Page 43 of Psycho Saviors
White linen tablecloths were draped over each table, perfectly pressed and adorned with gleaming silverware and delicate china. Fresh flowers in crystal vases served as centerpieces, their subtle fragrance mingling with the aroma of gourmet cuisine wafting from the kitchen.
I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer luxury surrounding us. My fingers trailed over the back of a high-backed chair, feeling the smooth, expensive fabric. A wave of gratitude washed over me as I realized how out of place I would have been in my usual attire. Tyrone's insistence on dressing me for the occasion suddenly made perfect sense.
"This place is... incredible," I breathed, taking in the grandeur.
Cristian smirked, clearly pleased by my reaction. "Only the best for you, kitten."
I caught sight of my reflection in a nearby mirror and barely recognized myself. I looked the part beside the brothers—my entire appearance, from my hair and makeup to the elegant dress and heels, screamed wealth and power. For a moment, I felt like I truly belonged in their world by their sides.
As we were led to our table, I noticed the attentive staff, dressed impeccably in crisp black and white uniforms. They moved with practiced grace, anticipating our every need before we could even voice it. The waiter pulled out my chair, and I sank into it, feeling like royalty.
Another waiter materialized, pouring champagne into crystal flutes.
"To new beginnings," Cristian toasted, clinking his glass against mine, and I frowned.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, and he just shook his head.
"After the fiasco you both survived, I think it's fitting that you celebrate life anew. Enjoy every moment forward," Cristian said, his dark eyes never leaving mine, I found myself unable to look away. There was something in those deep brown depths that both thrilled and terrified me, a hint of the chaos that lurked beneath his polished exterior. I suppressed a shiver, feeling as though he could see right through me, past all my carefully constructed walls. He'd gotten past them yesterday, and now, I felt vulnerable around him, like he knew the deepest, darkest parts of me. They all did.
The weight of his words settled over me, a reminder of how close we'd come to disaster. I took a sip of champagne, letting the bubbles dance on my tongue, and wondered what other surprises he had in store. He was unpredictable, and I found it oddly exciting.
I just hoped it didn't kill me.
"This place looks expensive," I noted as our first waiter returned, pushing a cart with several meals on it.
"Don't overthink it. The food is amazing," Julian stated as he watched the waiter pull up by the table.
As the waiter placed the appetizers before us, my eyes widened at the array of exquisite dishes. Each plate was a work of art, meticulously arranged with vibrant colors and delicate garnishes. I leaned in, inhaling the tantalizing aromas that wafted up from the plates.
The first dish caught my eye immediately - a small, perfectly round sphere that seemed to shimmer under the soft lighting. It sat atop a swirl of deep green sauce, garnished with what looked like edible flowers. I squinted, trying to decipher what it could be.
"What's this one?" I asked, gesturing to the mysterious orb.
"That, my dear, is a molecular gastronomy creation. It's a liquid-filled sphere that bursts in your mouth. It's filled with a truffle-infused consommé," the waiter explained as he clasped his hands before him.
I blinked, both impressed and slightly intimidated by what he'd just said. It felt like a jumble of words thrown together. Next to… whatever it was, sat a tower of something that looked like it might be seafood, but I couldn't be sure. Thin, translucent slices were stacked atop each other, separated by what appeared to be dollops of caviar and microgreens.
"And this?" I pointed, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"Hamachi crudo with yuzu foam and tobiko."
I nodded, pretending I knew exactly what that meant. I could feel both the brothers watching me with amusement, and I was glad for the softer lighting in here hiding my likely flushed features.
My eyes drifted to the next plate, which held something that looked like miniature works of abstract art. Tiny cubes of various colors were arranged in a precise pattern, topped with wisps of what could have been smoke but was probably some sort of culinary magic.
"I'm almost afraid to ask about that one," I murmured, half to myself.
"That's a deconstructed caprese salad," the waiter explained. "Those cubes are compressed watermelon, tomato gel, and mozzarella spheres. The 'smoke' is actually a balsamic reduction foam."
I nodded, trying to wrap my head around the concept. It was a far cry from the simple caprese salads I'd had before.
The final dish on the table was equally perplexing. It looked like a small garden had sprouted on the plate, complete with what appeared to be edible soil.
"And this... garden?" I asked, gesturing to the last plate.
The waiter chuckled, amused at my unfamiliarity with fine-dining dishes. "That's a vegetable terrine with herb 'soil'. Those little sprouts are actually microgreens, and the 'rocks' are potato croquettes."
I took in the array of dishes before us, feeling both excited and overwhelmed. It was a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate, and I found myself eager to taste each creation.