Chapter 2

2

Liora's POV

“Here you go. Make sure you serve those first before the desserts.“

“Yes Liora.“ The server responds as she walks away with her team, all balancing trays on their hands.

I turn around towards the chefs, making sure no one is lagging behind. They're all working. Hard. Which is very important because my job and theirs is counting on how today turns out.

“I'll go check if everything is fine inside.“ I say to no one in particular, then speedwalk from the kitchen down the hallways and into the large glittering hall where the party is going on.

This is a ball to celebrate the merger of two very powerful companies, the Valescas and the Romero's. And I have been tasked with catering the event. It is big money, which came at the right time especially with all that has been going on.

I am the manager of Marina catering services. It's my aunt's company, but due to her state of health, she entrusted it to me. we've catered so many big events, but nothing of this sort. More reason I have to put in my best.

As I burst into the hallway, I notice something that makes me dash behind the hallway, in a lousy attempt of shielding myself from his line of sight.

“Ronan. What the hell is he doing here for shits sake.“

With all the other excitement of working at such an event, I hadn't taken into consideration that I could meet someone like Ronan here. Of course he won't pass on an opportunity to flaunt his wealth.

Stupid jerk.

To think I almost brought Selina along with me. Thank God Ariana agreed last minute, to watch her.

I'm about turning to return to the kitchen when a server calls out to me from the buffet table. “Miss Wilder, please can you spare a minute.“

I squeeze my eyes shut, yet let out a nod as I step out from my hiding place. Directly into Ronan's gaze. I notice the surprise in his eyes at seeing me, then the way they start running over my figure before a nasty smirk ascends his face.

Shameless pig.

Even with the gorgeous redhead latched to his arm, he's staring at me like I'm a piece of meat. I'd rather die than have something to do with someone like him again. I mean it.

I avert my gaze and try to focus on the issue the server is reporting. Thank God it's nothing too big, just some food that's running out. I send a message to my assistant to order the food.

As I walk back down the hallway leading to the kitchen, I overhear footsteps behind me. I freeze, my blood curling. The way the person walks, like they're someone powerful makes me increase my pace. It's Ronan.

I don't get far before a hand pulls me wrist and I'm slammed against the wall. Ronan's smiling face meets my eyes. “Hey princess. Fancy seeing you here.“

“Ronan.“

“Yes princess. Did you miss me?“ He whispers, leaning down and inhaling deeply by my neck. “Gosh you always smell so good. All the time baby.“

My stomach churns, making me wish I could puke all over his black suit and shoes.

“Ronan get off me.“ I struggle and with much difficulty, I'm able to shove the bastard off me. “Isn't your date waiting for you? Leave me alone.“

He seems to mistake my words for jealousy, because his lips curve upward. “Oh baby. You could be in her place you know. Just say the word and I'll make you mine now.“

If he had said this to my 17 year old high school self, I'd have jumped into his arms while screaming “yes” a million times. But after what he did to me, the only thing I'd rather do is bitch slap him to Antarctica.

“I'm not interested in being yours Ronan. Get your head out of the gutter.“

“Babygirl. You know it. You can't resist me. Remember you got into my bed just one week after we started dating? I can make you get into my bed again this very minute.“

His words hit a nerve, making me clench my fist. He knows I was drunk. I only gave in because of the influence of alcohol. Otherwise, I'd never have slept with a man I just got into a relationship with. Even though he was the most popular boy in school.

“Unfortunately for you Ronan, I'm not at all interested in you. Not when I have a boyfriend who loves me.“

It's a lie. It just spilled out of my lips, and I almost regret it but seeing Ronan's expression shifting from cocky to rage, his eyes thinning into slits, its my turn to smirk.

I haven't dated since he dumped me. Aunt and Ariana have tried numerous times to set me up on numerous blind dates with their friends and colleagues, but I either give excuses or just act dumb so the men lose interest.

Now I regret it. Maybe having a boyfriend would have gotten Ronan off my back.

“Liora,” he scoffs, “you really expect me to believe you have a boyfriend? I know nobody would want someone like you. You're lucky I still want you.“

His words send a pang to my chest. What the hell does he mean by nobody will want me? There's that arrogance I despise.

I don't say the words that rise to my tongue because at that same moment, a shadow emerges from the other side of the hallway.

A waiter. White shirt, black trousers, a glass of wine in one hand, and his gaze fixed on his phone.

The boss in me wants to scold him for slacking on the job. But then, a better idea strikes—one so reckless my pulse spikes.

He’s tall. 6'3, at least. Midnight-black, slightly wavy hair. And far more attractive than Ronan could ever dream to be.

Perfect.

As he moves past us, I seize his wrist, stopping him in his tracks. My heart pounds against my chest. This is crazy. Insane. But it’s better than letting Ronan believe I’m not good enough.

The stranger blinks down at me, clearly startled. "What—"

"Hey, babe," I cut in smoothly. "I can't wait for this party to be over. I miss you so much."

Then, before my rational side can catch up with my actions, I press my lips to the corner of his mouth.

Time seems to stop as his cologne invades my senses, my hands fist his shirt, and I let my mouth linger by his for a few seconds.

A huff shatters the silence before Ronan storms out, slamming the door behind him.

My senses finally take over. I gulp smoothing the creases my grip left on his shirt, which looks crisper and sharper than that of the other waiters.

Awkwardness fills the air as I try to stare at anything else but the face of my employee I just kissed.

“Um, thank you for helping me out. Your woman is very lucky.“ The words spill out before I can stop them. Trust me to make things more awkward.

My palms start sweating, and I know it's just few seconds left before I make an even bigger fool of myself. I need to go the restroom.

“Please get back to work. And keep your phone aside will you? This is no time to be lazy.“ I reprimand, stepping backwards and turning away faster than light.

Oh my Lord. What did I just do?