Page 26 of Ruin

I smirked, raising my eyebrow at her. “But wow. Already soft launching me to your mother.”

Claire ran her shoulder into mine as our laughter filled the space around us. She whispered, her eyes narrowing, “Oh, stop. What was I supposed to do?”

Her tone changed, mimicking my accent as she rolled her eyes, “Mr. I Think I Am Obsessed.”

I wrapped my arm around the back of her chair and leaned in, kissing her forehead. I whispered low, “I meant it then, and I still mean it now.” I felt her body rise as she took a deep breath before I continued, “Next time, tell my mother-in-law I said hello.”

Claire sighed deeply, her palm sitting against the space between her eyebrows as she shook her head and laughed. “I need a glass of wine.”

Just as her eyes began to explore through the dense branches and leaves, searching for a glimmer of the sights of the dining room, Vin appeared. The void of his silence was replaced by his swift movements as wine, bread, olive oil, and assorted appetizers filled the tabletop.

“I can’t believe I am saying this after how much we ate today, but I am starving!” Claire exclaimed as she tore a piece of hot bread from the basket and selected prosciutto and melon from the display of ornate foods.

I absolutely love watching your pleasure—even if it is just a simple antipasto.

The feeling of Claire’s satisfaction as the meat and fruit danced across her tongue brought me to the edge of my seat. Part of me was savoring every second I was blessed to be in her presence, while the other part of me was contemplating the myriad of ways I could steal her away.

Wine poured from a decanter into our glasses as plates began to appear. Medium rare prime steak, classic tomato pasta with sprigs of basil, and minestrone soup graced the table with aromas that made the alcove burst with richness.

“I know I said I was hungry, but…this can’t all be for me,” Claire said slowly, overwhelmed by the sight.

“Ah. You have not learned yet that I thoroughly enjoy sharing pleasurable things with you.”

I smiled, giving her a wink as pink flooded her cheeks. I sliced my knife into the steak with ease as twinges of pink blood mixed with the juices that ran onto the plate.

“You like steak, yes?”

“I’ve never met a steak I didn’t like,” Claire joked back as my fork approached her lips, and she parted them. Her eyes looked up at me, glimmers of gold swimming within them as she awaited my service. I could not help but lick my lips as I watched hers press together in satisfaction.

Her eyebrows raised in surprise. “Wow. That is incredible!”

My smile widened as I spiraled the fork into the pasta and began to feed her, enjoying every sound she made as the flavors swirled in her mouth.

“Wait.” She stopped me as I began to spoon the minestrone. “When is it your turn to eat?”

There are two things I am hungry for, but neither of them can I have in this crowded restaurant.

“When you are satisfied, love. You always come first,” I whispered lowly into her ear as I felt the heat begin to bubble in her body in my response.

She raised her hands to her face in embarrassment, trying her best to shield my view of her uncontainable smile. “You’re…too much,” she said as her giggles filled the alcove, muffling the violin music.

“Ah, you laugh. But you thoroughly enjoyed our interaction with Jennifer,” I replied, my brows raising as I recounted her feelings of satisfaction.

“Yeah…I was waiting for you to mention that,” she quipped as her glass of wine met her lips.

“Oh, you do not like it? That bothers you?” I questioned, leaning back into my chair to face her.

Claire set her wine glass back on the table and took a deep breath. She held it in her chest momentarily before slowly exhaling.

“I just think it’s…an exaggeration,” she said as she looked away toward the dining room, guarding her emotions.

“I don’t believe it to be an exaggeration,” I replied stoically as her gaze met mine again. “Do you not like the label?”

“I…” Claire closed her eyes and shook her head softly.

“Stop, Claire,” I said as my hand reached up to hold her chin, pulling her in to face me. “You’re fighting something that is utterly inevitable.”

Claire’s chin dropped against my hand as her mouth opened in shock. Without pause, I fed the spoonful of minestrone into her mouth.