It was my regular night at work where I was serving men their alcohol drinks. Some were here to talk to me about their relationship problems while others were trying to hit on me or get my name. The number one rule of this bar is that female bartender should never tell anyone her name. The reason is because it was for safety. There were a few gangs in this city and some were really dangerous.

The first gang was the Donati gang, most dangerous one, they were always in the news for raping girls, abuse or drugs. I've never seen the gang leader but I'm sure he's very creepy looking. The other gang is the De Rege gang. The gang is pretty much mostly about drugs and alcohol. I've never seen them on the news but I do know that the leader Christopher, is the ladies' man and I agree with that because he has my heart

" Hello sexy lady" said the man in front of me wearing a black coat and his completely messed up hair. He looked around the age of 48 and he was really starting to bother me.

"What would you like?" I asked cleaning the counter in front of me with the blue rag.

"Get me a Cape Codder baby" he winked at me showing me his yellow teeth.

"Don't call me that!"

"Why not? Baby."

"Because I said so, and it's against the rules to flirt with the bartender." I said pointing at the sign above me that said "No flirting with female bartender."

There were always rules when it comes to being bartender or what I like to call them 'Problems'.

Do not lean over the bar. it's called personal space and you're invading it.

Constantly being asked to make a drink strong. Do I come where you work and yell you how to do your job? Don't think so.

Don't ask for a free drink because it's your birthday I guarantee there are 20 other birthday in here tonight. I don't know you or care that it's your birthday. Try tipping well and a free drink might come your way.

Barbacks that are nowhere to found when you actually need them.

Girlfriends that don't let their dudes tip for simple fact that you're a pretty girl.

Packed bar and some asshole orders a purple parrot and 5 other complex girly drinks. We are busy and this is annoying keep it simple, bro.

Lime juice in the eye. Ouch.

Those are just few here.....

"Well you're so hot I just couldn't help. My stick went up just by looking at you," he whispered.

I gulped and turned around grabbing a bottle of vodka, cranberry and pineapple juice. I took the highball glass, I added 2 ounces of vodka and mixed the 2 juices. And I finished it off with a garnish, lime wedge. "Do you want ice in your drink?"

"2 cubes please, make sure they're really hard."

"Sir, I would stop if I were you." said another voice. I turned around and saw one of Christopher's best friends. I think his name is Andre. He had brown hair and he was wearing leather jacket that made him look dangerous today.

"Or what little boy?" the creep said grabbing the drink that I placed in front of him and sipping on it.

"Before I bash your head again this counter shove that martini up your ***"

His eyes went wide and he stood up and left. I took a deep breath and grabbed the glass and placed it in the sink

"Are you alright?" Andre asked standing in front of me.

"Well you just scared him away and he didn't pay for his drink" I chuckled.

Andre put his hands in his pocket and brought out a 50$ cash. "Keep the change" he said and walked away towards the dance floor that was filled with girls wearing the shortest dresses on this planet. And they were so tight that I don't even know how could they even breath in them. For the next hour was serving drinks left and right with shoving some tips into my purse.

Soon as I look up I saw Christopher wearing black jeans and white T, his hair was messy and I knew he didn't cut his hair for a while. He usually has it a bit shorter than usual, maybe he was busy with the gang. He was dancing with some girl that had hair as black as my dress. She had raccoon eyes and dark red lipstick. Her high heels were about five inches but still she didn't reach his height. I wonder how tall Chris is, I see him always talk to few guys around her and he's always taller than them. He grabbed her waist and started to drag towards the bar. I shook my head back and forth to stop tears come out from my eyes. I wish that was me.

"Can I get two dirty Martinis." Chris asked with 2 of his fingers in the air. Almost showing a peace sign.

I nodded and took 1 ounce of dry vermouth, 1/4 ounce olive juice and mixed it in a mixing glass filled with ice. I stirred it for couple of seconds and strained it into chilled cocktail glass. I finished it off with 2 olive.

I put it in front of them without giving them eye contact because I wasn't in mood of watching her suck on his neck. He gives me 50$ and walks away with drinks in his left hand.

"Damn you look broken," said the guy not too far away from me sipping onto his cold beer.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"You looked like he just broke your heart, is he your ex or something?"

"Um no. He doesn't really know who I am." I trailed off looking around.

"Are you sure? He was watching you the second he came in here." he chuckled finishing off his beer.

I laughed, " I think you had too much beer"

"And I think you need to open your eyes and look around, you're a very pretty girl. I'm sure any guy would love to be with you. If it wasn't for my wife I would have totally hit on you" he laughed at the end and walked out of the bar. I saw him get into his Toyota and drive away down the street.

There was no way that Christan was looking at me the whole entire time. My phone buzzed telling me that my shift was over. I smiled and packed all of my stuff into my bag. I grabbed my coat from the hanger and walked out of the bar. The gurl that was working the shift after me was already there, I never had to wait for her. I worked here for about 9 months and I still didn't learn her name. She isn't my type of friend anyways, so I shouldn't bother.

As j walked down the street it was already 3 am and I could hear police sirens somewhere far away from me. Some men yelling doen the street and some young girls having time of their life. I remember my teenage years, me and my friends would always go to this bar and get drunk. And neft day we tried to hide form our mom's telling them that we ate something bad.

I felt someone grip my sides and push me to the side. His grip was really strong and I hope he isn't in gang because if he is I got into some serious trouble somehow. Maybe I entered the wrong border?

"Mmm you smell so sweet. I wonder how you taste," he whispered into my ear and I knew it was that creep from the bar.

"Don't you fucking touch me," I wiggled around trying to get his dirty hands off of me.

"Don't get me mad princess, if you were nice to me at the bar this wouldn't have happened."

I screamed for help and he covers my mouth with his hand that smelt like old cheese. I bit his arm and he slapped me kn my right cheek making my head whip to other side. Tears started flow down my cheeks, is this how woman get raped?

"Stop," I cried and he slapped me again making my cheek sting.

He took my coat off of me leaving in just my black dress that I was wearing. He threw me against the wall and started to suck on my neck and I tried to push him off of me and I knew that i was too weak.

Suddenly I felt free from his heavy weight I opened my eyes and saw Christopher holding onto creepy man's collar and beating his face up. I slid down the wall holding onto my cheek that was probably more red than tomato. When the creep has finally passed out in front of Christopher I looked at his bloody nose and didn't feel sorry. He absolutely deserved it.

Christopher looked down at me with worry in his light blue eyes, "Are you alright?"

More years went down my eyes, does he not realise that I was almost raped? No girl on this planet would ever be alright.

"I'm fine" I said wiping away any tears that were on my cheek.

He kneeled down towards me, "Don't touch me," I said. He's a gang leader who knows what he will do to me.

"Listen, your cheek looks really bad right now I don't want you to go home alone at this time. Let me carry you to my car."

"I can walk myself." I got up and grabbed my coat and placed it on top of my shoulders. Christopher handed me my purse and I quietly grabbed it. "Follow me." he said.

I followed him into his GMC truck, he opened the door for me and I slid inside. I saw him run around the hood and quickly got inside turned on the heat. The night was cold today and I couldn't wait to get home into my warm bed.

"Do you want to know my address or..."

"I'm taking you to my place, I'm sure it's closest to your house. If you don't mind of course." he said looking at me.

"It's fine, I guess." I whispered looking out the window.

When we arrived at his house I wa amazed at the sight in front of me. The house was sandy colour and on the right section there was a garage door that looked like it was created out of wood. I could see the front door and the balcony right above it. This wasn't a mansion but for sure it was a nice modern house for a gang leader. He parked his car in front of garage and put his window up. I heard the garage door open and I saw a motorcycle inside and some boxes.

"Come on, I have some first aid kit in the kitchen." he said opening his door as I opened mine. I got out and grabbed my purse.

He waited for me to reach him and he lead me towards the door that connected garage and the house. When I entered the house it was really clean. Everything was in its place where it meant to. The floor were made out of bamboo wood and it was really quiet.

When we entered the kitchen all the tables were made out of granite and it was mostly all white except the white bowl of fruit that's as standing on the table. There were red strawberries and they made the kitchen look much better. Even though they were just strawberries.

I saw Christopher bent down and get out a red med kit. Next he opened the fridge and got out an ice pack. Then he gently took a white cloth and wipe away the dirt that I had on my cheek from falling down.

His breath fanned over my face and I felt my heart accelerate. "Do you always walk home alone?"

"No, I'm just getting my car fixed at dealership. j should get it tomorrow." I whispered.

He nodded his head and gently placed the ice pack on my red cheek. I whinced at the pain."Sorry" he whispered.

"Would you like some water, tea ,..... coffee?"

"No, I should be going." I turned around as I was about to take another step he grabbed my free hand and turned me back to face him.

"Wait, just stay here the night it's already 4 am. I'm sure you're really tired"

"Well, I-I um." I stuttered.

He gave me a small smile, "You can sleep in the guest bedroom. And tomorrow morning you can leave if you like."

"Um, sure thanks." I said removing bag from my cheek.

He nodded his head. "Follow me"

"I walked upstairs and saw a white door. He opened it and I saw a bedroom that had gray walls and a beautiful chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The bed had white sheets and there was a TV hanging in the wall. There was also a desk and a dresser.

That room over there is the bathroom, if you want to use a shower go right ahead." he smiled. "Goodnight."

"Night" I said.

I plopped down on my bed and fell into deep sleep with the same ice pack on my cheek.

After about a couple hours of sleep I got up and looked at the small clock next to the warm bed. It was 7 am and I knew I had to get out. It's never safe to be in gang leader's house. Who knows what's going to happen when I'll wake up. I quickly made my bed like it was when I first entered the house and tip toes down the stairs making as less noise as possible. The house again was really quiet and I could hear some wind outside. I grabbed my coat and purse and opened the front door and slipped out. I took my phone and dialed a taxi phone number that take me to my car dealership I hope they're open at this time.

Christopher POV

I woke up by the sun going through my window and looked at my phone, 10:25 am. I should get up and see what Mia is doing. She's probably still sleeping fr the last night. Slowly i got up and walked quietly towards her door. Still, I can't believe what happened last night. Not only I saved her but how close I was to kissing her.

I opened the door and looked at the bes, it was made like no one was even here. Was i dreaming about it? I smelled the pillow and I could still smell her perfume on it. This definitely wasn't a dream.

quickly I ran downstairs and saw med kit that was out on the marble counter table. So is wasn't dreaming. Why did she leave l? Is she afraid of me? Or she have another boyfriend at her house.

The thought of that made my blood boil. If I ever see him he would be dead.

Thanks for reading. This is just a short story so it won't have many episodes. Pardon my english as it is not my first language. Hope you like it.☺️☺️

"Good Morning everyone, and happy Saturday! You're listening to 93.5."announced the radio man as I drove to my house.

"As you all know every morning we have a person on a call that tells us a story and you have to guess if it's real or not! So here we have on a call Ashley Holmes. Good morning!"

"Good Morning." said a girl around my age.

So tell us what's your story?"

"Alright Simon. One night I was sleeping over my boyfriend's house for the first time. When we went to bed, I asked him if he was scared of tickle monster under his bed, as he had his heet hanging off the side. He laughed at me and told me not to be so childish. During the night, he woke me up slightly laughing, saying, "Stop it I know it's you. And I'm not even ticklish on my foot." I said I was still right e side him, so he turned on the bedside light. I've never heard a 19 year old boy scream so loudly before or jump so high. Who was under the bed? His dad, who overheard our conversation. He crawled out from under the bed, high-fived me, and left the room." and then she started to laugh like some horse on drugs. There's no way that's a real story. And why the hell would a dad hide under the bed in the first place, my father would definitely not do that.

"Well folks , it's your decision!" the radio man said and started to play 'Am I wrong by Nico & Vinz'.

I opened my garage door and parked my car. Then, I grabbed my coat and my purse and walked inside. Quickly I took a warm shower and changed into short shorts and an oversized tees. Finally I can get some real sleep. I hate sleeping at other people's house it's hard to fall asleep and if I hear any noises I wake up. In this bed I sleep like a baby. I'm sure if there is going to be and earthquake I would sleep even tighter.

I own a small house that had one bedroom and one bathroom, it's perfect for me. My parents are retired and now travelling the world. Once in a while I would get a call from them and maybe a box shipped from Italy with a bunch of cool stuff. They love me and always support me with everything, except they don't know I work as a bartender. I don't know if I will ever tell them my dirty little secret because I won't have that job for very long.

it was already my time to work and I decided to put on high waisted leather shorts and a white blouse. I grabbed my curling wand and made my curls. My looks reminded me of Taylor Swift at her RED concert. I did my smokey eye, applied some concealer on my pink cheek and added some light pink lipbalm to finish off my look. Quickly I walked towards my garage door and slipped on my red flats and jumped into my cat. I backed out and drove towards my work.

The place was crowded tonight and it was hard to find a parking space, everyone were standing by the side of road drinking beer. Finally I found my spot and parked my car, then I grabbed my purse and walked towards the back of the bar where workers would enter. I said hi to the bodyguard and walked through the hallway that had neon green lights. There were few band posters that were hanging on the wall. For example The 1975, Fall Out Boys, Beatles, Linkin Park , Imagine Dragons, Slipknot and Panic at the Disco.

I put on a black apron around my waist and walked behind the bar.

"Hey" said a girl who worked with me tonight. I never got her name so I waved nicely, "Hey, is it busy tonight?"

"Not yet." we chuckled and I started serving drinks. After about two hours of working o saw Christopher at the back of the bar sitting at the table with some of his friends. Some girls were eye raping him and were trying way too hard to get his attention. He was talking with his friends about something and he looked really bothered.

I shrugged and served another cold bear to group of girls that were giggling about something. Apparently one of them had her 24th birthday. After my short 10 minutes break I came back to the bar table to serve any more drinks these alcoholics wanted I saw Christopher looking at the nar shelves that had bunch of bottles. His eye shot towards me and he waved his hands towards me to come to him.

I carefully walked towards him not knowing if he's going to do something or order a drink.

"Hey," he said in deep voice.

"Hi, you want anything to drink? It's on the house."

He looked down playing with a dark red napkin, "No, I was actually wanted to talk to you."

"About what?" I shifted my foot a little bit.

"Last night," he said his eyes shot up at me.

"Oh."

He leaned up towards me and touched my cheek with his hand was rough and cold. I flinched at the feeling, "It still hurts."

"If I will ever see him again he's dead." he said in a very dangerous voice that made goosebumps go down my neck.

"It's fine. I'm sure he's was just dru-"

"Mia!" he cut me off raising his voice. "He almost fucking raped you. Are you out of your mind. Taht asshole should be put to jail.

"So do you!" I said back to him with a cold voice.

His eyes widened at my choice of words, "You don't know shit about me Mia!"

"Wow, watch you language before you **** up. If you know what I mean." Andre said raising his eyebrow at Christopher while patting ok his hard shoulder. What is he talking about and when did he get here?

"You need to report him." Christopher said calming his voice down.

"No."

"What happened?" Andre asked looking concerned.

"Why do you guys talking to me anyways you do realise that I'm a bartender not a girl you can sleep around with."

"Well I'm here cause you make good drinks and Chrissy is here because he has a crush on you." he pinched Christopher's cheeks and they went slightly red.

"Stop touching me you idiot. I don't have a crush on her." he pushed him making Andre step back a little bit.

Andre laughed, "Are you positive? No." I roll my eyes at both of them and ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

"Can we talk about last night?" Christopher asked pleading me with his beautiful eyes.

"I'm working, and I've already used my break."

"When is your shift over?"

"6am. Don't tell me you're going to be here for another 4 hours."

"Oh he will." Andre cuts in.

I chuckle, "Maybe we can go to iHop after that?" Christopher suggest begging with his eyes to say yes.

"Oh, can I come too? I haven't been there for like two years already."

"No." he says giving him a death glare. I chuckled at their small argument, " Sure, just for a little bit. I'm getting tired already."

I'll probably complete this story in few days as I have the perfect idea and I was thinking to write it. Again hope you pardon my grammar mistakes and thanms for reading. please support it☺️☺️

It was finally the end of my shift and I didn't see Christopher around after our small conversation. The club at 6am was practically empty, some people were sitting on the bar chairs with their head on the table, others talking about something, and some girls trying to walk their way out front door.

I looked around the club and didn't see him around but eye did catch Andre. He was talking to one of the girls who danced on the stage. I'm guessing he wants her number, or a one night stand. I exited the bar and carefully walked towards him.

Him being in gang I still didn't fully trust him, you never know how they will react. As I got closer to him Andre turned towards me giving me a questioned look.

"What's app Mia?"

Have you seen Christopher? Because if he went home I'm going to go home too." I said explaining to him.

He scrunched his eyebrows looking up a little bit, "Hm, I haven't seen him here for the past hour. He probably forgot and went home with some bimbo."

I nodded my head feeling the sadness deep down in my stomach, "Thanks." I whispered.

I turned my back towards him and walked away, did he really just ditch me for some slut? Be is total player of course he would ditch me look at me I'm probably the most average girl in here. I grabbed my purse from my locker that I was provided with in the beginning of the job and walked my way towards the exit door.

When I opened the door it was really nice outside, a perfect weather for a picnic or maybe going to beach. When I was little my grandmother would take me to the beach and we would stay there all day. While she would sit on her green beach chair I would be next to the water running away from ocean waves.

I remember one time I went inside of the water, till it was to my hips and I saw something dark swimming above the water. There was a man with his 5 year old son behind me pointing at it. I remember almost shitting my pants as I ran away from the water. Once I was out of the water I looked at what I thought was shark but in reality it was just a seal. Still, in the end I walked back towards my grandmother and told her what happened. She laughed and gave me ham sandwich.

My mom was never the type to be a good mother, I remember her telling me that the reason she had me was because that's what society wants from a woman and she did her job. I never had problem with it because I liked being independent and being able to do what I want. Me and my mom had discussion when j graduated high school and it had to do with her and my dad traveling. I knew it was my mom's dream. I agreed of course and told her to follow her dream as long as she sends me money for my food.

I felt large cold hand grab my elbow and pull me towards their side. I gasped and looked up to see Christopher, "I thought you left." I said.

"I went to grab a smoke over there and deal with some business." he said, his breath smelled like cigarettes. I removed my arm from his grasp, "Sorry," he mumbled, "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah."

"My car is just across the street, come on." he said walking towards the road. I quickly followed him, trying to catch up with his long strides

He walked towards the passenger's side and opened the door for me, I said a quick thanks and hopped in. Quickly, I put on the seatbelt and placed my bag between my legs.

He chuckled at me as he got in, "You wear a seatbelt?"

"It's for safety. I don't want to fly out the window when something happens." I mumbled making my seatbelt tighter.

"Don't worry you're always safe with me." he said, gripping the steering wheel of his range rover.

After a quiet ride towards the iHop dinner place we finally got there and Christopher parked it next to a tree that gave a nice shade. We both stepped out I grabbed my purse. When we entered the place a few large man waved to Christopher and he would just nod his head at them.

"Hello, how many?" a waitress behind the table with a notepad said. She has black hair with a light brown highlights.

Two,"

She nodded and said, "Follow me," we followed her through the restaurant and she gave us a seat between other tables that bad people from the bar. I remembered some of them ordering a drink, I'm guessing this is what they do.after the club.

"Excuse me, can we get more of a private table?" Christopher asked in cold voice making the girl widen her eyes

She quickly nodded her head and walked towards the back of the restaurant that was in a room that had tree vines around it.

"Is it good?" she asked. "Perfect."

"What can I get you to drink?" she asked after we sat down.

Christopher looked at me waiting for me to answer. "Um, can I have some green tea."

"Cold or hot?"

"Hot please," I said, she nodded writing my order, "No problem, and for you Sir."

"I'll have some black coffee with no sugar."

"Do you know what you want to order or shall I come back in five minutes?"

"I'll have some buttermilk pancakes, two sausages, scrambled eggs and a fresh squeezed orange juice." Christopher ordered like he came here everyday.

"Um," I quickly looked over the menu, "I'll just have some waffles with strawberries on top."

"Is that all?"

We both nodded. "Alright, so one black coffee, hot green tea, orange juice, waffles with strawberries on top, buttermilk pancakes,two sausages and scrambled eggs."

"Correct." Chris said and the gurl walked away towards the kitchen.

"So how old are you Mia?" he asked placing his elbows on the table looking into my eyes, making sure I won't lie.

"I'm 22, you?"

"I just turned 26 couple of weeks ago, I thought you would be 20."

"Um, thanks?" I said, taking that as a compliment.

"You're welcome," he chuckles scratching his head with his left arm. His gesture was so hot, I can't believe that some guys don't realise how good they look doing that.

"So are you and Andre good friends?" I asked playing with white napkin and folding it in different shapes.

"Yeah, we were friends before we could even walk. Our mom's are best friends, so that's how we got into this friendship."

I nodded my head, "Oh cool."

"So do you live alone or with you boyfriend?"

I smiled, " I live alone. No boyfriend what's so ever."

"Where are you parents?"

"They're traveling the world, they've been doing that since I was about 18 years old."

"Why didn't you go with them?"

"Someone had to take care of the house, plus I'm not that close with them. My mom's dream was to travel the world so I let her have it." I smiled watching the waitress come back with our food.

"Hope you guys like it." she said. I grabbed a fork with the knife and started to cut a piece off of my big waffle, while Christopher started to eat his eggs and sausages.

"Are you close with your parents?"

"I'm really close with me dad, my mom not so much," he chuckled," probably because she's a woman. Not being sexist or anything but me and her see everything in different way."

"I see, do you have any brothers or sisters?" I asked.

"Nope, I'm the only child."

"Same."

"So, why did you leave in the morning?" he asked raising his eyebrows.

"I was just tired, I'm not used to sleeping in someone's place. I like my bed much better."

He nodded his head hopefully understanding my pathetic excuse.

After we quietly ate Christopher would look at me when I grab each strawberry and place it into my mouth. His eyes would get darker and would make me feel a little bit nervous. I would ignore the feeling and enjoy my strawberries that I was completely obsessed with. When we were don't Chris paid the bill and left a 10 dollar tip inside of the black book where the check was.

When we stepped outside again some guys waves at Chris and be gave them a nod with his head.

"So where to next?" he asked.

"Well, can you take me back to my car. I'm kind of tired now since I'm full."

He chuckled again,"Sure. Let's go."

When we arrived at the parking lot behind the bar he walked me towards my car and opened that door for me. As I stood up almost sitting down he said. "Hey Mia, I was wondering if I could get your phone number?"

I did a fake cough,"Um, maybe some other time?"

I'm not playing hard to get or anything. I just don't feel safe giving w gang leader my phone number, who knows he would get one of his computer people and track me whenever I go. He looked disappointed when I said that,"I guess you don't trust me."

"I'm sor-"

He put his hand up," No, it's fine Mia. I totally understand. Have a safe drive home. I'll see you tonight at the bar?"

"Sorry, I don't work tonight."

"Oh alright. When is your next day of work?"

"To tell you the truth I don't remember. I have to check my schedule that is at my work. It changed all the time. Maybe in couple of days. I might see you around the streets since you're in gang and stuff." I laughed.

I saw a tint or red on his cheeks," I guess. Be safe love." He closed the door and I clicked my seatbelt.

Hey guys!!! I'm thinking to start a another short story it is inspired by Netflix series Lucifer. Dont worry they both are not connected you don't have to know the story to read this novel. I'll wait for your answer about when I should start writing it. Thanks for reading. Love you all☺️😆❤️