As soon as Anton saw him leave, he raised his foot towards Tasia’s direction. Hands in his pocket, he kept walking as his shoes made ticking noises of a clock. Approaching, she noticed him coming. Her heart gladdened. Finally, a customer who would purchase their products.
“Hello there, sir. How are you today?” She smiled as if she were a sales lady in a department store.
He was impressed by her attitude. In his mind, she had a place that could help his business grow. He could use her.
“What are you selling?” He asked.
Hearing his voice, she knew he was not an American. His accent was so strong that made her wonder which country he came from. Whenever he spoke a word, she found it cute. His golden brown hair that gleamed by the light of the yellow bulb made him so attractive. She liked brown-headed guys. They were sexy.
“Are you, ok?” He asked as he noticed her staring at him continuously, following his every move.
“Ha? Oh, yes. Of course. Sorry.” She stuttered.
He smiled. Seeing her freak out put a smile on his face. He liked whenever a woman was in a hurry. Her true self came out.
“We’re selling electronics, sir. The brand new IPhone 6 and 6S are here, look.” She pointed at the mobile phones on the left-hand side.
He was not genuinely interested in the stuff she was offering. He was more interested in her. He saw a potential in her – something that could benefit him.
“Let me ask you something. How much do you earn?”
“Come again?” She asked, surprised to be questioned such a private matter.
“I didn’t know you’re a bit deaf. I said, how much do you earn?”
“Sorry, sir. But in this country, privacy matters the most. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to answer your question.”
Smart woman. He thought. Instead of being annoyed by her rude response, his interest in her grew even larger.
Recognizing his voice, Nigel came out just to see what was going on. Eyes widened. Heart pumped wildly. He could not believe it.
“Anton Belinsky?” He was astonished. He’d only seen his photo on T.V as one of the most wanted mafia leaders in the world.
Anton looked up in wonder of who called his name.
“It’s you. Oh, goodness gracious me. Is this real?” Nigel asked himself as if he’d seen a celebrity.
“Who are you?” Anton asked in annoyance. He knew he was popular, but not with guys. He was a straight male.
“Oh, let me introduce myself. I’m Nigel Smith, from Chicago. I’m her cousin.” He pointed at Tasia.
She was shocked. What’s going on here?
Teleporting to her direction, Nigel pulled her in to whisper something that would change Tasia’s life forever. Something that would make her regret about what she said.
“He’s one of Sekret Rynka’s leaders. He’s from Russia and he’s freaking rich.”
Her eyes bulged out. Yes, she was convinced she was in a dream. Everything that was happening was unreal and fabricated by the figment of her imagination.
She laughed. Her white teeth exposed. Her eyes twinkled.
Anton smiled, finding her reaction amusing. Whatever the boy said to her, it did not matter to him.
Hearing something funny was going on, every member of Nigel’s team went out to join the conversation, including Big Boy, the boss who was a member of a rival mafia group.
“What’s going on here?” Big Boy asked.
After recognizing each other, Anton and Big Boy’s expressions fell in great dismay. Their mafias were not in harmony with each other. In the industry, everyone was so competitive. Greed. Hatred. Fear were the words to describe accurately their memberships.
“What are you doing here?” Big Boy asked again.
“I want to buy her. How much?”
Buy me? Tasia looked around for any woman. She tried her best but found none. Her heart beat raced. Every sprint made her gasp for air. Were they selling her?
“I don’t sell anything that I own.” Big Boy spat.
How dare you! I’m not even yours, asshole!
“$1 Million. Cash.” Anton said stoically.
“No Deal.”
Tasia cut in. She couldn’t help but to break her silence. She needed to make sure she was not being sold. Human trafficking was illegal. But in this industry everything was legal. No law. No rule and regulation. Nothing at all. They did as they pleased.
“Wait….” Before she could even say the next word, one man grabbed her aside by the mouth to keep her from talking.
“I’m not going to make this any longer. $3 Million. Fixed. Take it or leave it.”
Big Boy knew that a mafia leader like him never made any joke. They were always serious. Covetousness took over.
“Deal.”