Page 30 of Set In Stone

The driveto Matteo’s restaurant was spent in silence. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, but one of mutual understanding. We were not going to talk about the article for the next few hours. Before we left the penthouse, Alexander promised to explain more to me after the party. However, I didn’t want to wait. I desperately needed answers. I had to understand why Alexander hid his true identity from me, even if it was the legaltruth.

“Shh, angel. Don’t agonize over this,” he had whispered to me in the elevator when we were making our way down to the awaiting limousine. He leaned into me and pressed his soft lips to my forehead. “The reason why doesn’t matter. You know now and I promise to answer all your questions later. You look stunning and I want you to enjoy theevening.”

He didn’t have to say more. He didn’t need to. I understood his push to enjoy the party. I knew it might be the last bit of fun we had in public for a while. His whole world was about to be blown wide open. His privacy, everything that he held close to his heart, was crashing down around him. He didn’t need me to question him. By the way his eyes silently pleaded with mine, I knew he needed my patience. And more importantly, mystrength.

As the limousine turned down the street to where Matteo’s restaurant was located, butterflies sprang to life in my stomach. I could see the line of people slowly trickling in. Lights were strung between lampposts, a beacon for those wanting to attend. As we pulled to a stop, the sign for the restaurant came into view. Even though I knew Matteo planned to name the restaurant after me, after the woman who had stolen the heart of his childhood friend, I still wasn’t prepared to see the ornate sign over the doorway to therestaurant.

“Krystina’s Place,” Iwhispered.

“This is it, angel. Are you ready to goin?”

Alexander laced his fingers through mine as Hale came around to open the limousine door forus.

“I’mready.”

When we stepped out of the limo, I breathed a sigh of relief. There were no flashing lights from cameras, no reporters shoving microphones down our throats. I knew Alexander’s story hadn’t been made public yet, but I couldn’t squash the worry over the what-if’s. Upon entering the restaurant, seeing the crowd of people mingling in a very normal way was a tremendousrelief.

I glanced up at Alexander. His face went from tense to relaxed as he surveyed the room. It was apparent that he was feeling the same relief I was. I squeezed hishand.

“I love you,” I told him. He smiled, dropped my hand and wrapped his arm around my waist. He leaned in, as if he was about to say something, but the sound of a familiar voice calling from across the room interrupted whatever words he was about tospeak.

“There she is! My guest ofhonor!”

Alexander and I both turned to see Matteo making his way over to us. Alexander slapped a hand on his shoulder when he reachedus.

“Everything came together great, Matt. The place looksfantastic!”

“So others have told me as well. I hope they are just as impressed with the food,” he joked, but I could sense his nervousness. Turning to me, he took hold of my hand and placed a feathery kiss on the backside. “Krystina, my dear. You look as lovely asever.”

I blushed at hiscompliment.

“Thank you, Matteo. It’s so good to see you again. And don’t worry about the guests enjoying your food. I can personally attest to itsexcellence.”

“You are too kind! Come now, I have a table reserved for you.” He turned away from us momentarily to call over his shoulder. “Luca!”

A younger gentleman dressed in a black tuxedo appeared beforeus.

“Yes, Mr.Donati.”

“This is Alexander Stone and his fiancée, Krystina Cole. Please see to it that they have whatever they need tonight.” He paused and turned back to us. “Alex, Krystina, Luca will take you to your table. I need to check a few things in the kitchen. I’ll be back out to join you in abit.”

“No worries, Matt,” Alexander assured. “Do what you need to do. I’ll handle the crowd outhere.”

“Thank you, my friend.Miscusi.”

And in typical Matteo fashion, he rushedoff.

“What did you mean about handling the crowd out here?” I asked, my voice just barely audible over the buzz of the crowd in the restaurant as we followed Luca to ourtable.

“There are going to be a lot of influential people in attendance tonight. I’ll need to make the rounds, talk up Matteo, his background, and etcetera. Before the end of the night, half the city will be making plans to dinehere.”

I thought back to the first time I came to this restaurant. It was my first unofficial date with Alexander. I smiled as I recalled the memories from that night. The restaurant hadn’t been open for business yet, as it was still in the remodeling phase. I glanced around. It was a far cry from what it once looked like. The main dining room was now festive, elegant andclassy.

“Mr. Stone, Miss Cole,” Luca formally addressed us. “Here is your table for the evening. There is a cocktail hour taking place in the banquet room. If you’d like, you can mingle with other guests or simply enjoy a few horsd'oeuvres.”

“Thank you, Luca.” Alexander nodded. “Krystina?”

“Whatever you want to do. I’m yours to command tonight, Mr. Stone,” I teased before immediately realizing my Freudian slip. His eyes narrowed, a dark primal need showing through the slits. “I mean, not – notlike…”

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