The color of our love

Chapter 5

Olivia and Roxy had just entered the hotel lobby when Carine Jackson was already waiting for them, ready to confront them.

"We're not cooked," Olivia sighed.

"Can we know why you're late?" they asked once they were at her level.

"We were stuck in traffic," Roxy replied.

"Rest assured, this will be deducted from your salary," she added coldly.

"That's for me to decide," growled a voice from behind them.

They all jumped and turned around. Justin walked quickly and reached them in a flash.

- Ladies, go ahead and you come to my office, right away.

She simply nodded and followed him. He closed the door behind him and invited her to sit down. He took his seat in turn.

"Why do you presume to reprimand my employees?" he asked once again.

"I was just doing my job, sir. They were late, and I was just bringing them back in line. Besides, I'm the manager of this hotel."

"Former manager," he corrected.

"What?" she asked, perplexed. "Are you telling me..."

- I can do without your services, I have heard things about your management style and I can tell you they are not favorable.

"But sir, come now, who could have told you such a thing?" she asked nervously.

I cannot divulge my sources, but I cannot keep you. You will be compensated for your good and loyal service. Now, please close the door behind you.

She stood up and, without a word, left the office. She looked visibly angry, but Justin couldn't care less about this woman's mood swings. He stood up and began pacing nervously around his office. His nerves were on edge; he kept seeing this young woman's face, and it was infuriating him. He took off his suit and grabbed a glass of whiskey. He was about to drink it when the door burst open. He didn't have time to turn around because he already knew who it was.

"Kyle," he said simply.

- In the flesh, my friend. Pour me a drink, please.

He served him and handed it to him. He came and sat down beside him and waited for him to speak.

I was able to analyze the files, and you were absolutely right. That bastard Gordon was definitely involved in shady dealings, but luckily the hotel wasn't implicated. What I found in the hotel's accounts is that there was constant embezzlement. You're going to need a lot of strength to get back on your feet.

I've already taken all the necessary steps. This hotel was my father's dream, and I'll do everything I can to restore it to its former glory. Thank you, Kyle; I owe you a great deal.

- You're very welcome, my friend, that's what I'm here for. If you don't need me anymore, I'll let you work in peace. I have some things to take care of.

"Do these things have anything to do with the fact that there's a new prey in sight?" Justin asked, amused.

You know me, my friend, I'm a good hunter, no prey escapes me. So, see you later. You know how to reach me if you need to.

Justin smiled as he watched his friend leave. Kyle was one of those so-called playboys. He always had a new conquest on his arm. In his mind, he'd been blessed with a dream body, so someone had to benefit from it. It's true that he wasn't without his faults either, but Kyle was a bigger player than him. At one point in his life, he'd decided to settle down, but he'd ended up hitting a brick wall. He'd had the misfortune of crossing paths with Madison Parks, who turned out to be a greedy person devoid of all human feeling. She was mercenary and only loved herself. She'd done him such a dirty trick that he swore he'd never let himself be fooled by any woman in his life again; his past experiences had taught him a lesson. First his mother, and then his ex-fiancée. He'd already had his share of disappointments. Two knocks on his door jolted him out of his stupor. The engineer who was to oversee the hotel's renovation entered, preceded by his faithful assistant. They discussed for a long time before reaching an agreement.

Once the interview was over, Justin decided to leave his office for a bit. He began pacing the hotel corridors without knowing exactly what he was looking for. Deep down, he hoped to run into Olivia. He desperately wanted to see her, even if just for a moment. As he turned a corner, he heard a melodious voice. He stopped and looked around to see where it was coming from. Without taking the time to knock, he slightly opened the door and saw her. She was busy making the bed. Good heavens, she was even more beautiful than he remembered. Finally, she turned around, and their eyes met.

Olivia felt a presence behind her. Without turning around, she knew it was him. She caught a whiff of his masculine scent. She turned and met his dark eyes. He entered the room completely. She couldn't help but take in every detail. He was breathtakingly handsome. Such virility emanated from him that she felt shivers run through her entire body. The immaculate white shirt he wore accentuated his firm, defined muscles. His jaw was constantly clenched, giving the impression that he was perpetually in a bad mood. He advanced with a confident, feline gait. He stopped in front of her and began to scrutinize her with a curious expression.

"Do you like your analysis?" he asked suddenly.

She looked away, visibly troubled. He lifted her chin and began to stare at her lips.

"I wasn't staring at you," she replied.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He moved even closer until there was no distance between them. He brought his face even closer to hers and, unexpectedly, pressed his lips to hers. Olivia gasped in surprise.