“Is it gone?” Elvira mumbled loudly, her face still buried against his chest, her hands gripping his neck tightly.

He felt nervous but held her securely. He gulped, trying not to move his head as he glanced down at her. The sun gleamed on her skin, making her beauty even more radiant. Her light summer dress was slightly revealing, adding to the allure.

He couldn’t help but take in her beauty for a moment before finally responding. “Yes, it’s gone,” he said, his eyes still fixed on the vision in his arms.

Elvira slowly looked down at his feet in the water, her fear evident. Seeing no sign of the jellyfish, she still didn’t feel at ease and refused to step back into the water.

Sensing her discomfort, the stranger moved them both away from the shoreline, gently setting her down on the dry sand. Embarrassed, Elvira avoided looking him in the eye.

On the other hand, he was enjoying the moment. No woman had ever jumped into his arms like that before. He wasn’t a player or a womanizer—he was known as the “ice king” of the place he ruled.

“I’m sorry,” Elvira murmured, keeping her head down, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

“What’s your name?” the stranger asked, his gaze never leaving her.

“Elvira,” she said without thinking, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand, eyes wide with shock. The stranger smirked at her, clearly amused.

“I... I gotta go,” she mumbled through her hand. She turned, ready to leave, but the stranger stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

“Why the rush?” he asked playfully, even surprising himself with his tone. He had never spoken to anyone like this before.

What is it about this girl? Why do I want to know more?

“I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, but I really need to go,” she said, trying to sound calm but clearly flustered.

“Elvira,” he said, her name rolling off his tongue with a certain smoothness, “relax. I’m not going to hurt you.” He stepped closer, shortening the distance between them.

Elvira was taken aback by his confidence. She couldn’t deny that he was incredibly handsome. But she had lost her confidence long ago. She knew she had good looks, but life had drained the pride she once had in them.

“My name is Shane,” he said, extending his hand with a charming smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

After hesitating for a moment, she took his hand. “I’m really sorry for, you know... jumping on you like that.” Her cheeks turned a shade of red, hiding the freckles on her face.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“You can make it up to me,” Shane teased, bending slightly closer to her, still holding her hand.

“I can?” she asked, confused by his words.

“Yes, you can,” he said, not blinking. His intense gaze made her feel uncomfortable, and she misinterpreted his intentions.

She quickly jerked her hand away and stepped back. “What kind of girl do you take me for?” she shouted, her voice drawing the attention of people nearby. Shane was caught off guard by her sudden outburst.

Elvira spun on her heel and stormed off, muttering curses under her breath. She couldn’t believe she had allowed herself to get so flustered by a stranger.

She reached a nearby restaurant, still fuming. What the hell was that? Jellyfish, huh? More like a creepy liar!

“What can I get you, ma’am?” a waiter asked, handing her a menu.

Elvira barely glanced at it and ordered a bowl of cioppino and a glass of strong wine. She had forgotten all about the hotel’s no-alcohol policy for staff members.

When the waiter returned with her order, Elvira was still seething with anger and hurt. To numb the pain, she downed the glass of wine in one go, the burning sensation in her throat almost welcome.

“Oh god!” she groaned, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

After finishing her meal, Elvira left the restaurant, her vision slightly impaired from the alcohol. The stranger was still on her mind, and she cursed him under her breath as she stumbled through the streets.

Suddenly, she bumped into someone. “You jerk!” she slurred, poking at his chest. It was him again. Was this a coincidence or some twisted fate bringing them together?

“You reek of alcohol,” Shane said, his earlier smile now replaced by a look of annoyance.

“Don’t touch me,” Elvira grumbled, trying to steady herself on her feet.

“You’ll fall if I let go,” Shane replied, holding her by the arms. His expression softened as he noticed her puffy eyes. Had she been crying?

“Every man is an asshole. You’re an asshole. He was an asshole too,” Elvira mumbled, her words barely coherent.

“Who is he?” Shane asked, his curiosity piqued. Did someone hurt her?

But Elvira didn’t answer. Instead, she blacked out in his arms. Shane sighed and gently laid her down on the ground in front of the hotel. It was clear she was staying there, just like him.

The next day, Elvira woke up with a pounding headache. She groaned in pain, her eyes still closed. When she bumped into the wall, she realized she wasn’t in her apartment but in the hotel room where she had just started her new job.

She shot up in bed, wide awake now, and glanced at the clock. She had only thirty minutes to get ready for work. She was going to be late!

Rushing to get ready, she skipped breakfast and hastily put on her uniform before running out the door. “This stupid elevator!” she cursed, kicking the metal door in frustration, forgetting she was wearing heels instead of shoes.

“Ow! Damn it!” she hissed in pain as she ran down the stairs.

She made it to the kitchen just in time, her wristwatch showing she had five minutes to spare. But when she opened the kitchen door, she was greeted by chaos—chefs and waiters rushing around, shouting orders, and slamming dishes.

Was she really late?

“You must be Elvira,” a tall man with a slightly dark complexion said, stepping toward her. She nodded, and he grabbed her wrist, pulling her through the bustling kitchen.

“Attention, everyone!” he shouted, clapping his hands. The noise died down as everyone turned to look at them.

“This is our new assistant head chef, Elvira Pearce. She’ll be in charge of Group B,” he announced loudly before turning back to her. “I’m Ned Mack, the head chef. There are two chef groups because this hotel is too big for just one team. I run Group A, and you’ll be managing Group B, over there.” He pointed to the other side of the kitchen, where things looked a bit more relaxed.

But little did she know, they were the toughest to handle.