Chapter 12

My worst nightmare chuckles with an evil smirk, "Is that how you talk to customers?"

Glaring at him in anger, I walk around the counter and drag him out of the bakery. Why did he have to come to my place out of everywhere?! And I was just feeling happy because I hadn't seen him for so long.

"Why did you come? I'm sure it's not for your buns." I say coldly, folding my arms and staring at him.

"Hey, can't you think about me in a better way? I really did come for some baked goods." He says defensively, holding out his hands.

I snort, "Why should I believe you? For all I know, you're probably planning to get rid of me."

"If I wanted to get rid of you, I would have done it already." He retorts. He is definitely lying. Why else would he want to kill me? I can't let my guard down.

Stepping towards him, I laugh, "You think you can change my thoughts about you? Don't forget, I've known you since you were little. I know exactly what kind of person you are." I bluff.

Laurent Bunter grins in amusement and walks closer to me. I feel like a prey cornered by a predator as he advances. Backing up, I feel the hard wall behind me. Why am I frightened? I have to act tough. I can't let him ruffle my feathers so easily.

"Tell me, what kind of person am I?" He whispers and my eyes widen as he places both of his hands on the wall, trapping me between his lean arms. His face is invading my personal space as he leans in even closer to me until I can see the twinkle in his chocolate brown eyes. They really make me hungry for chocolate chips. I mentally slap myself. Now is not the time to think about food.

"Y–you're too close." I stutter and I push against his chest. My face heats up as I feel his muscles under his shirt. He doesn't move at all and instead watches me with a smirk. Glaring at him, I stand straight, not wanting to show him any weakness.

"Oh? What's wrong?" He says mockingly.

Anger boiling inside me, I reach up and pull on his collar. How dare he play games with me. "Don't give me that." I say as I put my face close to his without batting an eyelash, "You're the worst fucking asshole I have ever met."

I don't know what else he was expecting from me, but he looks taken aback as I stamp as hard as I can on his shoes and leave him gaping after me. Was I too harsh? No, he deserves it. He was planning to mess with me anyway.

Good, he won't come to see me anymore. Humming joyfully at my small victory, I complete the other orders for the customers. We have a few regulars now who often pop in every other day.

Tess has been reporting to my father about our increasing business and she said he tried to mask it but he looked rather pleased when she told him. Father hasn't really spoken to me but I can tell he has softened up a little. On the contrary, Bella has been approaching me quite often, trying to sweet talk me into joining her at parties and events which I always refuse because I am simply too busy to waste time there.

"One slice of carrot cake My Lady."

Glancing up at the familiar voice with a smile, I wink at him. "Please take a seat Sir and we will serve you immediately."

Francis smiles and sits at an empty table as I take out a slice of carrot cake from inside the glass display and place it onto a platter. Adding a fork, I bring it out to him.

"Enjoy Master." I say as I place it in front of him. He grabs my hand and I glance down at it in confusion. "What are you doing?"

"Is it alright if you sit down for a few minutes?" Francis asks glancing around at the customers. There aren't many at the moment. "I need to ask you a favour."

Curiously, I sit opposite him and glance pointedly at our hands. In a fluster, he pulls his hand away.

"What is it?" I ask, staring at him.

He seems really nervous as he clenches and unclenches his hands, "I have a social gathering to attend next week and I have to take a plus one." He hesitates as he stares pleadingly at me, "You're the only one I can think of. Please come with me? I'm not close to any other woman."

I pause and then grin at him, "Isn't it fine if you take a man with you? They didn't specify what gender your plus one needs to be did they?"

"Um, can you sit down first Beatrice?" He asks, glancing around with a red face. Is he shy?

I didn't realise I had stood up. "Sorry." I mutter and sit down. I reach out and take hold of his hand, "It's okay to love men. I fully support you."

For some reason, Francis' jaw is hanging open as he stares at me with wide eyes, "Who said I like men? I do like women."

I glance at him seriously, "You do?"

"That's why I am asking you to come with me. Please do me this favour Beatrice." He reminds me of a puppy. How can I reject him?

"Of course I will!" I exclaim loudly and walk over to him and wrap my arms around his shoulders, "You're my closest friend in this world."

He smiles but his ears are tinted red as he coughs and eyes my arms. Realising what he is trying to say, I immediately remove them from him.

"Thank you Beatrice." He smiles, his dark eyes intense as ever.

"Anytime." I smile back. Maybe I can use this opportunity to advertise my bakery. If the nobles and higher class start flooding in, my business would make huge profits and maybe I can start catering for larger groups.

It's a win–win.