Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven
I woke up feeling like I was ran over by a heavy duty truck last night.
I got up and ran a hand through my messy hair.
Romario popped into my mind, and I remembered that he was here. What was worse was that Zed was nearby too. I was mostly afraid of him finding out that I was around. If he did, he would either kill me or threaten me to work for him again, and I didn't want that.
I left the bed and went to the bathroom to take a nice shower. It was still early, which I was thankful for. My only hope today was to find a job and stay on the low. I hated the idea of hiding, but I had no choice. I couldn't let them find me and take me. I stopped doing those jobs years ago, and I wasn't going to start again.
I wasn't that type of person anymore.
After exiting the shower, I wrapped a towel around my body and left the bathroom.
I dressed into something causal but with a hint of professionalism within it. A dark button-up blouse and a pair of Jeans. I combed my hair into a messy bun before taking up my jacket and leaving the room.
On my way downstairs, I saw Hans heading to the kitchen. Just great, I thought, before going in his direction as well. I went straight to the cupboard and took out one of those instant oatmeal porridges. I put some water to boil and waited.
"Good morning, beautiful."
I turned around and looked at him. He had a smirk on his face as he eyed my body up and down. I swear only some people in this world deserved eyes.
"Morning," I replied blandly.
After pouring the hot water into the porridge, I let it sit for two minutes. When I started eating, I noticed a pair of eyes on me. I looked up from my plate to see Hans watching me like prey.
That's it!
"Why don't you keep your eyes to yourself and stop watching me like you're about to pounce on me?" I asked, my voice rising a little higher.
"It's a free world sweetie. I can look at what I want and touch what I want. And when I look at you... you are what I want. Such nice skin and lips. Lips that could-"
I didn't give him time to finish.
I poured his glass of water all over him. I didn't even feel hungry anymore so I got up and left the kitchen. He was still in shock from what I did but I could care less. I hope he got my message that I wasn't and will never be interested in dating or even touching him.
I pulled on my jacket and left the house.
I hailed a cab and got in as fast as I could. He drove off, and I rested my head against the door.
There were too many things on my mind, and when they all came together, nothing made sense. I closed my eyes and decided to focus on my future and the dreams I hoped to achieve.
About fifteen minutes later, the cab pulled up. I hopped out and paid the driver. I started walking on the pavement, eyes darting from shops to shops.
"Vanessa!"
I turned and saw Camille running up to me. She basically half stifled me with a hug before letting go. She was dressed in a pair of black jeans, a crop top and a tiger print jacket.
"Where are you headed to?" she asked, before digging into her bag.
"Planning on finding a job," I replied with a small smile.
"Oh, that's great. Anyways, I have to go, gossip calls," she said quickly before rushing off.
She needs to cut down on the amount of gossiping she has been doing. I mean, I've never met a single person who talks so much about other people's lives.
I shook my head before continuing down the pavement. I passed many stores and workplaces, but none seemed to be hiring. I kept my eyes peeled for anyone who might work for Zed, my heart picking up every time someone glanced my way.
I entered a small gift shop and was immediately greeted by a girl wearing a bright green blouse and a black skirt. She smiled widely, showing all her teeth.
"Welcome to 'Gifts & Things.' How may I help you?" she said in a very high pitched voice.
"Are you guys hiring?" I asked, glancing around nervously. She shook her head.
Probably because I wasn't buying anything. Before I could turn and leave, a voice I hadn't heard in two years made my blood run cold.
Zed.
I stood still as he walked past me with two other men and went to the counter. I stepped back slowly, hoping he wouldn't turn around and see me. My hope was crushed the moment he glanced over his shoulder and our eyes met.
His face twisted in confusion as he tilted his head, trying to figure out who I was. I turned and walked out as fast as I could. I started running when I looked behind me and saw him standing there, knowing exactly that it was me.
He didn't chase me, but I knew he would try to find me one way or another.
I stopped to catch my breath when I reached the park. I took off my jacket and looked around, making sure I wasn't being followed.
I stood there for a few seconds, my head pounding from too many thoughts. I couldn't end up back with him.
I couldn't start working for him again.
I couldn't give up on everything I had worked so hard for.
The sound of a car blowing rippled through the air.
I was about to run off again, but I stopped when I saw that it was only Julia… and Mordechai. She was in her car, and I made my way over to it. I acted natural, not wanting to raise suspicion about why I was sweating so much.
"Have you thought about what I said?" she asked. I looked at her, confused.
Mordechai's eyes met mine, and I held his gaze for a few seconds before looking back at Julia.
"I told you I can help you with a job."
"Why? You already offered me a place to stay, and I don't know if you want anything in return. So why would you offer me a job now?" I asked, but she only half smiled.
"Get in so we can discuss further," she said, and I complied, entering the back of the car.
After she drove off, I relaxed in the seat, feeling my headache getting worse by the second.
"So, here's the deal. You do something for me, and I'll offer you a job in the company. You'll be paid in cash, and in no time, you will have enough money to leave the city, just like you said you wanted to."
"What do I have to do?" I asked with a very serious tone.
"I need you to help my son strike a deal with a very wealthy man named Franco Osvaldo."
I didn't understand anything I was hearing. Mordechai stayed quiet as his mom did all the talking.
Why did they want me to help strike a deal? Me, of all people. Me, who had no experience with office work. Something was definitely off. My walls shot up, and every instinct screamed at me not to trust them. I felt a knot in my stomach, a warning I could not ignore.
"Why did I choose you? Just know that I know things about you because I did research, and I can tell you're the best person for the job."
Mordechai looked at his mother, confused, and I swallowed harshly.
She knew about my past.
I should have known better than to get involved with her from day one. Now she held my secret like a weapon, and I could feel the danger hanging over me.
Anger, fear, and sadness churned inside me, but worst of all, a bitter sense of betrayal.
"So, tomorrow you'll be picked up and brought to where the deal will be. Franco is a hard man to please, and this deal is the deal of a lifetime. But as they say, every man has a weak spot, and I'm sure you can find his," were her next words.
Mordechai was too quiet. Why was I even noticing him when I had other things to worry about? Not only does Julia knows my secret, but now I have to help strike a deal and it has to go well. And Zed was going to be after me too.
This was too much to take in.
Way too much.
And somehow, I had to figure out a way through it all.