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I grab the plates and plate them neatly. Steak with caramelized onions, roast potatoes, Russian radish and cucumber salad, sauerkraut, crispy green beans with bacon, and a corn casserole that one of the chefs insisted on making as per tradition for dates. My father and mother used to always request it. Not super Russian of them, but whatever. It’s here, so I’ll put it on the table begrudgingly.
I lay her plate in front of her and sit down with mine.
“This smells and looks incredible.”
“It tastes delicious, too.” I pick up my fork.
“You haven't tasted it yet…” She snickers, grabbing her fork as well.
“Well, I don’t need to, to know it’s good.”
“If only.” She shakes her head.
“If only, what?”
“No, no, nothing.” She smiles and I hard press her.
“Tell me, Espie.”
“There you go again, calling me Espie.”
I shake my grin. “Don’t change the subject.”
“Okay, it’s just, you’re very confident.”
“I am.” I take my first bite of steak with a smirk, and she does the same.
“And you have a right to be.” Her eyes go wide, as she enjoys my food. I nod in agreement, taking a few more bites as she continues to do the same. We’re quiet for a bit, just the sounds of eating food and jazz echoing in the kitchen.
To be honest, it’s not uncomfortable— the silence between us. It’s strange that it’s been this breathable between us, considering how at each other's throats we are on the regular. I tell myself it’s the food. Food always brings us together. I resolve to enjoy it while it lasts.
God knows she’ll get pissed at me again, sooner rather than later.
“This is nice— you, cooking.”
“Really? I’m nice?” I sarcastically jest.
She blinks. “Funny.”
“Andfunnytoo? Wow! Who knew, if I made her food, she would become such an angel? Not me.” I shrug sarcastically, and she shifts her jaw that's parted into a grin.
“Admit it, Esperanza, you like me.” I take a sip of wine, and she takes a sip of her water.
“You’re not the worst right now.”
“Woah. That’s big. Can I get that written down?”
“Adrik, don’t ruin it.”
I pretend to surrender. “Alright, alright.” I look down but catch her biting her lip, looking at me. She really is fucking hot, like fuck, I wish I could just fuck her right here.
Somehow, we make it through dinner without me pissing her off or rushing this whole seducing thing, and I guess that is positive. But the more I’m around her, the harder it is to show restraint. After we eat, I take her for a walk through the castle, telling her stories of when I was younger. Women love to reminisce, so doing this will earn me a spot in her mind, one that makes her think I’m sensitive.
I’m not a genius, but I think it’s a pretty brilliant plan.
“So, your older brother, Kias…” her eyes tilt up to me as if to make sure this is correct.
“Yep.” I grin over at her, and she blushes, looking down.
