"Excuse me, sir, but this is my restaurant," she said, her tone sharp. "If you don't like it, you're free to leave."
Sabrina's eyes flashed with anger, her lips pressing into a thin line. Who does he think he is, coming here and judging me like this? she thought, her temper rising. She didn't care if he was the richest man in town or the president, he had no right to judge her and her hard-earned business.
He was the type of man she hated the most, a rich asshole who thought the world revolved around him. He probably came from a wealthy family and lived a life of privilege, never having to worry about anything. He had probably never worked a day in his life, relying on others to take care of his every need.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice tight. "Do you even have a reservation?"
The man smirked. "Of course not. Why would I reserve a seat at this dump?"
Sabrina felt her cheeks flush with anger but she tried to compose herself.
"Well," she replied coldly, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm afraid there are no available tables."
The man raised an eyebrow. "Really? How convenient."
"Excuse me?" Sabrina's eyes narrowed in anger. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, nothing." The man waved his hand dismissively. "Just an observation. You seem to be rather good at getting rid of customers. Perhaps you're not as busy as you'd like everyone to think?"
Sabrina's jaw clenched, her fists tightening. She was struggling to control her temper, but she couldn't help it. This man had no right to judge her restaurant. She'd worked so hard to keep the business afloat, and she wasn't about to let some pompous stranger belittle her efforts.
"Listen," she snapped, taking a step towards the man, "I don't know who you think you are, but I have no interest in hearing your opinion. If you're not here to eat, then please leave."
The man's eyes widened, as if surprised by her sudden show of anger, then narrowed dangerously.
"You don't get to talk to me like that," he growled, his voice low and threatening.
"Oh, really?" Sabrina asked sarcastically. "And why not?"
"Because," the man replied, taking a step closer, "you're dealing with me now."
Sabrina took a deep breath, trying to control her rage.
"I don't have time for this," she muttered, turning her back on the man.
"Neither do I."
"Good. Then we're done."
Sabrina heard the sound of a chair scraping across the floor, then footsteps approaching.
"Don't you dare walk away from me." The man's voice was close behind her now, filled with anger and frustration.
"Please get out," Sabrina ordered, her voice shaking with rage.
The man ignored her, and a sudden wave of panic washed over her.
She spun around to face him, her heart pounding, and her eyes widened in surprise as she looked into his face. He was right there, inches from her, his blue eyes piercing into hers.
"You don't want to make an enemy of me, sweetheart," he growled.
Sabrina swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. The man's face was hard and unyielding, his eyes dark and dangerous.
"I'm not scared of you," she managed, though her voice trembled.
The man raised an eyebrow.
"You should be."
"Just leave, please," Sabrina pleaded. "We're not open yet, and you're not welcome."
"Oh, I think you're very open for me."
Sabrina's stomach dropped, and her eyes widened.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"Look, if you're not going to order anything, then—"
The man reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her close to him. Sabrina gasped, struggling to break free.
"Let me go!" she cried, her voice shrill.
"Not until you admit you're open for me."
"That's disgusting. How dare you? Let me go, or I'll call the police!"
"Go ahead," the man challenged, his grip tightening.
Sabrina tried to wrench her arm free, but his hold was too strong. She struggled helplessly, her breathing becoming ragged as panic and anger surged through her body.
"Let me go, damn it!"
"Not until you admit you're ready for me."
"Never," she hissed, her eyes flashing with fury.
"Fine."
He released her and Sabrina staggered backwards, her chest heaving.
"Stay away from me," she warned, glaring at him.
"Not a chance," he replied, his eyes darkening.
"Why are you doing this?" Sabrina asked, her voice wavering.
"Because I'm not leaving until I get what's mine." The man stepped forward again, his gaze dark and menacing.
What a jerk! She didn't know what this man was talking about, but she had no intention of giving him anything.
Sabrina took a step back, her eyes darting around the restaurant. She had to find a way to get this man to leave, before things got worse.
Who is this scumbag? she thought bitterly, her patience wearing thin. She had no doubt that Mr. D'Angelo had made a grave mistake by sending this arrogant jerk her way. The man's smug expression and condescending attitude only confirmed it. She had expected someone professional, someone who could help her get the fresh start she needed, not this arrogant cockhead who seemed determined to make her life harder.
"Listen, I don't know what your problem is," Sabrina began, trying to remain calm, "but—"
Before she could finish, the man took another step towards her, his gaze seemed like a predator.
"I think you know exactly what my problem is," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
That's quite a tone he's using there! Sabrina felt a chill run down her spine. Something was wrong here. She'd had her share of obnoxious customers before, but this man was different. There was a darkness in his eyes, a dangerous edge to his voice. He was a threat, and he knew it.
She's not going to let this jerk push her around! She had to get him out of the restaurant.
"Look," she said, trying to keep her voice steady, "if you're not going to order anything, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
The man's lips curled into a sneer.
"I'll leave when I'm damn well ready," he said, his eyes never leaving hers.
Sabrina felt a surge of anger rise within her. How dare he speak to her like that? She was trying to be reasonable, but he was making it difficult.
Who is this man? she wondered, frustration bubbling up. Did Mr. D'Angelo really send you?
She couldn't believe that the man had the nerve to behave in such a disrespectful way. She didn't care if he was the most powerful and influential man in the world, no one had the right to treat her like this.
"If you're not going to leave, then I'm going to have to ask you to wait outside," Sabrina stated, her eyes flashing with determination.
The man let out a dark chuckle.
"I don't think so."
"I'm serious."
Sabrina's heart raced, and her stomach twisted into knots. This man wasn't going to back down.
"I don't have time for your nonsense," Sabrina snapped, her patience finally breaking.
"Oh, but I have all the time in the world," the man replied, his voice dripping with malice.
Sabrina swallowed, trying to suppress the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. She had no choice.
She had to get rid of this man, whatever the cost.