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

- - -

​​

Dinner consisted of several types of bread and dips, a crunchy pie stuffed with feta cheese and spinach, roasted lamb on a bed of vegetables, and grilled seafood. For dessert, there was baklava.

"Do you usually order this much?", I asked while looking at the dining table big enough to seat six people, whose surface was packed with food.

Duke scratched the back of his head. "I am a big boy and I need food to grow."

We both laughed at his cheeky words. I guessed that he probably ordered more than he would if he were on his own, but this was enough food for ten people!

I noticed during our weekend in Frankfurt that Duke ate a lot, but I assumed that was because he was starving previously.

It seems that he has a big appetite and a healthy metabolism to support it without gaining extra weight.

Pita bread and a simple cucumber-yogurt dip reminded me of my time with harpies. U wondered how Treva was doing. She helped me escape and I left without looking back. It's three years since then, is she OK? What if she is imprisoned and being tortured? It wouldn't be right that she is still suffering while I'm enjoying my meal with Duke.

"Is something wrong with the food?", Duke's question full of concern pulled me out of my thoughts.

I shook my head quickly and put another bite in my mouth. I shouldn't space out like that. I was probably frowning, and I can't tell him the truth about harpies, so I need to stay focused.

"What is that?", I asked while pointing at another dip Duke was eating the most.

"Melitzanosalata", he responded and pushed the bowl closer to me. "It's a dip based on eggplant that was roasted on an open fire for the smokey flavor. It also has red onions, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. It goes well with lamb and grilled seafood, or you can have it just with bread."

Duke was knowledgeable not just about that eggplant dip, but about everything else on the table, and he was introducing me to dishes while serving them on my plate.

His enthusiasm was contagious, and I immersed myself in delicious food, the lovely sound of Duke's voice, and his company.

I helped him clean up the table and with keeping the leftovers in the fridge before we sat on the balcony with a glass of wine each and precut baklava on the side table.

The sweet and sour flavor of the wine was just right to wash off the meatiness of the lamb.

I found the baklava to be too sweet, so I ate only a small slice and focused on my beverage.

I watched Duke scarf down baklava, and I remembered Suzy and the container of cookies she brought for him.

"Do you like sweets?", I asked him.

Duke nodded ambiguously, but the fact that he put another piece of baklava in his mouth told me that he does.

"Do you like chocolate chip cookies or do you prefer things like baklava more?", I continued probing.

Duke paused and looked at me with a small frown. "Why are you asking me those questions?"

I bit my lower lip while hoping that I don't look as bad as I feel.

I can't cook to save my life and I never tried baking.

They say that the road to man's heart goes through his stomach, and if that's true, no man will love me. Or maybe Duke stops loving me when he realizes that I can barely make a sandwich.

Does that mean how a woman who cooks well can take him away from me?

I should take cooking lessons and learn to prepare food he likes. It would be embarrassing that after everything, I end up losing Duke because I'm not capable of feeding him. And the man loves to eat.

"I was just curious about your food preferences." I tried to sound casual.

"I love sweet things.", Duke responded with a sly smile. He kept the plate on the side table and pulled his chair next to mine. His arm extended behind my back and his hot palm landed on my shoulder.

"Do you want to know which one is my favorite?"

I nodded but it was cut short when I realized that his grip on my shoulder got firmer and he was looking at me hungrily like I'm food.

Duke chuckled. "It seems you figured it out."

Oh, God! He noticed me blushing! I pushed him away with barely any force. Of course, he didn't budge.

"Stop joking. I really want to know what's your favorite dessert. And not only dessert but all your favorites."

"Why?", He cocked his handsome eyebrow at me. "Do you want to cook for me?"

Well, this was getting embarrassing but if I deny it, he will call it out. "What if I do?"

He took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles while talking, "There is nothing for you to make, Serina. Just stay by my side and I will be a happy man. I earned enough so that I can give you a life of comfort. We should think about getting a house. I want us to have staff with a cook. They can handle cleaning and cooking and all other miscellaneous things, and the two of us will enjoy each other's company."

I was surprised that he thought that far. Knowing that Duke planned for our future together, warmed my heart.

Duke smiled as he probably took my lack of response as an approval, and he wouldn't be wrong. Who would disagree when a handsome guy like Duke talks about a future filled with pampering?

"Can you tell me about the event you are attending tomorrow?", Duke asked, and I was surprised that he waited until now.

"It's in the Pimlico neighborhood, starting at 6 PM.", I said while hoping that he won't make a fuss about the next piece of information, "It's hosted by the Giantshade Industries."

Duke's brows furrowed in concern. "Out of all the events available, why are you going there?"

"Notte Pharmaceuticals is invited.", I responded.

Duke shook his head in disapproval. "I don't want to limit your movements, but by now, Magda probably heard about the event in Frankfurt, and maybe even about our lunch today. I'm quite confident that she is aware we are together. Her father and brother are enabling her despicable behavior, and this might be a trap for Magda to get to you. She already tried to kill you once."

I didn't need a reminder about all the vile stuff that Magda did to me. Magda didn't only try to kill me, she succeeded. That was one of the things I couldn't tell Duke, but even if I could, I probably wouldn't. There was no point in telling him that. Duke would only get upset and it wouldn't change anything. Magda is mine to deal with and Duke is aware that she is bad news.

---

If you are not reading this at 'W e b n o v e l . c o m', then the content you're reading is stolen! Please support the author by reading this novel from the original source.