“You can take five minutes if you need to.”
She looked at me. Tears welled in her hazel eyes and the sight of it broke me.
“Okay… I just need to finish this.”
“Let me help you, yeah?”
She nodded. I knew this was difficult for her but she looked like she might cry into the duck she was in the middle of cooking. I didn’t want her to be further embarrassed. She stepped aside and allowed me to finish her dish for her although she helped me dress the plate.
When we were done, I asked Luke to cover her dish and led her out of the kitchen, ignoring the heavy stares. Whatever they all thought about it, they could just fuck off. Riley needed me. I promised I’d protect her. Besides, they’d all likely heard what Glenn and Andy had said. I wasn’t fucking heartless. My employee just had two idiots call her names and make lewd comments. If that didn’t give me a reason to take her out of the kitchen for five minutes, I didn’t know what would.
When we were safely in my office, she didn’t hesitate in wrapping her arms around me and burying her face in my chest. I held her close and stroked her neck, breathing her in.
“I hate them,” she whispered, her words muffled. “They’ve always been awful to me but it’s worse now.”
“Have they said that kind of thing to you before?”
“Not about sucking their dicks, no, but they’ve called me teacher’s pet and said I’m a suck up.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She trembled and I knew she thought I might be angry with her, but I wasn’t. No that was directed at Glenn and Andy. Their harassment would not go unpunished.
“I was handling it.”
Not very well clearly.
“How long has this been going on for, Riley? Tell me the truth.”
She sighed and pulled back, staring up at me.
“Since I started.”
I frowned. No one should put up with that kind of harassment in the workplace.
“I would’ve put a stop to it sooner if you’d said something.”
“How could I? They’d have just got worse.”
“Riley, they’re harassing you. It’s not okay. It’s my responsibility to provide a safe working environment.”
She stepped back and looked away.
“I know.”
“Then you know you should’ve said something before.”
She nodded. God, I felt like a dick. I hadn’t meant it to sound like I was telling her off.
“Hey, ma petite fleur, I’m sorry. I’m not upset with you. I’m angry with those two idiots.”
She nodded again before looking up at me.
“Why do you call me that?”
I blinked not quite comprehending her meaning straight away. As I realised, I felt a little embarrassed. It kept slipping out all the time, especially when I didn’t mean to say it. I rubbed the back of my neck.
“My father used to call my mother that… he said she was his little sunflower who brightened up his days. They were each other’s first loves. I guess it always stuck with me and when I met you, I finally understood why they were so crazy about each other even after almost thirty years of marriage.”
I’d said too much. Her eyes got all misty and she looked like she was about to keel over. I stepped forward and wrapped a hand around her shoulder to make sure she didn’t. Staring up at me, she put a hand on my chest, right on top of my heart.
“Lucien…” she breathed, her lips parting on the words, giving me an invitation to lean down and capture them with my own. I held her face in both hands, revelling in the way she moulded to me without any coaxing as if we were perfectly in sync with each other.
A knock at the door startled the two of us and I pulled back, releasing her. Her face was flushed and her pupils dilated signalling her desire. This pull between us was unlike anything else.
“Come in,” I called.
I looked back as Mal stuck his head around the door.
“Things are getting hectic, Chef.”
I almost sighed.
“Okay, Riley will come with you and I’ll be along in a minute.”
She looked up at me then down at where she knew very well my cock had thickened from our kiss. A smirk appeared on her lips as she strolled out of the room, leaving me painfully aware I needed to calm down before I followed them. At least she didn’t seem to be upset any longer which was the only saving grace.
I took a few deep breaths, willing my blood to stop pounding so hard. That girl was the fucking death of me and I didn’t care. I adored every moment we spent in each other’s company. I’d never get tired of her quiet enthusiasm for her work. She had really started to come into her own. Teaching her fuelled my own passion for food all over again.
I ran a hand through my hair and stalked back to the kitchen to find things in chaos. Orders were getting backed up and there was no rhyme or reason to what was happening. I strode over to the pass and started barking off various commands, working out where each dish was and what needed to be done next. Within ten minutes, I had order restored even though we were still running behind. Instead of allowing my kitchen to flounder, I jumped into the fray, getting dishes done myself so we weren’t disappointing diners.
By the time shift came to a close, everyone looked dead on their feet, but I wasn’t done with Glenn and Andy quite yet. I left the others cleaning and led the two of them down the corridor. I took Andy in first, wanting to get to the bottom of this shit one on one. Didn’t need them egging each other on.
I sat behind my desk and folded my hands on the desk. Andy looked distinctly uncomfortable standing in front of me.
“I’m sure you aware I have a zero-tolerance policy on harassment.”
“Yes, Chef.”
“Then would you care to explain to me why you think it’s acceptable to make sexually suggestive statements to your colleague not to mention the campaign of harassment against Riley by you and Glenn since she started working here.”
He looked at his feet.
“I’m sorry, Chef. It was a bit of fun at first, but Glenn kept taking it too far. I shouldn’t have joined in with him. I knew it wasn’t okay. Riley doesn’t deserve that.”
“No one deserves to be treated like that, Andy.”
I had a feeling Glenn was the instigator. He’d always been a troublemaker and it wasn’t the first time I’d had words with him about his conduct. This time was a step too far. Whilst Andy wasn’t innocent in this, he’d also not caused trouble before.
“No, you’re right. I’m really sorry. I never wanted to make her feel uncomfortable or unwelcome here. She’s a good chef, much better than me and Glenn to be honest. I suppose we were a little jealous. It’s wrong of me to take that out on her. I’m really sorry for what we said about her and you. I have a ton of respect for you, Chef. I know there’s nothing going on between you and Riley. You’re just trying to encourage her and so you should. It’s not my place to make up shit like that and encourage others to think badly of you or anyone else.”
Humility went a long way with me. He looked genuinely mortified he’d caused me and Riley offence.
“Thank you. I expect you to properly apologise to Riley for your behaviour. I’m going to have to give you a written warning because this is unacceptable. I hope you’ll learn from this and I won’t have any further trouble.”
“I understand, Chef. I’ll do better. I promise.”
I nodded.
“You can go. Send Glenn in here, please.”
“Yes, Chef.”
He walked out, his head hanging in shame. I’d have to keep a close eye on him, but I had a feeling if I got rid of the source of trouble Andy would keep his head down and not give Riley any more shit.
Whilst Andy had been suitably ashamed of himself, Glenn strolled in without a care in the world.
Cocky little shit.
I refrained from ripping him to shreds the insta
nt he planted himself down in the chair in front of my desk, his legs wide and his arms crossed against his chest.
“Glenn.”
“Chef.”
“You’re aware of why you’re here.”
He leant forward a little.
“Yeah, listen, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about some new ideas I’ve had for a while now.”
I stared at him, almost unable to comprehend why he would even think this was an appropriate time. The little shit knew he was on his last warning. I was going to wipe that smug fucking look off his face.
“We’re here to discuss your conduct, something which you’re well aware has been falling short for quite some time. What I overheard today was completely unacceptable and it’s come to my attention you have been harassing Riley for quite some time. Last time we had a conversation like this, I sent you away with a letter detailing the fact that this was your last warning. As you’ve clearly not listened nor modified your behaviour, you’re leaving me with no choice but to terminate your employment effective immediately.”
His face dropped, his skin paling with each word.
“W…What?”
“I’m letting you go. You’ve encouraged another member of staff to engage in unseemly behaviour which is something I cannot tolerate nor can I have my employees feeling unsafe in the workplace.”
He stood up abruptly, his hands fisting at his sides.
“This is bullshit. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Asking your colleague to suck your dick is doing nothing wrong, is it?”
“It was a joke.”
I almost shook my head. He really had no fucking respect for anyone.
“It’s called sexual harassment, Glenn. If Riley decided to take this further, then you wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. The whole kitchen heard what you said.” I leant back in my chair. “I will be sending you a letter detailing the reasons for your termination in due course. For now, pack your things and leave my restaurant.”
As far as I was concerned, that was that. My decision was final. Even if he tried to take this to an employment tribunal for wrongful termination, he wouldn’t get very far. He’d had several written warnings and I’d followed all of my procedures I’d put in place in the event of this type of thing occurring. I took my role as owner, manager and head chef of my restaurant seriously.
He scowled at me and was about to open his mouth again when I cut him off.
“I suggest you leave quietly and without trouble before I escort you out of the building.”
He tossed me one last dirty look before ripping open my office door and storming out. I got up and followed him, wanting to make sure he actually left without giving anyone shit. He thankfully didn’t bother going back into the kitchen, stomping into the staff room and emerging a few minutes later. He walked by me and out the back door.
I didn’t feel bad for what just happened. I wouldn’t have someone like him working under me any longer. Yes, it was a hassle now I had to find someone new and I’d need to cover his shifts but fuck having a little cunt like him in my kitchen.
I walked back into the kitchen. Everyone was still there working, so I cleared my throat and they all looked up.
“I want you to hear this directly from me. Harassment of any sort will not be tolerated in this kitchen. I’ve let Glenn go due to his behaviour and would ask any volunteers to help cover his shifts until I find someone new to speak to Vito tomorrow. I appreciate how hard you’ve all worked this evening. I realise this wasn’t an easy shift and I hope we can move forward as a team despite the unfortunate circumstances of this evening.”
Riley looked the most shocked out of everyone, but she didn’t know that Glenn had been on his last warning in the first place.
“Yes, Chef,” came the chorus of my employees.
“Back to work.”
I waved a hand around to indicate I was done and turned to back to my office knowing I’d done the right thing. My team would bounce back from this. They were a good bunch of chefs who worked hard. And now more than ever, I needed a good team behind me if I was ever going to go public with my relationship with Riley. Something we wouldn’t be able to hide forever. I just hoped Riley would understand why with time.
Chapter Eleven
Riley
I’d been shocked when Lucien had fired Glenn, but after he’d explained to me why later that evening, I’d understood. Things had been pretty tough in the kitchen for the past few weeks being a man down, but everyone had pitched in working extra shifts. Thankfully, it hadn’t taken long for Lucien to find a replacement. So we’d finally got a day off together which I was extremely happy about. We’d spent most of it on the sofa watching movies and getting distracted exploring each other’s bodies, but now Lucien had made me get dressed up.
The longer we were together, the less time I spent at my own place and the more my things had migrated over to his. He didn’t seem to have minded. In fact, he’d actually cleared out space for me to leave clothes at his and had even started washing my chef whites with his. Whilst this all seemed a little fast, for me and him it wasn’t. We fell into a routine and because we’d been so busy in the restaurant, I’d been determined to be there for him.
“Are you going to tell me what we’re doing?” I asked, slipping into some ballet flats. I absolutely did not do high heels under any circumstances despite being short.
Lucien was wearing a dark grey shirt tucked into black trousers. He looked good enough to eat. He curled his hands around my waist and dragged me closer.
“I’m taking you to dinner.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Really?”
“Mmmhmm, a friend of mine has opened a new restaurant and has been on at me to come see it.”
“You have friends?”
He grinned and leant down.
“Such a smart little mouth.”
“You love it really, Chef.”
He groaned and claimed my ‘smart’ mouth, pulling me against him.
“You’re such trouble. Come on, we need to go lest I rip that dress off and fuck you senseless for making me want you so much.”
I grinned as he pulled away and took my hand, leading me out the front door and down the stairs. We walked out into the cool night air and along to the tube station. It took us half an hour to get across the city. The restaurant we were going to was owned by Dave Vox, a renowned chef who had two Michelin stars. I’d heard of Ten’s opening a month ago, but I didn’t know Lucien knew Dave. I was excited, even more so that my hot as hell chef boyfriend was taking me with him.
I looked up at Lucien as we made our way up the street towards Ten.
“Maybe we should go back to mine afterwards… It’s closer.”
We spent all our time at his because it was above the restaurant, but he’d expressed an interest in seeing where I lived when I wasn’t spending the night with him. And I did spend at least two or three nights a week at my own studio flat. It felt a little weird since it’d been my place with Beck which is why I hadn’t exactly been willing to have Lucien there.
“I’d like that.”
He smiled at me and my heart fluttered. I was in danger of falling very hard for this man. Who was I kidding? I was already in deep. Whilst it seemed fast as we’d only been together for two months, I didn’t care at what speed we were going. Lucien and I felt right.
“How do you know Dave Vox?”
We reached Ten and Lucien opened the door.
“We worked together at Company Eighty before I left to open Haze.”
I didn’t get a chance to ask him further questions as the hostess greeted Lucien by name which set me on edge a little. She was giving him a flirty look. I pressed myself tighter against his side, making it very clear he was mine. Lucien wrapped an arm around me, although I was pretty sure he did it because he thought I was nervous. The girl looked between us then, her eyes widening and I felt secret
ly happy.
That’s right. Lucien Dumont is mine so keep your eyes to yourself.
She led us to a table near the kitchen which was open to the restaurant. Lucien took my coat and placed it on the back of the chair before pulling it out for me. He leant down and gave me a chaste kiss before slipping around to the other side and taking his own seat. The hostess’s eyes were narrowed on me when she handed us our menus, but Lucien waved them away.
“Dave is preparing something special for my girlfriend and I so we don’t need those.”
My heart went wild at him calling me his girlfriend. The hostess all but huffed as she looked at us.
“Your waitress will be with you shortly.”
“Thank you.”
He turned to me, dismissing her entirely.
“Is that true?” I asked.
“Dave wanted to do a tasting menu when I told him we were coming this evening.”
I shifted in my seat.
“You told him about me?”
He reached over the table and took my hand, running his thumb over it.
“Mmmhmm, of course, I did. Do you think I don’t want to show off my beautiful and talented girlfriend?”
I felt my face growing hot. Whilst he was free with his compliments, it felt strange to be in such a public place with him. We hadn’t really had much time for many proper dates since we’d been together. Lucien had taken me to the cinema a few times and we’d had a couple of dinner dates at a local family-run pizzeria, but nowhere as fancy as Ten. I knew he wasn’t ashamed of me even if we were keeping our relationship at work a secret.
“Well, I don’t know.”
He smirked, his blue-grey eyes full of amusement.
“I most definitely want to show you off in that dress.”
I looked down at myself. It was dark red, cinched in at the waist and flaring out before falling just above my knees. I didn’t dress up often so when he told me to bring over something nice, I’d wanted to look beautiful for him. Judging by the way his eyes roamed over me with heat, I’d made the right choice.
Dirty Chef Page 8
