Be His Waitress?!

ALANA

I was minding my own business in the cafeteria, dressed up in pants and a coat like a scientist since the head of this department had strictly forbidden me to ever wear that skirt again, when I was pulled by my arm and dragged away from my co-workers. I let out a shriek and they all stared wide-eyed at me but made no move to help.

I gave Rees a questioning look but all he did was drag me in a narrow, dark hallway. Instinct kicked in and my body prepared for a fight-or-flight mode.

"Relax," he said, finally letting go of me and leaning against the opposite wall, letting out a breath. "I have an important task for you."

If that didn't sound like the beginning of every horror movie, I don't know what did. "That's reassuring," Letting out a nervous laugh, I smoothed down my coffee-stained apron. "If it's in my capacity, I'll be sure to do it."

"It's a direct order from the retired chairman, so you don't have much of a choice," The more he spoke, the more I tensed. "It's about the CEO."

My brows creased. "Burak? What about him?"

There was a loud clearing of his throat that I'm sure was supposed to come off as stern but sounded like a foghorn, honestly. "Mr Enes, yes. His father wants to find him a suitable wife and I thought who better than you could convince him for marriage. So, what do you think?"

My heart sank. Knight was going to get married? My knight would marry someone other than me? "I think you've confused me with someone else, sir. I'm just a chef. I barely know anybody here."

"No, no," he shook his head. "I just want you to find a nice spot in this hotel, decorate it romantically and personally cook and serve them." Them. Like him and his dates?

God, that was the worst kind of torture. "I can't," I know I sounded meek, but I wasn't bothered about that. There was too much going inside my head at too fast a rate. "Please. I just work in this . . ." stupid cafeteria "cafeteria."

"I heard you're on full scholarship at your university and your skills must've been extraordinary that you were sent here as an intern. We only take five interns annually from all over the world."

I remembered how I'd misunderstood my two roommates when they said they worked here. They meant that building. They worked in that building we were living in. I knew this hotel was a big deal. Still, why was he so hell-bent on torturing me? "I'm sure all the other chefs are great here. I'm only an intern; they literally work here. I'll do anything you ask me, just not this."

I could tell he was starting to lose his temper. "Look, I have a plan and unfortunately, you're at the centre of it. You could either help me accomplish it, or you can say goodbye to the professional kitchen forever."

Was that a threat? "I would only be working in the café for some time, as per the contract. Then, I'll be in the professional kitchen anyway."

He raised two hairy brows. "Or you can start working in there from tomorrow."

That was his offer? Waitress Knight and his dates and start working in the actual kitchen and not this stupid café? No thanks, I'll pass.

I only gave him a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "See you later," Turning on my heel, I'd almost reached the end of the hallway when he called out my name.

"Wait," he sounded desperate and I had to stifle my annoyance as I turned back and flicked my brows. "I know you like him."

Say what now?

He must've seen the bewildered look on my face because he rushed to explain. "He likes you too. I can see it clearly. I've known him for so long and because of that I also know he would never admit to liking anyone. So, please, do me this favour. For his sake, please, please, just do as I say."

I took a step forward, anger brimming at the edges of my skin. "You want me deceive him? Pretend to be there as a waitress but actually seduce him? I might like him and yeah, maybe you're right, maybe he likes me too, but whatever you're suggesting is not at all how this is supposed to be."

He listened to my whole speech without blinking his eyes. "Did I say anything about seduction? You just have to make food, serve them—basically, do your job. Leave the rest to me."

"No way. I'm taking no part in this ridiculous plan,"

"Cautious," he warned. "Don't forget who you're talking to."

I gritted my teeth. "Yes, sir."

"Okay, I give up. What would make you agree with me?"

I leaned forward as if to share a secret. "Nothing."