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Chapter Three: Justice
The dim glow of candlelight flickered across the white tablecloth as I gazed into Bash's dark, intense eyes. Our hands, slightly rough from years of fighting and survival, met in the middle of the table, fingers lacing together effortlessly.
"Justice, this place is incredible," Bash said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. "I can't believe I’ve never brought you here before."
"Me neither," I replied, a warm smile spreading across my face. “You’re a terrible fiance.”
He laughed. The upscale restaurant was elegantly decorated, with dark wooden accents and soft lighting that created an intimate atmosphere. A soothing melody drifted through the air, courtesy of a live pianist tucked away in a corner. Ever since we had started planning the wedding, it had been hard to make time to just go on dates.
This was good.
Bash took a sip of his Old Fashioned, looking around, his green eyes twinkling. “Man, back then,” he said. “I would have never thought we would end up in a place like this.”
I nodded. “So fancy,” I said. “I still feel out of place in a nice restaurant like this.”
He looked me up and down, appraising me. "You look perfect," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "And that dress is gorgeous on you."
I blushed, feeling flattered by his compliment. "Thank you," I said, glancing down at my red strapless dress. "It's not something I wear often."
"I know, and that's a shame," he said, reaching over to brush a lock of hair from my cheek. "You should wear it more. You look incredible."
“I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I shouldn’t be in jean shorts and a halter top.”
“Also looks very good on you,” he said. “But you fit in everywhere, whatever you wear. You’re stunning.”
I shook my head, taking a sip of my gin and tonic. “Still, it’s wild to think about,” I said. “I remember the first time I saw you back in the apartment complex.”
He raised his eyebrows.
“You were with your brother,” I said. “Playing basketball, I think.”
“You think?”
I shook my head, my cheeks reddening. He always knew exactly what to say to get to me, even years after we had gotten back together again. “No, I definitely was,” I said. “I was just like…staring at you.”
Laughing, Bash took another sip of his drink. "That was probably a sight to see," he said. "At a time when we were both just trying to survive."
"But we've come so far," I said, holding Bash's gaze. "And now we're here, in this fancy restaurant. It's amazing to think how much has changed."
Bash leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "But one thing hasn't changed," he whispered. "And that's how I feel about you. I'm just as captivated as I was back then, Justice."
My heart swelled with love for him, and I couldn't help but smile. "Thanks," I said, feeling heat rise to my cheeks once again. "I feel the same way about you."
“Are you excited for the wedding?”
I nodded. “Yeah,” I said. “But no wedding talk tonight. I’m elbow deep in looking for vendors and choosing the right decorations. Today, I just want to talk about food and fuck.”
Bash's eyes widened in amusement. "Food and fuck, huh? Sounds like my kind of night." He leaned in closer, his voice growing low and sultry. "What do you want to eat?"
Before I could answer, a waiter appeared at our table. I thought he was going to take our order, but he looked somber. Upset, even.
“Are you Justice Rosales?” he asked me.
I nodded. He pressed his lips together.
“There’s been an urgent delivery for you,” he said.
Puzzled, I accepted the envelope he presented to me. The weight of the paper was heavy in my hands; its contents, unknown. Bash watched me curiously as I carefully tore open the seal, revealing the official documents inside.
