Chapter 4 - Dinner

The door groaned open and I slipped into the hall.

The house was quiet, as expected. The marble floor was long with shadows. It gleamed like a spotlight above, like it was taunting me.

The hallway was infinite, adorned with fine artwork and polished wood.

“Leaving so soon?”

I almost jumped out of my skin at the unexpected voice.

A man was standing by the stairway wall. Early thirties, solid as a wall, in tailored black; must be the trending look. One of his hands was lodged casually inside his pocket while the other was relaxed near the gun at his side.

His boring, flat eyes skimmed over me like I was nothing to him.

“I was… just looking around.” I said while straightening my spine. Hoping I looked as confident as I thought I sounded

“Of course

"However, the boss would rather you stay for dinner."

He spoke in a respectful tone

I was about to argue when a voice, as smooth as silk and as sharp as a blade, interrupted.

"My curious kitten, ."

Halfway down the stairs, Luca stood with his jacket gone, his shirt sleeves rolled up, and tattoos that seemed to belong, on his forearm.

"Are you already exploring?"

"I am not a kitten!! and I certainly, most definitely am. not. yours!

He did not smile.

"We should feed you, before you lose your nerve. If you haven't already"

"Come, let's have dinner”

His voice firm. Leaving no room for any argument.

A girl could try though. Right?

“Not hungry, go away”. I said as I made to return to my room.

“Not optional”. He said.

He stood there, calmly, waiting.

I considered slamming the door in his face but my stomach growled loudly. The traitor.

His lips twitched with the makings of a smile. Of course he heard it.

“Let’s go" he said. Already turning and walking away

Luca went confidently through the mansion, as if he owned the entire earth itself.

I followed, my steps stiff and my thoughts racing.

The other guards we passed hardly acknowledged me. They all had blank eyes and unreadable expressions. However, I could feel the weight of their attention after we passed.

I couldn't help but look around as we went by. Every inch of this house was designed to intimidate, from the velvet curtains to the hard marble beneath your feet.

The dining room looked like it was taken straight out of a magazine. The kind that made ordinary people feel destitute simply by looking through the pages.

Tall windows with heavy velvet curtains broke up the muted, pricey cream walls. The soft golden light was caught and spread throughout the room by the chandelier above, which glistened like a thousand tiny threats.

The center was dominated by a huge table that could comfortably seat twenty people or the entire royal family.

Tonight, only two spots were reserved. But the table didn't seem like it was prepared for two.

It was prepared for a feast.

Under the dim, golden light, silver platters shone, their polished lids lifted to reveal a spread so extravagant it was almost obscene.

Seared steaks lay next to roasted lamb, the meat sliced into clean, almost gleaming pieces. In case it wasn't already clear that money touched everything in this place, thick, buttery mashed potatoes were heaped high in a porcelain bowl and topped with fresh herbs.

Beside a tower of freshly baked bread were imported cheeses, including wheels of something I couldn't even identify but knew cost more than my rent, soft brie, and sharp aged cheddar.

Three types of pasta in bowls, their sauces glossy and rich, entangled with delicate herbs and seafood.

There were bottles of wine ready, deep red and glistening white. Adjacent to them, crystal glasses gleamed, each one capturing the light like tiny sensual weapons.

It was ostentatious.

And I was to attend the performance as an unwelcome guest.

Luca was sat at the head of the table, ever so graceful. Like the king of the castle. Rightfully so.

I hovered by the door unwilling to be in the same space with him. “I’ll eat in my room”

“No you won’t”. He was quick to retort and his tone left no room for debate

I sat mostly because my legs suddenly felt weak. Not just from fear.

There was something else. Simmering low in my stomach. The way his voice commanded the room, as well as the keen vicious edge in his eyes, sent shivers down my spine.

I hated it. I hated him.

But a part of me, the dark foolish part, wondered what it would feel like to submit to that kind of control in other ways. It was a stupid and dangerous thought, yes but it was real.

The food looked insanely tempting. But I could only pick at it, barely tasting anything.

Luca's eyes kept flicking to me between bites. Watching, calculating.

He finally spoke. “You’re quiet”

“Plotting” I answered while stabbing a piece of bread.

A rough amused sound rumbled from him

“Good”

The silence stretched on.

I set my fork down and leaned in. Eyes sharp as I said “If you think for one minute that because you’ve managed to trap me here, I’ll fall in line then you're sorely mistaken. Think again”

His gaze heated. A dangerous spark growing “I don’t want your obedience Ciara. I want you exactly like this”

The words hit low and hard. The heat i previously felt in my stomach returning with a vengeance. I felt a blush growing on my face.

I quickly stood. chair scraping back “I'm done”

“You haven’t finished eating”

“I’m not hungry”

I stormed off ignoring the sound of his quiet chuckle behind me.

I sprinted back up the stairs, taking them two at a time, heart racing, mind spinning.

At the top of the stairs, I stopped. Struggling to catch my breath.

Despite my best efforts to remain calm, my hands were trembling. At least I had gotten away from him, for now.

Dinner with the Devil, that's what it was.

A performance, caution and a challenge all rolled into one

I shut the bedroom door tightly. Twisting the lock, but it probably wouldn't stop him if he wanted in.

The food sat heavily in my stomach. Maybe it was simply fear.

Feeling frustrated, I plopped on the bed and battled the confusion I felt about the heat coiled low in my belly when he stared at me that way.

This wasn’t just dinner, It was a warning.

A game.

And it had only just begun.