Chapter Two

WILLOW

Phones emerged, capturing the unfolding drama in the cafe. As I surveyed the scene, everyone eagerly anticipated my next move. Whatever I did now would become the talk of New York, tarnishing my once-perfect resume.

In my mind, I envisioned the potential headlines: "Willow Davis ousted by New York billionaire bad boy," What's his name again "Tristan Donovan." How could someone so attractive exude such arrogance and a terrible attitude? I wished I could strangle him in that moment.

After orchestrating my dismissal, he had the audacity to tell me to undress. His breath lingered on my earlobe, and a smirk played on his lips, aggravating me. I shoved him away, a deep frown etched across my face.

"Screw you! You don't own me; you're not my father, you asshole. She was my boss, and it's her job to fire me, just like she said, 'pack your bags and get out.' And I did just that. Just because you're some spoiled brat doesn't mean you get to treat me like trash. Screw your money, screw your standards, screw your arrogance, and lastly, screw you, you arrogant son of a bitch!" I shouted, my voice strained. Everyone gasped in shock, but I didn't care. I had just been fired by this jerk, and I wasn't about to let him play with me like I'm some object. Screw him.

My eyes scanned the room, witnessing everyone's mouths agape as if yelling back at him was a forbidden act. Unnoticed, tears traced down my cheeks. I glared back at Tristan, who remained motionless, reading me like a book and visibly shocked by my outspoken response.

Clutching my purse tightly, I whispered, "I apologize for the inconvenience," as I gracefully exited the cafe.

TRISTAN

'She's pretty.' That thought lingered in my mind as I pulled her back, instructing her to remove her uniform, a routine I'd put other girls through, and they willingly provided a strip show just to impress me. I'd then dismiss them with a check hefty enough to make them forget about finding another job.

To my surprise, she not only declined but also damn well insulted me. Frustration evident, she exited the cafe, destination unknown.

She's intriguing. Could it be that she's unaware of the cheque, or perhaps she simply isn't interested?

"Mr. Tristan, would you prefer your order to go?" Miss Josie interrupted my thoughts.

"Who was that girl?" I inquired, noticing the girl who had handed me my order.

"I have no clue about her; she used to come to work. I don't know anything about her background," Miss Josie replied, seemingly avoiding eye contact.

"You..." I gestured toward the girl who handed me my coffee, and she timidly approached.

"Yes, sir," she replied nervously.

"What's your name?" I inquired.

"Allison ."

"Alright, Allison , what do you know about that girl?" I questioned.

"I've never crossed paths with that girl, sir," I said with a smirk, watching her nervously swallow.

"I detest being lied to, and I'd hate to imagine a young lady like yourself ending up in a fucking ditch. Your friend lost her job; don't repeat the same mistake with your life Allison ," I warned, eliciting a restrained squeal from her.

"Sit," I instructed, and she complied, settling down quietly with fear in her eyes.

"Her name is Willow Davis ..."

••••••

"Willow Davis , huh?" A smile played on my lips as I left the cafe, my thoughts consumed by that eccentric girl. She embodied beauty – ember golden eyes, sun-kissed skin, rosy lips untouched by makeup, and her gold blonde hair cascading down her waist with stylish bangs. No wonder her friend called her Willow; she's captivating with perfect curves. Licking my lips, I couldn't help but find her intriguing.

As I reached into my pockets, I retrieved my phone, navigated to my contacts, and tapped on the "J" column. Pressing on the number, my phone dialed, and I patiently waited for the person to answer.

"What's your deal now? I'm in the middle of something important," a voice groaned, with heavy panting in the background, causing my smile to transform into one of mild irritation.

"Is fornication that important?" I teased, catching Hailey 's laughter in the backdrop.

"Tristan, you scoundrel," Hailey chuckled upon recognizing my voice.

"At this rate, you might as well film yourselves; you two have more than enough potential to skyrocket in the porn industry," I quipped, earning a boisterous giggle from Hailey .

"Why don't you join in, I'll film " Hailey said seductively hinting I'd be the one smashing Jaxon.

"I always knew there were some screws loose in you" I said, resisting the urge to place a bounty on her head.

"Come on Tristan , Maybe you'll actually make me cum unlike this bitch" I heard a slap and I couldn't stifle my laughter.

"So it's funny if he says something rude but when I say it I get slapped? " Jaxon groaned on the phone.

"I'll let you two catch up," Hailey said as she exited the room, leaving us to our conversation.

"You better have a good reason; I got slapped," Jaxon hissed.

"Enough with the banter. I need a favor. Search everything related to Willow Davis and report to me tonight, no excuses," I stated, as if I was about to kill a man.

"You got robbed or something.. " Jaxon asked worried about my tone, he knows me and I'll kill anyone who gets in my way that's why he's worried.

"Who's the dead man walking?" Jaxon asked one more time.

"That's why I need you to research it, and I want the results on my desk at the Casino this evening, no excuses," I declared, cutting the call before he could respond. I owe no one a fucking explanation.

WILLOW

The moment I stepped outside, it started raining, transforming from drizzles to a full-blown storm. Hastily seeking refuge in a nearby subway, I checked my phone and noticed it was 09:45 am. Unbelievably, I had just been fired, but my second job started at 10:00 am. I normally snuck out the cafe to meet up, at least I didn't have to do that anymore.

I can find another job, and besides, I never liked that cafe. Waiting for the storm to ease a bit, I braved the cold atmosphere and made my way to my second job.

Arriving at Greenwich Village East, I was struck by the peace and quiet, with a variety of houses dotting the landscape, each resident minding their own business.

There's a positive vibe here, a sense of being home. It struck me as an ideal place for Dad to find a positive mindset, perhaps even quit his drinking habit and prioritize his health. Last year, I made a decent amount of money thanks to tourists in the City. Volunteering for tours proved successful, even though most guys seemed more interested in staring at me than the actual tour. Nonetheless, I earned enough to clear Dad's debts and with a bit more, I could become one of the first adolescents to buy a house in Greenwich Village – maybe something simple like a cottage.

I got to a hill where a huge mansion was built I am the gardener, and by the look of the flowers I was doing a great job for Nana Sloane, that's the name of the old lady I garden for.

Her son owns the house so I've heard but I've never seen him, and she always talks about his success.

Anyways, I knocked on the door and pressed the bell, incase Nana doesn't hear me again.

The door swung open, revealing a robust gentleman in his robes. He shot me a grin, and his gaze lingered on my chest as he licked his lower lip, unapologetically bold.

"Uh, I'm the gardener," I mumbled shyly, a bit self-conscious under his persistent gaze.

Is my outfit really that bad?

"Come in. Nana isn't here at the moment; she went shopping with my fiance," he said politely, guiding me towards the couch.

"Shall I get you anything" he gestures as I shook my head in disapproval.

"Not even a drink? " he still gestures, maybe he's just trying to be nice like Nana. It wouldn't be bad if he got me something to drink.

"I would like water or maybe orange juice" I said as he heads to the kitchen to get me my drink.

"There you go, orange juice. " he hands me my glass as I sigh and play with my glass.

"Why aren't you drinking? " he asked bringing me back to reality.

"It's just my other job, I got fired and I'm looking for a job now... " I said taking a sip of my juice as he just watches me drink the whole glass and explain what happened this morning.

"That guy is a jerk who does he think he is if I wasn't engaged I'll probably want to be with you... " he said as those words made me uncomfortable but I just ignore maybe it's just a misunderstanding.

"I know, and how will I be able to save up now.. " I yawned feeling sleepy as my eyes grew heavy and the unnecessary yawning didn't stop there, I know I've been sleeping late but I've never been this tired.

"Are you feeling ok? " he asked with a smile,with the glass still in the grasp of my hands.

"Maybe we can work an arrangement." He said coming close as my head kept aching.

"Sir you are too close....." He takes the glass away from me and drops it on the table not too far as he pulls me under him and he takes off his robe.

He made his way to my top as I tried struggling.

"My mother always told me you were beautiful but she didn't tell me you were the full package I would have dumped that flat chested bitch a long time ago" he says, I don't have control over my head again any moment from now he will have his way with me.

"Sir we can't do this I'm not your lover " I yelped weakly trying to struggle but every matter of energy was depleting from me.

"I'll be gentle, I promise " he smirked as I tried to scream I felt cold air splash against my chest, he finally made his way to my top.