Page 16 of Deadly Vows

She nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Alright. What time should I be ready?”

“Seven,” I said, already planning the evening in my mind.

The day passed in a blur of phone calls and meetings. As evening approached, I changed into a tailored charcoal grey suit, the familiar armor I wore aspakhan. Talia emerged from her room dressed in an elegant black dress, her chocolate brown hair cascading in soft waves. Her lips were ruby red, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“You look beautiful,” I said, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

“Thank you,” she replied, a pink blush coloring her cheeks.

After I helped her with her coat, I escorted her to my midnight blue Maserati. She slid into the passenger seat, admiring the luxurious leather seats.

“Nice car,” she smirked, clicking her seatbelt into place.

“I only take it out on special occasions.”

“Is this a special occasion?” she questioned, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“No,” I answered curtly, starting the car.

The drive to the restaurant was quiet, and the tension between us was palpable. I had rented out the entire place, a luxurious haven with dim lighting and a view of the city skyline. It was an extravagant gesture, one that I justified as necessary for our privacy and security. But deep down, I knew I wanted to spoil her. She was my woman, whether or not I said it out loud.

The staff greeted us and treated us with the utmost respect, knowing who I was. The chef himself came out to take our orders, promising a feast fit for royalty.

I leaned back in my plush chair, savoring the luxury of the restaurant’s ambiance. The soft lighting glowed overhead, and the tables were embellished with crisp white linens and simple floral arrangements. As the first course arrived, I watched Talia’s eyes widen with wonder. The velvety lobster bisque, garnished with a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of chive blossoms, elicited a gasp of delight from her. She dipped her spoon hesitantly, then closed her eyes, savoring each luxurious mouthful. The joy on her face was as intoxicating as the vintage champagne I was sipping, its bubbles dancing playfully in the crystal flutes.

The main course was a revelation – a perfectly seared filet mignon crowned with a decadent foie gras and black truffle reduction, accompanied by a medley of seasonal vegetables and a silky potato puree. I couldn’t help but smile as Talia marveled at the presentation, her usual modesty giving way to pure, unrestrained pleasure. She tasted each element with reverence, her expressions ranging from surprise to sheer bliss.

When she tried the rich, molten chocolate fondant for dessert, its luscious core spilling out like liquid gold, her delighted laughter filled the air. For me, the evening was a celebration not just of gourmet cuisine but of sharing thisextraordinary experience with Talia and watching her embrace the new extravagance.

Talia’s laughter filled the room, and I was drawn to her in a way I hadn’t anticipated. For a moment, I allowed myself to forget the world outside and the hunt for Vic and enjoyed the evening with her. The food was exquisite, each dish a work of art, but it was nothing compared to Talia’s beauty. I considered how lucky I was that this extraordinary woman came into my life, and I knew I would never let her go.

“Tell me about your sister,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “I want to know more about her.”

Talia’s eyes brightened. “Sandy is the complete opposite of me. She’s spontaneous, adventurous, always looking for the next thrill.”

“And you? Do you join her on any of her adventures?” I asked, genuinely curious.

She shook her head, a wistful smile on her lips. “No. I was always the one who stayed behind, keeping things steady. But I lived vicariously through her stories.”

“I can see the appeal,” I admitted. “There are times when I wish I could just... escape.”

Talia looked at me, her eyes softening. “Everyone needs an escape now and then, Aleksandr. Even you.”

As the night drew to a close, I made a snap decision. Instead of returning to the mansion, I took Talia to my penthouse in the city. It was a place I rarely visited, a sanctuary away from the chaos of my life.

The city lights glittered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, sending a kaleidoscope of colors across the sleek modern furniture. Talia’s eyes widened as she stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the minimalist decor, each piece meticulously chosen for its clean lines and sophistication. The leather sofas, plush velvet chairs, glass coffee table, and polished marble floor exuded an understated elegance. My collection of artworks adorned the walls, a blend of abstract strokes and vivid hues. The open space, bathed in the soft glow of recessed lighting, felt like a sanctuary above the bustling streets below.

As Talia moved closer to the windows, her reflection mingled with the cityscape beyond, creating an almost ethereal image. I watched her from the doorway, her presence adding warmth to the cold perfection of my home. She turned to me, her eyes shimmering with curiosity and desire. “Aleksandr, this place is incredible,” she breathed.

I smiled, stepping towards her, feeling the pull of her magnetism. “I thought we could use some privacy,” I replied, my voice dripping with desire.

We settled onto the white leather sofa, the city spread out like a glittering tapestry. There was comfort in the silence, a shared understanding that words were not always necessary.

“Why did you bring me here, Aleksandr?” Talia asked, chewing on her bottom lip.

I looked at her, the vulnerability in her eyes striking a chord deep within me. “Because I wanted to,” I said simply, the truth startling even me.

She nodded, accepting my answer without question. The distance between us seemed to shrink, and the barriers I had so carefully constructed were beginning to crumble.

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