Eleni narrowed her eyes. Rosalie had done it on purpose. She had to recall that Eleni didn’t want to work in the bar, otherwise why would she have such a triumphant glint in her eyes?
Eleni glanced at Tariq. He was still Rosalie’s boss. “Is there any other available spot for me? I’m not really a social butterfly. With my background, I’d be more useful in the fitness center.”
Tariq shook his head without saying a word.
“Don’t worry, Eleni, you’ll be fine.” Jenny shook her prominent boobs with her palms, as if trying to settle them in the right position. “We’ve got your back with Clara.”
Eleni glanced at Clara’s platinum bob and heavy eyeliner. Got her back? Oh great. What had she gotten herself into?
But both Clara and Jenny grinned at her so genuinely that Eleni couldn’t help but reciprocate their smiles. “Thanks, girls. I hope I can keep up.”
Tariq nodded. “That’s settled then. Next item on the agenda. Matt, where are you?”
Eleni stopped breathing for a second. Her eyes darted from left to right. Had Matteo been here the whole time? Her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
She inhaled deeply. She was overreacting. Yes, it was normal that she and Matteo were going to speak again after the dance. Wasn’t she the one who had been contemplating this possibility for days?
“I’m here.”
His strong baritone came from behind Eleni. He sauntered toward the group. His simple grey T-shirt highlighted his muscles.
Matteo stopped between Eleni and Jenny. “What’s up, Tariq?”
Tariq clenched his jaw. Was he annoyed by the casual tone that Matteo used with him?
“Did you manage to arrange the wreck site for Dimitrij’s first dive?”
Matteo frowned, but then shrugged. “I said I would, and I did. All according to your specifications. I still think it was overkill to buy and fly in historical shipwreck remains just to please one rich Russian.” His eyebrows creased. “The installation has disrupted the flora and fauna of the dive location considerably.”
“Well, good thing you’re not paid to think, but to do your job.”
The man who pronounced these words appeared out of nowhere from behind a column.
Eleni whispered to Cath. “Who is he?”
Instead of her roommate, it was Matteo who answered. “It’s James, the hotel manager, also known as Mr. Jackass.”
James flashed a glance at them that was probably meant to pierce their souls. “I heard that, Matt.”
He stepped into the middle of the circle, so that it was impossible to ignore his presence. “I came here to ensure that today will run flawlessly. Dimitrij, one of our finest and most faithful guests”—he nodded toward Matteo—“received company yesterday. His brother and a couple of his friends. They’re all diamond-category guests, which means whatever they ask must be done.”
Everybody nodded.
Eleni chewed on her lip. What was a diamond-category guest? Judging by James’ words, it must be like being a semi-god.
James pointed at Matteo and squinted his eyes. “Capisce?”
Matteo drew back his shoulders. “Yes, James. You didn’t even have to do your Marlon Brando imitation to get the point across.”
James’ face became red, and he clenched his teeth. Instead of answering Matteo, he turned to Rosalie. “As the new animator team leader, you need to ensure the Kasijev Clan has everything they need.”
Rosalie pouted her lips as if the idea that somebody doubted her natural talent of providing excellent client service was offending her pride. But after only a second, she flashed a sweet smile. “Of course, Mr. James. Whatever you say. You’re the boss. Me and my team are going to be relentlessly focused on exceeding all expectations. As always.”
Rosalie might have her shortcomings, but she sure knew how to manipulate men. James straightened his back and thrust out his chest.
Eleni stifled a giggle. He looked like a peacock trying to raise his feathers.
Matteo must have thought something similar, because he let out a quiet, bemused snort.
Their eyes met. Heat rose to Eleni’s cheeks.
In a low voice, Matteo asked, “Will you be okay working for the Bliss?”
Eleni didn’t know whether she was going to be okay. Especially after the dubious announcement about the Kasijev Clan. But what other choice did she have? Also, she didn’t want Matteo to feel sorry for her.
She plastered on a smile. “The odds might be against me, but I’ll survive.”
Matteo pressed his lips together, and an undecipherable expression settled onto his face.
Oh, that darned deep blue. It was a crime to have such eyes. Eleni’s pulse beat faster. Turn away, turn away now. But the magnetic force of Matteo’s glance proved stronger.
If it wasn’t for Cath, she would have kept gawking at him.
“Eleni, you need to go with the Bliss crew.” Cath pushed Eleni to follow the other waitresses.
Eleni shook her head to empty it of the disturbing sensations that seemed to arrive uninvited each time she met Matteo. She needed her focus now. Rosalie mustn’t find error in her behavior today.
James patted Eleni’s shoulder as she passed in front of him. “Don’t forget, only perfection. The guest is king.”
Chapter 8
“So have you made any new discoveries yet?” Bradley asked, while wiping the counter of the bar clean.
He lowered his gaze to the level of the marble surface to check for imperfections.
Matteo observed his pal with an amused smile. “I think it’s as spotless as it’s going to get. At least till the next tipsy guest comes and pours beer on it.”
“Haha, very funny. You heard James. Everything needs to be glamorous, otherwise Mr. Smartypants might look for another bartender. And I do like my job.”
Matteo rubbed his neck. Of course he’d heard James. He knew why James wanted to please Dimitrij and company. They were one of the biggest money bringers for the bar and for the Deep Blue in general. But at what price?
He looked at Bradley’s chunky hands as they handled the crystal glasses with the ease of a true magician. Bradley had nothing to fear. If James wanted to impress the crowd, Bradley had to remain his secret weapon in the Bliss.
“Don’t worry. James won’t fire you. You make the best dirty margaritas.”
Bradley smiled. “If you came around more often in the evenings, I would fix them up for you in a jiffy.”
Matteo lowered his gaze. His buddy was right. He’d been too withdrawn lately, occupied with his work and finding the Pearl. When he first arrived on the island, it was Brad and Nathan who’d given him the grand tour and kept him company. Maybe he could at least try and carve out a few hours here and there.
“Message received, Brad. I’ll try.”
A wave of loud laughter echoed from the terrace.
Matteo turned toward the sound. The Kasijev Clan, who else? The shipwreck he had just installed for these rich jerks came to mind and his stomach churned. Money could get you everything on this island. Except for good manners.
Would Eleni worship these millionaires like the other girls did? Matteo’s eyes darted around between the large circular tables and white umbrellas. Where the hell was she? Didn’t she get assigned to serve as a waitress this morning?
Eleni appeared from the kitchen area carrying a large tray full of drinks.
Matteo’s heart quivered. She looked breathtaking in the Bliss uniform. It hugged her curves perfectly. She walked toward the Dimitrij’s table.
Oh, no, they didn’t! It was Eleni’s first day, for crying out loud. How could they send her into the shark’s mouth like that? It was Rosalie’s doing.
A man with squinty eyes and saggy skin raised his glass toward Eleni. “Hey, darling, just in time. Where is my drink? I’m parched here.”
Sergei, Dimitrij’s right hand. Matteo felt a strange tension invade his neck. What was wrong with him? Watching Eleni interact with these R
ussians shouldn’t make him this nervous. But when Sergei put his hand on Eleni’s arm as she bent down, Matteo’s chest tightened. His hands rolled into fists and he had to take in a deep breath to silence a groan.
Bradley patted Matteo’s shoulder. “What’s with you, man?”
Matteo jerked back at his friend’s touch. He was so absorbed by his spying that he’d forgotten to answer. “Sorry, Brad. I got distracted.”
“Yes, I saw that.” Bradley grinned coyly. “I understand. She’s way prettier than I am.”
Matteo’s jaw dropped. “What? I mean who? Who are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I’ve seen you checking the new girl out. She’s hot. I mean first-class hot. Plus, I get the feeling she’s got brains, too. Rare find here.”
Matteo shook his head. “I was just watching the Kasijevs, that’s all.”
Bradley was way off. He wasn’t checking Eleni out. Or maybe he was, but not in that way. He was just curious how she was going to handle the Russians. And maybe slightly concerned for her.
His eyes drifted to the terrace again. But Eleni obviously didn’t need his help. She chatted with one of the tipsy beasts. Her eyes held a flirtatious glint. The men laughed. She seemed to be having a good time.
A bitter taste filled Matteo’s mouth. This was why he preferred the ocean. As long as he was careful about his surroundings, the depth was more predictable than humans.
Bradley raised his hands. “Far be it from me to insinuate anything inappropriate. Not that you couldn’t use some good ol’ distraction. You’ve been too stressed with this whole cave story.”
Matteo rubbed his neck. He was indeed quite tense, but it had to do more with the physical effort of planting those sailing ropes on the shipwreck than with his emotional state. “Thanks, Brad. But I’ve already got a sister trying to set me up. Not interested in another matchmaker.”
Bradley chuckled. “Well, not everybody shares your disinterest.”
From the corner of his eye, Matteo caught a movement from where Eleni was standing. He snapped his head to the side. It was Nikolai, Dimitrij’s brother. He was approaching Eleni.
“Are you new here, sweetheart? I’d have noticed you before,” Nikolai asked.
Eleni drew her eyebrows together with a startled frown, but then she smiled at Nikolai.
Matteo’s legs gave a restless kick to the table. What was she doing beaming at that scumbag like that? Okay, Nikolai wasn’t bad looking, but he was sleazy as hell. Couldn’t Eleni see that?
Matteo scratched his head. What was wrong with him? Eleni was just doing her job. If anyone was behaving weird, it was him.
Nikolai pointed at his own lips. “That’s good. I like it much better when you smile, pretty face. What’s your name?”
Eleni drew in a breath. “I’m Eleni. I’ll be waitressing for you this week. If you need anything at all, don’t shy away from asking.”
Did Rosalie write that line for her? It certainly didn’t sound like a spontaneous answer. Matteo’s palms were becoming slightly damp. Nikolai wasn’t going to shy away from anything. The contrary.
Nikolai threw back his head and laughed loudly. “I’m not a timid one. You’ll see that soon enough, Eee-leeni. I’m Nikolai, Dimitrij’s brother.” He winked at Eleni and smacked his lips.
His buddies broke out in laughter.
Matteo flinched. The way Nikolai pronounced Eleni’s name didn’t promise anything good. Bradley was right. Dimitrij’s brother had set his eyes on Eleni. Each season, he chose a favorite servant. That was his pattern.
Eleni’s eyes bounced between the other tables, as if she was looking for someone. With her left hand, she clutched the empty tray to her chest, while the other played with the hem of her blouse.
A strong urge to rescue Eleni filled Matteo’s chest. After all, it was his fault she was in this mess. He should have just accepted that silly dance with Rosalie.
Before his mind could control his body, he was on his feet. “Brad, I’ll be back in a sec.”
He bolted over to the couple. “Nikolai, I thought it was you. How are you doing?” he called out from a few meters away.
Nikolai lifted his sunglasses and squinted. “Oh, Matt! My favorite free-diver pal. How’s it going?”
Free-diver pal? Snorkeling buddy would have been more appropriate. Last time they’d immersed together, Nikolai didn’t manage to descend more than three meters.
Matteo stifled a snort. “Good, good. Never better. I have some special sites set up for you and your buddies whenever you’re ready.”
Nikolai grabbed at Eleni’s arm. She twitched at his touch and angled herself away from Nikolai. The Russian didn’t seem to mind. “You know, Eleni dear, this man here is a crazy nut. He can dive like seventy meters with just his goggles. I mean, even I can’t do that much. ”
Eleni’s eyes widened and darted to Matteo. “You also do free diving? Dynamic, without fins, like Truebridge?”
Matteo’s mouth popped open. What the heck? How did Eleni even know the name Truebridge?
Before he could answer, Nikolai interjected. “Truebridge? Is that a buddy of yours?”
Eleni shook her head. “No, he used to be a champion in freestyle dynamic dives. My dad was in love with him. He made me watch all his dives.”
Her eyes met Matteo’s. Was this a more curious look than normal? Or was it just his imagination?
Nikolai waved with his hand. “Sure, whatever. Matt, it was good to see you. Come around, and we can plan some good fishing trips.” His glance moved back to Eleni. But instead of looking at her face, his eyes dipped to her breasts. “Eleni, sweetie, would you care to join me and my buddies this morning?”
Matteo’s blood started to throb in his temples. What did this man think? That each waitress was fair game for him? Well, he was wrong. Eleni wasn’t.
Eleni’s eyes flashed to the bar where Jenny was speaking with Bradley. Then to the Kasijev’s table. “It would be my pleasure, Nikolai, but not this time. It’s my first morning in the Bliss, so I have a lot to learn still. I hope you understand.”
She gave him an innocent smile that could have saved even a criminal sentenced to death.
Nikolai smacked his lips but nodded. “Fine, next time then. I’ll take you up on that offer.”
He reached out and stroked Eleni’s cheeks. She didn’t flinch but didn’t react positively either. She just stood there enduring his touch. After Nikolai dropped his hand, she turned and fled to the bar.
Matteo followed her.
When they were out of hearing distance, he asked, “So, quite a success for your first day, huh? Already becoming the darling of one of the Kasiljevs?”
Why did the words come out more challenging than he meant them to be? There was no way to take them back now.
Eleni’s cheeks became crimson. She lifted her chin. “Thank you for inquiring, Matteo. For now, it’s all going fine. But as I said to Nikolai, I’ve got a lot to cover this morning.”
She went into the kitchen hugging the tray to her chest.
Bradley whistled. “Phew, touché. This girl has got some spirit.”
Matteo scratched his head then grinned at his pal. “Yes, more than needed. Anyways, I’m off. Need to check on Hugo now. See ya later.”
“See you, mate!” Bradley turned back to Jenny and got sucked into the waitress’s cleavage immediately.
Matteo suppressed a grin. Men could be so easily manipulated by female beauty. Luckily he wasn’t one who fell for looks.
He walked toward the dive center.
His mind wandered back to Eleni’s blond hair and large eyes. No, looks weren’t going to fool him. Even if they were as striking as Eleni’s. And what if the girl’s family liked free diving? That didn’t mean anything. Eleni hated swimming. She’d said so herself. And Matteo could never be with someone who didn’t like the water as much as he did.
He grabbed at his chest. Did his heart just jump one beat out of rhythm? And where d
id the thought about being with anyone come from? Of course he wasn’t going to be with anyone. His work was his passion.
He stopped as soon as the Blue Lagoon came into view. He inhaled and let the salty air tickle his nostrils. It was good that the dive center was at a considerable distance from the Bliss.
He shook his head and continued his walk. Hugo was probably messing up the documents he’d ordered yesterday. It was better to hurry.
Chapter 9
Eleni pulled a soft sweater over her shoulders. She eyed Cath sleeping on her bed. Too bad her first day in the Bliss had ended so late. She wanted to tell her roommate all about it.
Maybe she could wake her? Cath’s cheeks were wrinkled from the pillow, and she looked so peaceful. No, Eleni didn’t have the heart to do it.
She opened the door and sneaked out into the night. A walk was all she needed to settle her heart. She strolled down the paved road toward the ocean.
Everything had unfolded quite differently than she’d hoped. Instead of playing with cute kids, she was stuck serving these stupid Kasijevs. She recalled Nikolai’s hungry glance, and her stomach twitched.
A bitter taste invaded her mouth. If Laura knew what Eleni had gotten herself into, she would gloat. And she’d be right. Eleni rubbed her forehead. Why did those McKenzie twins have to get mumps?
She reached the end of the road and stopped. She raised her chin and let her eyes wander about. How majestic. Sure, she wouldn’t be enjoying this sight if she had stayed in Boston. At least one positive thing had come out of her decision.
Nor would she have met Cath. Eleni’s heart warmed. Only a few days had passed, but Cath had already become a dear friend.
And what about Matteo? If she hadn’t come to the island, she would never have met this dazzling man. And, probably, that would have been for the best. Eleni’s breathing grew shallow. It didn’t matter. Eleni wouldn’t let her heart get the better of her this time. She’d had enough disappointment with men to last a lifetime.
The night breeze swept through the coastline, raising the sand around her. There was a silence disturbed only by the sound of the waves and the occasional cries of a howler monkey. She recalled how the shriek of these animals had scared her on the first day. The tingles she felt when she had grabbed Matteo’s arm came back to her. She shuddered and pulled her sweater tighter. It had to be the tiredness. The air was sultry, but her body was still covered in goose bumps.
Loving The Boss (Gems 0f Love Book 1) Page 5
