Page 39 of 12 Days

Chapter 17

Alyssa

Unbelievable.

Having dinner at one of the trendiest places in the country is a little bit of a shock. After doing a little research on my phone, I find out this establishment is a three-Michelin star restaurant. Some of the best chefs in the entire world dine here when in town.

I’m invited to dinner by Nico, Sean, Ethan, and Ford–all of them extremely attractive. I'm going to take this opportunity to pick their brains for more information.

Dressed in a form-fitting red dress, I know that I can use my looks to entice them all to talk about True love.

Having arrived at the restaurant, I couldn’t help being impressed. Wow, I think to myself, but I can't say that out loud. I don't want the men to think that I'm not used to dining at this kind of place.

The waitress escorts me to the table, and the first thing that catches my eyes is the lack of people. I look around, confused.

"Where are the rest of the diners?" I look at the four men who are now standing at the table, smiling.

Reaching for my hand, Nico smiles. "We bought out this side of the restaurant tonight. It will give us a little privacy."

I'm a bit surprised but not shocked. Nothing is ordinary anymore.

"Well, thank you for inviting me. I've tried to get a reservation here for months, but it's booked solid each time I call." I sit, my hands resting on my lap.

I'm trying not to fidget or show any sign of being nervous, even though I am. "This place is incredible. The smell alone has my stomach anticipating a wonderful meal."

I tend to talk a lot when I’m nervous, but I'm sure they don't catch on to that.

Before I can pick up a menu, Ford takes the one from in front of me.

"I've already ordered for you. You'll enjoy it," Ford says, his voice confident.

I nod, not questioning what he says.

The restaurant is dark. The walls appear to be walnut, or maybe oak, but the accents are what grab my attention. The tables are crimson red and all set, but they won't be used for the evening.

I notice in the corner that there is an area that has a couch and a few high-backed Queen Anne chairs. Everything is elegant and well thought-out.

Nico stops the waitress as she walks by and whispers in her ear.

I wonder about that for a moment, but a few minutes later, when she brings a bottle of Dom Perignon, I know he ordered us all champagne.

As the waitress fills our crystal glasses, I get shivers up and down my spine just thinking about the past and the sexual explorations I've had with the others.

Once all the glasses are filled, Ethan stands, holding his. "To True Love, and our explosive future."

I tap my glass to theirs, but I can't help wondering what he means by that. Was I missing something here or was I just reading too much into his words?

The first sip of the liquid makes me giggle slightly. I love champagne, but this is the best I have ever had.

"Not used to the good stuff, Alyssa?" Sean asks.

I feel a little silly for a moment. I don't want these men to think I have no class or manners.

"I am. It was just a little sweet, and it tickled my tongue."

The first course is brought to the table. Three dozen raw oysters are placed in front of us. It's not something I would typically order.

With his lips curled into a smirk, Ford takes the first one and slurps it down.

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