Chapter 1

Catalina's POV

"Have a nice day Miss. Priscilla. I hope to see you again next time." I said waving goodbye as I watched the middle aged lady exit the parlour.

"Sure thing dear, don't forget about my offer". I gently smiled. She's such a sweet lady trying to hook me up with her son.

I'm not interested because I get wary when it comes to men and I don't know how to turn down her offer because I can't bear to see the sad crestfallen look on her. It breaks my heart.

I guess I'll just come up with an excuse later.

I went back to checking my schedule for my next client whom is due in half an hour.

I opened up my spa parlour nine years ago straight out of college with the money my parents left under me.

It was something I was really passionate about. I had fun doing it plus it helps to pay the numerous amount of bills coming from the hospital for my mom's treatment.

Ever since dad died mom entered a state of comatose and hasn't come out of it for the most part of my life. I was ten at the time and had to live with my maternal grand ma, with dad being an orphan and mom an only child.

I was beginning to feel whole again, little by little, that is until Gran passed away on my birthday, it so happened to be on the same day I graduated from high school.

I was devastated, almost fell into depression. Gran was my everything; a confidante, best friend, teacher and a loving mom.

It was difficult at first, I didn't know what to do without Gran I almost quit school but I knew i had to keep going if not for myself at least for Gran. So I pulled myself together, went through college got my degree in business and started up a beauty parlour that's quite popular in town.

As I was about heading to the steam room to get things ready for my next client, Charlotte an employee of mine blocked my path. She's a blue eyed blonde with really big breasts, big lips and a small perky butt.

"Cata, can I take a week off, something came up I have to leave like asap". I frowned puzzled.

"If I may ask why?". I spoke softly

"Family problem". She said in a clipped tone not bothering to supply more answers as she stared me down with raised brows.

"Are you done with your work?" I asked

"No. But I'm sure you can get it handled." She patted my shoulders nonchalant.

"Oh well---". I blinked "I guess if its family problems". I mean I understand her because I go through one as well, I can't stop her from being with her family if there's something wrong.

"Thanks". She said sashaying out the entrance without sparing me a glance.

"That girl holds no speck of respect for you, hope you know that?". Ximena said from behind me. I jumped startled not expecting her to be standing there.

"Ximena, I almost died. Don't do that ever again". I panted out patting my chest.

She rolled her eyes at me being dramatic," you know she's probably off somewhere to fuck one of her many sugar daddies".

I gasp. "First of vulgar words are banned from being said in my building, secondly what do you mean?".

She sighed. "You're way to gullible and naive. I won't be the one to taint you".

"But what do you mean. I really wanna know". I pushed.

"If I do tell you, will you fire her?"

"Of course not. I can't do that. Its not fair for her. I'm sure whatever it is she has her reasons". Ximena stared at me in disbelief.

"See. I haven't even told you and you are already defending her. She won't be coming in for the week why because of family? Why can't she just alternate between visiting and still coming to work like you do with your mom?"

I stayed quiet not having an answer for her. She shakes her head. "You let everyone step over you".

" I do not". I defend

She nods," sure, alright I'll be gone for two weeks be back whenever".

I gaped at her. "But with you and Charlotte gone I will struggle to handle all our clients and you know I do not accept male clients".

She shrugged. "Not my problem. Gotta spend time with hubby and I need to babysit my niece. She misses me a lot and I promised to spend time with her". It was only right to give her some days off to take care of baby Caroline.

I knitted my brows. "I guess two weeks is enough time to---" I was surprised when Ximena threw her hands up in the air mumbling something underneath her breath.

"No no no! This is what I'm talking about, you knew you needed me yet you still gave me a few days off".

I frowned. "So you don't need the days off?" I mumbled feeling stupid.

"See what I mean. No I don't! I never did, I was just trying to prove a point".

"That I'm stupid". I whispered.

Ximena face softens. "No honey. You aren't stupid. You were just being the nice girl you've always been but you need to put your foot down and start telling people no. You are the boss okay?" I nodded. "I'm done for the day completing my schedule i was about going home".

I smile and hugged her. We two go way back to highschool. She's a leggy brown haired black woman with brown skin and lean curves. Her skin glows so effortlessly, I envy her.

Waving goodbye I matched into the steam room preparing for my clients arrival.

Hours later and my last client of the day left. It was getting late and time to close up. I should probably inform Rita to proceed to close up. I walked towards the reception.

"Hey Rita time---".

I step out from a corner to find an empty desk with no Rita behind.

"Oh I guess she forgot to close up again".

I sighed and settled on doing it myself it wouldn't be the first but I sure hope it will be the last immediately I have a talk with her tomorrow.

Finishing up, I made sure all appliances where turned off, windows and doors locked before stepping out of my parlor's building and equally locking it.

I walk to the parking lot exhaling heavily. I close my eyes and look up at the night sky, breathing in deeply as i let the crisp night breeze blow my flushed face.

I feel a bit stress relieved, with no care in the world. I'm so into the moment I got distracted that I failed to notice the change of intensity in the air.

When I open my eyes and face my car, my heart rate accelerates and I feel tension slowly seep into my skin. A pair of emerald greens clashes, looking right into my golden orbs rimmed with grey specs. My body locks up as dread and fear holds me in its wicked clasp, all the air is sucked from my lungs as I stand immobile.

Standing across the parking lot leaning against my car, with folded arms and clad in a black fitted suit is the one man I never want to see again, ever.

My body suddenly iced over and legs staggered back. His eyes were dark and hard like his soul and his chiseled features remained impassive.

I stared at him unblinkingly. I was too shocked to move or think but I knew he was here to hurt me just like in high school.

He takes a step forward and ask with his usual calm demeanor.

"Catalina...did you miss me?"

I then feel a warm liquid that trickles down my thighs. I am beyond terrified because I have just peed my pants.

I forgot how to breathe as those horrible memories charge through my brain like broken records and I feel light headed. Bile rises in my throat, and I am shaking fiercely.

I can't even stop myself.

The whole situation is overwhelming I see him walking towards me before I collapse on the floor and black out.

Vincent Maxim is back.