Page 52 of Deadly Devotion
Ignoring any fantasy I had of us being arealcouple, I straighten my dress and buckle my seatbelt. We sat in silence for the rest of the drive. My mind tries to convince me that I’m totally fine with just being his “baby mama” and fucking him, but my heart wrestles with it. I’m in love with him, and there isn’t a damn thing I can do about it.
Masking my feelings, I smile brightly as we pull up in front of the restaurant. I decide to enjoy my time out of the mansion and forget how my heart longs for Aleksandr to love me in return.
Opening the passenger door, Aleksandr offers to assist me. “Thank you,” I say politely, allowing him to lead me into the restaurant.
Chapter 33
Talia
The chandelier glistened overhead as we entered the restaurant, a realm of luxury and tantalizing scents. Crystal droplets catch the light, casting shimmering reflections across the room, filled with the murmur of polite conversation and the clinking of fine china. Aleksandr’s hand, warm and firm on my lower back, guides me through the gilded entrance, Anton and Ivan following closely behind us. The weight of his presence makes me acutely aware of every glance, every gaze upon us. I could feel the eyes of the other diners upon me, their gazes a mixture of curiosity and reverence. My dress clings to my curves, the red color as bold as the heels I’m wearing, and I can’t help but wonder if the dress or the company is dawing their attention.Whispers float around us like delicate tendrils of smoke, curling into my consciousness and igniting my curiosity.
“Aleksandr,” I murmur, leaning closer to him as we walk. “Why are they staring?”
The corner of his lips hike up, his dark eyes glinting with amusement and something else I can’t quite name. “They know who I am. Many are from other families, rivals, and allies alike.”
“Pakhanof the Avilov family,“ I said, more to myself than to him. The weight of his title settled over me like a heavy, invisible cloak. The whispers grew louder as if to confirm his words. But then, Aleksandr’s smile widened into a rare and genuine expression that made my heart skip a beat.
“And they’re also whispering because you are the most beautiful woman in the restaurant.” His voice was low and intimate, sending shivers down my spine.
Before I could respond, the hostess approached us with a practiced smile, her eyes lingering on Aleksandr a moment too long for my liking. “Mr. Avilov,” she said, inclining her head. “Your table is ready.”
We were led to a secluded restaurant corner, a VIP table offering privacy and a view of the entire room. The table was draped in fine linen, and a single candle flickered between us, casting a soft, golden light over our faces. As we settled into our seats, I noticed more than one envious glance cast our way. It seemed Aleksandr’s reputation and my presence created a perfect storm of curiosity and speculation.
The waitress appeared, her demeanor shifting to blatant flirtation as she took our orders. Her fingers brushed Aleksandr’s shoulder as she handed him the menu, and I felt aflare of jealousy ignite within me. But Aleksandr’s eyes never left mine, his gaze steady and reassuring.
“What can I get for you, sir?” the waitress asked, her voice dripping with honey.
Aleksandr didn’t even glance at her. “We’ll have the chef’s special,” he said, focusing solely on me. “And a bottle of your finest red wine.”
“I’ll take a club soda with a lime. Thanks.” I gave the waitress my best smile, but my eyes shot daggers at her.
The waitress’s smile faltered before she composed herself and left us to our privacy. I couldn’t help but smirk a little, pleased by Aleksandr’s unwavering focus on me.
“You look stunning tonight,” he said, his voice softer now that we were alone. “Your dress is gorgeous, but I prefer you naked.”
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, flattered and self-conscious under his intense scrutiny. “Oh, um…thank you. You look...very handsome.”
He chuckled and reached across the table to take my hand. His fingers were strong but gentle, a contrast that intrigued me. Aleksandr was more than just a mafia boss; he was intelligent, charming, and unexpectedly kind.
“Do you come here often?” I asked sheepishly. I wanted to know if he came here often with other females.
“Yes, I frequent this restaurant,” he replied, amused.
“Oh,” my smile faltered, glancing at my hands folded in my lap. “Do…do you come here frequently with other women?”I searched his face, knowing the answer was probably yes but hoping it was no.
“You are the first woman I have taken to this restaurant. I usually come here for business reasons only.”
“Really?” Hope and anticipation bubbled, but I tried to remain casual. “I assumed you’ve taken other women here before me.”
Aleksandr’s lip ticked as a smirk appeared. “Not only are you the most beautiful woman in this restaurant, but you are also the first woman to dine with me. It seems you have piqued the interest of the other diners.”
Glancing around the restaurant, I noticed some women and men stealing looks at us. The whispering continued, and I suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious.
Reaching across the table, Aleksandr held out his hand. Hesitantly, I gave him mine. Bringing it to his lips, he kissed it gently.
“Thank you for accepting my dinner invitation.” The fire burned behind his blue eyes, heating my core and making my panties wet.
The world outside our little bubble faded into insignificance. I barely noticed the waitress placing the food on our table. It was exquisite—delicate morsels of seafood, tender cuts of beef, and vegetables prepared with a skill that spoke of a master chef. Each bite was a revelation, a symphony of flavors that seemed almost too extravagant to be real. But it was Aleksandr’s company that truly captivated me. He listened intently as I spoke, his eyes never leaving mine, and the intensity of his gaze made me feel like the only woman in the world.