“Okay, it wasn’t horrible, but certainly not something I want to try again. If I’m too afraid to eat something, then that’s all the warning I need to keep away from it, even though the flavor was actually quite indescribable. I may have to try other safer sushi dishes. The thought of eating raw fish has always kind of freaked me out,” she said with another wrinkle to her nose, the cute expression making Rafe grin.
“Well, the Fugu is the only fish on your plate that can actually kill you. Try the Hamachi Roll. It’s made with grilled yellow tail and shrimp. I think you’ll find it refreshing.”
With a heavy sigh, Ari tried the roll, and then smiled. She didn’t complain as she finished the last few delicate rolls. Once her plate was clear, she picked up her glass of wine again.
“This is the best wine I’ve ever had, not that I'm very experienced in alcohol. My mom let me have a glass at my high school graduation party and then I’ve tried a few glasses when out to dinner, but I’m not a wine expert. I’ve had friends that could tell you what year and flavor this is.”
He sat back as she babbled for several moments, finding that he enjoyed the sound of her voice even if he didn’t understand half of what she was talking about. Their conversation centered on mundane topics for the next half-hour, but he found he wasn’t in the least bored. If anything, he was more interested by this woman than ever.
They ate through several more courses and he enjoyed the excitement entering her eyes as each dish was revealed. She stopped wrinkling her nose as she dove into the artistic creations, some of them not to her liking, but she was eager to try each one.
“Thank you, Mr. Palazzo. This evening turned out quite pleasant. I can now say I’ve tried dishes I never imagined wanting to sample. I’m sorry the… um, employment didn’t work out, but I can’t say the evening was a total bust. It actually took my mind off my worries for a while. However, the real world is calling and I need to get back to it.”
Rafe felt a small spark of irritation that she refused to call him by his first name, even after hours of dining with him, but he tampered it down as he stood to assist with her jacket.
As his hands slid against her shoulders, he felt that familiar stirring in his body. He found himself wanting to explore her hidden curves, touch her smooth skin, and see if she tasted as good as she smelled.
“I’ve enjoyed myself, too, Ari. Maybe you will reconsider my job offer,” he whispered as he bent down so his breath warmed her neck. Satisfaction rolled through him as he watched her skin react – her body unable to hide its pleasure in his touch. He couldn’t resist the urge to lean in and gently bite the delicate skin of her neck before running his tongue over the spot, making her lean momentarily against him.
Before he could wrap his arms around her and press his hardening body against her soft backside, she stiffened and pulled from him.
“No, that won’t be happening. Thank you again for dinner, but I really must leave,” she insisted as she strode from the room.
Rafe threw several hundred dollar bills on the table, then turned to follow Ari. She made it out the front door and a small stretch down the sidewalk before his long cool strides caught up to her.
“How were you planning on getting home, Ari? My driver is the one who brought you here. Besides, I always escort my date home,” Rafe insisted as he grabbed her arm and spun her around, enjoying the look of awareness on her face.
“That’s not necessary, Mr. Palazzo, as this wasn’t a date. There’s a bus stop just down the road, and I’m happy to use it,” she fired back.
“It’s not safe for a woman to be out walking at night. There will be no way in hell that I’ll allow this to happen.”
“I’ve lived in the city for a while now and I’m fine on my own. I know how to take care of myself,” she said as she tugged against his hold.
“I’m sure you do, Arianna, but why not let someone else take care of you for a while. I’m very good to my women,” he said as he backed her up against the brick wall of the restaurant.
“I’ve made my decision. You need to let me go.” Her voice trembled as her gaze dropped to his lips.
Rafe had a strict, no kissing rule, but he found himself wanting to bend down and devour her naturally plump pink lips. He felt himself bending as his will began to break.
Right before their lips connected, a drunken crowd of teenagers stumbled by, one of the boys knocking into the two of them and breaking the moment. Ari slipped from his arms and took off down the sidewalk. Rafe caught up to her as she made it to the barely lit bus area.
“I’m beginning to tire of chasing you, Ari. I said you won’t be taking the bus, so that means that you won’t. I really have no qualms about causing a scene, but since you’ve been hissing at me beneath your breath, I take it that you do. You can either come with me willingly, or I’m going to pick you up, toss you over my shoulder and drag you back to the restaurant. It’s your choice,” he said, causing her to jump.
“You wouldn’t dare,” she gasped as she looked around. A few people were beginning to walk toward them. Rafe could see the bus approaching several blocks down the street. She wasn’t getting on it, not on his watch.
“Not only would I dare, but I’d enjoy myself. You have to the count of three. One… two...”
“Okay, okay. I’ll take the ride,” she relented as his hands were starting to reach out to her. She turned back in the direction of the restaurant, grumbling underneath her breath about pompous men who needed to learn self-control.
A smirk appeared on his lips as he pretended not to listen to her. She had no idea how much self-control he was actually using around her. He’d been planning on taking her to her new apartment tonight, ravishing her body, and initiating her into his world.
If Rafe knew one thing, though, it was that plans changed. He didn’t often have to adapt, but he could make exceptions once in a while. It seemed if he wanted to pursue this matter with Ari, he’d have to make an exception or two. He could live with that.
When he finally got her into his car, she refused to speak to him. She didn’t give him directions, and she didn’t bother to offer them. They both knew he was well aware of where she lived.
They drove in silence and upon reaching her apartment, he slowed his car as he parked in the dark parking lot. She jumped from the car, but he was right on her heels. He wouldn’t have her walk to the door by herself. It took her a few tries, but eventually she managed to get inside. Once he heard the sound of the lock sliding into place, he left. It was going to be a long, painful night.