Sweet Blood

Chapter One

_Autumn POV_

"Girl, we're running late!" I yelled.
I was putting on my boots then, while Pam was dressing.

"Coming," she said.

I didn't want to miss my lectures this morning. I don't want another bad remark about me. Already, I've been late a couple of times.

"Go without me. I placed the money in my bag on the table," she shouted.

I found her bag and took out some money for transport.
I can't keep on spending my bestie's money like that. It's making me feel guilty and a burden. I wouldn't die if I didn't eat today.

"Thank you! I'm going now, bye," I told her before dashing out from the door. I have to get a part-time job or something before I die out of guilt and anxiety.

I was half walking, half jogging before I found a taxi.

"Please, take me to *Grande University*," I said, hopping on the backseat.
My bag's strap was torn since yesterday. It was all that I had. If I want to buy a new one, I have to get some money.

"Please, can you... um... drive fast?" I pleaded. I was running late.
My phone read it was 8:55. What was I doing to get home out this late?

The car stopped. I gave the driver the money and quickly darted inside. I ignored people's stares as I ran through the corridor.

Before Mr. Lincoln could enter the class before me, I sprinted there before he could.

"Good morning, sir!" I said breathlessly. It was like my heart wanted to burst out of my shirt.

He didn't open his mouth, but he held an angry gaze. "The next time you cross me again, I'm telling the headboard to expel you."

The word 'expel'. That word. If I get expelled, all my years of hardwork will be thrown into vain. How do I live again knowing all the nights I've stayed awake just to make it here have been ruined just because of my lateness?

I took a seat farthest away from the people. Tears had blurred my vision. Maybe it was because I felt scared and hopeless.

The lesson began. I wiped away my tears and tried to focus on what was going on even though my heart kept pounding.

I got called to answer a few questions. It brought me back in the room, to be physically and mentally here. When the lesson ended, I checked my schedule. Only one lesson today. Thank God. It was 12:20 when I came out of campus.

The city was buzzing as usual. I needed a job. Anything that could help me get at least ten dollars, even if it's a week.

Across the street was the newly opened bar. It was still not opened but as I neared the place, I heard chatter. I don't normally go to clubs but the pull and effect this place was having on me is... exciting.

I carefully opened the door. The room felt warm. I smelled the scent of detergent and alcohol in the air. There were men and a few women drinking and chatting.

Immediately they felt someone intruding their space, they looked up at me.

"Uhm... Hi," I said forcing a smile.
I immediately recognized David among them.

Cold sweat broke through me instantly.
A woman was sitting beside him. It was obvious they were flirting.

"Who are you?" a female voice asked annoyed.
She looked beautiful, slim and attractive.

"I know her," David said standing.
"You do?" the woman beside her asked.

"Yeah. Her name is Autumn. The boring ex I told you about," David replied.

Everyone looked at me with weird faces.
"I'm sorry. It's a mistake. I'm leaving now."

"Wait," I stopped walking and turning towards the voice. It was a tall man.

Dressed in black jacket and pants. The hair was jet black, eyes were looking like gray-silver color. He was undeniably tall. Taller than David. I would reach only his chest.
"Alexander," David said.

He looked at Alex. David with that piercing gaze of his. That shut him up.
"I'm sorry," I said. "I'll... go now."
"Why did you come here?" he asked.

"I was uhm... looking for a job," I stammered. "The place was just recently built, so I thought you'd need staff. But I can go. It's no big deal."

"I'm the owner," he said. "Take a seat."
He motioned at the table where David and his friends sat.

"Don't tell me, you're going to let this bitch sit with us," David yelled.
"I own this place!" the owner shouted back.

"It's ok. I can stand," I said not wanting to cause any trouble.
I have long been afraid of David but still I am afraid of him.

He nodded and took his seat.
"My name's Alexander Xandros. And you?"
"Autumn, sir. Autumn Rodrick," I said.
My earlier excitement was coming back, making me feel excited and confident.

"Okay. You're right. I'm in need of staff to manage this club with me," he started. "The vacancies here right now are a waiter, bartender, cleaner and dj."

"What do you prefer?"

A waiter, cleaner, bartender, dj. I am very clumsy. I won't be a waiter. I can clean. You can clean, yes. Bartender ? Can I be cheerful always serving drinks?

"Please cleaner," I said quietly.

"Of course," David smirked.

"You're hired. I'm opening tonight. I've sent invites to people to come to the opening ceremony," he said.
"I'm hired? Just like that?"

"Oh My God," I breathed. I never could start work right now.

"Come at 5:00am to clean each day. I'll give you salary weekly," he said. "We will discuss that later."

I frowned not because of the salary thing but because of 5:00am in the morning.

"See her expression? She's a gold-digger. They say salary will be discussed later and her expression falters," David laughed.

The others looked at me eyes full of hatred.

"Please sir, that's not it," I defended myself.

" David!", Mr Alexander warned.

David shifted uncomfortably in his seat." Chill"

"What time can you come then? I tend to open from 2:00pm to 4:00am everyday, everyday," he said.

"Oh..."

If I woke up earlier than usual, come here and clean. I'll go to school after I'm done. But 5:00am, that's tight.

"I'm awaiting your view," Mr. Alexander said.

"I'll... I'll take the job," I said.

He nodded approvingly. He had the most beautiful set of eyes ever.

His hair probably framed his face. I saw his muscles flex as he poured himself a cup.

"Come tomorrow at five. By then, I'll have someone sew you a uniform," he said.
"Thank you," I glanced at David before leaving.

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