A Dangerous First Impression

As we walked towards the staff quarters, Emily filled me in: "I noticed you didn't ask why so many workers left at once.” She didn't wait for me to speak before she continued. “The resort is going bankrupt. Mark is doing everything to save it, but those ungrateful workers,” she hissed. “They were all poached by our rival resort.”

'Going bankrupt?!' My mind screamed.

'But I need money and...' I swallowed hard. And turned my head to look at her. She was watching me with shinning eyes, as if expecting I would stay.

I took a deep breath. Well, maybe what I needed the most right now wasn't money, but a place to cool off, and people who didn't judge me.

With that, I smiled, “Don't worry, I'm not like them.”

She smiled, “I know.”

I raised a brow. “How would you know?”

She chuckled, “You're here to hide, Adele, the last thing I'd do if I were in your shoes was to go to where my ex-husband would find me.”

My eyes widened. “You saw the news?”

She scoffed. “Who in this country hasn't? If they missed the divorce brouhaha, trust me, no one would miss the birthday drama. But I trust you're not insane as they made it out to be." Then she added under her breath. "Whoever trusts a public figure with seemingly no flaws, begged to be deceived.”

Emily's blunt honesty and kindness dismantled my defenses entirely. I nodded vigorously, still chuckling through tears: "You have no idea how much your trust means to me right now..."

My ex-husband, like she said, had no flaws... In public. Most people believed he was perfect.

She smiled softly and handed me a uniform. "Get changed, Adele. We need to save this resort – partly because Mark's a great boss, but mostly because I want to see Ryan Thompson's face when he finds out you're thriving without him."

My heart soared – finally, someone was on my side!

Then, I forgot to ask why she seemed to hate him. But this, I'd know soon enough.

…

The uniform was a bit too tight and short, but Emily assured me that I'd get my fit before next month.

Immediately, I got into work mode. The few remaining staff weren't idling either… We were just five, plus Mark and a cleaner.

My job was to prepare rooms for the unexpected arrival of the Coastal Living magazine food critic and their entourage – 10 luxury suites needed flawless preparation within the hour.

Emily briefed me quickly: "Fresh linens, replenish mini-bars, vacuum and dust – Mark wants perfection tonight."

I dove into work, my mind briefly escaping Ryan's sabotage and my precarious life situation.

As I worked diligently, Sarah, the quiet staff member who'd whispered to me earlier, helped alongside me.

She spoke softly while we worked: "Adele, Emily trusts you instantly... she only does that with people she thinks have been wrongly hurt."

I looked at her curiously, my hands pausing on the bed sheets. "Do you think Ryan Thompson hurt me wrongly, Sarah?"

She nodded vigorously. “Every news outlet makes you out to be crazy, but your eyes look haunted, not insane.”

I swallowed hard, my hands resuming their work. Finally! People who didn't make me look insane or judge me.

Perhaps, I've found my home. I've found where I belong.

We finished the rest of the work in silence. And an hour later, Mark gathered us in his office, his face somber as he announced, “You all can retire for the night. They've canceled.”

“Those bastards!” Sarah cursed.

My insecurities kicked in. Was this because of me? Did I bring them bad luck? Did Ryan know I was here?

My heart sank.

This was bad. I knew that Ryan had his people watching me in the shadows. Otherwise, he wouldn't have known the hotel I stayed.

I bit my lips, as I slowly made up my mind. I needed to leave. I couldn't bring trouble to these nice people. With that, I retreated noiselessly and walked out of the office.

This was my fault. They'd just seen hope of rising again and I'd ruined everything with my presence.

“You,” a deep, cold voice that sent chills down my spine whispered. I halted, lifting my head to see a man that shouldn't be here leaning against the reception counter.

The man's chiseled features and piercing silver eyes left me breathless – even in his intoxicated state. His strong jawline and full, reddish pink lips seemed carved by perfection. His dark hair was mussed, and his white dress shirt was partially unbuttoned, revealing a glimpse of toned chest.

My gaze lingered shamelessly, drawn to his strange silver eyes like a moth to flames.

“Adele, what are you–!” A sharp gasp from Sarah, who pulled me back from reverie.

My face flushed with heat, feeling a flutter in my chest – a sensation I hadn't experienced since college days, when Ryan left no stone unturned to win my heart.

I turned to Sarah. She was also as blown away as I was.

“G– go to him, I'll get the Manager,” Sarah whispered to me before running off.

I nodded and cleared my throat. I shuffled closer to him, forcing myself to put on a professional appearance. With a soft smile and hands folded in front of me, I bowed, “Welcome to Ocean View resort. How may I assist you, sir?”

The man's intense stare drew me back in; I felt like he could see right through my resort uniform and into my soul.

“A room.” He finally spoke. His voice was like velvet, sending shivers down my spine as he continued: "The best one you have. And… your service, Adele…?"

My breath hitched. Did I hear that right? He knew me? But I didn't know him.

I glanced sideways at the reception desk. I quickly glanced around at the lounge. It was empty. A sigh of relief escaped my lips.

“I’m sorry, sir…” I began, trying to find the right words, but they stuck in my throat the moment he took a step forward. His scent hit me like a tidal wave. It was spice, earth, and something darker, and primal, making my knees go weak.

“I need you,” he said again, slower this time. His pupils were blown wide, his breathing heavy. “Now.”

My heart raced. My breath hitched. I should’ve been offended. I should’ve walked away.

But I didn’t.

Not because he was devastatingly gorgeous, or because his presence seemed to bend the very air around us. No, it was because I saw it, clear as day.

He was drugged. His pupils were slightly dilated. His skin flushed. His words slurred but precise, and his hands trembled slightly beside him.

Maybe because he wasn't giving me lewd looks and wasn't talking in a derogatory manner, I felt he wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. He was burning from the inside out.

He stepped closer, and I stiffened, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Adele, I'll take it from here,” Mark's voice suddenly broke the tension in the air as he stepped forward and shielded me behind him. “Good evening, Mister, welcome to–”

“I want her to attend to me,” he said pointedly, holding the counter for support.