For the first time in what felt like years, the night unfolded with surprising peace at Dead End. Well, at least for the first few hours. Patrons came and went without much incident, and even the notorious info-broker in the orange glasses refrained from her usual attempts to sneak in. It was a rare occurrence for Mio not to have to send out an emergency signal for Carol and Gloria to intervene. Everything seemed almost too peaceful—until it wasn't.
Because around 2:00 in the dead of night, Allison took her place at the doorway, prepared to welcome the latest guest: A man clad in white. However, as her gaze fell upon the newcomer, a chill ran down her spine. The sight of the man before her caused her heart to skip a beat, and fear to cloud her face. Mio, observing silently, remained unaware of Allison's internal turmoil. She didn't catch the exchange between them, but she heard Allison's normally boisterous voice turn meek and frightened. The man strode into the bar followed closely by his three henchmen, casting an unsettling aura in his wake, as all the patrons stared at him in disbelief.
Mio's keen eye immediately caught how wealthy he looked. Clad in a pristine white suit that seemed out of place in the gritty surroundings of the poor district, his long crimson locks and striking features exuded an air of just pure money. It was as if he belonged in a different world, far removed from the one they inhabited. His entourage, three identically dressed men in sleek black suits, followed closely behind him as he made his way to the counter.
Mio's experienced gaze caught the unmistakable leer in his eyes as they roamed over her body. It was a familiar sight, one she had grown accustomed to dealing with in her line of work. It made her feel powerful, knowing just how much power she held over these men. Just one flirty look, and they would all be wrapped around her finger.
With practiced ease, she met his gaze, adopting the flirtatious demeanor she knew he wanted to see in her.
"Well now, darling'," she replied, her voice dripping with honeyed charm, "what brings a handsome fella like you to our humble establishment tonight?" Her playful tone matched the coy look she cast his way.
His response was accompanied by a dismissive glance back at his companions, a nonchalant gesture that spoke of confidence and authority. But upon meeting his gaze, Mio noticed that her trap worked. He fell for it, hook line and sinker. “Well..Me and my boys don't want to go home sober. Thats all~” he said with a smirk.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Oh i can fix that." Mio said. "Why don't you tell me what you wanna order, and your name?"
"Vanetti. Federico Vanetti. And I own this part of town, cutie. Remember that. See that ugly, mannish mountain of muscle by the door? I raised her. What a mistake. Shouldve left her with her mother back in Ourino. An ugly brute like her would fit perfectly there!" He said, prompting laughter from his goons. he removed his sunglasses, revealing his green eyes, as he attempted to seduce Mio even further.
Recognition dawned on Mio as she slowly but surely realized who this man was.
Vanetti? Wasn't that... Allison's last name? A wave of realization washed over her, connecting the dots in an instant.
In that fleeting moment, Mio's thoughts raced back to the stories Allison had shared about her abusive past, her voice tinged with bitterness whenever she spoke of her father. Tales of verbal abuse, beatings, insults...This man had made her best friend suffer so much.
The man standing before her now, with his air of arrogance and entitlement, fit the bill all too well. Whatever he had said to Allison outside must have stirred up a whirlwind of emotions, dredging up painful memories from her past.
Mio's composure remained steadfast, her resolve bolstered by the lessons she had learned from Amelie ("Nothing scares a criminal more than a calm and composed smile."). Suppressing her simmering anger over this abusive man, she fixed him with a piercing gaze that seemed to bore into his very soul. "Welcome. Enjoy your stay. What will it be?" she inquired, her voice steady but tinged with restrained disdain.
Federico's response was laced with arrogance, his words dripping with derision. "Wow? Where did all this attitude come from? Guys don't like it when hotties get emotional, you know." he sneered, his laughter joined by the echoing chuckles of his lackeys. Undeterred by his crude behavior, Mio pressed on, her tone unwavering. "What...will...it...be?" she repeated, each word enunciated with quiet determination.
Allright allright, dont give me that look! Girls should not talk back to me..I could ruin your life in an instant. and you are way hotter with a smile. 3 beers. pronto." He said, snapping his fingers as he and his crew moved to find an empty booth.
Federico's lewd comments and dismissive attitude only fueled Mio's silent resolve. "Understood," she replied coolly, her hand stealthily slipping under the counter..