His Perfect Temptation

Chapter 15

Camila Pov

As I clocked in for my shift, my eyes wandered around the crowded new trendy bar until they landed on the one person I wished I wouldn't see. Him. Again.

A familiar knot of frustration twisted in my stomach. Why did he always seem to be everywhere I went? First, he'd ruined my job at the bar, making me quit.

Then, he'd started stalking me, even showing up at girls' dates with Maliya, and now...now he was here, at my new job, constantly. With his relentless flirting and unwanted advances.

I couldn't believe his audacity. Didn't he have anyone else to harass? Did he really think he could buy anyone's attention, that his wealth and status made him irresistible to every woman?

"Seriously, can't he just leave me alone?" I muttered under my breath, shaking my head in disgust. Didn't he have any self-respect? Didn't he care that I'd repeatedly rejected him every single time?

And why is he suddenly taking an interest in me?

My mind wandered back to the conversation I'd had with Natalia about men like him. I'd warned her about his type - the kind who couldn't take no for an answer, who thought they were entitled to a woman's attention. But had she listened? Nope.

"Serve her right," I exclaimed. As I remember she told me "she had never been with a man who dressed so fast just to leave during the rain."

If only she'd listened to me, she wouldn't be dealing with her own set of problems now.

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on my work, but my eyes kept drifting back to Alfredo, who was watching me with an unnerving intensity.

He walked over and sat down at the nearest table closest to me, I could only roll my eyes. Here we go again. What should I expect after blatantly quitting my job that day? He still followed me.

"What would you like to have, sir?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Some steak and Bourbon," he said placing his order, as I avoided any chance of making eye contact.

So far, so good. Maybe he's finally gotten the hint.

But then he dropped a bombshell: "I'm taking it to go."

That was weird. Where were the lines, the flirting, the persuasion? This was out of his character. He never takes anything to go.

I handed over the package and watched him walk away, I couldn't help but feel confused. What had changed? Was he finally giving up on me? The thought should have brought me relief, but instead, it left me with a sense of unease, I guess I should be happy with who he is.

Soon my mind kept wandering back to Alfredo, wondering what was behind his sudden change in behavior.

"Hum Hun"

The sound interrupted me, just as I was lost in thought, I had not noticed when this man came in talk less of the fact he was sitting right across from me.

I raised my head and let out a fake appealing smile.

"Wow, you look stunning," he said sharply. "I'm so glad I came in here tonight."

Here we go again!!! Another Alfredo maybe this town is cursed with such men.

"Thanks, I'm just working," I replied, trying to downplay the compliment.

But he was undeterred. "You're not just working, you're lighting up the whole room," he said.

I laughed, not out of the compliment but about how men easily come up with flirting lines. But then, out of nowhere, a comparison popped into my head: Alfredo is more interesting.

Ugh, why did Alfredo just cross my mind? I mentally shook myself, focusing on the charming stranger in front of me.

"I'm Fregerso," he said, holding out his hand.

I took it and felt a jolt of electricity. "Camila," I replied, smiling up at him.

I should get used to men like this, after all this job will keep on exposing me to men like Alfredo.

"How many can I serve you?" I asked, trying to sound professional cause I ain't ready for another love song.

"I'll have the special, please." He replied smiling.

"Great choice," I replied, nodding. "Your order will arrive shortly at your table."

.......

Later that evening, after my shift ended, I found myself walking into my apartment, still thinking about Fregerso and Alfredo. Why am I thinking of a stranger and that physio?

As I changed into comfortable clothes, my mind wandered back to the day Alfredo met me for the first time.

I had stormed out of the bar, my heart racing with Fury. How dare Mr Hernandez try to force me to wait on that arrogant, entitled man?

I couldn't believe I'd just quit my job on the spot. It wasn't like me to be so impulsive, but something about that man had pushed me to my limits.

I never knew one individual could unleash so many emotions within me.

To top it all, he followed me, like I was a girl who'd just stolen something.

"Miss Ice," he called, his voice ringing loud down the street.

I didn't bother to flinch, didn't even acknowledge him. Instead, I just quickened my pace.

"Camila," he called again, his voice louder this time around.

Still refused. I didn't look back. I couldn't bear the thought of facing him.

I spotted a cab idling by the curb, I yanked open the door and slid inside, slamming it shut behind me.

As the cab pulled away from the curb, I glanced out the window, half-expecting to see Alfredo standing there, watching me leave.

But he was nowhere to be seen, something in me just knew it wouldn't be the last time I would see him and I was right I basically see him every week now.

.......

Days had passed and I didn't see any sign of Alfredo. I'd almost convinced myself that I probably won't ever see him again. But why do I care isn't that what I wanted?

But then, one evening, he walked into the bar, flanked by two gorgeous girls. They were laughing and chatting, and Alfredo's eyes sparkled as he escorted them to a table.

I felt something in my chest as I watched them settle in. Why was I reacting like this? I didn't even know Alfredo, and yet...and yet...

As I poured drinks for another customer, I couldn't help sneaking glances at Alfredo's table. The girls were vying for his attention, giggling and touching his ar, and Alfredo was lapping it all up.

Why I am feeling this way? Could I be jealous? I asked myself, startled. Why would I be jealous? I didn't even like Alfredo.

I continued watching laughing and charming the girls, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing out on something. That Alfredo was somehow...getting away.

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on my work. But my eyes kept drifting back to Alfredo's table, wondering what it would be like to be the one sitting beside him.

"Stop it, Camila," I told myself sternly. "You're not interested in him. And besides, those girls are probably...probably..."

I trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought. But it lingered in my mind, a nasty little voice whispering that those girls were probably whores, that they'd do anything for money and attention.

"Hey, Waiter!" Alfredo called, his voice ringing out across the bar bringing me back to reality.

"Yes, sir?" I replied.

"What's taking so long with the drinks?" he asked.

Confused? What drinks? Regardless "I'll get them right out, sir," I said, turning to grab the tray of drinks.

But as I turned, my heel caught on the edge of the carpet, and I felt myself stumble. The tray of drinks flew out of my hands, and I watched in horror as they splashed all over the two girls sitting with Alfredo.

The girls shouted as the drinks soaked through their expensive-looking clothes. One of them, a petite Asian girl, jumped up, with her eyes filled with rage.

"You clumsy i***t!" she screamed, raising her hand to slap me.

But Alfredo caught her wrist, his eyes flashing with fury " Don't you dare Mei," he growled.