The Most Explosive Novel Since Fifty Shades of Grey

by BY LENA   Jan 17, 2023

In “The Shy Beauty and the Billionaire Beast” by Irtania Adrien, an unexpected accident thrusts a humble waitress into the glitzy world of a Jersey billionaire, igniting a passionate, yet complicated, relationship. This captivating love story has resonated with readers, captivating hearts worldwide and asserting its place as a popular choice among romance enthusiasts.

Episode 1 “When you wish…”

*Third Person’s pnt. Of view*

“Order up for table 3!”
“Good afternoon, my name is Lisa, and I will be your waitress for this afternoon!”
“Pick-up order 319!”
“Waitress needed on table 5!”
“Order up for table 7!”

That was just a taste of rush hour at Luigi’s, one of the most popular cafés in New Jersey.

Given that it was summer vacation, the place was packed with families, and teenagers looking to get a quick bite to eat.

Working long shifts at Luigi’s didn’t seem long at all in summer. Being on your feet from the moment you walk through that door, till it was time to call it a night.

Luigi’s keeps up a pretty stable group of lower- and middle-class customers, and every once in a blue moon, a celebrity would pop in, but nothing too eventful.

It was always the same old nine to five.

*Ana’s pnt Of view*

“Hey Harry, how’s the old man in you doing today?” I greeted one of our veterans with a smile.
“Same old Ana.” He chuckled.
“Let me guess, you’ll have the usual?” I replied with a slight chuckle.
“Did you even have to ask?” He replied, then with one last smile, I turned to go place in his order.

I was standing at the cashier, when five gentlemen made their way into the café, and everything went quiet.

Tony, our manager, noticed the change in atmosphere, and looked up from his position behind the counter, to see what was happening.

The gentlemen, walked straight for a table, the furthest from the crowd, and sat down without a word.

Tony cleared his throat, and signaled for everyone to get back to work.

I looked over at the gentlemen, and my eyes were instantly met with two pairs of dark blue eyes, and the minute our eyes met I looked away.

I placed in Harry’s order, just as Tony made his way over to the gentlemen.

As I moved around the café, cleaning tables, and taking orders, the men only ordered drinks, they spoke quietly among themselves for a while, then got up and left, leaving a hundred dollar bill to cover their expenses.

The minute they walked out the door, the lively aura returned, and soon enough, those strange gentlemen were forgotten.

Time galloped away, and eventually, Lisa and I were walking out of Luigi’s.

“Hey, the guys and I are going out for a few drinks, wanna join us?” Offered Lisa.
I smiled, but kindly declined “No, I’m okay thank you.”
“Oh come on Ana, eventually you’re going to have to step out of your shell, and actually socialize with other people.” Groaned Lisa.
“I do socialize with other people.” I quickly defended myself.
“Okay, saying rehearsed lines to customers everyday is not socializing, nor is screaming at the characters on your television screen. Seriously Ana, you’re a beautiful girl. You know, Jose has a crush on you, but every time he tries to talk to you, you run away. You have to stop being so shy, and strange.” Spoke Lisa.
“I hear you, trust me, I do, and I’ll try, just not tonight okay? I’m tired.” I replied, feeling kind of down.
“Alright. Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow okay?” Said Lisa, as she placed a kiss on my cheek, then she turned and left.

The minute she was gone, I sighed and headed for my car, she was right, I needed to stop being so shy.

If only there was a way to get over my shyness, become confident and bold. If only I could find the balls to walk around with my head high, flirt with this guy, and finally accept a date.

Oh I only wish.

With a shake of my head, and slight chuckle, I started my car and headed home, for a comfortable night of hot chocolate, and late-night comedy shows.

The next day, I headed to work bright and early, ready to see what the day had in store for me. It was a normal day, filled with regulars, and generous tips. I was having a conversation with Harry when once again the gentlemen from the day before made their way into the café, except this time their group was down to three. It once again ran quiet, as they made their way to the furthest table.

I excused myself from my previous conversation, and made my way to Tony, who signaled me over.

Once I reached him, he smiled and said, “Hey, you mind taking their orders for me, I have a few arrangements to take care of.”
“Oh, no, Tony, no, you know  I’m comfortable with regulars, I don’t know these people, and you’re sending me to take their orders?” I asked suddenly freaking out.
“You’ll be fine, just introduce yourself, like you’ve done a million times, and ask if they would like anything.” Advised Tony.
“So you’re sending me to make a fool of myself?” I asked, feeling my face heat up.
“Do this for me, and a fresh batch of oatmeal raisin cookies will be waiting for you at the end of the day.” He simply replied with a smile.
“Oh you are a bad person. You don’t play fair.” I huffed as I pulled out my mini notepad.
“Make me proud.” And with that he slightly shoved me in the direction of their table.

I took a deep breath and started my way towards their table.

The second I arrived, the owner of the dark blue eyes looked up at me. His face cold, unfriendly.

I gulped as I felt my shyness take over, my face felt hot, and my mouth felt dry.

I cleared my throat and opened my mouth, “h-hello. My n-name is Analeina, and I- I will be your waitress this afternoon. May I um ask what you would li-like to drink?” I had to stop myself from closing my eyes, and making a grimace at my stutter.
“Awww Jaxon come on man, you’re making the poor girl nervous.” Spoke a blonde man with a friendly smile.
“Hi sweetheart, I’m Stewart, I’ll have an Ice tea, this bald eagle over here,” he said pointing to a large scary man, “will have a corona, and this ice king,” he said pointing to the dark haired beauty, who’s eyes have yet to leave my face “will have a Seagrams escape.”
With a simple nod, I turned on my heels and left.

I didn’t breathe until I made it to the cashier, where Lisa met up with me, and patted my back, “you okay there baby girl?” She asked, and I slowly nodded after I got my breathing under control.

“Hey waitress!” Came a voice from across the café, and when I turned, it was the same blonde beckoning me over, I huffed and made my way to him, trying to fix a smile on my face.
“I apologize sweetheart, remind me your name again please?” He said with a smile.
“Analeina, or Ana for short.” I answered, still trying to keep my nerves at ease.
“Ana, pretty name. I’m sorry but it seems there was a mistake, pretty boy here would like a coffee, no cream, no sugar, instead of the Seagrams.” He explained, and I could feel his cold gaze on my face, but I refused to acknowledge him.

With a simple nod, I turned and left.

By the time their drinks were ready, I managed to build up enough courage to go back and deliver their drinks.

Everything was going well, I placed the corona for the bald eagle, I handed the friendly blonde his ice tea, then, all I had to do was place the hot coffee in front of the ice king.

Easier said than done.

My clumsy knee knocked onto his chair, and my already shaky hand spilled coffee all over his shirt.

I gasped as his head snapped up to look at me, his eyes cold and angry, and I already knew… I screwed up big time.

Episode 2 “Deal with a beast”

*Ana’s pnt of view*

I gasped, and frantically reached for the napkin box on the table, as I tried to dry away the coffee that soiled his clothes. The stain grew larger, and the liquid was scolding hot on the napkin, yet the man hardly flinched.

“I am so sorry. I- I d-didn’t. I’m sorry..” I muttered, my hands shaking.

His hand suddenly shot out, and grabbed onto my hand, he stood up, towering a good few feet above my height. Looking up at his deadly glare made me feel so inferior. My heart was racing, and my breathing felt limited.

“Jaxon, dude just let it go, let her go.” Said Stewart, all smiles disappeared.

The man, Jaxon, kept his eyes on me, and he only said one thing. He turned me to face the door, then ordered “walk.” But my feet were frozen.
“Gentlemen is everything alright?” Came Tony as he approached us carefully.

I silently begged him with my eyes to help me out.

“Nothing to see here, just mind your damn business.” Said Stewart, with a warning tone.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t allow you to harm one of my employees.” Said Tony as he took a step forward,  but he was suddenly stopped in his tracks, when the large bald man, made a move to his waist, causing the handle of a gun to come into view.

Tony cleared his throat, and took a step back realizing the seriousness of the situation, “Now,” smiled Stewart, “everyone please get back to your afternoon, we will be departing.” Said Stewart, as he began making his way towards the door.

I was suddenly shoved by the bald man, and was forced to walk to the door.

“And where do you think you’re taking her?” Spoke Lisa, as she stood in front of the door, between Stewart and I.
“Sweetheart,” sighed Stewart as he turned her around, “you’re a pretty girl, and I really wouldn’t want to do any permanent damage to such pretty face, so I suggest you go wait on a customer, and let us go about our day.” His smile no longer friendly.
“Sure, you gentlemen can step right out of that door, but you’re not taking Ana with you.” Declared Lisa.

I loved my best friend, but she was such an idiot sometimes.

I mean they had guns for heaven’s sake!

It all happened so quick.

Stewart’s motions were so fluid, it wasn’t until he had his arm wrapped around her neck, with her back to his chest, and a knife to her throat, that I caught up to what happened.

“Now now, Honey, I really don’t think you’re in a position to make any choices here, it seems that the boss has made up his mind about how to deal with your friend, and we don’t want any trouble, so be a good girl, and let us go in peace.” Cooed Stewart, as my eyes began to water.

I made a move to free Lisa, but I was suddenly pulled back by an iron grip, then shoved out the door.

The second we stepped out, a limo with dark tinted windows pulled up, I was pushed inside none-too-kindly and when I  turned, Lisa was pushed into Tony’ s arms, as Stewart and the bald guy made their way out.

“LISA!” I yelled, as the bald guy closed the Limo door.
“ANA!” Yelled Lisa as she tried to get out of Tony’s grip.

The limo sped off, as Stewart and the bald guy followed closely behind in another car.

I quickly turned from the window, aware of the dark figure that sat facing me.

His eyes were gazing down at me, and I could feel my fear of him growing.

“You owe me.” He simply stated in a calm tone.
“O-owe you what?” I asked, trying to call myself.
“This was a very expensive shirt.” He explained casually, as he began removing his vest.
“B-by the looks of it, I- I think you can af-f-fford another one.” I stuttered out before I could catch myself.

He narrowed his eyes at me, as if silently scolding me, but then smirked.

“You’re right, I can. But see, you still have to pay me back, I can’t take pity on you just because of a shirt, or else, my reputation could be tainted.” He explained, as he began to unbutton his shirt.
“W-what are you doing? What d-do you want?” My stuttering voice spoke out, as his delectable upper body came into view.
“I want you to pay me back, for what you did.” He simply stated, as he fully removed his shirt, leaving him completely shirtless and vulnerable to the naked eye.

He made a move towards me, and my blood ran cold.

No.

Not this.

Not like this.

“I am not going to sleep with you!” I declared faintly, as I noticed his eyes taking me in.

He seemed taken aback by my outburst for a second, before he broke into laughter. The laugh sounded more teasing than  amused, as he said “oh Angel, don’t flatter yourself. You’re not my type. Nevertheless, you’re going to have to pay me back.” He said, as he reached to a compartment next to me, and pulled out another shirt.

I sighed in relief, as I placed some distance between us.
“Okay, n-name your price and give m-me a time limit. I’ll get your money.” I said, trying to calm my stutter.
“$5000, 3 months.” He spoke, his tone flat and final.

And my mouth ran dry.

“Wha- you’re kidding me right? You’re speaking as if I have that kind of money lying around!” I exclaimed, my shyness turning to shock.

With the way I’m living there’s no way, I’d be able to get that kind of money.

“I- I’m going to need more time.” I tried to reason.
“No.”
“My job doesn’t pay me enough for that.” I tried to explain.
“Then get another job” he said with a shrug.
“In three months? Oh like it’s that easy.” I sighed, my panic swallowing my stutter and shyness.
“It could be.” He simply stated, shrugging his shoulders.
“What are you getting at?” I wondered suspiciously.
“Well you’re in luck, because I am in need of a secretary. 3 months, you work off your debt, then, you’re good to go.” He said so casually.
“You’re crazy. This is ridiculous. All of this drama over a ruined shirt?” I began to go on a nervous rant.
“Its either that, or I take you here and now.” He said without a hint of teasing in his voice.
“Take me where?” I asked, and he raised an eyebrow, and that’s when it registered in my mind, “Oh, no, no, definitely not! What do you want?” I said exasperated, and a bit afraid.
“Either accept my deal, or I f*** you here and now, and we can both move on with our lives.” He stated all business like.
“What about my job at Luigi’s?” I asked, already considering his deal.
“Quit.” Was all he ordered.

I sighed, shaking my head and looking away.

This was not happening to me. All this over spilled coffee?

“I don’t like to be waiting hun, what is your choice?” He rushed.

I sighed and shrugged then I said “fine. When do I begin?”

Episode 3 “The Beast’s Castle”

This was not happening to me. All this over spilt coffee?
“I don’t like to be waiting hun, what is your choice?” He rushed.
I sighed and shrugged then I said “fine. When do I begin?”

*Ana’s pnt of view*

I found it really hard for me to relax throughout the entire time I was in the limo, so much that my legs wouldn’t stop shaking, and in turn, the fabric of my uniform rubbed and made a very soft yet annoying sound.

“Would you just stop that? It’s annoying, I can’t even hear myself think.” Groaned Jaxon.
“I’m sorry.” I said softly, while I tried to control my trembling knees.
“Why are you so nervous anyway? You scared of me or something?” He asked, his dark eyes staring straight to my soul.

The way his glare fixated on me made my throat feel dry, and my heart speed up. He was intimidating, and didn’t he know it.

I felt myself shiver, and I looked away as I said “No.”
He simply mumbled a “mmh” then it went quiet.

Then out of nowhere he stood from his side, and planted himself next to me, on instinct I tried to move, but when he placed his hand on mine, I knew moving away would be a mistake.

I tried to look away from him, but he placed his finger underneath my chin, and directed my eyes to his face. He slowly caressed my face, as he leaned in, he ran his thumb across my bottom lip, and I found myself drawing in a shaky breath. He brought his lips to my neck and I slightly jumped with a gasp. He chuckled at my reaction, and I felt his chest rumble against my arm. I closed my eyes, but when I felt his hand travel to my knee, causing me to quickly snap them open.

He looked me in the eye, then made it as though he was going to kiss me, and I found myself drawn to his seductive approach.

When my lips were just centimeters from touching his, he whispered “think to lie to me again princess and I will hurt you.” Then he shoved me and went back to his seat.

His game and rejection suddenly made me feel so weak and cheap, I felt like crying. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t waste a second on me… I wasn’t even his type. Not that I liked him either, but men and I never seem to connect, it was the first time I was touched so tenderly, and caressed so softly. Nevertheless, I tried to shake off the sad air that sat around me, I shouldn’t fret over this man, he’s making me work my pay over a shirt. It was stupid to be honest. I kept my eyes downcast for the rest of the ride, and I did everything in my power to keep his attention away from me.

The Limo drove through the city, then ventured into the more “high class” neighborhoods. Huge mansions bordered the large streets on both sides. Manicured lawns, and expensive cars decorated the neighborhoods. As we drove on the mansions became more spaced out, with mini forests in between each home, until eventually, we pulled up to a very secluded mansion.

It was humongous.

A castle.

Someone must’ve unscrewed my jaw, because it hit the floor in shock.

“Come on, I don’t have all day.” He said, as he shoved me towards the opened car door.

I followed dizzily after him, as my eyes jumped from one sight to another. Acres of land surrounded the entire foundation. Flower beds crowned the house, as well as the statues and waterfalls that were placed all over the house. The mansion itself stood tall, glamorous, and as intimidating as it’s owner.

It was overwhelming.

Once we stepped inside, I had to force myself to keep from gasping out loud. The inside décor was worth more than any amount I’ve spent my entire life. The interior was kept clean, neat, and very bright, credit to the large windows that occupied the walls of the building. He kept his colors light, such as a white and blue family room, white and gold dining room, white and red living room, and a brown staircase, with white borders.

He walked into his home as if he was so over everything in there, yet here I was waddling behind him, my eyes wide in shock and wonder.

“If you’re done gawking, I suggest you follow me to my office, so we can get down to business.” He said in a straight tone, snapping me out of my daze.

I followed behind him quietly, to his office that was located on the first floor. He opened the door and walked himself in, without any courtesy for me. Once we stepped into his study, and he went straight behind his desk, and sat down. I followed his actions and sat down on one of the chairs facing him. The minute I sat down, the door closed behind me, I turned sharply to find both Stewart and the bald eagle standing on each side of the door, with their hands clasped in front of them. The bald eagle was just scary, but when I my eyes shifted to Stewart, he smiled, and sent a wink my way, but I found it hard to trust his smile, given that I was basically kidnapped by them.

I turned back around to find Jaxon’s eyes on me, with his arms crossed.

We were quiet for a moment, with Jaxon’s eyes fixated on me, while my eyes bounced around in the room, looking anywhere but at him.

“So here is how this is going to go down. You will spend the next three months here as my secretary, you will do anything I ask of you, no questions asked. You will also be staying here, I made sure to have my people arrange a room for you as we speak. You’ll be provided with anything you need, and if you are to leave this house, you will have an escort with you. Is that clear?” He asked simply, and I looked at him with my eyes blank.

Was he serious?

“Um… wh-why can’t I g-go home?” I asked meekly, my palms becoming sweaty.
“Because, you might skip town.” He said calmly.
“Are you serious?” I asked him with a scoff, but he refused to answer.
“Do you have any questions?” He asked all business like.
“Should you really be asking that?” I sassed my anger taking over my shyness.
“Okay sweetheart, for one calm the attitude, I’m not going to have you disrespect me. Trust me when I tell you that I will hurt you if you push me. Now, do you have any questions?”

I drew in a shaky breath, and I looked down, trying to build my strength, then, I looked at him and said “I am not going to sleep with you.”

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