Chapter 4- Eve was drugged

Eve ran as fast as she could, desperate to get away from that place. She didn’t stop until she reached the kitchen lounge of the pub. Panting hard, she leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Her heart pounded wildly, not just from running but from something else entirely.

The memory of that kiss flashed in her mind, making her cheeks flush involuntarily. The way that man had kissed her, the intensity of it sent a strange, inexplicable feeling through her. Her heart had nearly leaped out of her chest.

And just like that, the anger and contempt she had felt toward him only minutes ago… diminished.

"What’s happening with me? Ugh, what am I even thinking?" She groaned, patting her forehead in frustration.

“He’s a bad guy. He took advantage of you. He’s the enemy and you hate him! Stop thinking about such stupid things!”

She scolded herself harshly, though deep down, she knew she was trying to convince herself more than anything. It was disgusting.

Determined to rid herself of the lingering sensations, she hurried to the restroom and scrubbed her face and mouth repeatedly, as if trying to erase the man’s scent and touch from her skin. Only when she felt satisfied did she tidy herself up, take a deep breath, and step out.

Outside, Kelly spotted her.

"Hey, are you okay? You look tense," Kelly asked, concern in her voice.

"I’m fine! Just… my stomach hurts a bit," Eve lied, pressing her hand against her belly for effect.

"Ah, your period, huh? Happens to me all the time," Kelly said with understanding.

"Yeah… but I’m fine now," Eve forced a smile.

"Are you sure? How about I make you some ginger tea? It’ll help with the pain."

Kelly’s sincerity made it impossible to refuse, so Eve nodded. "Okay, thanks."

"Come on, let’s go to the kitchen."

They went together, and Kelly quickly prepared a cup of warm ginger tea. As Eve finished it, another order came in for room service.

"Room service for room 605," a staff member announced.

The head chef entered with a cart full of delicacies and two bottles of expensive champagne.

"Who’s in there, Chef?" Kelly asked.

"Mr. Dalton," the chef replied.

Both Eve and Kelly grimaced. Almost everyone in the pub knew that old Mr. Dalton had his eyes on Eve.

"I’ll take it to him," Kelly volunteered immediately.

"Mr. Dalton specifically requested that only Eve bring his order. We can’t refuse as he’s a VIP customer," the chef explained.

"Are you all crazy? Did you already forget what happened last time?! He harassed her!" Kelly protested, ready to storm off and talk to the manager.

It was true. Mr. Dalton had gotten drunk and tried to touch Eve inappropriately once. But he had apologized profusely afterward, claiming he wasn’t in his right mind. Eve had chosen to forget it.

"He won’t do that again," the chef said dismissively. "Besides, he has company this time. Eve just has to serve the food and wine."

"It’s okay, Kelly. I can handle it," Eve said, standing up.

"But what about your stomachache?" Kelly still looked worried.

"I’m fine now, thanks to your tea," Eve assured her and took the cart.

"Be careful, okay?"

"Of course," Eve replied, giving Kelly a small smile before leaving.

*****

Meanwhile, in the private room...

"I’m very delighted that Mr. Harris finally agreed to my business proposal," the old man with the beer belly said, grinning ear to ear.

"You should know that my time is more precious than your life," Alex replied coldly. "Don’t waste it."

The old man let out a shameless laugh, unfazed by Alex’s biting remark. Alex despised people greedy pigs like him.

If not for the lucrative benefits he could gain from this deal, he would have already kicked Dalton out.

"Certainly, certainly! I know how valuable Mr. Harris’s time is. I guarantee you’ll get the most out of this deal," Dalton assured him, still grinning like a fool.

Alex merely scoffed in response.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Ah, the food has arrived! Come in!" Dalton called out.

The door swung open, and a waitress entered with a trolley full of dishes.

For a moment, Alex was taken aback.

And so was she.

Their eyes met, and even from across the room. He could tell she was uneasy, probably still reeling from what had happened earlier. His cheek still tingled faintly from her slap.

How he wished he could strangle this woman to death.

Yet, whenever he caught sight of her bright, mesmerizing almond-shaped eyes, he found himself drawn to them. And when the memory of their kiss resurfaced in his mind, his anger wavered, replaced by something even more frustrating.

What the hell was happening to him?

He had never desired a woman before. He had always been indifferent to their presence. But now, after meeting her, his mind and body were behaving strangely.

Was he bewitched?

"Well, well, the food is here! Come, dear. It’s nice to see you again," Dalton said with a leering smile.

"It’s good to see you too, Mr. Dalton," Eve replied meekly, avoiding Alex’s gaze.

She began setting the dishes on the table.

Seated comfortably on the couch, Alex observed her every move. But his attention was quickly drawn elsewhere,, toward Dalton.

The old dog was eyeing Eve hungrily.

Alex’s jaw clenched.

Eve’s uniform consisted of a tight skirt that barely reached above her knees, with a small slit at the side, exposing a tantalizing glimpse of her thigh. She wasn’t wearing stockings, leaving her fair, smooth legs completely bare.

And on top of that, she didn’t just have a beautiful face. Her body had curves that could drive any man insane.

Even he had taken notice.

His brows furrowed.

He needed to tell Earl to change the staff uniforms. There were too many mad dogs lurking around.

Wait..why did he even care?

What did any of this have to do with him?

"Enjoy your meal, gentlemen," Eve said after setting everything down. She was about to leave when Dalton stopped her.

"Don’t go yet, Ms. Eve. Stay and have a drink with us," Dalton insisted.

Alex’s ears pricked up.

Eve.

So that was her name.

And what the hell did Dalton mean by ‘stay and drink’?!

"But, Mr. Dalton, it’s not my.."

Before she could finish, Dalton grabbed her wrist and pulled her down beside him.

Alex’s eyes darkened.

Just earlier, she had been so arrogant, telling him that she wasn’t that kind of woman. And yet here she was, drinking with customers like a hostess?

Did she do this often?

The thought made his blood boil.

"I’m just really happy today, so I invited you for a drink," Dalton said, grinning. "I hope you won’t disappoint my special guest here."

Dalton poured wine into their glasses and raised his own for a toast.

"To the future success of our deal!"

Alex didn’t move.

Dalton, unbothered, turned to Eve instead. She hesitated, but then lifted her glass and took a sip.

Alex felt an inexplicable surge of disappointment.

How could she be so cheap?

"I need to leave now, Mr. Dalton. Thank you for your generous invitation," Eve said politely, standing up.

But Dalton grabbed her again.

"You can stay a little longer. I already spoke to the manager. It’s all been arranged," he said smoothly.

Alex’s jaw ticked.

Very well.

Maybe it was time to replace the manager.

Disgusted, he stood up to leave.

"I’m not hungry anymore," he said coldly, throwing his napkin onto the table. "I lost my appetite… looking at your ugly face."

Dalton laughed awkwardly. "Oh, come now, Mr. Harris–"

Alex didn’t stay to listen.

He was already out the door, irritation simmering in his veins.

But as he reached the lobby, he realized something.

He had left his phone behind.

Cursing under his breath, he turned on his heel and went back unaware that he was about to walk into a much bigger problem.

*****

Eve’s head started spinning. A strange heat coursed through her veins, and her body felt unbearably hot. Her vision blurred, and her limbs weakened.

Something wasn’t right.

She gripped the edge of the table to steady herself.

"Mr. Dalton… I need to go," she mumbled, struggling to keep her balance.

Dalton’s lips curled into a sinister grin.

"You’re feeling a little dizzy, aren’t you, dear? Don’t worry, it’ll pass after a good rest," he said smoothly.

Her stomach twisted in dread seeing the old man's obscene look.

She’s very certain, the old man drugged her!

"You...What did you put in my drink?!" she demanded, her voice shaky.

"Now, now," Dalton chuckled darkly. "Don’t be so dramatic. I’ve waited a long time for this, Eve. You have no idea how much I’ve dreamed of having you."

His lustful gaze raked over her body, and she shuddered in disgust.

Fear gripped her chest. She was growing weaker by the second, and Dalton was getting closer.

Think, Eve. Think!

"Stay away from me!" she shrieked, stumbling back.

Dalton lunged, but before he could lay a finger on her—a loud crash echoed through the room.

And in a few seconds after, Dalton let out a strangled cry as his body was sent flying across the floor. He groaned in agony, clutching his ribs.

Eve blinked in a daze. Her vision was already blurry but a tall, imposing figure stood before her.

"You filthy piece of trash," Alex growled, his voice dangerously low.

Dalton coughed, barely able to get up. "M-Mr. Harris, wait!"

Alex didn’t wait.

His foot slammed into Dalton’s stomach, making the old man scream in pain.

"Kiss your business deal goodbye," Alex spat. "I don’t do business with scum."

Dalton wheezed, his face contorted in terror.

Eve swayed unsteadily, her body no longer responding to her commands.

"Help me…" she whispered, clutching at Alex’s shirt before her legs gave out completely.

Alex caught her just in time.

Her face was flushed crimson, her breathing erratic. She was mumbling incoherently, her brows furrowed in distress.

He took one look at her and instantly knew.

Aphrodisiac.

His jaw clenched. "Shit."

He made a quick call to his assistant. "Prepare the car. Now."

Without another word, he lifted Eve into his arms and strode out of the room.

She clung to him weakly, her small fingers gripping his collar.

"I… feel so hot… help me…" she murmured in a barely audible voice.

Alex quickened his pace, his expression dark and tense. Whatever happened tonight, he would make Dalton pay for it.