Page 101 of Humility

Dario and Enzo flanked us, and I could see the men who had been following us all day stationed around the building. When we stepped into the restaurant, my mouth watered, and my stomach growled. It smelled amazing, and I was ready to eat for ten.

“Welcome to Athena’s Palate, my name is Rhea.” The pretty brunette behind the maître d’ stand said with a wide smile. She had her hair pinned, but a couple of curly strands hung around her face. “We have reserved the best table in the house and those surrounding it just as instructed.”

“Very good,” Angelo said.

“Please follow me.”

We walked to the back corner of the restaurant, and I admired the bar area with the bright greenery and backlighting that made all the colorful bottles glitter. Angelo pulled out my chair for me to sit, as Dario and Enzo stood on either side of the table like sentinels. All eyes were on us, but I ignored the uncomfortable feeling and thanked Rhea.

“Rhea, is Gina working tonight,” I asked.

“Yes, she is. Would you like me to let her know you’re here?”

“Don’t go to any trouble. I just wanted to say hi,” I said and smiled. “No need to bother her.”

“Very well, your server will be with you in just a moment,” Rhea said and hustled off. I liked her professional and to-the-point attitude.

“You mentioned that this man you’re meeting is a business partner?”

“No, I want to purchase a building and equipment from him to expand.” Angelo looked at his watch. “I hope he’s still coming.”

“Oh, I think they’re here,” I said, nodding toward the couple walking across the room. I felt both baffled and frozen in my seat. They were incredibly stunning. So gorgeous that they looked like movie stars walking the red carpet, apparitions, or maybe something unearthly.

The woman wore a blue dress that matched her eyes, her long black hair flowing perfectly in time with her strides. The smile on her face felt warm and inviting, which was at odds with the man on her arm. The man I knew as Mr. Rhodes was no ordinary man. With one glance, I knew he was used to being in charge of everything. His aura was commanding, and amber eyes darker than my own were sharp and intelligent. There was no denying that he was unbelievably handsome. I wasn’t a woman to typically stare at a man, but my eyes were drawn to him.

Angelo suddenly grabbed my hand, and I cleared my throat and sipped at my water as the couple stopped at our table. Angelo stood and held out his hand, and I stood beside him. I suddenly wished that I hadn’t lost my gold dress in the crazy shootout yesterday. I looked down at the simple black number I wore and felt extremely underdressed.

“Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, it’s a pleasure to meet you in person. This is my fiancé Jasmine, and we’d like to thank you so much for coming.”

“You can call me Riker. This is an informal dinner, and this is my wife and certainly the best parts of me, Minetta.”

Minetta smiled at her husband, and my heart beat a little harder like I was watching a storybook romance play out before my eyes. She held out her hand to Angelo.

“You can call me Minny.”

When she did the same to me, I was startled and stared at her for a moment. “So nice to meet you,” I said, gripping Minny’s hand and instantly feeling at ease. As intimidating as she seemed, a calmness washed over me with her touch.

I held my hand out for Riker to shake, but he turned it and lifted it to his lips. I’d always thought Angelo had the most intense and intimidating stare, but looking into Riker’s eyes made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. I swallowed hard as his lips met my skin. I was flattered but felt very uncomfortable with the extra attention and just wanted him to let go of my hand.

I could feel Angelo glaring out of the corner of my eye. It would do no one any good if he lost his cool. Riker lifted his head, a devilish look in his eyes as he smirked.

“I like both of you. That’s good, we can continue. Please sit,” he ordered. “So tell me, what is good to eat here?”

“That question would be for me.” I hadn’t noticed Gina walk up to the table, but she smiled at everyone, her bright white chef’s coat neatly in place and her hair done in a tight bun on top of her head. “Nice to see you again,” she said, smiling at me.

“You as well, Chef,” I said.

“I will be personally cooking your meals this evening, and if I were you, I would try the chicken shawarma.”

“Well, I’m sold, make that two,” Riker said.

“The same for us,” Angelo said.

“Excellent choice. This is Hector, and he will be your server for the evening.” The man approached the table, and I blushed as he winked at me. I quickly grabbed Angelo’s hand under the table before he exploded in a rage.

Minny turned to me as the men discussed wine orders.

“Yours is overprotective as well,” she asked and rolled her eyes, making me smile.