Before The Crossed Path

CHAPTER 2 Burning With Passion with Each Other.

Michael: I called the manager's number, and a deep, resonant voice responded from the other end, suggesting he was a middle-aged man.

"Hello, how may I assist you?" he inquired.

"Good day, I am calling from first-class room number 109. I would like to request that a single staff member be assigned to handle all my services. I inquired with one of your employees about the feasibility of this arrangement, and he confirmed that it is possible. Therefore, I would like to have one dedicated staff member," I explained.

"Yes, that can be arranged. Do you have a specific individual in mind, or would you prefer that I select someone for you?" he replied.

"Yesterday, I was attended to by a woman named Clare. I would like to request her services," I stated.

"I regret to inform you, sir, that she will not be able to continue her employment with us," he responded.

This revelation took me by surprise.

"Could you please explain the reason for this? She provided excellent service yesterday," I asked.

"Unfortunately, last night she accidentally damaged some of our expensive beverages while serving other passengers. The cost of those drinks is significant, and she is unable to cover the expenses. Additionally, there were complaints regarding her service quality. Consequently, she was terminated from her position last night," he explained.

I had sensed something was amiss with her during my interaction the previous day.

"I must say, she served me three times yesterday, and everything seemed satisfactory. I believe there may have been a misunderstanding on the part of those passengers," I countered.

"However, sir, she cannot compensate for the damages incurred, which is why we had to let her go," he reiterated.

"If this matter is solely about financial compensation, I am willing to pay for the damages on her behalf. Please inform me of the amount, and I will settle it. I wish to have her reinstated for my services," I insisted.

"Very well, sir. If you are prepared to cover the costs, we can reinstate her," he agreed.

"Excellent," I replied.

"I will be placing an order for breakfast shortly, and I would like her to deliver my meal," I added.

"Certainly, sir. We will ensure that happens," he confirmed.

"Thank you," I said.

"Thank you, sir. Wishing you a pleasant day," he concluded. I set the phone down and made my way to the adjoining balcony, savoring my green tea.

Clare: This is the first time a passenger has covered the costs of the trouble I caused. Last night, when I was dismissed from my job, I felt utterly hopeless. The thought of how I would manage next month without employment weighed heavily on me. I feared that this would be my final voyage on a ship. It is difficult to articulate just how distressing last night was. Why must I always bear the consequences of a situation I never intended to create? Perhaps this journey will prove fortunate for me, with a passenger stepping in to alleviate my financial burdens. Such occurrences are rare.

A whirlwind of thoughts consumed me when the manager informed me that I had been reinstated and that a stranger I had served the previous day had paid my debts. Does he recognize me? Am I familiar to him? Does he have ulterior motives? Why was I chosen for his service? Do wealthy individuals truly care about who attends to them, or do they simply prefer to have one dedicated person? I remain uncertain.

As I approached room 109, carrying only his breakfast, these questions continued to swirl in my mind.

With a sense of trepidation, I knocked on his door. He opened it with a radiant smile. "Good to see you back," he greeted me, and his voice captivated me.

I returned his smile and stepped into the room. I found myself uttering, "May I ask you something?"

"I am aware that you have numerous inquiries," he interjected, pausing momentarily. "However, please come inside, take a seat, and make yourself comfortable. Feel free to ask me your questions one at a time; I am here to provide answers."

It was indeed an unusual situation. I settled into a chair while he positioned himself directly across from me. The intensity of his gaze left me feeling weak in the knees. Despite this, I managed to inquire, "Why?" I hesitated briefly before continuing, "Why did you cover for my mistake?"

"You deserve the opportunity to work," he responded.

"You do not know me, nor do I know you. How can you assert that I deserve it? This is quite suspicious."

"Very well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Michael. I find you attractive, and I desire to be intimate with you."

This was remarkably direct, I thought to myself.

"I didn't quite comprehend that," I stammered, elongating the last word.

"Come now, do not feign innocence. I can perceive the way you look at me. I understand your feelings," he countered.

At this point, my nerves were escalating; his gaze and words ignited a longing within me. "Is this truly your only motive?" I asked.

"Absolutely. I am certain you are attracted to me as well. There is no need for further pretense. After all the games, now tell me what your enticing lips desire to express."

I frowned, bewildered, and asked, "What do you mean?"

"Will you serve me in every way I request? After all, I have salvaged your job, and I believe I can ask for a bit more than what you are accustomed to on these cruises."

His seductive demeanor made it increasingly difficult for me to refuse. Why was I so captivated by his words? I felt myself weakening.

Speechless, I stared at him, rubbing my thighs together in a nervous gesture. He noticed my unease and rose from his chair, approaching me. A wave of unfamiliar sensations coursed through my body. He stood before me, his fingers grazing my face, sending electric shivers throughout my being. I rose from my seat, my gaze fixed on him. He appeared incredibly alluring, igniting a desire within me through his mere presence and touch. "You are making me weak," I confessed.

"That's precisely my intention, darling. I want you to feel vulnerable before me, unable to resist. Just say yes," he replied, his hands gliding over my back as he drew me closer by my waist. I felt an overwhelming weakness, a desperate longing for him.

With a tremor in my voice, I admitted, "I cannot refuse. I crave your touch; I want you enveloping me."

As soon as I uttered those words, he pulled me nearer and pressed his lips against mine. I reciprocated the kiss, and he deepened it. His lips were intoxicating, stirring a desire I could no longer contain. I let out a soft moan as we kissed, his hands exploring my back, waist, and hips. His grip was firm, sending shivers through me. He guided me toward the wall, continuing to kiss me while unbuttoning my shirt and caressing my body. When our lips parted, he descended to my neck, burying his face between my neck and shoulders. He bit down hard, eliciting a moan I could not suppress. I craved this; the pleasure was both exquisite and torturous. My desire for him intensified.

With my shirt partially undone, he slipped his fingers beneath my skirt, and I gasped as I felt the heat rising within me. His hands roamed, teasing me through my clothing, while he emitted low, primal sounds. I was losing control, surrendering completely to him. He dominated me, and I felt utterly powerless in his embrace. Suddenly, he slipped his fingers inside, feeling my arousal, and I gasped, "aaaahhhhh."

In an instant, he covered my mouth with his hand, locking eyes with me as he whispered, "ssshhhhhhhhh," urging me to be quiet. However, remaining silent was nearly impossible in that moment. I struggled to contain my sounds, but soft moans escaped me despite my efforts.

"Come, darling, let us move to the bed. We cannot waste any more time; I am so aroused. You have ignited this desire in me," he said, his gaze fixed on me. "Is it too soon? I am th

oroughly enjoying this foreplay. You are making me crave you even more."