CHAPTER EIGHT

AMARA’S POV****

I arrived at the restaurant. It was huge, beautiful and quiet. People spoke in low voices, like they were in a library. It looked expensive. Expensive people, expensive dresses. And here I was. But I certainly wasn't going to talk down on myself. I looked beautiful too. I wore a red gown with a slit, thin straps, V- neck, showing just a little cleavage. 

I look good. If they can come here, I can too. After the affirmations, I walked in, head held high. Jack had already texted me where we'd be sitting. I walked up to the table. He stood to acknowledge me and drew the seat out for me to sit.

“Thank you.” I said.

“You're welcome.” He sat and gasped. Staring at me intensely.

“Hope I didn't keep you waiting so long,” I asked.

“Not at all. If it means I get to see this rare beauty, I don't mind waiting my whole life.” he whispered.

“Really, you have your way with words” I said, giggling.

“I'm not flattering you, you look… breathtaking, gorgeous. I'm at loss for words.” He said, suddenly so serious that it made me nervous in a good way.

“Umm…thank you. You look good.” 

He winked. “I picked out the best restaurant for you. I hope you like it.”

“I love it. It's beautiful.”

He waved at the waiter, who came with the menu and a notepad, ready to take our order.

“What would you like, sir?” The waiter asked.

“What would you like, Amara?” Jack asked me.

“I'd take red wine.” I answered, not really sure what to order.

“Is that all? Amara, feel free to order anything. You know I'm capable of getting even the stars for you.” he smiled.

Jack has always been one to flirt. He made me feel at ease.

“Alright. I'll get whatever you order.” I said.

He turned to the waiter. “ The finest red wine you have,” he said. “Something smooth.”

He looked at me. “Do you eat steak?”

“Sometimes.”

He nodded. “Then two ribeyes. Medium rare.”

Then the waiter left. Jack turned to me. Staring and smiling.

“So,” Jack said, resting his elbow on the table, “tell me something about you. Something that has nothing to do with work.”

I laughed softly. “That's harder than it sounds.”

“Good,” he smiled. “I like a challenge.”

“There's nothing special about me or my life, Jack.” I smiled.

“That's not true, you just have to think.” he said.

Luckily, the waiter returned with our food shortly after. I just needed one night away from my life. 

The steak was tender, the wine smooth. We talked about small things— music, places he'd travelled, random jokes that made me laugh more than I expected. For a moment, I forgot about everything else. The club. Bills. Life.

Jack said something ridiculous, so unserious that it caught me off guard.

I laughed. Properly laughed. The kind that slips out before you can stop it.

“You're terrible,” I said. Shaking my head as I tucked my hair behind my ear. He grinned, clearly pleased with himself.

I lifted my head— 

Then I saw him. Dorian.

Sitting across the room with the same friend from the club. He was staring hard at me.

Why is he here? Did he follow me here?

Don't be delusional, Amara. I mentally scolded myself. I was panicking.

Jack's face changed. His eyes narrowing slightly in confusion.

“Amara, what's the problem,” he asked. “You look nervous. Did I say something wrong?”

He frowned slightly, tilting his head, clearly puzzled by the sudden change in my mood.

“Oh no, Jack,” I said, trying to steady my emotions. “Not at all. I'm fine.”

“So you were saying,” I smiled. Trying to distract myself from Dorian’s presence.

I tried to focus on him, forcing my attention back. Jack continued talking but I'd zoned out. Dorian's stare felt heavy, intense.

 I looked at him again. He was still staring at me.

I locked eyes with him. I could see his expression turning into anger, probably jealousy. I tore my gaze from his. I could melt under his gaze. I couldn't understand what I was feeling, only that it was because of him.

Dorian's friend kept waving to him, trying to get his attention but he ignored it. Rather he kept his gaze on me. His friend turned back to see what caught his attention. He smiled when he saw me. He waved at me. 

I tore my gaze away, turning back to Jack, nodding along to hys words.

I couldn't take it anymore. I excused myself to the bathroom to breathe. Jack looked worried but I assured him that I'm good. 

By the time I returned, Dorian was gone. The chair was empty. His friend was not there too. I felt sad. I couldn't help but wonder why they left.

The rest of the date passed in blur, my mind racing with thoughts of him, and the fire his stare left behind. Jack offered to take me home, seeing I wasn't in a good mood anymore and I agreed. 

Dorian was doing things to me I couldn't name. With Jack it is comfort. With Dorian… it is different– intoxicating.