AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He leads us to the beach. I don’t see anyone else around, but someone set up flickering torches and a candlelit dining table at the water’s edge. Native flowers decorate the tabletop between the covered dishes. The scene’s absolutely stunning.
I glance up at Dimitri, who’s watching me closely for a reaction. I smile, completely blown away.
He pulls out my chair and I take a seat. He sits opposite of me.
“It’s not twelve courses, but I think you’ll like it.” He uncovers a large platter, revealing the best smelling Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The steak looks done to perfection. My mouth waters as the rich aromas reach my nose. Dimitri uncovers the rest of the traditional Italian dishes and serves us.
“This is amazing.” I moan around a mouthful of the tender steak. “Compliments to the chef.”
“I’ll be sure to tell him.”
As we eat, I glance up to find him studying me like there’s something on his mind. After the fifth or sixth time, curiosity gets the better of me.
“What?” I ask. “Why do you keep looking at me like that?”
“Like what?”
I finish my glass of Syrah. “I don’t know. Like that.”
He leans forward. “What’s your favorite color?”
“You don’t already know?” I lift a brow, challenging him. He did stalk me for quite a while. How does he know my favorite foods but not my favorite color?
“Surprisingly, I don’t. Enlighten me.”
I ponder my answer while he refills my wine glass. It’s a simple question, but I actually don’t have a simple answer. “I guess I don’t have a favorite. My favorites are blue, green, and purple. But I can’t choose between them.”
He hums. “So that’s why I could never figure it out.”
“I guess.” I motion toward him. “Yours must be blue given all the blue flowers around the house.”
He chews on a bite and shakes his head. “It’s green.” His gaze grows hesitant. “I like the blue flowers because they remind me of what you were wearing when I saw you for the first time.”
“Oh.” Slowly, I nod. I’ve worn blue countless times, and I have no way of knowing which of those times he first started stalking me. I shift uncomfortably in my seat. How can I reconcile my terrifying stalker with this fascinating man seated in front of me?
Lowering my voice, I ask, “Why did you terrorize me? Why the stalking? Did you think breaking me would work in your favor? That I’d give in to you sooner, easier, if I was terrified when you forced me to be your wife?”
“No.” His jaw clenches. “I was punishing you for your father’s mistake. For our broken alliance that led to my uncle’s death. I wanted someone to pay, anyone, since I couldn’t find my uncle’s killer. So I took it out on you.”
“I see.” My tone is brittle. It’s times like these that I’m reminded of how I’m nothing but a pawn in his revenge game. An object to take out his frustrations on, to marry and seal a broken alliance, and to use in order to have power over my father.
I stab my risotto with more force than necessary.
“I won’t apologize because I’m not that kind of man. But sometimes I wonder how things would be different between us if we met under other circumstances. If I had asked you on a date rather than sent you threatening text messages.”
“Honestly, it wouldn’t have mattered.” I haughtily look him up and down. “I never would have given you a chance.” I don’t mean to say that to hurt him, it’s simply the truth. Okay, maybe it’s also an attempt to shield my heart. “You’re not the type of man I envision myself with and you never will be.”
His brow creases. “What kind of man do you want, kisa? What future do you envision for yourself?”
Is he serious right now? Why does he care?
Done with dinner, I set down my fork. “I want an educated man. One who is suave and charming. But he also has to be loyal, honest, and supportive. I want a man who will be a good father to our children.” I lick my lips. “I didn’t know that I wanted this before, but now I’m sure I want a man who’s head over heels in love with me.” And in lust with me. Though I won’t say that part aloud.
Eyeing me, he gulps down the rest of his wine, then refills his glass. “You’re right, I’m not the man you want.”
I stare at him for a beat. I didn’t expect him to so easily admit that. At least we’re on the same page.
He leans his elbows on the table. “On the other hand, you’re exactly the woman I want. One who’s honest, independent, and stubborn. Fiercely loyal to her convictions and to those she loves. A woman who will make an excellent mother some day.”
