As I take in the stunning surroundings of the high-end Seattle restaurant Rhyland has chosen for our date, I can't help but be impressed by its sheer elegance and sophistication. The decor perfectly blends classic and modern, with plush velvet curtains, glittering chandeliers, and abstract art pieces adorning the walls. The tables are set with crisp white linens, gleaming silverware, and delicate china, each place setting arranged meticulously. But the breathtaking panoramic view of the Seattle skyline truly steals the show.
"So," I drawl, leaning forward on my elbows and giving Rhyland an eyeful of my ample cleavage. "What other delightful tortures do you have planned for me tonight, oh great and powerful Norse god?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out, little minx."
Before I can devise a suitably sassy retort, Jake returns with our drinks and takes our orders. I can barely contain my excitement when my meal arrives—a mouthwatering filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. I'm pretty sure I'm drooling, and it's not just because of the sexy Viking sitting across from me.
As we dig in, Rhyland and I trade heated glances and easy banter, the sexual tension between us simmering just beneath the surface. But then he has to go and ruin the mood with a serious question.
"So, you spoke with your brother? How is he?" Rhyland asks between bites.
I shrug, spearing a piece of asparagus with my fork. "Oh, you know, living the dream. Working for some fancy-schmancy company, probably making more money than God. He's coming to visit next week."
Rhyland frowns. "Do you think that's wise, Dani?"
I roll my eyes, taking a sip of my wine. "Why wouldn't it be? He's my brother, Rhyland. I need to see him."
"Does he know yet? About...everything?"
I cringe, my stomach twisting with guilt. I hate lying to Damon and keeping such a massive part of my life a secret, but what choice do I have? The supernatural world is dangerous; the less he knows, the safer he'll be.
"No," I admit, my voice quiet. "He doesn't know."
Rhyland's gaze softens, his hand reaching across the table to cover mine. "Are you going to tell him?"
I sigh, suddenly feeling like the world's weight is on my shoulders. "I don't know yet. I just...I want to protect him, Rhyland. He's all the familyI have left."
Rhyland nods, his thumb stroking soothing circles on the back of my hand. "I understand, Angel. But you know you can't keep this a secret forever. Eventually, he will find out, one way or another."
I know he's right, but that doesn't make it any easier. Rhyland knows Damon is not fond of the supernatural, and I fear that Damon will disown me.
How do you tell your baby brother that you're mated to a vampire—that you're some kind of supernatural chosen one destined to save the world?
It's a conversation I'm dreading but one I know I can't avoid forever.
But tonight? Tonight is about forgetting all of that, about losing myself in pleasure and passion and the man who sets my soul on fire.
So I push those heavy thoughts aside and focus on the delicious meal in front of me, on the way Rhyland's eyes darken with hunger every time they meet mine.
The rest of the world can wait. Tonight belongs to us.
Jake returns to our table with a smile that's just a little too eager. "Is there anything else I can get you? Dessert, perhaps?"
I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table and pushing my tits together until they're practically spilling out of my dress. Jake's eyes immediately zero in on the tempting display, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows hard.
I can feel Rhyland's glare again, but I ignore him, focusing all my attention on the flustered waiter. "Dessert sounds perfect, Jake," I purr. "What do you recommend? I'm in the mood for something...sweet and sinful."
Jake's face turns a delightful shade of crimson, his eyes darting between my cleavage and Rhyland's murderous expression. "Um, well, we have a delicious chocolate lava cake," he stammers, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. "It's served warm with vanilla ice cream and a raspberry coulis."
"Mmm, that sounds amazing," I moan, licking my lips slowly. "I do love somethinghotandgooeyin my mouth."
Jake makes a strangled sound, his pants visibly tightening as his bulge grows more pronounced. He looks like he's about to pass out, his face flushed and his breathing shallow.
Rhyland clears his throat pointedly, his eyes flashing with fury. "We'll take two of those," his voice low and dangerous. "And the check, if you don't mind."
Jake nods frantically, practically tripping over himself in his haste to escape the table. I cross my legs, my core clenching, a self-satisfied smirk on my face as I meet Rhyland's gaze.
"What?" I ask innocently, batting my eyelashes. "I was just being friendly."
