I BLINKED MULTIPLE TIMES TO CHECK IF MY EYES WERE PLAYING TRICKS ON ME.
He was interested in me? A smirk tugged further on the side of his lips, making me feel slightly annoyed. Stoically, I nodded, stepping down from the stand. I felt my breath hitch as I stood next to him. He towered over my 5'4'' self. Feeling slightly intimidated, I bowed curtly at the force of habit and move towards the bar. As I left, I heard Yato whisper, "I'm sorry for how she is, Mr Hayashi,"
I rolled my eyes, knowing that once I got the drink for the man, he probably would go for someone else. As they always do. Upon reaching the bar, Haruki once again had a pitiful smile on his face. I held up my hand, shaking my head. "Don't." He cast his eyes down, embarrassed.
"Wine."
Haruki nodded, hastily grabbing a glass. "The VIP, huh. Surprised to see him here again."
I shot him a confused look. The man had been here before?
"He came yesterday. Bought a maid but brought her back this morning. I think her name was Akari. He's been here for a few months, buying maids but he kept bringing them back."
The familiar name linked me back to the fiery-haired girl I bumped into previously. One day? That's fast to be brought back. Haruki shrugged, "Guess she didn't satisfy him enough." He gave me the glass of wine before passing me a worried look, "Good luck."
He's bought many maids before this? I scrunched my nose at the thought of why they got brought back. Haruki's suggestive wink when he said it made me shrink in disgust.
I didn't want to admit it, but I couldn't ignore the fear that was bubbling in the pit of my stomach. This guy sounds dangerous. Dangerously sexy. Shut up, brain! He could kill us.
I paced quickly back, to see him sitting on one of the tables, his suited men nowhere in sight. He had his dark eyes trained on me, making me straighten my back further. I quietly placed his drink on the table. "Here is your drink, sir."
"Thank you..." he replied, trailing off.
"Mizuki. Katou Mizuki."
He nodded, sipping on his glass of wine. A flash of recognition seemed to be evident in his eyes but he quickly shook it off. I stood still and he looked up at me, "A beautiful name for a beautiful girl."
"Thank you."
His eyebrows furrowed at my emotionless voice, making me want to push back a victorious smirk. Yes! That's it! Don't like me, please. Before he could say anything, Yato rushed over, excitement bubbling within him. I gave him a confused glance when one of Yato's employees paced over to me.
Oh God.
"Katou-san, you are being bought by Mr Hayashi here." The boy, who I believed was named Rin said. What? I hadn't even brought him his drink and he bought me? What is wrong with this guy? I was so sure he didn't want me.
"Come on, Katou-san." Rin ignored my look of desperation, and in the meantime, I had caught eyes with Akari, who held a plate of food in her hand. She had a sad look on her face, but for a millisecond, I swore I saw some envy in them. Take my place! I don't want another creepy dude!
We made our way through the rather large crowd, before entering the office. "Now, Mr Hayashi. I dearly hope you would be satisfied with this buy. I will make sure she caters to your needs." Yato grabbed my arm from Rin rather harshly, something that didn't go unnoticed by the man. His eyes narrowed into slits as he clicked his tongue, staring intensely at his arm on mine. Yato coughed, letting go of me immediately.
"Please sign here to confirm this buy, Mr Hayashi."
No! I mentally pleaded but kept a calm face. It's okay! I'll probably be brought straight back by tomorrow, he'll lose interest in me. Yeah! Don't worry.
Don't worry. I'll be fine.
His navy eyes flicked to mine, his hand moving smoothly against the paper. A smirk grew on his face as he took in my expression.
Right?
_
I watched as Mr Hayashi walked with the same amount of confidence as before, with his shoulders back, chin tilted up and long quick strides. Yato, who was usually quite cocky and obnoxious was following after him like a puppy and rushed rather clumsily.
Mr Hayashi walked ahead, talking to one of his men. Yato gave me my bag, before pulling me close to whisper in my ear. I sneered at his violent touch, but his scared eyes made me halt. This Hayashi guy had this much power? Someone who was usually composed had turned into this because of his presence? Just how scary is this guy?
"Mizuki, Mr Hayashi is a very... special customer. Make sure you don't piss him off. Do everything and I mean, everything, he asks you to. Alright?" I forcefully take my hand out of his grasp, "If you're implying something, I. won't. do. it. You know that."
Before he could say something back, Mr Hayashi briskly walked to my side. "Our car is here, let's go Mizuki."
I gulped and followed after him, feeling goosebumps around my arms at the coldness of the outside. My eyes copy his line of vision to see a long limousine. Okay, how rich is this guy? Is he really some sort of drug lord? Feeling a bit impatient at my gaping, he urged. "Go on."
My palms turned clammy as Mr Hayashi placed his hand on the small of my back. A man wearing navy uniform bowed, holding the car door open respectfully. My eyes widened in surprise at the gesture, remembering how I normally would be shoved into the backseat. I awkwardly give him a tight-lipped smile before moving into the car.
The car started, zooming off. We had been in the limo for about 15 minutes now, and I forced myself to resist the urge to look at the incredibly handsome man beside me. We sat in utter silence, something I was grateful for. I don't like talking. My father's loud authoritative voice rung in my head.
I heard some rustling from the side, making me clench my fist. I felt my heart rate speed up when I felt some warmness radiating onto my bare arm. "Are you cold?" I don't reply.
"Katou-san. You don't talk much, do you?" I bit my lip, continuing to stare out the window. He pressed on, and I felt the fabric of his suit on my arm. Oh my god. His cologne tickled my nostrils, his incredibly good smelling, definitely expensive, musky cologne. What a man.
"Katou-san. I would appreciate you look at me when I speak to you." Kambe forcefully moved my vision to him with his fingers on my chin.
"Do you understand me?" He growled, eyes narrowed. I shuddered at the change in his voice but firmly nodded. His eyebrows raise as if he is expecting me to reply. An annoyed expression passed his features.
I opened my mouth, but my words get caught in my throat. I closed my eyes at the memory of my father and his words. "Speak again and I'll cut your throat so you will be unable to for the rest of your life. Unless I say so, shut up." Opening my eyes again, I forced it out, ignoring his furrowed eyebrows. His eyes held a concerned look. This man isn't your father, Mizuki. You need to stop doing this. I cleared my throat,
"Yes Sir."