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CHAPTER SEVEN
I sat at one of the small tables, a textbook in my right hand and a cup of coffee in my left. I'd always come to this little cafe to study. It was right on the outskirts of campus and was always quiet enough that I wouldn't be disturbed.
When I wasn't sipping coffee, my hand would subconsciously reach for my hip, scratching and brushing the bruises that still hadn't gone away. I hadn't had a full night's sleep since I'd had that dream with Lucian a couple of days ago.
I hadn't told anybody, not even Liv and I was lucky enough to only have one shift at the club where Lucian was nowhere to be seen. I'd been on edge all night, preparing myself from when he'd come out of the shadows.
Now I was here, in an attempt to try and go back to a somewhat normal life where I wasn't having sex dreams of my boss and being reminded of it with marks on my skin. Something about the whole thing was supernatural and I was happy to stay in the dark about it all. I had to admit, it wasn't really working out the way I wanted it to.
As I was getting restless and consistently fiddling with my hips, a figure appeared out of the corner of my eye.
"It's Salem, right?" the man asked. He was tall, pale skin, and dark brown hair. He was cute in a skater-boy kind of way, seemed friendly although shy. I had recognized him before, we'd had a few classes together.
"Yeah," I answered, quickly pulling my hands away from my hip and brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "It's umm, Jay right?"
"Yeah, it is," he blushed. He was very cute, in a puppy sort of way. "Can I sit?" He gestured to the chair.
"Oh, sure," I said, quickly moving all my books and laptop out of the way to clear space on the table.
"My friends have been pestering me about coming to talk to the pretty girl sitting by herself," he said, his cheeks becoming redder if that was possible.
"That's very sweet of you thank you," I smiled at him.
"I-" he started but was quickly interrupted as someone filled the other empty seat beside him.
"Calvin," the other boy said, laying back in his seat, winking at me. I looked back towards Jay, who was still red as a tomato.
"There's this party tonight, you in?" Calvin asked casually.
I looked towards Jay again, his nervous face said it all. His friend was casually asking if I would join them both at this party tonight, or more-so Jay.
"Where at?" I asked, trying to keep casual without accepting any invites.
"This club in town, Gateway, I think it's called," Calvin answered. "You heard of it?"
I paused for a moment. I was very familiar with the club.
"I actually work there."
"Would you look at that Jay?" He turned towards his friend, "She works there."
"What a coincidence," Jay said softly.
"Are you working tonight?" Calvin asked.
"No..."
"Perfect! We'll see you there! Around 9? Let's go, Jay."
I didn't even get a chance to answer before both seats were empty. Jay, however, did linger a little bit longer and gave me a cute smile before following behind his friend.
I knew I didn't have to show up tonight, considering it was where I happened to be working and to be avoiding a certain someone. But maybe this is what I needed, a little bit of normalcy in my life and there was no reason why I couldn't at least make a few friends, right? Or possibly something more.
I opened my textbook once again and tried my hardest to focus on the words in front of me. By now, my coffee had gone cold and I considered ordering another. As I subconsciously reached for my hip once more, I knew I wouldn't be able to focus anytime soon. I slammed my textbook shut and began to gather my things.
Just as I was collecting the last of my belongings, my phone began to ring on the table beside me. I froze at the name blaring on my screen, deciding if I should answer or not. Lucian's words in my dream ran through my head.
"I'm not going to stop until your mine..."
I quickly snapped out of it, determining that it was only a dream and that after all, he was my boss and I still needed a job to pay rent. The bruises had just appeared as a result of rolling around all night.
"Salem speaking," I said confidently, only that I was physically shaking because of how nervous I was.
"Salem" he rasped, his deep voice sending tremors down my spine. "I need you to work tonight. It's urgent."
I considered telling him I had plans, only to realise that said plans were at my job. I thought it would be slightly unprofessional to tell him I couldn't work to only show up at the club.
"What time?" I asked, hating how my voice squeaked. I didn't want him to think I was submissive, ready to work for him at his will. This was for money only.
"7 until midnight," he answered. How convenient.
"I'll be there," I said, more confidently than I had when I last spoke.
"Most staff are unavailable tonight," he continued, not giving me a chance to hang up, "so I've asked a friend to help out."
"Sounds good," I answered, trying to be polite but insinuating I was ready for this conversation to be over.
"You met her at your party."
I paused. Was he was talking about the stunning girl I encountered in my bedroom?
"Perfect," I replied, trying to seem unaffected, although I doubt Lucian was convinced.
"I'll see you tonight Salem," he spoke in his deep voice, taking me back to the night of my dream. Then he hung up.
There was no way I was going to do this night alone. Finally gathering my things in my arms, I started to walk back towards my car.
