Chapter 6
Alice Mendes
I woke up earlier today. I need to get to the company soon—it's Mr. Oliver's presentation, our new president.
I want to look impeccable. I slip on a fitted black one-piece suit that hugs my curves perfectly and falls just above the knee.
Black pumps on my feet. I decide coffee can wait.
I grab my purse, say goodbye to Cata, and hurry out.
The walk to work is short—I chose the apartment just a few blocks from the office so we could walk every day.
My mind is elsewhere, lost in the day's commitments.
Then suddenly, a body solid as a wall appears in front of me.
He's much taller than me, with perfectly styled chestnut hair swept to the side, eyes a shade of brown I've never seen, and visibly muscular.
I crash into him so hard I nearly hit the ground, but a firm hand grabs me by the waist.
“Watch where you're going, girl.” His voice is deep, dripping with reproach.
My body is still trapped in that touch, hot and commanding. I lift my eyes, ready to retort, but my words almost die in my mouth—faced with the sheer beauty of this man.
“You're the one who stepped in front of me—don't blame me for your carelessness,” I manage to say, irritated, after staring at him for a few seconds.
He keeps holding my waist. Only when I dare to look at that face again do I feel the impact: cold, intense brown eyes piercing through me like a blade. My heart gives a disobedient leap, my breathing falters. For a second, I think I've fainted—or that I've found an angel with a cruel gaze.
I almost smile—almost—but I stop myself. The jerk doesn't deserve it.“You had your head in the clouds. How are you supposed to see who's in front of you? I don't have time for small talk.” He suddenly releases me, and I nearly fall. I watch him walk toward the hotel entrance.
“Rude… should have better manners,” I murmur, not knowing if he heard. Hoping he did.
I watch him pass through the automatic door and stop at reception, chat with the girls, then head to the elevator. Must be a guest. I take a deep breath and keep walking.
I greet the reception team and go straight to the coffee machine. I need one—strong, no sugar. Cup in hand, I head up to my floor.
At my desk, I put away my purse, turn on the computer, and open the agenda on my tablet. While drinking my coffee, I review all the tasks, schedules, meetings, and the new boss. It's going to be an intense day. Then I hear the door open.
“Alice, could you come to my office, please?” It's Mr. Edgar's voice.
I nod, as if he were watching me, and head over.“Miss Alice, this is my son Oliver, who will be taking my place,” he says as soon as I step into the cold office.
Oliver has his back to me, gazing at the city through the glass window. He's tall, his broad silhouette betraying strength. Firm shoulders, strong arms, dark hair lightly sprinkled with white strands. When he turns around, I feel the world stop, my breath catching for a moment.
Damn! It's him. The rude jerk I ran into just now at the hotel entrance.
My stomach clenches, I feel my face burn, and instinctively I cover my mouth, lowering my head and cursing under my breath.
“Did something happen, miss?” Mr. Edgar asks.“No, sir… I'm fine,” I lie, catching my breath.
I take a deep breath, lift my chin, and decide to face this. I never bow my head to anyone. That was my motto.
“Good morning, Miss Alice. I have the impression we've already met.” He smiles crookedly, venomous.“Good morning, sir. I don't believe so. You must be confusing me with someone else,” I respond dryly, trying to play it off. “Would you gentlemen like some coffee?”
The ogre asks for two, no sugar. Perfect. At least we have that in common.
Back in the office, I hand over the coffees, open the tablet, and start going through the agenda.
When Alberto appears at the door without knocking, I notice the familiarity between them.
“Oh, so you really did come back, Oliver?” he says, animated by the new, imposing presence.
“That's right, Alberto. I need to take care of the hotels. My father deserves some rest,” he says with an easy smile, but the irony in his gaze is still fixed on me.
I ask permission to leave, but Oliver won't let me.
“Wait.” I huff. This man is going to be the death of me.
I turn to face him and we finish going through the day's commitments, then I head to the meeting room.
I need to organize everything—lunch will be served there today as a reception for the new president.
Once everything is set, I take the opportunity to escape.
I need to breathe. At least for a moment.
What's happening to me anyway?! I ask myself.
As soon as they finish the incredible meal I chose, I head back to the conference room to start the meeting. It lasts just over half an hour. When it finally ends, everyone welcomes the new president, buzzing with excitement.
Back at my desk, I’ve barely sat down when I hear the order:“Miss Alice, come to my office.” Not even a please. I grumble to myself. Again.
I walk in braced for a scolding about what happened this morning.
“In fifteen minutes, we’re leaving for the resort visit.
” He pauses, then continues a few seconds later.
“My father spoke very highly of you, but don’t get used to it.
I’m not a nice guy like him. I like everything done right and on time. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”
His cold, cutting voice and dark gaze send shivers down my spine, even though I don’t want to admit it.“Of course, sir. I’m here to assist you to the best of my ability,” I say, trying to sound as professional as I can, while anger and a strange heat consume me.
I’m on my way out when he adds:“And watch where you’re going, girl. I don’t want to run into you every day.”
I clench my jaw.“Yes, sir.” And I storm out of the office.
Out in the hallway, I take a deep breath. Who does this rude man think he is?! My heart is still pounding, and my mind is torn between hatred and something I don’t want to name—a feeling I haven’t yet defined.
This man is going to disrupt my peace. And unfortunately, it seems like he’s already started.