I could look at her all day and often found myself staring at her through the window at work. It was something I couldn’t help. I needed to see her, be with her all the time. She was that part I’d been missing, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit it, because she was all mine.
She smiled, placing her hand on my cheek. “You look pretty handsome yourself.”
Leaning in, I kissed the tip of her nose, then her forehead.
“Are Serfina and Hayden already inside?”
“Yeah, I told them to go ahead as we had a few things to do.”
I wanted to spend some time alone with her before we returned to reality and work took over—just doing normal thingstogether as a couple, without having to worry about anything else.
“We’d better get inside before we miss everything.”
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out, seeing Soran’s name. I’d call him back later. I knew what he wanted, but tonight wasn’t the night.
“Who was that?” Aria asked.
“No one important.”
I stepped off the private water taxi, turned to take Aria’s hand to help her off, then straightened my cuffs to release my ID bracelet. Placing my hand on the small of her back, I guided her to the entrance.
Hayden and I had booked out the whole restaurant for the night. It was a special occasion, after all. They were more than happy to oblige when I told them my last name.
“Welcome, Mr Knight. It’s a pleasure to have you and Mrs Knight here tonight,” the server greeted warmly.
Mrs Knight. Aria Knight. They sounded fucking good together.
“Please, follow me to your table,” he continued.
As we walked, I leaned into Aria. “Wifey,” I whispered.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling as she elbowed me playfully. “Giving me your name already.”
“It’s always been yours.”
She linked her fingers with mine, squeezing tight, an acknowledgement that she felt the same way.
We walked up the stairs to the rooftop restaurant. All the tables had been cleared except the one in the middle of the balcony, which was set for the four of us. An open space with a roof to keep the elements out. Free-standing vintage-style heaters sat around, spreading their orange and reds. The restaurant itself was an old building situated next to the Venetian Lagoon, and you could see it over the rooftops.
Violet flowers were scattered along the floor, a path leading us to our table. Mixed flower arrangements of tiger lilies, pink roses, and daisies were positioned elegantly, and fairy lights weaved around the metal fence. The faint sound of classical music played in the background.
“Aria!” Serfina said cheerfully.
They gave each other a warm embrace as I reached Hayden, and we did our usual bro hug.
“Look at you, going all out in a suit,” I teased him.
“You’ve seen me in a suit before.”
“One time.”
“Hush, you,” Serfina said, pulling me in. “I don’t want you two acting like children tonight.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I kissed her cheek. “Happy birthday.”
Hayden had to be on his best behaviour tonight. I, however, had a few things I needed to sort out with the Organisation whilst we were here. Arrangements that needed to be made for tomorrow.
I pulled the chair out for Aria, and we all sat at the table. The waiter brought out a bottle of Champagne Salon, opened it, and poured a small amount into my glass for me to taste. I wasn’t a massive champagne drinker, but it was a special occasion. I gave him a nod of approval, and he proceeded to fill everyone’s glasses before leaving.
