The Kings Series #2 His Silver Hand novel Chapter 8

She loved Saturdays. She goddamn do!

It's a prelude to Sundays. Who wouldn't love a rest day?

Why the heck was she nervous as hell to the point she recklessly nicked her fingers? Twice. That never happened before. Ever.

Ballerinas will envy her in the kitchen if they see her movements when she cooked. She was as graceful as a swan in a lake. Flawless lines and all that shit.

But not tonight.

This insanely heavy bracelet hidden under her long-sleeved jacket felt like a commitment. To what? How the hell does she know?

The idiot didn't bother to explain it to her before he held her hand hostage. -Hostage? Really, Rie?-

Shit! There she goes again. Alright. She felt safe in his arms. Happy?

Even the forced kiss...well it was not that bad. Not revolting, as she would have imagined. With a different person -- she shuddered at the thought.

Nor being cage in his arms. It was...relaxing, to say the least. She didn't even notice how cozy they were until he left her pissed off at his arrogant, egotistical, pompous... -Wow, you like him that much?-

"Chef, the filet mignon is ready, medium-rare, garnish on the side. To your left, " Good thing she was distracted or she would have to punch herself to stop this nonsense.

"Good job, Sid. I want the seafood platter to retain its freshness. Don't forget the lemon butter dip." Deeply ingrained habit at work. Thank you, goddess.

"Yes, chef!"

"How many minutes on the steak, Cee?"

"Five more minutes, chef Rie."

"Ok. Make it medium. I know the she-wolf. She's pregnant and we don't want her to ear raw meat in her human form."

"On it, chef."

Rie meticulously surveyed the elegant plating, every detail of morsel counts. People eat with their eyes and it will set the mood to a very satisfying meal. As usual, her staff had met her standards.

A cool towel touched her face, grateful that there was a lull in the middle of the dinner service.

"Chef,"

Cee called out.

"Yeah?"

"Join us at the club tonight," She smiled encouragingly and her face brightened. Her sous chef was an elf. Beautiful and ethereal. And she has a very active sex life.

"No can do, Cee. I have to babysit my pups tomorrow. Raincheck?" Clubbing was not her thing.

"Awww, you won't be able to meet my handsome prospect tonight," She teased.

"I promise. Next time." Cee has a different boyfriend every week. Hey, no one could blame the cute elf. It's better to have a go at it while still young.

"I'll collect on your promise next time, chef." She gave her attention back to the meat station.

Rie wished she could be as free as her. But damn! It would take a man of the strongest constitution to break her barriers and he should have an endless supply of patience.

What happened to her before... She shook her head. No. Not gonna dwell on that vile bastard and ruin her night.

"Chef Rie, your family has arrived with guests. They are in a private dining area," Fuck! Better move fast.

"Refire station, get the herb stuffed ravioli ready for a starter. How many came in with them, Ben?" She was heating the cheese infused mash potatoes for the pups and the soft beef stew.

"Fourteen, chef."

"What?" Didn't mean to shout. But fourteen?

"Yes. The Dragon royalty is with them."

Oh, fuck! She wouldn't visit them this time and avoid HIM at all costs.

"When my sisters ask for me, tell them I'm busy and can't leave the team, ok?"

He was taken aback by her request. It was a known fact she would always join her family for dessert when they visit. "O...ok?"

"Just do it, Ben." He nodded reluctantly. Rie watched him go and she started to rapid-fire the menu for the royals.

Please let her survive this night without seeing him?

Please, Goddess.

-You sure, Rie?-

Urg! Stop it!

***

"The Apple Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice cream is ready to be served. Please make sure everyone gets to taste it." Rie watched her servers carefully arranged the decadent dessert on their silver trays and mentally nodded her approval.