CHAPTER 5

Rose

Hiding out in the bathroom when you're the host wasn't an idea, but I was freaking out!

It was the day of the event that I'd spent an eternity planning, and while everyone assured me that everything was looking great, I couldn't help but feel like I didn't give it my best… probably because I had less than a day to prepare, practically forcing myself out of the hospital bed.

Everyone kept encouraging me to rest but they had no idea the financial debts I was swimming in.

If I forfeited this job, not only would I lose out on my profit, but then I would have to pay for last-minute cancellations, and that was more money that I didn't have.

"You can do this, girl; I believe in you," I muttered to my reflection, tugging at the hem of my red dress. "You're confident, beautiful, and a boss bitch!"

With those words to boost my mood, I washed and rinsed my hands before marching out the door.

The event was in full swing, with guests mingling about while munching on finger foods and forming clusters.

Aside from being the interior designer, I had also taken it upon myself to plan the entire event in a bid to make more money.

It was my first time attempting something like this, so I was quite pleased when I heard positive feedback from the guests about the choice of caterers and how the overall ambiance of the event was quite welcoming.

I stopped by, taking turns to go around the room, engaging guests in conversation while politely gathering information and feedback and, at the same time, making sure they were comfortable.

Once I was tired of making small talk, I made my way over to the bar. "Two shots of whiskey, please." I said to the bartender, letting my head fall on the counter with a 'thunk'.

Funny, you didn't strike me as a whisky fan." The most gorgeous man I've ever met walked up to me, his green eyes sparkling as he gazed down at my figure.

It's been so long since I'd been flirted with that I just stared blankly at him for a second.

Coughing into my fist, I readjusted my posture. "Oh, really?" I injected a hint of playfulness in my voice. "What do I strike you as?"

"More of a wine girl." Those haunting eyes pointed down at me made me feel vulnerable like he could see into my soul. "Pinot or white wine…something innocent."

"Hmm, so I strike you as innocent?" I twirled my drink around in my hand, utterly captivated by this demi-god standing before me that the rest of the world faded away.

My eyes drifted down to his chest, those firm muscles stretching out the fabric of his chest.

"Yes, of course." He answered easily, those green orbs now glinting with interest. "Aren't you?"

My first response was to answer honestly but something told me this man might be bored with that answer. "No. I'm more complex than you think." I purred, lying through my teeth.

He leaned in, visibly intrigued. "Oh? Do tell, darling…"

I opened my mouth to reply when a figure on the edge of my periphery caught my attention.

A very familiar figure.

Crap, crap, crap!

Not tonight.

The man before me noticed my attention had been derailed and followed my line of sight, a bushy brow rising in question. "You know him?"

I sighed, grabbing my purse from the counter. "Sadly, I do. I hate to cut this short but I have to speak to him." I threw an apologetic look his way.

He only shrugged, his face impassive. "Have fun."

And turned to finish his drink.

Um, what the hell?

Confused about how quickly he switched from charming to cold, I stared at him before realizing that I had bigger problems than a moody, adult man.

No matter how gorgeous he was.

It occurred to me that I didn't even know his name, but I shrugged it off.

Walking briskly towards Mr Simmons, I plastered a wide smile. "Hello, sir!"

"Rose." He said curtly, not returning the enthusiasm. "I'm in no mood for small talk so I'll cut to the chase. Your payments are due, more than due if I remember correctly. When do you plan on paying?"

My cheeks reddened with shame as he talked.

During my grandmother's illness, I had to take out a loan to cover the bills.

In the end, she died, leaving me with not only more bills but a huge well of grief.

The due date was last month, and ever since then, I've been dodging their calls or visits.

It's quite embarrassing that he had to track me down here.

"Soon, sir," I promised, my fingers tightening around my purse. "I swear I'm working on it, I just need a little time."

"Remember that's what you said two weeks ago." His thin lips flattened in annoyance. "I don't need to remind you what'll happen if you continue to default, yes?"

I'd lose everything.

The house, my rickety car, my jewelry, and maybe the clothes on my back.

I swallowed, looking away. "Ye…Yes, sir."

Enjoy your party, Miss McGowan." He brushed past me on his way out the door.

I stood there, in the center of so many people yet I felt so alone.

Alone with my problems.

Shoulders slumping with sadness, I used the back entrance to sneak out of the hall, not in the mood to fake an interest in china or flower patterns.

At the back of the hall, there was a garden with several hedges of plants that one could hide behind and do whatever.

Seizing the opportunity, I took my cigarette out of my bag, about to light it up when I heard a moan.

Figuring that it would be two horny adults, I turned to leave but the moan was followed by a sharp scream.

My heart nearly jumped out of my chest as I turned the corner, following the sound.

What I saw before me brought me to a sharp halt.

The man from the bar was bent over a lady, his sharp features glinting in the overhead lights, blood dripping down her neck.

Squinting to get a closer look, I gasped, staggering backward.

Holy shit... were those fangs?!