DINNER WITH THE DEVILS

Lena’s POV 

Adrian had already reminded me of the dinner and emphasized on the dress we shopped. He wanted me to wear that one. Perhaps he found that one the most sexy and easy to get through.

I tidied up as quick as I could, because I didn’t want to keep him waiting.

My phone vibrated. It was Adrian’s text. “Come out, I’m outside already.” I quickly picked up my bags and headed out to the car.

The car ride to the his family mansion felt like forever, longer than it should have.

I kept smoothing the emerald green dress over my thighs, trying to calm my nerves. Adrian sat beside me, one hand possessively resting on my leg, his thumb tracing slow circles. He hadn’t said much since we left my apartment, but I could feel the tension in him.

When we finally pulled up to the grand estate, I tried not to stare too obviously. The mansion was magnificent — sprawling, elegant, and clearly built to impress. Adrian helped me out of the car and placed a steadying hand on my lower back as we walked inside.

“Relax,” he murmured close to my ear. “Just be yourself. They’ll love you.”

The moment we stepped into the elegant dining room, his mother, Evelyn, rose from her seat with a bright, genuine smile.

“Oh, Lena! You’re even lovelier in person,” she said warmly, pulling me into a gentle hug. Her embrace felt surprisingly kind and motherly. “I’m Evelyn. It’s so wonderful to finally meet the girl who’s been stealing my son’s attention.”

I smiled, feeling some of my nerves ease, finally what I needed. “Thank you so much. It’s an honor to meet you.”

At the head of the long table sat Richard — Adrian’s father. He was an older, more refined version of Adrian: tall, distinguished, with silver threading through his dark hair and sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. He gave me a slow, measured smile.

“Welcome, Lena,” he said, his voice smooth and deep. “We’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

To the left of Richard sat Damien, Adrian’s older brother. He looked around 28, with a strong build and a quiet, commanding presence. He offered me a polite nod and a small smile.

On the other side was Julian, who looked closer to my age — maybe 22 or 23. He had a more playful, effortless charm, with tousled dark hair and a warm grin that made him instantly likable.

We all settled around the table. 

The conversation started light and natural. Evelyn asked about my studies and Cleo, genuinely interested. Julian was easy to talk to — he asked about my favorite subjects and even joked about how Adrian used to be terrible at football when they were younger. Damien was quieter, but when he spoke, his words were thoughtful and measured.

I found myself relaxing a little, even laughing at one of Julian’s stories. But I couldn’t ignore how attractive both brothers were in their own ways — Damien with his quiet intensity, Julian with his bright charm. I quickly pushed the thought away, focusing instead on Adrian’s hand resting firmly on my thigh under the table.

Richard mostly observed, but every time I spoke, I felt his attention on me.

After dessert, as we were preparing to leave, Richard stood up gracefully.

“Lena, may I have a quick word with you before you go?” he asked politely.

My heart skipped for a minute because I wasn’t expecting that but I followed Richard down a quiet hallway lined with family portraits.

He stopped near a large window overlooking the gardens and turned to face me. Up close, his presence was even more commanding.

“You’re different from the girls Adrian usually surrounds himself with,” he said softly, his eyes studying my face. “You have a quiet strength about you. It’s refreshing.”

I swallowed, feeling my cheeks warm. “Thank you, Mr. Vanguard.”

He smiled, stepping just a little closer. “If you ever need anything — advice, support, or simply someone to talk to — don’t hesitate to reach out. Adrian is still learning how to properly care for someone like you.”

His words carried a subtle weight I couldn’t quite place. His hand lightly brushed my arm as he spoke, sending an unexpected shiver through me.

Before I could respond, Adrian appeared at the end of the hallway, watching us.

Richard smiled smoothly. “Take care of her, son.”

On the drive home, Adrian’s hand stayed tight on my thigh. I couldn’t stop thinking about Richard’s words… and the strange flutter they had caused in my chest.