Not just a billionaire

dnight when the city's chaos dimmed to a tired hum. A radio played something old

et ached, her back screamed, and she still had two hours left on her shift. But rent was due in three

she muttered to herself, toss

bove the d

bly another drunk businessman wanting

lumsy, but slow and confident. Like someone who knew the w

tu

s and gym memberships worth more than her monthly rent. His dark hair was tousled, like he'd just run a hand through it in frustration or bo

One o

from her apron, and approached the tabl

said, monotone. "What can

brow, amused

d to," she replied, pen hovering. "We don't do

lips. "You're not very g

just not the kind of cu

ke she'd entertained

," she said

wn to her cheap sneakers, taking in every inch like he was s

d... bring me s

her cheek. "Right. On

alked back to the counter, a

" muttered Jamie, the line co

obably drunk, and bored. The

ate of French toast and the coffee, placi

o you someth

looking at her m

ue," he said. "Most wo

xhausting,

ave no

ou going to eat, or sit here jud

For a moment, his face changed, not in express

back. Cold

know who I

one rich, powerful, and incredib

Blackt

. The tabloids. The real estate empire. The lu

t him again y

ng to need you to pay in cash if your

w and genuine, catc

not im

uld

"That's why you

night, he

, toast, and smiled faintl

," she said, placi

s where peopl

in the wron

move, every word. It made Lena unea

really here

g. Got bored. F

o torment the

ed. "No. I came

d and hard. "You

seri

not my

t ask if

then, resting his

nt," he said. "Mine quit.

You want me...

on't flinch around power. I

s. "You don't know

u don't suck up. And you didn't b

wned. "

ou're not for sale. Which is exa

. The arroga

ckthorne. I'm not some charity case or plaything for bored billionaires. I ha

y. I'm offering a job

He said it so casually,

s not

not j

could change everything. Bills paid.

er head. "I don't

standing. "That m

wallet and dropped it on the table.

e left. Elegant lettering. Blac

ld throw

he di