The streets were wet from earlier rain, and Aurelia Rose tugged her bag strap tighter, trying not to slip. She was just thinking about grabbing a quick coffee when a black car screeched to a stop beside her.
"Watch it," a deep voice said.
Aurelia looked up. "I was watching. Were you expecting applause?" she replied, raising an eyebrow.
The man who stepped out was Damien Thorn grey eyes, perfectly tailored coat, and that look that made people either obey or back away. He stared at her like she'd just insulted him personally.
"I'm talking to you," he said flatly.
"Oh," she said, smirking. "Well, congratulations. You found me. Are we done now, or…?"
His jaw tightened. "Not what I expected."
"Oh, really?" Aurelia said, folding her arms. "Please, enlighten me."
Damien's eyes flicked to the folder in her hand. "You didn't take the envelope."
"I didn't need it," she said, shrugging. "And I don't like being underestimated."
His lips pressed into a line. She had no idea the trouble she was signing up for.
"Tomorrow, we finish this. Don't be late," he said, tone leaving no room for argument.
"And if I don't show?" she teased.
"You will," he replied, almost casually, but the firmness under his words made her pause.
"Confident," she said, smirking. "Doesn't mean I'm impressed."
Damien gave her one last look, equal parts irritation and fascination before sliding back into the car.
Aurelia watched it disappear down the street, shaking her head. This man is going to be a headache. And I'm weirdly excited for it.
Later that evening, Aurelia slid into a chair at their usual coffee shop. Maya was already there, scrolling on her phone like she owned the place.
"You look like someone just ruined your entire day," Maya said, smirking.
"You have no idea," Aurelia said, dropping her bag beside her.
"Let me guess....your boss?" Maya asked, leaning in.
"Boss? Damien Thorn. That man is " Aurelia flailed her hands. "_arrogant, sharp, terrifying, and apparently allergic to basic human decency!"
Maya laughed. "Oh, that's spicy. Did you tell him off?"
"I tried," Aurelia huffed, stabbing at her latte. "I told him exactly what I thought. He's a nightmare in a suit."
Maya leaned back, smirking. "Classic Aurelia. Honestly, your misery is way too entertaining."
"Glad my pain amuses you," Aurelia said, rolling her eyes.
"Entertains me? Girl, it's gold," Maya said, gesturing with her cup, and tipped it too far.
A splash of frothy coffee flew straight toward a man sitting nearby.
"Oh no - -" Aurelia gasped, lunging
forward, but the coffee landed square on his head and poured down his gown.
The man froze. Then, the wet coffee made the fabric completely see-through, revealing he was wearing a thong underneath.
Aurelia and Maya's eyes widened. They exchanged a look, and exploded with laughter.
"Oh my god" Aurelia whispered, trying to cover her mouth.
"Shhh! We're supposed to be sorry!" Maya hissed.
"Sorry!" they chorused loudly, bowing slightly toward the man.
He glared, muttered something incomprehensible, and bolted toward the exit, his thong fully visible above the hem of the wet gown.
The coffee shop erupted in laughter. People pointed, some clapped, others snorted. Even the barista shook her head, grinning.
Aurelia and Maya sank into their chairs, still trying to look innocent.
"Totally innocent," Aurelia said through giggles.
"Yeah… totally," Maya agreed, snickering, wiping tears from her eyes.
But secretly, neither could stop laughing.
Aurelia sipped her now-cold latte and shook her head. Tomorrow, Damien Thorn won't know what hit him. But today… today was perfect chaos.