Chapter 2 #2
“Chloe. I didn’t know you worked here,” he said. This time, his voice seemed even duskier, the alluring quality creating a wave of heat coursing through every inch of my body.
“I need the money. Plus, the atmosphere isn’t too bad. What can I get you?”
“How about a beer? Your choice. As long as it’s tall and ice cold.” He allowed his gaze to slowly drift down by several inches.
Then he took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs.
I could swear the man was undressing me with his eyes. And dear God, I wanted him to do that and much more.
Don’t be ridiculous. He’s your professor.
Maybe so, but a girl could fantasize.
My mouth was so dry, I had difficulty even forming a coherent sentence.
With a Herculean effort, I managed to drag my mind out of the gutter.
“You got it.” As soon as I started to walk away from the table, the assholes only fifteen feet away started making noise, the biggest jerk smashing his fist on the table.
Dishes clattered together, something falling onto the floor.
I growled, shaking my head.
“Darlin’. You need to get our drinks. Now,” one of the dudes yelled.
I could feel another wave of heat but this time coming from behind me. The slight reflection in the expansive wall of glass allowed me to see that the professor had gotten to his feet, standing over me for a few seconds. What the hell was the man going to do?
“Where are the restrooms?” he asked as he flanked my side, following my gaze toward the unruly group. I noticed his accent was decidedly heavier than when he was in class, the tone sending a building storm of desire, electricity shooting through every cell and muscle leaving me breathless.
“Right down there,” I pointed. When he brushed against me as he walked around, heading toward the assholes’ table, I realized I was quivering. Christ. What was wrong with me? As I walked back to the wait station, I couldn’t take my eyes off the rugged Russian as he continued his slow trek.
“Oh, shit,” I whispered when I noticed he’d stopped mere inches away from the largest creep. And all he did was give the man a hard, cold stare for a solid ten seconds before continuing his path. I eased into the shadows, trying to catch my breath. My God. The man was absolutely dark and dangerous.
Fortunately, by the time I had all the liquid libations on the tray, Professor Lenkov was back in his seat and from what I could tell, no blood had been spilled. But as I got closer to the table, I was able to tell all three of the assholes were fixated on the Russian.
“Who the fuck does he think he is?” one of them asked.
I placed the drink in front of the jerk, resisting tossing it in his face.
“He’s gonna be dead is what he is,” the second added as he laughed.
I slammed his beer in front of him, liquid sloshing over the edge.
“Yeah, good idea,” the third said under his breath.
This time, when I thrust the heavy glass onto the table, I actually spilled a good portion down into the dude’s lap. What a pity. The asshole deserved it.
He snapped his hand around my wrist, giving me the kind of look that should scare me to death.
“Be careful, little girl. You don’t want to mess with us. Do you understand?”
I continued to hold my tongue, although he’d pushed me to the final limits. “Absolutely. Enjoy your drinks.” When I tried to jerk out of his grip, he dared to place his hand on my hip, yanking me even closer.
“You need a real man in your life, someone who will keep in line,” he huffed, with a series of growls afterwards. It wasn’t what he said that bothered me. I’d heard every line in the book, enough hassling catcalls and innuendos to last a lifetime.
It was the difference in his tone, as if he’d been hiding an accent. Maybe European. It was difficult to tell, but I could swear his eyes had changed color, the darkness highlighting the man had no soul. A shiver trickled down my spine.
“I have all I need. Thank you.” I kept my tone polite, just longing to get the hell away from him.
His fingers dug into my hip for a few seconds longer. Then he let me go, shifting his gaze toward the professor then to one of the other guys. What the hell? The second asshole hissed under his breath, issuing a few words. I’d know the language anywhere.
Russian.
“On budet vzyat.”
“Go on. You can bring the check,” the largest dude said. There was no slur in his voice, no rowdy tone as before. There was a subtle hint of the same accent as the other man. Then he leaned over, answering the second jerk. “Pakhan reshit.”
I realized they were staring at my professor, all their demeanors changing entirely. While I knew some conversational Russian because of the professor’s class, I wasn’t certain what they were saying. However, I did know they meant Professor Lenkov harm.
Whatever was going on, I wanted no part of it.
Even if I was drawn to Professor Lenkov.
Before I walked away, the largest man also grabbed my arm, pulling me close enough I was sickened by the stench of beer and whatever cigar he’d smoked that remained on his clothing.
“You’d do best to stay away from the Russian, princess. If not, you’re going to get hurt.”
“Who the hell are you?” I dared to ask.
“You don’t want to know and it’s best if little girls don’t ask questions.”
“I’m not a little girl and take your hands off me.
He’s my professor, not some criminal like the three of you obviously are.
” I managed to yank my arm away, sucking in my breath and immediately taking two steps away from him.
That’s when I noticed the crude marks on his neck. My God, he was in some kind of gang.
“I suggest you heed my warning. You’re only going to get one.”
“Why?” I realized I was trembling.
“Because he’s a killer.”
* * *
There was no way I could keep my distance from my professor. I had to serve him food as well as a second beer.
“Are you all right?” he asked when I brought him his drink.
“I’m fine. They’re just assholes. I get them in here all the time.”
“Stay away from them,” he instructed, his tone gravelly.
“I don’t plan on engaging with them for any reason.”
“Good. But heed my warning.”
There was something entirely unnerving about the way he spoke, the husky tone of his voice that accelerated my pulse. His words were a warning, the realization creating a trickle of fear.
After that, he’d remained quiet, barely saying two words to me, although he left a fifty percent tip. I pocketed the cash, taking the rest to the register then turning to watch him walk out. He’d remained long after closing, constantly scanning the area just outside the windows.
A part of me remained on edge, finding it difficult to function as I normally did. The men from earlier were no doubt dangerous, but Professor Lenkov was something else entirely.
He was a true predator.
The notion was ridiculous but one I couldn’t get out of my mind.
“Why don’t you get out of here,” Becky said quietly as she nudged my arm. “All the customers are gone, the dining room cleaned up. Besides, you’ve had a tough night.”
“No tougher than any other night.” My skin was clammy, my heart racing. I wanted nothing more than to get home and hide under the covers.
“You have one day of school left for the year. It’s time to celebrate.”
I gave her a spent look. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Trust me, sugar. I don’t have anything to go home to. Catch up on your rest.”
Grateful, I untied my apron, realizing that my mind was cluttered, a nagging feeling remaining. “I owe you one.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll collect one day.” Laughing, she pushed me again. She’d been a motherly figure since the day I’d been hired, trying her best to look after me.
After grabbing my things, I headed toward the back door.
As I walked outside, I was struck by another odor, one of decay from the trash.
A nasty taste filled my mouth, creating a wave of goosebumps dancing along my arms. I hated the fact the employee parking lot was so dingy, the single overhead light barely able to provide anything but ugly shadows.
I remained on edge and I didn’t know why.
The assholes had left almost an hour before.