Page 24 of Sexted By a Stranger
"That place is a mire." Gray-blue eyes locked on mine in the rearview mirror. "Lasting four years isn't easy. Does Connor visit often? Besides checking the books."
I recalled that nauseating face. "Before that incident, I didn't even know he was the owner."
"Does he ever give you trouble?"
"Apart from that confrontation, he never noticed me." I frowned. "Why are you asking..."
"We're here." Lennox interrupted, the car stopping silently.
He got out to open my door, bowing slightly. "Enjoy your dinner."
I took a deep breath, shaking off my doubts as I walked into the restaurant.
The restaurant's interior was elegantly decorated, with crystal chandeliers casting warm light, and the air filled with a subtle fragrance. The waiter politely asked for my name, then guided me inside.
The private room door was half-open. I saw Luca first. His dark gray suit emphasized his sharp shoulder line, but the top button was undone, revealing a careless shadow at his collarbone. Laziness and danger achieved a delicate balance in him.
But the next moment, my steps froze.
A blonde beauty leaned against his table, red lips curved in a seductive smile. She wore a form-fitting sequined gown that left nothing to the imagination, her red-polished fingernails resting lightly on Luca's shoulder as she leaned down to whisper something in his ear. Luca had a faint smile on his lips, nodding slightly.
My chest suddenly felt squeezed by something, sour and bitter all at once. Nails dug into my palms, but I felt no pain.
"Miss?" The waiter reminded softly.
I couldn't just turn and leave. I forced myself to stay calm, walking slowly toward their table.
Luca looked up and saw me, immediately standing. In that instant, all the sharp shadows in his eyes gathered into gentle light. "Sheila, you're here."
I nodded, trying to make my voice sound calm. "Sorry I'm late."
"Right on time." He walked behind me, pulling out my chair. "Sit."
The blonde woman studied me with interest, amusement lifting the corners of her eyes. "So this is the girl you mentioned?"
My face instantly burned. I didn't know how to respond.
"Weren’t you in a hurry to catch a flight?" Luca spoke, his voice carrying the quality of cold metal.
"Indeed." She stood gracefully, saying to Luca, "Don’t forget what we just talked about."
With that, she picked up her purse from the table and left in her high heels.
I sat in the chair, emotions complicated.
"Sheila," Luca sat across from me, "she was just asking for directions."
"In a restaurant?"
"She couldn't find the restroom. I pointed the way."
Though the explanation was weak, I was too tired to keep questioning. For someone of Luca's status, it was actually normal.
"That outfit looks good on you." He suddenly changed the subject.
"Thank you." I tried to keep my tone calm. "But the necklace is too expensive. I really shouldn’t—"
"Put it on."
