When we pulled up in front of the Cafe I had to say I was impressed. The store window was simple and cleanly cut, no flashy signs or gaudy logos. Peter rushed ahead of me and opened the door which rang gently. The cafe was packed but was quiet none the less. People of all backgrounds sat around eating and drinking. I was impressed, the space was opened and airy. The glass lanterns hanging from the ceiling gave it the subtle touch of middle eastern flare. The display of pastries were unique and many I had never seen before. The menu hanging above the register was written neatly and elegantly and prices were decent.

"Can I help you sir?" A soft melodic voice asked.

I looked down from the menu and at a very beautiful woman who stood at the register waiting. Her skin was a natural olive tone, her black hair was pulled back into an elegant bun and her hazel eyes stood out against her skin. Her features were symmetric and unique. She held herself with class and elegance. I took a mental image of her face and a note to find out her name and who exactly she was, she captivated me.

"Can I get a Turkish coffee and a Baklava please." I pulled out my wallet and handed over some cash. Once the money was handed to her I turned on my heal and took a seat in the corner of the cafe. Peter soon followed smiling brightly.

"How do you like the place so far Mr. Volkov?"

"I have to say I am surprised, good work Peter. Add this to the calendar for every morning we are in Los Angeles."

"Of course sir."

The stubble clicking of heels had me look away from the window and at the person approaching. The woman from the counter was walking towards us which allowed me to look at her more closely. The white skirt she wore was printed with roses on it and came to below her knee the white sweater she wore was pushed up to her elbows and the gray heels she wore were no cheap brand. She walked with confidence and kept a neutral look upon her face. She was truly breathtaking.

"Here you go, and your change sir." She set down my change from earlier.

"No, no you keep the change." I said picking up the money and placing it in her hand. The light contact of our skin sent a shock through my body. Our eyes met and she looked away quickly and left Peter and I to our coffee and pastries. I couldn't help but watch her walk away.

"Peter do you know who she is?"

"No sir but I do know she owns the cafe."

"Take down the address on the building and have Vlad look into who she is for me."

"Mr. Volkov are you-"

"Yes Peter I am sure."

...

"Iris did you see the way that man was looking at you?" Felicity said the moment I got back behind the counter.

"No Felicity, now get back to work."

"All I am saying boss is that he is very into you. Just look at the tip he just gave you and by the looks at the car that he got out of he has a lot of cash."

"Felicity work, now go."

I know that Felicity was right, I knew that the man was looking at me and I knew that he and I had a sort of moment. But in all honesty he was intense. He was tall and very well built, I could see the tattoos on his neck that were barely covered by the collar of his dress shirt. His eyes weren't gray they were silver and they held the look of power and wealth. His beard added to the rugged and dangerous look. His accent was that of Eastern European or perhaps even of Russian origin. He wasn't the kind of man that I normally found attractive, but my body and mind said otherwise.

I watched as he and the man that he was with finished up their drinks and food. The smaller man turned and smiled at me and set more cash on the table. The silver eyed stranger looked my way once more before walking out the door and getting into the shiny black car that had dropped them off. When the car finally pulled away I let out the breath that I was holding. A part of me wanted to know who that man was and another part screamed to forget about him and that he was dangerous. But what were the chances of he and I ever meeting again?