"Welcome back, gentlemen. We were wondering where you guys are. Can we do anything for you?" He asked them as they sat down.

"We just want to check the business. Is Alexander here? We want to talk to him."


"He's in the administrative office. The police are here to question him again, so you might want to wait or come back later." The waiter was quick to explain, knowing that neither of them would want to be around police officers who were still trying to track down clues about them or their business.

"We'll wait," Charles answered simply.

"Can I get you anything to drink, sir?"


Michel leaned back in his chair and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it.

"Get me a Gray Goose with ice." He ordered.


The waiter bowed his head in understanding, turning to look at Charles.

"Just a glass of water, thanks."

"Sure. I'll try to inform Alexander of your arrival and will be back with drinks." He bowed again apologetically.

"Still not drinking at work?" Michel smirked at Charles as they settled into their seats, looking around.

It's a dark place with a '20s vibe, sections decorated with red velvet curtains and candles on each table as the women who work there wear sexy yet sophisticated corsets and lace skirts.

Charles nodded back as soon as the two-spotted Kaylin standing in their private space, also dressed in casual work clothes, swinging a blood-red lipstick.

She is known to be one of the ladies who entertains at home, serving drinks to high-paying customers and spending time with them.

But Kaylin is also known for spending time with Michel.

Charles turned to look at Michel, and when he saw that his eyes were fixed on his usual conquest, Charles decided to give Michel some space.

"I'll let you do it. I'll be back later." He got up and started walking around.

As if on cue, Kaylin turned and saw Michel, her red lips lifted at the corner of her mouth. She immediately cut short the conversation she was having with one of the other girls and started walking towards him, confidently sitting in the chair Charles had vacated without asking.

"Yes, hello. Long time no see."

Michel lit another cigarette as he watched her cross her legs.

"Why? Are you complaining?" He simply replied, taking one of his Marlboro cigarettes.

Kaylin shrugged casually, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

"Just an observation. You haven't been here for five or six weeks."

"Never been here or never in your heart?" Michel smirked at her.

Kaylin rolled her eyes and took the cigarette out of him to take a few puffs on her own.

That's usually why Michel comes back to her. Kaylin is one of those girls who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go for it.

She is a warm-blooded woman who exudes confidence and determination.

That she's sexy and gorgeous is of course also a big bonus.

And she understands him.

They weren't a couple at all, neither of them wanted to be.

They just share things.

The waiter returned and served vodka and water, and Michel immediately reached for his drink.

Kaylin frowned at the two glasses and quickly put the two together.

"Water? Is Charles here too?" Her eyes lit up, looking around.

She likes and respects all the men of the Black Roses.

"Uh, he's working," Michel explained, taking the cigarette back after drinking.

Kaylin watched him from under her lashes, and after a quick look around, pushed her chair closer to him and leaned in, pressing her lips lightly against his neck.

"Want to come later?" She whispered.

Michel locked eyes with her, seeing the mischievous light in it that promised a night of absolute happiness.

He wondered what made him hesitate.

Maybe this is exactly what he needs to act normal again.

Maybe he just needs to let go for a few hours and let his urges take over so he can get back to his normal self and stop feeling that way.

Well, maybe that's it.

He just needs to get it out of his system or better to satisfy his craving.

"When do you quit work?" He licked his lips, seeing her following the movement of his tongue with his eyes.

Kaylin smiled.

"In two hours. Shall I text you?"

"Okay." Michel looked at her one more time before taking his drink and drinking the rest in one go.

Michel decided that after just one stop at the house, he would make his way to Kaylin's place.

He doesn't want to stop and think about what he's doing.

He's just eager to feel like his normal self again, so nothing will stand in his way tonight.

With a glance at his watch, he knew they had fallen behind because they had spent a long time discussing financial matters with Alexander.

But again, Kaylin was used to him not being on time for her.

After all, she knows exactly that business comes first to him.

Entering the room, while he was taking off his blazer, he stopped when he saw Fanny sitting on one of her couches.

What the hell is she doing here?

"What, why are you here?"

"I'm just here to help you with your shoulder." She interrupted him, her voice different from usual.

Michel didn't quite know what it was, but after a few seconds of brooding and looking at her face, he caught up.

She's trying to be cool. Professional. Far.

Try, he tensed in his head.

After all, the blush that appeared on her cheeks whenever she talked to him was gone.

He thought for a moment. Perhaps this is a good thing.

Isn't this what he wants? Ignore what happened between them and move on.

Michel hesitated for a moment there.

"If this is a bad time, I can go back..."

"No. I just..." He started to interrupt her but stopped mid-sentence.

Are not? Why didn't he say it was a really bad time?

Wasn't he going to see Kaylin?

Fanny waited for him to say something, but Michel just stood there and said nothing.

It looks like he's getting upset with something, but then this isn't really out of the norm.

A buzzing sound interrupted the staring match between them, Michel reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

"Do you come?" The message from Kaylin said.

Once again, Michel hesitated.

But looking up at the girl in front of him, he sighed and quickly texted back.

"No."