38| SMALL TALK

LILIYA

"You're such a tyrant." My words were muffled as a result of the amount of food in my mouth.

Dice had gone ahead to order for me. Cream pasta, sandwiches, all my favorites. I refused to welcome the giddy feeling that came with the fact that he still remembered. I was done getting my hopes up with this man.

"Swallow, and afterwards, you can pretend you do not like your meal." He chided. My cheeks turned crimson.

"Whatever." I murmured, but I'd finished swallowing now.

After a long pause, Dice spoke out of nowhere, "You look so fucking gorgeous tonight, princess."

I almost choked on my champagne.

Dice frowned, watching me grab my towel and immediately cover my mouth while coughing.

"Do I really not compliment you that much? You looked like you were about to have a seizure." I could tell he was hurt by my reaction, his facial expression had closed on me again. There was nothing to see now, he had his walls back up.

"You do not really compliment me at all, Dice. Of course, I was