Aria
Butterflies swim in my stomach as I pull a glistening silver gown from the bag. My mouth fucking drops open.
“Holy shit.” I run my fingers over the fabric, eyes wide. “This is so fucking beautiful.”
Lucas smirks, arms crossed, clearly pleased with himself. “Glad you love it, baby. Look inside, there’s more.”
I immediately dig back in and pull out a pair of stilettos…black with silver lining. “Oh my goddess.” I squeal, hugging them to my chest before grabbing Lucas by the collar and planting a kiss on his lips.
He chuckles and hands me a silver clutch, then an envelope. “Here.”
I eye him suspiciously. “What’s this?”
Lucas just gives me a nod, urging me to open it. My fingers fumble with the envelope as I rip it open and pull out a piece of paper. My heart skips a beat.
“A reservation at the Royal Dinner Restaurant?” My eyes snap to his, stunned. “That’s crazy, babe..”
Royal Dinner is a luxurious restaurant downtown.
Lucas grins, that cocky yet devastatingly sexy grin. “I wanted to make it up to you, baby. You deserve it.”
It’s amazing, everything about this is amazing. But something gnaws at the back of my mind. I bite my lip.
Lucas frowns. “What’s wrong?”
I hesitate before blurting it out. “Babe… where did you get the money for all this?”
Lucas exhales, already knowing where this is going. “Come on, Aria.”
I fold my arms, not letting it slide. “Lucas, I can’t just accept this without knowing the backstory. That would make me a bad girlfriend. And I know this stuff is hella expensive.”
He groans, rubbing a hand down his face. “Fine. I took some from my savings… and borrowed a little from my friends.”
I narrow my eyes. “Lucas.”
“Come on, babe.”
I pout. “I don’t wanna be the reason you go out borrowing money.”
He steps closer, his hands sliding around my waist, pulling me flush against him. His fingers gently brush a strand of hair from my face.”Don’t be like that, baby, please. They’re my friends, they’re like brothers. And Theo and Damon? They’re rich as fuck. It’s the bare minimum for them.”
I sigh, relenting. “Okay.”
His lips twitch as he pokes my cheek playfully. “Come on, smile for me.”
I can’t help but smile…he’s so fucking sweet.
“Good. Now go get ready, we’ve got a date to attend.”
I grab his shirt and pull him in for another kiss. “Thank you, Lucas. The flowers, the gifts… all of this. It’s so sweet.”
His mouth captures mine, firm yet teasing. “You deserve it, baby. You deserve everything.”
An hour later, I step out of the closet, fully dressed, and catch my reflection in the mirror.
The gown hugs my curves perfectly, glittering like liquid silver. The mermaid cut gives me an hourglass silhouette, the stilettos elongate my legs, and the clutch ties everything together. I pull my hair into a sleek ponytail, letting my favorite teardrop earrings shine, and keep my makeup soft and natural.
Lucas walks in…and fucking freezes.
His eyes roam my body, darkening with something raw, something that sends heat rushing straight between my thighs. His tongue flicks out, running across his bottom lip as his jaw tightens.
“Oh my fucking goddess.” His voice is rough, needy. “You look so goddamn sexy, baby.”
I smirk, twirling slightly. “You think so?”
“I swear, I didn’t lie.”
He looks fine as hell in that black T-shirt and red jacket. But the real killer? That damn undone button, giving me a tease of his tanned chest…the very same one that ruins my sanity on a daily basis.
His gaze darkens as he catches me staring. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Aria. We’re supposed to be romantic today. No more fucking.”
I scoff, rolling my eyes. “I wasn’t thinking anything dirty. Are you ready?”
“Yes. Now, come here.”
He extends his hand, palm up…commanding without saying a word. I place my hand in his, and just like that, we step out.
The moment we walk out of the building, my eyes widen.
A fucking limousine is parked right in front of us.
I snap my head toward him. “Did you bring…?”
Lucas nods, looking proud as fuck. “You wanted romance, baby. I’m just delivering.”
He pulls me closer, his grip firm but gentle, and opens the door for me. I step inside, sinking into the leather seat as he slides in beside me.
The driver greets us before driving off.
“Holy shit, this is so fucking beautiful.” I run my fingers over the luxurious interior. “I’ve never actually been in a limo before. This is great.”
Lucas looks at me amused. “You haven’t…? That’s crazy.”
I snort, crossing my arms. “Have you forgotten? I’m poor, Lucas.”
His face drops. He doesn’t say anything at first…just keeps looking at me, jaw a bit tight. Then, after a beat, he exhales. “I’m so sorry, Aria.” His voice is lower, more serious. “You’re supposed to be enjoying my so-called wealth, and here I am, making you suffer with me.”
I shake my head instantly. “I’m not suffering, Lucas.” I cup his face, running my thumb along his jaw. “I love being with you. That’s all that matters.”
His eyes soften, and he leans into my touch, pressing a slow kiss against my palm.
When we finally pull up to the Royalty Diner Restaurant, Lucas immediately takes my hand, already leading me inside.
I barely take two steps before my jaw fucking drops.
The place is breathtaking. Beautiful lighting, soft music, and an atmosphere so romantic it makes me wanna swoon. And the people? High-class as hell, dressed like they walked straight out of a movie.
As we move further inside, a man in a sharp black suit rushes toward us. “Welcome, Mr. Russo. We’re honored to have you here.”
He nods at me with a polite smile. “Welcome, Ma’am.”
I blink. “Uh, thanks?” I glance at Lucas, my brow raised. “He knows you?”