Alyssa's Pov:

I went home after the incident with him. He left the cafe 1 hour ago. I couldn't stop thinking that he might be the reason behind my father's and brother's death. But I couldn't say that for sure because his father is the current leader. And he wasn't in the country all this time. But I've heard he had his own unofficial army which was powerful enough to take down the Creymour gang alone.

It's said that even his own father, the current leader can't stand against him. There are numerous rumors about him torturing his father's men and his own men brutally to death. And he's famous for his brutal ways of tortures. For this, he was nicknamed as the DEATH PRINCE. And it was his own men who first named him that out of fear. The public then also started to know him by that name. Even if he isn't the reason behind dad and Ethan's death that doesn't make him any less vicious. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near him.

There were still 2hours left until my shift ended, but Layla and Justin just rushed me out of the cafe and told her to to go and rest. I insisted on staying.

"I don't think it's safe for you to go back at night after what happened. It's better if you go home now" layla said, she looked serious.

"Yeah, we'll take care of everything. Leave it on us. Your safety comes first" Carlos stated puffing his chest, as if he's doing oh sooo manly thing. Justin standing beside him nodding in agreement. Before I could protest someone said,

" I know you're dumb, but surely not dumb enough to think that you'll win arguing with all of us, right?" it was Michael.

"Did you just call me dumb?" I asked, raising and eyebrow.

" Well, maybe I did. What're you gonna do about it doll face. "

" Listen here, if anyone's dumb here, it's you"

"Everyone knows who's the dumb one. " he said with a smirk. The audacity of this man.

" He's not wrong though. You are kinda dumb not gonna lie" Justin said.
" True man. I mean, how can a person be dumb enough to buy a 5$ cup with 25$. You literally got scammed and didn't even realise it" Carlos remarked laughing.

" That's because I never go to shopping or buy things for myself! It's always my mom who does these things. I have zero idea about prices" it's true, I really sucked at shopping.

" Also, not realising that men try to flirt with you and try to give hints on asking you out is dumb. " Layla added.

" What? What hint? When did anyone ever try to flirt with me. I'm too boring for anyone to even consider that" I said as a matter of fact.

"See, exactly. Dumb" Layla said shaking her head. I couldn't believe it, they were all siding with Michael! Did he bribe them. Michael stood there smiling like he won a gold medal. Man I wanted to slap that smile off of his face.

"It's good to see that you've calmed down." I looked at Carlos, confused. Then I realised, I really wasn't feeling scared or restless anymore, I was indeed feeling much better than before. Were they trying to make me feel better. The thought made a small smile appear on my face.

"Let's go now, I'll drop you home." Michael said coming beside me.

" I'll drop her and then come back to work" he said looking at the others. They nodded and told us to go.

It had only been 2months since I've started working here, and it almost feels like we've known each other for years. These people have become like my own family, this place has become my sanctuary, my second home. The care and love they show me makes me feel so warm and happy. Sometimes I wanna repay their kindness, but how do you repay such level of kindness...

I was so immersed in thinking that I didn't see the bump on the road and tripped on it. A pair of arms stopped me from falling. It was Michael. I looked at him, he was a tall man standing at 6'0, had fair amount of muscles, not to the point that he would look too bulky. But enough to make women drool for him. His eyes were midnight black, I don't think I've ever seen someone with such dark eyes. Usually others eyes are just brown. He had a fairly handsome face with dark loose curly hair. If I didn't think of him as a brother, and if he didn't flirt so much with literally every woman he sees I would have fallen for him.

"Woah there sunshine, I know that you're dumb. I didn't know you were blind too. At least watch where you're going" he and his snarcky remarks. I take it back, he's not handsome at all. He's just a dumb cow.

" Thank you sir for saving me. You just saved my life. How shall I ever repay your kindnesses, sir." I said in a sickeningly sweet voice and a British accent. He laughed.

"You shall repay me by either giving me a 1000$ dollars or being my servant for life. Which ever you want to choose, madam?" he said in an equally mocking voice and British accent. This man I swear. I just laughed and said in your dreams. After that it was silent for a while, a comfortable silence. But then he broke it,

" You know, you shouldn't think too much about what happened today. That guy most probably saw you and wanted to mess with you. You never know what people like this are up to"

" You're right.. I mean, that man just came back, and we met him just the day after, what are the odds. I Don't think any of us even expected to see him, like ever. And for him to declare his love the first time after seeing me is ridiculous. He must have been bluffing" I said.

"Yup. I'm just glad he didn't do anything bad to you, or else we don't know if we could protect you. It makes me feel guilty and worried about you"

" Don't worry. I'll be fine. But thank you for caring" I said with a smile. Although I wasn't sure if I'll be fine. I didn't want to worry him. Michael might flirt a lot, but that's just it. At first when I met him I thought he was a literal playboy. But soon I realised he only flirted. He never took their numbers or gave them his number even when they asked for it. He had been asked out so many times and he rejected all of them. And I know he didn't invite any of the women to his home because, like I said, he never had anyone's number. Also because he was always the last one to go home. And by the time he goes home It's already 12am.

I got to know these from the others. Layla told me he was always like this, he only liked to flirt, he didn't even have any girlfriend.

Once I was stuck to work with him because Layla was sick. And Justin and Carlos had went to a party. So none of them came, those jerks. At 12 am we closed the cafe and I was going to go my way when he offered to walk me home. We talked a lot and I realised I was too quick to judge him. I asked him about a lot of things including women and by the way he answered those and shared his thoughts, I understood that he was actually a gentleman, quite the opposite of what I had thought at first.

After that day we became close, I was more comfortable with him. I had asked him why did he flirt so much if he wasn’t gonna date anyone. He only replied that seeing people's flustered faces was fun or something. But it felt like he was hiding something, a secret. But who am I to force him to spill, it's his choice whether to share or not.

But fortunately he never flirted with me or Layla. And I could see he cared for all of us and was protective over us. Even over Jackson and Carlos. He did feel like a big brother to us.

We reached my home. I said goodbye and was gonna go inside when he held my hand turning me around. He looked tensed.

" Listen here Lyssy, you're like my own little sister and like my family. I really don't want anything bad to happen with you. Can you do something?"

" Yeah, what is it?". I asked, stunned, he never expressed like this. He only showed he cared through his actions.

" Today I walked you home. But I might not be able to walk you everyday. So I need you to text me every day right after you reached your home, okay?"

" hey! I'm not a child. I can walk mys-"

" I'm serious Alyssa. I Don't know why, but I feel like he wasn't joking when he said all those things to you. The way he looked at you did not look like he was bluffing. But you don't need to worry about it. You know me,I just worry a little too much". I just kept looking at him. How am I not supposed to worry when he puts it like this!

Sensing my thoughts he said," Don't worryy, it's just me being paranoid. I'm just looking out for you okay. He's not just some random dude you know, of course I'm gonna look out for you. So, text me everyday before leaving your house and right after going back to your house, okay? "

"Okay" I nodded. Not knowing anything else to say.

" Good. I'll pick u up sometimes whenever I can. And yes, give me a call if you ever feel like you're in danger"

" Sure, I will. Thank you. That's really sweet of you. Really. Thank you" I didn't know how to thank him. It felt nice to have a brother figure after losing my own one.

" Don't mention it kiddo. Now go inside" he said and waved at.
I waved at him to I went inside.

My mom came to me and asked me in a playful voice, " sooo, who's that honky. What's up with you guys?'

"He's just a friend mom. We work at the same cafe"

" Uh huh? Andd? How far have you gone? Did you guys kiss? Is my daughter finally dating. He is very drool worthy, good choice " she said wriggling her eyebrows.

"Mom! There's nothing like that! " I yelled, I could feel my face heating up. I stormed to my room. I could hear her laugh behind. After freshening up, I went to bed. Thinking about what happened today. I just hope that this was only a joke and I never had to see him again.