CHAPTER 25 – DINNER, FLIRTATION, AND DRAMA
The city's evening glow reflected off the restaurant's large glass windows as I walked in, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor. Candlelight flickered on every table, casting a golden glow over diners chatting quietly, couples laughing softly, and waiters gliding seamlessly between tables. My chest tightened with nerves, the remnants of the morning's thoughts about Dante still lingering, even as I focused on Adrian.
Adrian was already there, waiting in a corner booth near the window, a glass of water in his hand, eyes lighting up the moment he saw me. His suit was perfectly tailored, the subtle shimmer of cufflinks catching the soft light, and the gentle curve of his smile made my stomach flutter.
"Good evening," he said smoothly, standing as I approached. His hand extended courteously, and I found myself momentarily frozen, my thoughts scattered. "You look… stunning tonight."
I felt a blush creep over my cheeks. "Th-thank you, Adrian," I stammered, taking his hand briefly. My pulse raced. Even after all our interactions at the office, seeing him in this setting—so confident, so polished—made my heart skip a beat.
Adrian guided me to the booth, pulling the chair out for me with a gentlemanly flourish that I couldn't help but notice. "After you," he said, his tone teasing just enough to make me giggle. I lowered myself into the seat, secretly thrilled by the careful attention.
As we settled in, the waiter approached with menus, but Adrian waved him off with a warm smile. "I think we can trust each other to pick the best dishes," he said, his gaze lingering on me in a way that made my cheeks heat. "And besides, I have something more important to discuss than food."
I raised an eyebrow, pretending to look intrigued, but my heart raced. "Oh? And what would that be?"
He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice to a teasing murmur. "Us. Tonight. I want this to feel… special. Like our first date."
I nearly choked on my water. My mind froze for a moment, heart skipping uncontrollably. First date? I had never expected him to phrase it that way—so deliberate, so bold, yet undeniably charming. I shifted in my seat, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "F-first date?" I echoed, awkwardly, a soft giggle escaping despite myself.
"Yes," he said confidently, a small, teasing grin tugging at his lips. "I think it suits the evening. Just the two of us. Conversation, laughter… maybe a little flirting, if you're willing."
I felt heat rise to my face, and I laughed softly, unable to hide it. "Flirting? You mean… like…?"
"Exactly like that," he said smoothly, leaning back and giving me a playful wink. "And I'll be the perfect gentleman while doing it, of course."
The rest of the dinner was a delicate dance of conversation, subtle touches, and playful banter. Adrian was attentive in every possible way—pouring my wine, making sure my seat was comfortable, listening intently to every word I said. But he also teased, pushed me just enough to make me blush and giggle, and carried the kind of charm that left me a little flustered.
At one point, he reached across the table to lightly brush my hand. I quickly pulled it back, though a tiny thrill ran through me. "Adrian!" I whispered, half-laughing, half-scolding.
He smiled knowingly, eyes sparkling. "Can't help it, Auri. You're… fascinating. And I intend to show you that tonight is special. Consider this our… unofficial first date."
I nearly choked again, hiding my face briefly behind my hand as a blush deepened. "Unofficial… first date…" I repeated, barely able to get the words out.
The waiter brought our main courses, but I barely noticed, too wrapped up in the strange, warm, thrilling mix of nerves, attention, and Adrian's flirtation. He was charming, protective, and surprisingly caring, making me laugh while subtly making it clear that he considered me… his.
And then, as I reached for my glass, my laughter frozen mid-thought, the restaurant's door opened.
Dante.
The moment he stepped in, the air seemed to shift. Every head turned. Conversations stuttered, whispers rippled across tables, and I felt every eye in the room land on him. He looked impossibly commanding, sharp in his tailored suit, eyes dark and calculating. The faint smirk playing at his lips made my stomach twist.
Adrian stiffened beside me instantly. His grip on my chair tightened slightly, posture straightening as his jaw clenched. "You," he said, voice low but icy.
Dante's gaze swept across the room, stopping directly on me. His eyes darkened as he saw the blush on my cheeks, my shy attempts to avoid his stare. And then, slowly, he started walking toward our table.
"I see you're enjoying my city," Dante said, voice calm but laced with a dangerous edge, eyes fixed on Adrian.
Adrian stood immediately, a growl of frustration in his chest. "Step away, Dante. She's with me tonight. And don't think I won't remind you—I'm courting her, and I intend to do it properly."
The words hit me like a thunderclap. I froze, cheeks burning, heart racing. Courting me? I wasn't prepared for this. My hands fidgeted on the table, my mind spinning as both men's presence pressed around me like a storm.
Dante didn't flinch. He leaned slightly closer, voice low but unwavering. "She's mine," he said, eyes locked on Adrian. "And no one else. Not you, not anyone."
Adrian's face darkened, jaw tightening. "She's not a prize to claim," he shot back, stepping closer, voice sharp. "And if you think you're taking her from me, think again."
The tension was so thick that nearby diners whispered, eyes wide as they witnessed two of the most powerful, high-profile men in the city going head-to-head over me. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, embarrassed yet secretly flattered.
I opened my mouth to intervene, but the verbal volley escalated quickly. "Dante… Adrian… stop!" I shouted, standing abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. Both men paused, turning to me, eyes wide.
"I… I'm leaving," I said firmly, taking a step toward the exit. "I can't… I can't deal with this right now."
Adrian's eyes widened, and Dante's jaw tightened, but neither moved to stop me. I didn't wait. My heels clicked as I left the table, my hands gripping my bag tightly.
I could hear them both calling my name, almost in unison. "Auri!"
I didn't look back, forcing my legs to keep moving, leaving behind the tension, the stares, and the impossible choice. My chest ached, a strange mix of fear, frustration, and… excitement.
Outside, the cool night air hit my face, and I inhaled deeply. My heart was racing—not just from walking away, but from the storm that followed me, from knowing both men were invested, protective, and relentless in their pursuit.
Tonight had been more than dinner. It had been a declaration. From Adrian, from Dante… and somewhere deep inside me, I realized I wasn't ready to decide whose side I was on.
Not yet.