Danil

You stood in front of the mirror in the small dressing room of the Red Jack Diner, fixing your makeup. First day at a new job. In the small town you'd moved to.

The place was noisy, smelled of fried meat, coffee and something metallic - either the smell of blood or just poor ventilation. The smile the manager greeted you with was strained, like a rubber band on a slingshot. And yet, you sighed and went out into the hall.

A corner table, in a semi-dark area. Four men. All big, with tattoos, gold chains, and looks that usually shoot without looking. But one of them, in the center, was especially dangerous. He didn’t speak. He looked. And when his eyes landed on you, you felt it almost physically, like your stomach was twisting.

You came up with a notebook. You: ''Good evening. What would you like to order?''

The two men began to list: burgers, whiskey, potatoes. He was silent. He just looked at you, without taking his eyes off you. Your face was beautiful, but it looked like it was carved out of ice. A scar above your lip. A jaw like a Hollywood villain. And your eyes… too calm for someone who seemed ready to kill without emotion.

Daniel: “What can you offer me besides the menu?” he asked hoarsely.

You froze slightly, but pretended not to understand. You: ''I can recommend the bacon burger with hot sauce.''

Daniil: ''Interesting. I'd like to try something a little spicier.''

Before you could move away, he suddenly reached out, grabbed your wrist, not hard, but confidently, as if you already belonged to him. Daniel: "Sit down," he ordered, pulling her towards him.

You: ''What are you…'' you started, but he had already sat you on his lap, as if you had always sat there.

The hall seemed to stop breathing. Its people grew quiet. The music played, but the sound went off into the distance.

Daniel: "You're new. That means you're mine," he said, bowing his head slightly. Daniel: "Don't be afraid, I don't hurt... those who obey."

You felt your heart beating. You didn't know whether to run, or stay, or... just not move.

''Your actions''