Page 28
She couldn't remember the last time she had such a sound sleep with an amazingly handsome man like Vincenzo.
Or maybe it's all a dream. All an imagination or another hallucination.
There's no way she could have slept on the same bed with Vincenzo.
That would be so wrong….
She felt a warm finger running through her hair gently. The most gentle touch she'd ever felt in her life.
"How long are we going to stay in bed?" His husky voice whispered in her ears.
Hazel's eyes darted open, meeting him in uncertainty.
It wasn't a dream! She'd spend the night in his room, on his bed, in his arms….
What was she thinking?
Hazel tried to hurry off the bed but he easily pulled her back into his arms, a playful look in his eyes.
"Where are you running off to this time? " He teased
"I. I'm not supposed to be here" she muttered, unable to meet his gaze.
She couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him and his warm embrace could make her fall asleep all over again…
"And how would you even know you're supposed to be somewhere?" He asked
"I…"
"I'm your boss. And I told you to stay here with me. What other permissions do you need?" He asked
Of course, she doesn't need any other permission! The boss told her to stay here and she's only obeying orders!
And besides, he didn't do anything to her just like he promised…
"Ar…aren't you going to work?" She asked
"I will. Not yet" he pulls her even closer.
Goodness, she could spend the whole day right there in his arms without thinking about anything.
"I…I have to go back to the kitchen. I'm in charge of the staff there" she muttered
"Let Chole handle it" he replied
"How did you…"
"I know every one of my staff, Hazel. Their first and last name" he replied, running his fingers through her hair.
"That's a first" she muttered
Vincenzo laughed
"I have to leave" she muttered
He glanced down at her. She was pretty much still clinging to him, savouring his warmth
" I have a feeling you don't want to leave. You just want to do what you feel is right" he offered
Is he reading her mind now? Or what is he doing?"
"Yes. And if you want to leave?" He moved a bit away from her.
Hazel knew she couldn't and shouldn't be in here in the first place. He's her boss and this is all wrong.
Hazel got out of bed without saying a word, regretting it immediately as she could no longer feel his warmth…
How could she get so attached to him within a night? Is that even normal?
"I should head to the kitchen now" Hazel heads towards the door
"Annie told me you were going to convince me to allow you to take her out to the park"
Hazel froze
Is there anything Annie doesn't tell him about? There's nothing called a secret around her and her dad for sure.
He chuckled, doing that weird movement of his ears again like he could hear her thoughts.
"She tells me everything. Even if she doesn't want to, she has no control over what I want to know" he informs, getting out of bed.
The driver, Hazel thought
Of course, he told Vincenzo everything they spoke about. Is it hard for him to mind his business?
The man had seemed so cool and okay during the drive, only to find out he's a snitch
"I was going to ask about it but I am not very aware of Annie's schedule.
"You could go today" he stops right in front of her, his hands in his pocket.
Hazel's eyes brighten up
"Really?"
Annie would be so happy to hear this news! She's been hoping to ask him but wasn't sure what response she'd get.
"She's been pleading to go with you. I can't take her nagging anymore" he admits, rubbing the back of his neck
"So you're asking me for a favour," Hazel asked
"More like an order Hazel. I don't ask for favours " He offered, an authority in his tone she couldn't deny.
"I'll have the driver pick you two up in three hours. You should get ready by then" he adds, running his finger through her hair, sending a calming sensation all over her body. It felt so good, enough to want her leaning onto him again but she's not going to give in to that feeling.
No.
"I will" she replied
He tucks his hand back into his pocket.
Why does she feel like he has some kind of softness for her? The one meant only for her?
"Annie will be done with her classes in two hours. I'll have her tutor end classes earlier today"
"And remember the rules. You must stay with her at all times. No talking to strangers. If things get complicated, get the driver to attend to it. He is highly trained and knows quite well how to keep you and Annie safe. And you go to the amusement Park only and head home afterwards." He ordered
"And if I break the rules, I'll get punished" she adds
"Annie gets punished"
Hazel glared up at him, is he going to use Annie to get back at her.
"Use is a strong word, Hazel." He informs
Okay really, is he reading her mind?
"Annie is the type to make you do her bidding and I am aware."
"She's just a kid" Hazel reminded
"A manipulative one. I know her and I know what I'm saying" he assured
"Okay," she muttered.
"Don't forget to call the driver in case of danger. It is very important" he repeated
"Do you have sworn enemies out to get you? It's just the park" Hazel informs, meeting the cold look in his eyes.
"Sir" she adds
"More dangerous than you think" He assured
Hazel nods in understanding, her head bowed. Vincenzo raised her chin to meet his gaze, surprising her with a kiss.
A soft but passionate kiss.
"Just be safe. You and Annie" he pleaded
Hazel was shocked to speak actual words.
"Hazel Miller?" He called
Hazel nods
That aside, what's going to happen in the kitchen? And her other responsibilities.
"Chole will handle it" he assured
"What?"
"The kitchen"
"It's easy for you to say" she muttered under her breath
He grabbed her arm, her skin tingled where he touched it as he walked out of the room, heading down the stairs.
What is he doing? All the staff had their eyes on them, in surprise.
Oh no, she's going to be the topic of discussion by noon!
"Chole Queen!" Vincenzo called as he released Hazel's arm.
Chole hurried into the living area, visibly frightened. Everyone is scared of him except her, why is that? He's just a regular guy to her who seems to be super clingy…..
"You are going to be in charge of the kitchen now. Hazel is in charge of taking care of Annie and cleaning my space. She won't have the time for any other chore. Is that clear?" He asked
"Yes Mr Vincenzo" Chole replied
He turned to face Hazel, his serious look still on.
"That's settled, you know your workstation" he walks back into his room, Matteo right behind him.
Dud Matteo just bowed his head in greeting? To her?
Hazel shook her head, she must have imagined it…
She felt bad for Chole who was yet to recover from the shock. Her eyes were still open in fright as she made contact with Hazel, a questioning look in her eyes.
What just happened?!
Hazel helps Chole towards the kitchen, away from the Orpington eyes of others.
"What just happened?" She asked, her hands still shaking
"I am so speedy about this. He wanted me to take Annie to the park and I didn't want to leave you all alone in the kitchen…" Hazel explained, really sorry this even happened
"I. I was so scared" she muttered
Hazel pulls her in for a hug
"I'm sorry" she apologised
Chole exhaled in relief.
"You're going full-time. Taking care of Annie and his space? I can't imagine facing him every day" Chole admits
"And I am stuck with that detail," Hazel groaned.
She hated the fact that he intimidated and enticed her at the same time. Who does that?
It was the craziest feeling she'd ever had …
"I'm sorry" Chole pats her
"It's not your fault. It's okay" Hazel assured
"Where were you last night? When I came in, I didn't see you and when I woke up, you weren't in bed either" Chole asked
Shit! Hazel was hoping Chole wasn't going to ask but here she was facing the panel.
"I came in pretty late and I had to wake up early because Mr Vincenzo instructed me to clean up early today" Haz3l gave a nervous smile.
Chole sighed.
"I'm sure you barely had enough sleep last night," she asked
"I'm okay. I should go get ready. I'm going with Annie to the park"
Hazel took her to leave, she was not about to have this conversation with Chole…