***

"Katherine!"

I looked over my shoulder from the table that I was clearing off to see daggers being shot from my manager.

He jerked his head, motioning for me to go back to his office.

I let out a sigh, and threw the white towel over my shoulder. My high heels clicked on the tile floor all the way to the back of the restaurant.

Each step I became filled with more dread. Talks with my boss, Mr. Jason Beckstead, were never pleasant.

I moved through the kitchen to get to the office. He was standing by the door holding it open for me. He followed me in and shut the door behind him.

The room was small and dark. I'd only been here a few other times. We rarely talked in his office. He would usually just yell at me in front of the customers.

"What do you want Jason?" I turned around to face him and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Oh, come on, Kate. That's the greeting I get?"

He walked closer to me and I slightly pushed him away glaring through my lashes, warning him to keep his distance.

I had seen the way he would stare at me from time to time and I wasn't an idiot. But he wasn't the kind of man you wanted to mess with and I wanted nothing to do with him.

Jason let out a soft chuckle but he didn't seem amused.

"I need to get back to work."

I eased my around him and walked towards the door.

"Kate."

Jason grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him. I landed flush against his chest and he snaked his other arm around my waist.

"Come on, Kate. Let's have some fun." His lips curled into a smile.

"No, Jason. Let go of me."

His grip around my wrist tightened and I winced. He ignored the whimper and clenched his fingers on my arm even more. Jason slowly moved down and kissed my cheek and jawline.

I struggled against his vice grip but it was no use. I was too small to overpower him.

"Jason! Stop!"

"Shut up!" he growled back. He yanked on a fistful of my hair and I let out a yelp of pain.

Surely someone had to hear this? Sure we were in the back office, but there was still a kitchen full of employees and a lobby full of customers.

"Jaso-"

He cut me off by throwing a hand over my mouth. Both of my hands were now free, but I was still pressed against him by his relentless hold.

My fist pounds on his chest, but it didn't make a difference. His hand moved to the back of my head and he forced his lips on mine.

I refuse to move and pressed my lips into a tight line, continuing to try and push myself away.

I could feel the tears starting to form.

Then there was a knock at the office door. Jason froze momentarily.

I used this as my open window. I struggled my way out of his grasp. The door started to open and Jason pushed me the other side of the office. I had to grab the desk so I didn't fall over.

I was breathing heavy and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

Carly, one of the waitresses, poked her head into the room.

"Mr. Beckstead?"

Jason was straightening his shirt before he looked up and plastered on a smile.

She glanced back and forth between the two of us with the confused look.

I was sure she noticed the loud noises and my watering eyes when I saw her chew on her bottom lip in thought.

"The rush is picking up and we need Katherine's help."

She looked back over at me, slowly nodding, and didn't notice the glare Jason shot at her.

"Yes, of course. Katherine. Go get back to work." He managed to grit through his teeth.

I hung my head down to avoid eye contact and followed Carly out of the office.

Jason grabbed my arm and pulled me close.

"I'll see you after work."

I shook my arm from his grasp and walked back through the kitchen.

I fixed my hair and make sure my apron was in place before picking up a coffee pot and refilled the cups for the people sitting at the bar.

Carly walked past carrying a tray of food and I touched her shoulder.

"Thank you," I whispered.

She gave me a soft smile and nodded her head before continuing back to delivering food.

Jason had never been that aggressive before and I wasn't sure what to think or do about it.

I finished refilling and attending to the customers at the bar before going out into the lobby to take orders.

"Excuse me?"

A man, one of our new regulars, tapped my shoulder and I turned to face him.

"Is there anything I can get for you, sir?'

"Yes, I was hoping I could speak to your manager."

"Of course, I'll go get him for you."

I walked back to the kitchen to get Jason, rolling my eyes the second the man couldn't see me.

I wished there was some way I could avoid my boss.

I knocked on his office door and he opened it with a glare on his face, but his eyes widened when he noticed it was me.

"Kate. Here to take me up on my offer?"

I scoffed at him. It hardly seemed like an offer and felt more like a forceful suggestion where I didn't get a say.

"A customer asked to speak with you."

"What about?" Jason began retucking in his shirt and smoothed over his hair, trying to appear professional.

"He didn't say. Just go out there and talk with him. I've got to get back to taking orders."

He simply nodded and I followed him out and showed him to the customer.

I tried to ignore it, but I could feel the man's stare on me as I walked to a table to continue on with my job.

•

Three hours later, my shift ended and it was late in the night. I had the same routine every day. Show up at noon, get my break at 6 pm, and I got off at 11 pm.

I untied my apron and took my bun out, letting my long chestnut brown hair fall down my back. I grabbed my bag and fished for my keys.

I went back towards Jason's office, where we would have to check in with him and clock out.

Jason was sitting with his back facing me, probably finishing up reports on the computer.

"Have a nice night, Jason," I half whispered as I clocked out, trying to get out of the office as quickly as possible.

I made it to the back door and headed for my car.

"Kate!"

My body tensed up and I began walking faster.

"Katherine!"

I mentally debated if I should stop or get into my car and drive away.

Jason's hand landed on my shoulder and he turned me around.

"Jason, don't touch me."

"I just need to talk to you for a minute."

"What's so important that you couldn't wait to tell me until tomorrow?"

"Did you know that man I was speaking with early today?"

I shook my head. It did seem a little strange, though. They were talking for about thirty minutes.

"Why?"

"He was asking about you."

My brows furrowed together in confusion.

"What about me?"

"He was curious about how you were doing at work and the progress you've been making. He also asked about how well you followed rules, protocol and such."

He must of noticed the shock and nervousness in my expression.

"He said he was one of your old friends..."

I gave a weak smile.

"Well, I should be going now. I'll see you tomorrow, Jason."

I turned and walked through the parking lot, refusing Jason to talk anymore.

I lived about a ten minute drive from the cafe, so I had plenty of time to think. But all that did was make me more confused and nervous.

I could say for certain that I didn't know the man. He had come in a few times before that I could remember, but I hadn't seen him before then.

Shivers ran through my spine and the uncomfortable feeling caused goosebumps to run down my arms.

Maybe he was from another business looking to hire me. Or Jason was just being an idiot and trying to mess with me. But something felt off.

I couldn't shake feeling that I was being watched.

***