AN

o creepy... Try not t

p the damn phone, and I’ll ask her what I need

fortune I made sure she can’t decline. I saw he

supposed to talk to he

ime. But this is the first time I think I’m close to reaching my obje

at I hope

and

’s curious face. “Have you spoken to you

jokes and laughs. He pulls a chair in front of my

eyes. “O

ain she’s talented. Though I also think she’s quite ea

ke! I need to know if she’s cooperative enough so we can move fo

u know that you have to be

her out,” I retort. I pick up my stress

can give it a little more time bef

ong enough, do

h your meals. You have to get used to other people’s cooking other than Lennie’s and mine, and you know exactly what I mean,” he s

s own. Nevertheless, I honestly can’t imagi

going to be here

her can she,” I say, refer

future is uncertain,” he implies and grins.

AY

e is still funny, helpful, and I like being with him. I would’ve been s

g long hours in the office and often comes home late. He’s still the company’s CE

Similarly, Ms. Lennie will only come to my station when

Well, being an assistant chef means a lot more to me than being a food taster. Cooking has been my passion since my dad taught me how to move

greatest nightmares. I just wish he were

already perfected; my mentor back in Venice would always praise me whenever I cooked

le of Merlot from the mini wine cellar and place it on the marb

ce. It’s my own recipe. I

n hour later, Ms. Lennie finds me in the kitchen, bringing

I greet her

des. “Master Brandon likes the meal, but he said it’s better if you don’t leave notes and c

on the tray anymore. I couldn’t understand what was wrong. He

y did that

me a chance to

out to the door, unsure if

r always told me that written recipes are not everything. He entrusted me

parsley and mint salad and crusty bread. Delibera

od, but those condiments were needed.

of minutes later and disappears. I guess our boss didn’t co

give you that, but I don’t think

! Did he

augh out loud. He has be

king in the kitchen, though I’m pretty

ning to feel his presence—like I’m actually cooking for a person. He isn’t

inated and smoked chicken with tzatziki sauc

him a no

a glass of champagn

e serving it to our boss. As usual, I never expect a reaction from her. When she

ownie box went

d his

make it taste better. But weren’t you to

lready started improvising,

ning on the doorframe with arms crossed over his chest, looking regal in his besp

im. “I’m making

“Oh, wow. Would

he garlic and move over the crockery to grab a plate. I put

a slice and takes a bit

etter.” I grin.

work here again, but as I can see, you’re getting used to

ow,” I say proud

akes another slice of pie. “But how

know.” I shrug. “I just tried to write to hi

o her neck with house chores, I really needed some

an count on. She’s just a bit busier than eve

nd he’s got a playful s

en a good

, Alayna.” He puts down the fork on the side of the

most w

h fillets on the prep area, then back at me. “You’ve been busy for the

all r

next lesson. I have dishe

. “Tha

e right

ger to see another one of Oliver’s recipe collection

ary’s second floor to check for more books, but the section is all about computers, systems, information technology—whi

library’s extension. But to my surprise, I stumble into another room with a

tep back and find another door. Wanting to get out, I open

d the broad, ripped back of a tall man. He has a slim waist, and his back has defined muscle cuts

irst time seeing a man’s butt—I’ve seen plenty, actually—but this man’s ass

Is th

ing I’m trespassing on

’s t

and escape through it. The stairway toward the mansion’s left wing catches my view, and Ms. Lennie is waiting at t

can you simply not follow directions?” This is the firs

I try to explain. “I got lost. I’m

uble. I understand that this house is huge, bigger than you can imag

did

me. He said someo

, it’s him. Who els

ntinues. “Mr. Katrakis had high hopes of you and he’s neve

nd...” I an

doing so well. What would he think about me now? He even entrusted me ac

ost! I will never deny my mistake, bu

ays with caution. She doesn’t seem to like anything I do

re are w

ded his room. It’s also the first time a

ltily while walking fast behind her. My thoughts hover to millions of ways to convince her not

ve already seen him. Not all of him, just his back. U

lders. His arms were spread wide, which made his triceps flex. He has am

I have complet

pins around and finally faces me. “And just so you know

wh