Chapter 2

Alice

I slowly opened my eyes, wincing as the soreness in my body hit me all at once.

Why does it feel like I got run over by a steamroller? Like someone squeezed and kneaded every inch of my body until nothing was left untouched?

Then it struck me—one sharp memory slicing through the fog in my head. “Has anyone else touched these breasts before me?” asked the man.

That… actually happened.

I froze and grabbed fistfuls of my hair, trying to steady my breathing.

I sat up, staying completely still while forcing myself to recall every blurry detail from last night.

“Fuck, you’re a virgin?”

His shocked voice echoed in my head, and I flinched, remembering the sharp pain when he pushed into me without warning.

Damn it…

This is all because of that demon manager of ours.

“You’re awake.”

My eyes snapped open. I lifted my head—and there he was. The man stepped out of the bathroom, a towel hanging low around his hips, droplets of water trailing down from his hair to his chest… and further… and further down.

I swallowed hard, unable to stop my gaze from following every drop that slid down his body.

“Like what you see?” he asked, raising a brow. “Don’t tell me you’re craving more after what we did last night.”

It felt like someone dumped a bucket of cold water over my head.

“How dare you!” I yelled, grabbing the nearest pillow and throwing it at him. He didn’t dodge, so it smacked straight into his face. If I wasn’t exhausted—and infuriated at my manager—I probably would’ve shrunk under the sharp look he gave me.

“You took advantage of me last night, and you still have the nerve to act smug?”

His brows pulled together, eyes narrowing as he stepped toward me. A sudden wave of fear washed through me.

I don’t know this man.

No one knows I’m here.

What if he decides to kill me just to shut me up?

Instinctively, I scooted backward.

“Now you’re scared?” he said with a mocking smirk. “After throwing a pillow at me and accusing me of God knows what?”

“You know I was drugged but—”

He cut me off immediately.

“You’re wearing that uniform. I assume you know what kind of place this is… and the things that happen here.”

I froze because, yes—that part was true. “And how was I supposed to know? You didn’t exactly tell me," he added.

“How could I even explain when you suddenly kissed me?” I snapped, my cheeks burning at the memory.

He didn’t reply. He simply walked toward the dresser and began getting dressed.

Then—

He suddenly dropped his towel.

“Seriously?!” I yelped and threw another pillow at him. He shot me another glare, even darker than the first.

I stood up, grabbed the comforter, and wrapped it tightly around my body. My eyes darted around the room until I spotted my clothes—neatly folded on a chair beside him.

Great.

Do I approach him and risk seeing more than I need to… or wait until he’s done?

“What are you waiting for?” he asked without looking back. “Do you want me to dress you myself?”

“Tsk!” I snapped, hurrying forward to snatch my clothes from the chair.

I rushed into the bathroom to get dressed. When I'm done, I was about to leave the room but before I could step out, the man grabbed my wrist.

“What now?” I glared, trying to pull away.

“Here.”

His hand slipped into the pocket of my uniform and tucked something inside.

Before I could even ask, he continued, “I had a good time last night, so that’s your tip.”

Tip?

So he really thinks I’m some paid girl?

I yanked out whatever he put in my pocket… an ATM card… and threw it back at him.

“Payment for taking advantage of me?” I asked, raising a brow.

“You know that’s not it. And how many times do I have to tell you—I didn’t know.”

His voice held irritation, but I didn’t care anymore.

I looked him up and down—handsome, undeniably.

Hot body.

Rich vibes and older than me by a lot.

“You don’t look clueless. Honestly, you look old enough to be my uncle.” I crossed my arms. “I’m sure plenty of women have been in your bed, and sex means nothing to you. And now you’re telling me you didn’t know? Keep your money. I don’t need it.”

I walked out before he could speak, leaving him completely stunned. Did he think he could buy me off with his looks and his money?

Fine.

Yes, he’s handsome, he has the kind of body that should be illegal, and he’s clearly wealthy.

And yes, last night felt… good as far as I can remember.

But that’s probably just the effect of the drugged drink.

Right.

It was the drink. Nothing more.

Speaking of that drink, my demonic manager is going to pay for this.

I headed straight to the locker room to change. I needed to go home immediately; my mom was probably worried sick.

“Alice!” my coworker squeaked the moment she saw me. Her eyes widened. “The manager's looking for you. He’s furious.”

“He should worry about my anger,” I snapped. “That pervert.”

“Don’t tell me—” She didn’t get to finish because I cut her off.

“He didn’t succeed.”

Her jaw dropped. “Wait—are you the reason he has a bandage on his head?!” She clapped a hand over her mouth, stunned. “Good! He deserved it!”

I found a corner and quickly changed, making sure she couldn’t see me. No way I’d undress in front of her—with all the damn hickeys on my body I spotted earlier. That old man really used my drugged body like a chew toy.

Once dressed, I left the club and headed home.

My stomach churned as I entered the house—my mom was strict about me coming home every night, no excuses.

Sure enough, she was in the living room, waiting, eyes tired and worried. Beside her was her boyfriend, Uncle Lemuel.

“I—I’m sorry, Mom.”

I stood in front of her with my head bowed. I couldn’t look her in the eyes—not with everything I was hiding.

“No text? No calls?” she said sternly. “Are you telling me you can handle yourself now?”

I winced.

She rarely scolds me, but when she does, it hits hard.

“Honey, I’m sure Alice has a reason.”

Mom shot Uncle Lemuel with a glare that told him to stay out of it. He scratched his head helplessly, giving me that apologetic look he always has when he can’t save me.

I forced a tiny smile—Mom noticed instantly and looked even more upset.

“Honey, your daughter is responsible. I’m sure she wouldn’t do anything reckless. And she loves you so much, so she wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”

His words made my chest tighten.

Because they were true…

But the problem was, something had already happened—and Mom would definitely be devastated if she found out.

Mom sighed deeply. “Don’t let this happen again, Alice. I waited the whole night for you. You didn’t even answer my calls.”

That’s when it hit me.

Where the hell did I leave my phone?

“Anyway,” she added, “tomorrow, your Uncle Lemuel will introduce us to his brother. Don’t go anywhere, okay?”

I nodded quickly and gave her a bright smile with two thumbs up. Mom shook her head but smiled a little.

“There’s something we want to announce tomorrow,” Mom added. “I hope you’ll understand our decision.”

“No problem. Whatever it is, as long as it’s about Uncle Lemuel, I’m okay with it. Even if you two plan to get married.”

Mom froze—then tears welled up in her eyes before she stood and hugged me tightly. “I love you so much, dear. Thank you for being so understanding.”

“You deserve to be happy, Mom. I’m happy as long as you’re happy,” I whispered back.

With the way she reacted—and the glow on Uncle Lemuel’s face—I was almost certain they were planning to get married. And I had no objections.

Which means…

I have to be on my best behavior tomorrow.

I need to make a good impression on my future step-uncle.

I’ll make sure he likes both me and Mom.