As they walked down the stairs to the road where Natasha was parked outside, they discussed Alianna’s plans to head home later.
“I’ll just get a cab,” Alianna said, waving away Natasha’s requests to come and pick her up. “You’re not my mother, and you’re doing me a huge favour looking after Shadow again.”
“He’s my pal, I don’t mind one bit. He doesn’t complain when I watch reality TV.”
***************
Rionan had reserved a table earlier that day. Apparently, there wasn’t one available, but with a gentle push of his power, just the right amount of eye contact, and a smile, he had managed to get a table in the restaurant that night.
“I want the quietest booth you have. Not next to any loud, large party tables. Not right next to the front desk.”
“Yes, Mr West.”
“You will put dinner and drinks on my tab, which I will settle again in a few days’ time,” he instructed, holding eye contact with the member of staff.
“Yes, Mr West. Dinner and drinks will be on your tab.”
Rionan had returned to his room to shower and select his clothes for the evening. Looking in the mirror at his humanform, he sighed. He ran his tongue over his too-flat teeth. Soon. He would be home soon.
Almost in time with his thoughts about missing his true form, he heard a familiar voice in his head.
The girl. The girl. The girl.
He stiffened, but remained curious. “What about her?”
Alianna. Alianna. Al-i-ann-a.
The third repetition of her name was slow, drawn out, like the name was being tested and savoured.
“I know she’s linked to all of this. I don’t know how, but I know.”
Porthan. Porthan. Porthan.
The usual, unhelpful word. Rionan said nothing further, combing his hair back and then using his hand to mess it up slightly so that it didn’t sit so perfectly in place.
***************
“I’m meeting somebody here. Max West. He has a table reserved for us?”
“Right this way, ma’am.”
Alianna followed the waiter through the restaurant. The marble pillars leading up to the ceiling were accented with gold filigree, which also gilded the edges of the tables and the bar area. He took her to a dimly lit area, away from the busier, more centralised space of the restaurant.
“This part of the restaurant is reserved for our guests who occupy the grander suites within The Rinniel.” The waiter explained. He gestured to a quiet end booth, and there sat Rionan. A faint smile played on his lips as his eyes landed on her.
Alianna’s heels clicked against the floor as she walked towards the table, smiling broadly. She swept her hair over her shoulder and made to sit down opposite him.
“Your coat, ma’am. May I take it for you?” The waiter asked, arm outstretched.
“Oh. Yes, please.” Alianna stammered, handing it over. Shehadn’t been to a restaurant where anyone hung up somebody else’s coat for them.
He took her coat, dipping his head. “I shall be back shortly to take your drinks order.”
As the waiter swept away, Alianna turned her attention back to Rionan. His eyes hadn’t left her, and his smile hadn’t faltered.
“Hello, Ali,” he said, leaning forward in his chair.
“Hello, Max. This is,” she gestured around. “A pretty spectacular-looking restaurant.”
