I happily followed Adrik down the stairs toward the kitchen. I had completely forgotten to eat all day long and now I 1/3 was sure I could eat enough for three people. When we got to the bottom of the stairs, my bare feet hit the cool marble of the entryway. We turned to the right and walked into the largest room I think I have ever seen. This was larger than the meeting room at the back of the restaurant, even.
As we walked through the room, I spotted a grand piano in front of the impressive windows. I secretly wanted to go sit and play, but food was much more important, as my stomach grumbled once again. Quieter this time, at least.
“Can I play sometime?” I asked, pointing to the piano.
“You know how to play?”
I nodded. “My mother was a piano teacher before she died. I grew up playing.” Looking down, I added quietly, “I haven’t had access to a piano in years though.”
Adrik squeezed my hand. “You must play whenever you like. Whatever you see in the house is yours,” he said, sweeping his hand across the room.
I smiled, secretly very excited that I would be able to play, at least for a few days.
We walked into the kitchen and there was a woman at the sink. She looked like she could be late 20s, maybe older, but she took care of herself, so she likely appeared younger than her age. She had blonde hair that was pulled tightly into a bun, a wh*ite apron over her clothing. She looked up when we walked in and bowed her head to Adrik. “Boss, may I make you something?”
“What do we have for dinner, Tori?”
“Your men requested steak, but I can make you anything you like, sir.”
“I’m guessing there aren’t any leftovers from the gluttons?” He said, smirking.
“No, sir. I can make more, though. It’ll just take me a few minutes,” she said with a small smile.
Adrik turned to me and raised his eyebrow. “What do you think? Sound good?” Before I moved my gaze to Adrik, I caught Tori’s eyes going wide for a split second before she composed herself. What was that about?
“Yes, please. That sounds amazing,” I said, my mouth watering already. Steak was a luxury that I rarely got to enjoy. Once or twice at the restaurant when we didn’t sell enough in a week, we’d get to take one home instead of throwing them out, but I never bought it for myself.
“Then, please Tori, make us the same.”
“Yes, sir. Would you like me to call you when it’s ready?”
“That would be great. I’m going to show Sephie around while we wait.” Of course, sir.”
Sephie
We continued walking around the maze of rooms. The staff quarters were off the kitchen. More bedrooms for guests next to the staff rooms. There was a library on the other side of the kitchen, which I was excited about exploring. Another grand room held a few couches and oversize chairs. There were French doors leading outside to the pool and the gardens that I could see from my balcony. We walked outside, as Adrik said he wanted to show me the gardens up close. As soon as we walked by the pool, we were hit with the loveliest floral aroma from the gardens. It was even stronger than what I could smell from above. It was like walking through Heaven. I inhaled deeply.
“You like?” Adrik asked as we walked through the small maze of familiar flowers and flowers I had never seen before.
“I love. It smells amazing. I want to bottle it and wear it all the time,” I laughed.
“This is one of my favorite places on the property. I come here often when I can’t sleep,” Adrik said.
“What are your other favorite places?” I asked.
“In good time. We don’t have time right now. We must feed you before your stomach wakes up the neighborhood,” he said poking me in the stomach.
I blushed, “yeah, sorry. My stomach has a mind of its own. Clearly.”
He let out a small laugh. “I’m not complaining. You’re not the only one who hasn’t eaten today. My stomach is grateful yours sounded the alarm.” I smiled up at him, loving how relaxed and at ease he seemed anytime he was near me. I’d seen the tension and the murderous aura he gave off when he was taking care of his business, but I knew I’d only seen a peek of what he was capable of. I’d seen the other bosses in the city enough to know how dangerous they were. If
Adrik was above them all, that meant he was even more dangerous.
“Excuse me, sir? Your dinner is ready,” Tori said from the back patio, by the pool.
“Thank you, Tori. We’ll be right there,” he said. He watched as she turned to leave and pulled me in close. He kissed me sweetly, his arms wrapping around me the way I had already grown to love. I returned the kiss, but then stepped out of his grasp.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.