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‘No,’ I said firmly. ‘So if there’s nothing else that I can do to help you and Giles to bond as a couple, then I must finish preparing for the induction.’

Her face turned to thunder. I knew she was not happy that I had turned her down, but I was not about to jeopardise my job for a guest.

Especially when I was already treading on thin ice.

* * *

After the induction was finished, I walked down to the beach. Sinking my feet in the soft white sand and watching the crystal-clear waters always calmed me. If I had time later, I would love to go for a swim in the sea. It was one of my favourite things to do.

Just as I was about to continue further down the shore, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my boss, Victoria. She wanted to see me.

Something told me this would not be good.

I knocked on the door.

‘Come in. Sit,’ Victoria said, pushing her black-rimmed glasses further up the bridge of her nose and running a hand through her short dark hair.

‘You wanted to see me?’ I asked.

‘Yes. We’ve had a complaint.’

‘From who?’

‘Giles Ashcroft. Said you’ve been flirting with his match, Cindy.’

I squeezed my eyes shut with frustration. I knew this would happen.

‘That is not true.’ I shook my head. ‘Shewas flirting withme. She touched my arm.Twice. I told her that I was not interested and my job was to bring her and Giles together.’

Victoria rested her finger on her chin and paused, considering her response.

‘I want to believe you, Romeo, but it isn’t the first time we’ve had a complaint like this. Last month that guest Rochelle’s partner also said you were being flirtatious. And then there was the incident with Harriet…’

‘You know what happened with that.’ I ground my jaw. ‘That was not my fault.’

‘All I’m saying is that this puts me in a difficult position. I want to support you. You are an excellent Love Alchemist.’

‘Grazie.’

‘But ensuring our guests’ satisfaction is paramount. I can’t exactly call Giles a liar or tell him that his match is a shameless flirt. Honestly, who gets matched with their Mr Right and then starts trying it on with someone else?’

‘It is frustrating,’ I said diplomatically.

‘Management have relaxed the rules about single employees dating, but the rules about getting involved with guests are still very clear. It’s an absolute no-go. It doesn’t look good if guests pay to come to the hotel to be set up with their match and then one of the staff steals them away. This kind of thing causes guests to start ranting online, demanding refunds, and slagging off the hotel. We have to make it clear that our only focus is our guests’ happiness. They need to know that this isn’t a pick-up joint for our Romance Rockstars.’

Romance Rockstarswas the hotel’s name for its staff. Everyone who worked here had unconventional job titles. Victoria was a ‘Love Empress’ who was the person in charge of all of the Love Alchemists like me, who were basically guest relations managers who helped to bring the couples together.

‘I take my job very seriously. I would never get involved with a guest. If they become overfamiliar, I always try to be polite, but firm. Giles saw her flirting and misunderstood.’

‘Okay. I’ll speak to them. And if she makes you uncomfortable again, let me know. Your safety is also important. You don’t come to work to get harassed. But please be careful. I defended you before, but if you have another incident like that, I can’t promise your job will be safe. Are we clear?’

‘Understood.’ I blew out a frustrated breath.

I knew she was in a difficult position and like Victoria, I did not understand why guests would invest time and money coming here to find their perfect match then risk it all by flirting with me.

What did they expect? That I would jeopardise my job at one of the most prestigious hotels in Italy for a quick fuck? It was not worth it.

I enjoyed playing a role in the guests’ happiness, but flings or relationships were not for me. Especially not right now.