ISLAND LOVE

On getting to my room, I threw myself on the bed, absorbing the warmth it gave, as of now, this is the only good thing on this damn boat.

It was still early, and I couldn't even sleep because I had chores to do in the kitchen.

Sighing, I sluggishly got off the bed and changed into another pair of uniforms. 

I took another glance at my reflection, and it was nothing to be proud of.

"I told you not to upset Mr Liam. Didn't I ?" The chief chef yelled at me the moment I stepped into the kitchen.

"Every other person has served him and had no issues with him, but you go in there and cause chaos, do you think if given the opportunity, you will be able to deal with his wrath? You promised to be in your best behavior when I hired you. I didn't expect you'd want to leave me jobless in the process."

"I'm sorry Chef, I won't make such a mistake again," I said, bringing my head down in embarrassment. He was right after all, everyone went in there and there was no issue. But my case is always different, my luck has never been good.

"Of course you won't, cause I won't even give you the chance to. From today henceforth, you aren't allowed to go anywhere near Mr Liam. If he's coming from the right, take the left, and if he's coming from the left, take the right. You are only allowed to work in the kitchen, and not anywhere you'd get to see him. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Chef," that's exactly what I wanted, not having to see that horrible face of his.

"Good," he added, walking away. 

Everyone whispered, but I paid no attention to them. We are all here for the cash, that does not make them any better than I am. The only thing is they are willing to take shit, whereas I on the other hand give shit to whomever tries to throw one at me.

The morning passed soon enough, and soon it was time for dinner. I arranged the food on the tray and watched as one of my co-workers took it to the dining hall. 

Barely five minutes later, she returned," Chef..."

"Yes," the chief chef responded, "is there a problem with the food?" He asked, puzzled.

"Not at all Chef."

"Then..."

She hesitated a bit, before shooting a glance in my direction," Mr Liam requested Maya,"

"Me???" I blurted out immediately, "the fuck does he want with me?" I asked, infuriated. 

The room went dead silent.

Chef's brows furrowed, lips curling in disbelief. "Are you sure that's what he said?"

"Yes, Chef," she nodded quickly, "he was very clear. He asked for Maya specifically. Said he wouldn't eat unless she brought the tray."

I blinked, confused. Just this morning, this man looked like he wanted to drown me. Now, he's refusing to eat unless I serve him?

Chef gave me a hard look. "I told you to avoid him."

"With all due respect, Chef, I have no intention of going anywhere near that psycho," I said, folding my arms.

Chef exhaled, clearly torn between obeying the guest and protecting me. "You'll go, but you won't say a word. Drop the food, walk out. No drama. No comebacks. No eye contact. If he calls your name, pretend you didn't hear. If he breathes wrong, just walk faster."

I rolled my eyes. "Fantastic. Sounds like the beginning of a horror movie."

He shoved the tray into my hands before I could argue further. "Don't ruin this for me."

With a muttered curse under my breath, I made my way to the dining hall. My palms were sweaty against the silver handles. I took a deep breath at the door, squared my shoulders, and pushed it open.

Liam sat alone at the far end, one arm draped lazily on the chair, his phone in his other hand. He didn't look up.

I approached carefully, placing the tray in front of him without saying a word.

"That's all?" he asked.

His voice was calm and annoying. 

I straightened. "Yes." 

He leaned back, his eyes finally meeting mine. "You forgot the wine."

"Wine wasn't on the menu, but juice was, and that's exactly what is set at your front," At this point, I knew I was being too bold, but whoever doesn't respect someone doesn't deserve to be respected.

"Why are you pretending to be mad at me?" 

"Pretending?" I scoffed, "Don't be delusional to think I'd put in an act in front of you,"

"Well, don't think I didn't notice you've been avoiding me. One servant a day, that's how the kitchen routine works. You were supposed to bring in my lunch and dinner, but someone else did. What does that imply?" he paused waiting for my response.

"Let's see... could it be guilt?"He stood up, slow and deliberate. "Or fear? Or maybe you've started knowing your place after this morning's incident?"

I looked at him, contemplating whether to respond to him or walk away. One thing was for sure, he'd probably think his entire life through if I gave him a response, so I chose the latter.

I didn't answer, I just turned and left without looking back.

His footsteps followed mine. I picked up my pace, but he reached me just before I got to the door.

"Are you really ignoring me right now? It seems you're forgetting who runs things here" he said, his hand gripping my wrist.

The contact made me flinch.

"Get your hands off me," I said between clenched teeth.

"Make me..." he said with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

I yanked my wrist back like it burned. "Touch me again, and I swear to God, I'll forget this is a five-star cruise and send this tray flying into your face."

His smirk dropped. For a moment, I saw the anger flicker in his eyes. Then masked with calmness seconds later, "You've got a mouth on you," he said, voice low. "Someone should've taught you how to use it better."

"I use it just fine," I snapped, then regretted it the second it came out. His brows lifted, slowly, as if he was calculating the many meanings behind that sentence.

"Well, talking ain't one, but maybe it'll do fine in sucking. I mean if you've never had a cock between your legs, you should have at least had one around your mouth." He said with a dirty smirk.

I turned sharply, not waiting for another word. I stormed through the doors, back into the safety of the kitchen, slamming the tray down harder than necessary.

"Whoa," my co-worker muttered. "What the hell happened?"

"Nothing," I said, brushing past her. "Absolutely nothing happened."

I hate him...

I hate him so much that I wish he'd drop dead any second. 

************************************

Later That Night – On the Upper Deck

I couldn't sleep, how could I? The chef had let me off early, probably to avoid another scene. Everyone kept glancing at me like I had just kicked a royal family member in the balls.

I needed air.

The yacht was quiet now, most guests probably tucked in silk sheets or drinking themselves stupid in the lounge. I crept up to the upper deck, hugging my hoodie tighter against the salty breeze.

I exhaled. For the first time since I got on this cursed ship, I felt like I could breathe.

Until I saw him.

Liam.

Standing at the edge of the deck, looking out at the water, his hands tucked into his trouser pockets like he hadn't just grabbed me and humiliated me an hour ago.

I turned on instinct, planning to sneak back inside, but his voice cut through the dark like a blade.

"You always run."

I froze.

He didn't look at me. "It's interesting. You bite hard, but you never stay to see if you draw blood."

"I didn't know this was a zoo exhibit," I said, keeping my back to him. "Forgive me for assuming I was allowed to walk freely."

"Careful," he warned, "too much defiance can make things... difficult for you."

I laughed with a bitter tone," Like they are any easier right now," I responded, rolling my eyes.

He walked up to me, and I took a step back instinctively, "You chose not to. If I'm correct, you're the only one who has issues with me, everyone else loves me."

For some reason, his statement sounded funny. I burst out in rolls of laughter," Love you?" I said laughing harder as I crashed into the railing of the yacht.

Before I could say anything else, I heard a metallic creak.

I glanced down.

The railing beside me shook, just slightly, but enough.

Lame noticed it too. "WAIT..."

But the words came too late.

SNAP.

The railing broke clean off, the world tilting beneath me.

I screamed as the sea rushed up to meet me.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhh..."