Page 64 of Back Room Host

But that didn’t make me feel any better. In fact, I felt downright miserable. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and examined my swollen eyes. I had planned to go to training today, but with how I was feeling …

When I came out of the bathroom, Juri was still sitting at the dining table, doing something on his laptop. He seemed completely focused. A strand of hair fell onto his forehead, and he looked really hot. Besides, the hand brace was beside him. The sprain had apparently healed.

Of course. Yesterday he could lean on Hector’s desk.

As I neared the coffee maker, I ran a shaky hand through my hair. I was so agitated, and I hadn’t been like this in a long time. The tension was tearing me apart.

“How was yesterday?” he asked calmly.

With a quick glance, I saw that he was still looking at his screen.

How can he not notice?

It left me dumbfounded and angry. I pressed the button and coffee dripped out.

“Hector left half an hour ago,” he said, taking a sip of his coffee. “He sends his regards.”

As if all the blood had drained from my legs, I suddenly felt pale. I even felt a little dizzy, so I leaned on the kitchen counter and took a deep breath.

“I saw you two yesterday,” I said, gazing at the steam rising from my coffee cup.

When there was no response from Juri, I slowly turned my head. Juri sat motionless at the dining table, appearing calm. But he was silent, and then I saw it. He held his breath and pressed his lips together slightly. It was only for a moment. Not even two seconds. He had already composed himself and put on a gentle smile. But I didn’t feel like laughing. I was furious, even though I knew I had no reason to be. After all, he could do whatever he wanted.

Still …

“What do you mean?”

I hesitated. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

He raised his eyebrows and looked at me challengingly.

“Oh, come on!” I burst out. “Don't play innocent! You noticed me! Maybe you didn't see me, but you noticed me! And you liked it!”

I couldn't decipher the emotions playing across his face. Perhaps I wasn't quick enough. In mere seconds, fear, panic, and shame flickered and were replaced by sudden arrogance. A coldness, like an iron cloak, enveloped him, erasing his warm smile. The person now sitting in front of me was a stranger.

“Yes,” he said with a deep, thoughtful voice. “There was this feeling of being watched.”

I shook my head. “No. You’re not turning the tables now!”

A darkness sparkled in his eyes, something I had never seen before.

“I thought you were at work.”

Stunned, I took a few steps up and down in the kitchen, and the words rang like an echo in the back of my mind.“Now you don’t have to feel guilty anymore.”And Juri’s response:“Thank you. I needed that.”

“You let Hector fuck you. I … Damn! Do you have a thing for old men?” I threw my arms in the air and struggled for words. “For God’s sake! And then you seemed to enjoy it! And you even kissed each other!” It took a lot for me not to explode, but I had to let off steam. I hadn’t been this angry in a long time. And I wanted an answer. “What were you thinking?”

“That was just work.”

My jaw dropped, and I stared at him in disbelief. I shook my head and frowned. “You are too much. But please … not now. I don’t have the patience for stupid remarks.”

Juri sighed in annoyance. “You’re so blind! Or do you just not want to see it?”

“What?”

“How do you think I earn my money?”

I hadn’t expected that question and hesitated. Then I shrugged. “You said you’re a chef.”

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