Chapter 19
890 Words
This time, Patricia did not show any sign of hesitation. “Waffles. And some milk with chocolate."
"That's a fortunate turn of events, because I happen to know a place that sells the most delicious waffles you have ever had the pleasure of sampling. In addition to that, there are tables that look out over the water, allowing guests to eat while simultaneously watching the passing ships. It will be on the house for you."
"Thank you very much, but there is no need." Stella couldn't help but look at him in amazement. He towered over her by at least one full head of height. Even though everyone was dressed casually, the overwhelming sense of presence was not at all mitigated.
"Waffles and chocolate milk aren't two of your favorite things?" In addition to humor, there was something else visible in his eyes. A seductive and carefree gleam that threw her off. He was the kind of man who could make even the most sensible woman lose her composure and throw caution out the window along with her underwear.
Stella had never been in a situation in which she was without her head or her underwear. Relationships were something that, just like every other significant choice in life, needed to be given careful consideration, evaluation, and analysis. That was something that she had never found challenging. However, neither she nor anyone else she had ever met had ever left her feeling the way Oscer Nunez did.
She had been with Leo for three years, and during that time he had never once left her feeling breathless and aware of her surroundings. Her heart rate didn't change at all when he walked into the room she was in.
"While I am grateful for the offer, Patricia and I both have things to take care of before we can have lunch together."
Patricia held the bear close to her heart as she did so. "I'd like waffles."
She was forced to share a table with a man who made her feel as though she had nothing on, all so that her niece would be happy.
He showed a grin. It seems to me that the most important thing for you to do right now is just to relax. You appear to be on the verge of blowing your top."
"I've been behind the wheel for the past two days, and—"
Therefore, what you need to help you relax is a refreshing beverage to enjoy on the deck.
"There's no need for me to relax," they said.
His gaze slid over her face. "The tension in your spine is greater than the tension in the mast of that yacht over there," the doctor said.
"I value your concern, but if I appear stressed, it's because I don't value being stalked, Mr. Nunez." "I appreciate your concern, but if I appear stressed, it's because I don't value being stalked."
“Stalked?”
"Every time I turn around, it seems like you're standing there," the speaker said.
"Stella, I want to personally welcome you to island life. There is a good chance that you are going to run into me multiple times every single day. On top of that, I have a promise that I made to Brittany that I will keep an eye on you.
"I recognize that you're concerned, but I'm relieving you of that responsibility."
"She mentioned that you might require the assistance of someone you could trust. She specifically asked me to keep an eye out for you. Therefore, I am here, keeping an eye out for you.
Stella was convinced that no normal, rational woman in her right mind would be so naive as to put her faith in a man like him after she met that drowsy and interested gaze of his. You might as well give them your heart and tell them to trample it under their feet.
"Thank you very much for offering, but I don't think it's necessary for anyone to keep an eye on me." In point of fact, the last thing she required was for other people to be watching over them.
She was the only thing that stood in the way of Patricia being interviewed by a media outlet that was desperate for a story at any cost.
They made her think of vultures that would swoop down to a carcass in order to pick off the remaining scraps of flesh.
Anna had passed away.
That ought to be sufficient for them on its own. Why did they feel the need to tear her life apart? There had been a never-ending stream of new stories appearing in the media. A recollection of scandalous particulars that Patricia might peruse at some point in the future.
Stella would have eliminated the problem entirely if she had known how to do so and had the means to do so.
Oscer moved closer while keeping his voice low. "Just explain the problem to me, and I'll take care of it."
She was curious about the experience of having such self-assurance. It didn't appear to have occurred to him that there might be a problem that he was unable to solve.
"It isn't so much a problem as a shift in the way things have always been done. It was clear that Sophie was being dramatic.
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