Page 21 of Mine To Possess
A million cold bubbles pop on the surface of my tongue. I’ve never had real champagne before. A long time ago down by the river, I had a mouthful of some cheap imitation with some other kids. It was pretty vile, but this… this is delicious.
“So, Amelia, tell me about you,” Viktor invites.
It must have been the vodka on an empty stomach, because I open my mouth and words rush out. I never stop talking as I babble away my whole life. Thank God, the food arrives.
It’s like a work of art and it is… divine.
Honestly, I’ve never tasted anything so delicate or delicious as the handmade ravioli filled with lobster and crab mousse sitting in its small pool of creamy saffron cream sauce. It’s my first taste of saffron and I’m in love with its flavor.
The first course is cleared away, and a bottle of red wine wrapped in a white napkin is brought to the table. It’s to be paired with our steaks.
“What’s your favorite movie?” I hear myself asking.
“I hardly have time for movies these days, but I was impressed with that old original ‘Alien’ when I was a kid.”
I stare at him surprised. “I love alien movies and I’ve seen them all, even the old black and white ones from the sixties and seventies. And ‘Alien” 1(omit) gave me nightmares. God, the way that alien burst out of his stomach and skirted across the floor. Ugh.”
He grins. “That was my favorite part.”
I shake my head. “You’re a philistine, Mr. Leshchenko.”
He looks at me over the rim of his glass, a strange look in his eyes. “Guilty as charged.”
“I was joking, obviously.”
“I know. What’s your favorite movie?”
I beam at him. “ET.”
He laughs. “I should have known.”
I laugh too, but I must admit I was a little worried it would be awkward between Viktor and me. We hardly know each other, and I couldn’t help thinking his offer of dinner had just been a polite gesture. Or a sort of charity. His original plan might have been to drop in, have a drink with his staff, then leave us to it.
I even thought he might have been secretly a bit pissed off with the idea of spending his Friday night with me, but so far it doesn’t feel that way at all. If he doesn’t want to be here with me, he’s hiding it very well. I’ve been watching him like a hawk, and he hasn’t surreptitiously checked his watch or his cell phone once.
In fact, he’s been extraordinarily charming, and somehow, he’s got me to a place where I’m so completely at ease I’ve barely stopped talking all night.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Viktor says.
I smile mistily. “I was just thinking what a really great night I’m having.”
“Me too,” he admits.
I feel my eyes widen. “You’re just saying that to be polite.”
His smile is mysterious. “Why not? The food is great, and the company is…”
“Is?” I prompt.
His eyes are liquid silver. “Intriguing.”
Just like that something in the air changes. Suddenly, there is a flutter in my chest, and I feel quite breathless. I need to change the subject. Get myself back in line. I should ask him about his business. I have a feeling it’s not exactly legit, and while it’s none of my business, I’m very curious about it.
“What exactly do you do for a living?” I ask, choosing my wording carefully.
A mocking look comes into his eyes. “You mean am I a professional thug?”
“Are you?”