Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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​​

I asked Duke to order for both of us, and he did it with a grin like he is the one personally cooking.

I'm a disaster in the kitchen. I can barely make a sandwich and pour boiling water over instant noodles as my parents never let me into the kitchen, and since I'm with Aldus, maids are tending to my needs.

Does Duke know how to cook? He would look extra-handsome in the kitchen, with an apron around his waist. Only apron and nothing else.

Focus, Serina!

Duke ordered a full meal with a soup and salad and filet mignon with several sides, and a chocolate cake for dessert.

I had no idea at what point plates with food changed, or if I ate at all.

I was drowning in the endlessly blue eyes of the man in front of me, and I didn't want to be rescued.

It was like a dream. Better than a dream.

Duke was at the same table with me, holding my hand occasionally, recollecting silly stories from our days in high school, and my brain melted under the deep sound of his voice.

I was absolutely under his spell.

"I can cut my own meat.", I protested weakly when Duke started cutting my filet mignon into bite-sized pieces.

"I know you can. You can do anything you want.", he responded with a lopsided smile, and I was glad I was sitting because my legs trembled.

"Allow me to do this for you.", Duke murmured while his eyes drifted from the plate to me repeatedly, like he was gauging my reaction.

I gave up. Whatever he wants, he can have it. Me included.

How can a man be so handsome while cutting meat?

I was back to thinking of Duke in my kitchen, with an apron around his waist.

"Drago, why does it look that you are hiding here?", a sultry female voice pulled me out of my daze. It was Cynthia, and Bethany was right next to her.

I was irked that those two acted like I'm not there, but Duke's frown made it all better.

"Maybe I am hiding.", Duke said dryly.

Bethany pouted. "Come on, don't be a bad sport. Join us…"

"No.", Duke cut her off.

"You don't need to be rude.", Cynthia said with a forced smile.

Duke narrowed his eyes at her. "The rude one is you for interrupting my conversation with Sanya. If I wanted to join you, I would do so."

I noticed that he addressed me as Sanya in front of others, while he called me Serina when it was just the two of us. I was moved by his consideration of my identity.

Cynthia's and Bethany's expressions were comical, and I coughed to cover the laugh which bubbled inside me.

When they left, I let out a long exhale and shook my head at Duke. "You need to work on your people skills."

He resumed cutting the meat. "There is no point in wasting time on people like them. If I'm polite, they will interpret that like I'm interested, and then I will never get rid of them."

I hummed in agreement.

Duke is not only handsome but wise as well. He is perfect.

He put the plate with now cut meat in front of me, took my hand in his for the hundredth time that day, and caressed my knuckles with his thumb.

"You have no idea how happy I am that you are here. I won't allow them or anyone else to spoil this for me. Tell me, Serina… are you happy to be here with me?"

What a silly question. I'm beyond happy. It feels like I'm floating but there is no way I will admit that openly.

"To be honest… It feels unreal."

Duke licked his lips nervously. "Good unreal or bad unreal?"

His insecurity was adorable, and I didn't want to concern myself with figuring out if that was some game he was playing.

"Duke…", I called and placed my palm on his cheek.

The soft stubble that followed his jawline prickled my skin and it reminded me of how good it feels when it's against my cheek.

Don't think about your dreams, Serina!

The heat that crawled up my neck onto my face told me it was too late. I already imagined myself in his arms and I was blushing profusely. Damn it!

"Yes?", he responded in a half-whisper and leaned into my touch.

"I…"

Crap! What was I about to say?

Stop thinking about dreams and kissing him, Serina, because this is NOT the right time for it!

"I'm going to use the ladies' room."

I facepalmed internally, but this was the best I could come up with. Besides, I need a few minutes to calm down unless I want to say something really stupid.

Before he could respond, I got up and scurried out of the private room.

The restroom was clean and I was the only person in there. This was the perfect setting for my ex-classmates to come and bully me, but no one came. It was just me.

With nothing much to do, I checked my phone.

I frowned at the message from Marius:

[ You are being watched. ]

I kept my phone on silent so that I'm not disturbed, thinking that if anything is really urgent, Marius will make sure I know about it.

The message was sent more than ten minutes ago, and I quickly made a call.

"Who is watching me? Is he still there?"

"There is a werewolf in the establishment, young Miss.", Marius responded. "He is looking at you and your companion. I warned him to keep the distance and I'm not leaving him out of my sight."

"Thank you, Marius."

Anxiousness swelled inside me. A werewolf is watching me?

I knew that with Marius around I was safe, but what about Duke?

The image of three hooded individuals flashed in front of my eyes.

What if they try to kidnap Duke? He is just human, defenseless, without Aldus and Lazarus and Graike to protect him.

I was so consumed with my thoughts about meeting Duke and closure and emotions, and I completely neglected the possibility of someone watching me and that my presence might put Duke in danger. How reckless!

I called Marius again.

"Marius, I'm going to leave now. Ask Mitch to get the car ready and wait for me at the main entrance. Keep your eyes on the werewolf, make sure he doesn't harm anyone…"

I got back to my table and found Duke surrounded by three females. He was waving at them to scram, but they were persistent. Of course, he would attract attention.

"You are leaving?", Duke asked with disbelief when he saw me getting my jacket.

"Yes. Something came up."

He grabbed my hand. "What about the promise to stay and listen?"

"I can't now.", I said stiffly. I didn't want to leave but I couldn't stay either.

"When?", Duke persisted.

I got my cell phone, unlocked it, and placed it in his hand that was holding mine. "Call yourself."

Duke did what I told him, and his phone rang in his jacket.

I snatched my phone back. "Now we can be in touch."

"Serina…", he called and stood up from his chair.

"Sorry, this is urgent. I promise to call you as soon as I can…", I glanced at him longingly as I walked out, and I saw him fishing out some bills out of his pocket and throwing them recklessly on the table.

I hurried out. I knew that he wanted an explanation, but I had none to give. I couldn't tell him that a werewolf was looking at us.

I swiftly got into the car and told Mitch to drive.

My mind was buzzing, not allowing me to focus on anything useful, and then I heard a voice in my head, "Look to your right…"

I glanced to the right and saw Duke running down the street with a man chasing after him.

Is that the werewolf who was watching me? Duke was always fast, but he can't outrun a werewolf!

This is all my fault. Duke is in danger because of me!

"Mitch! Slow down!", I shouted and scooted to the right side of the car.

I opened the door. "Duke! Get in!"

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