Chapter 82 - Danica #2
Because that's just who he is—a controlling, sadistic alpha-hole who gets off on pushing my buttons and driving me to the brink of insanity. And I'm the horny little bitch who can't seem to get enough of it.
I arch an eyebrow, trying to play it cool even as my heart races. "Oh really? You didn't specify how long I had to keep it in—don't tell me you're running out of tricks already."
His eyes flash, a predatory gleam that makes my insides quiver. "Trust me, Angel, I've got plenty of tricks up my sleeve."
I'm about to hit Rhyland with another sassy comeback when our waiter appears, his eyes instantly drawn to the generous display of cleavage my dress is offering up like a goddamn buffet.
I smile at the look on Rhyland's face—he's practically vibrating with rage, his jaw clenched so tight I'm surprised his teeth haven't shattered.
What the hell did he expect?
This will be fun.
"Good evening. My name is Jake. I will be your server tonight. May I start you with wine or a drink from the bar?" his gaze still firmly glued to my tits.
Jake's got that whole "aww, shucks" college boy charm going on—tousled blond hair like he just rolled out of bed after an all-nighter and eyes greener than a freshman's first attempt at tequila shots.
He's tall and lean, like a beanpole with abs.
But let's be honest; he's about as intimidating as a labradoodle puppy compared to my Viking stud muffin.
Rhyland's got that "I'll ravish you senseless and then build you a longboat" vibe that Jake couldn't match if he tried.
I flash Jake my most dazzling smile, laying on the charm like it's going out of style. "Hi, Jake. Thank you... could you help me with the wine menu?" I scoot closer, batting my eyelashes up at him. "I forgot my reading glasses and can't see what this says."
It's a blatant lie, of course. I can read the menu just fine. But Jake doesn't need to know that.
"Sure thing," he says, leaning in closer, his eyes practically bugging out of his head as he gets an even better view of my assets. I can feel Rhyland's glare boring into me, but I studiously ignore him, focusing all my attention on the hapless waiter.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing, Dani?" Rhyland's voice rumbles in my head, the warning clear in his tone.
But I keep smiling, leaning closer to Jake until we're practically nose-to-nose. "Wonderful. I'll take the Riesling. Thank you, Jake," I purr, with sugary sweetness.
Jake turns bright red, stammering out a response before practically sprinting away from the table. I lean back in my chair, a self-satisfied smirk on my face as I finally meet Rhyland's gaze.
"What's the matter, babe? Can't handle a little competition?" I tease.
"You must enjoy pissing me off, woman," he growls. "That unlucky little shit is no competition—I don't expect you to flirt in front of me, Dani… purposely. Keep it up, and I'll bend you over this fucking table and show everyone in this restaurant who you belong to."
I shiver at the heat in his words, my body instantly responding to the dominance in his tone. My fantasy of him taking me in front of people—owning my body. But I'm not about to back down now.
Jake quickly returns, flustered. " I apologize, sir. May I get you a drink?" Jake left in such a hurry that he forgot Rhyland's drink order.
"Bourbon. Neat." Rhyland responds in a clipped tone.
Jake, a little shaken, nods and hurries away.
As I take in the stunning surroundings of the high-end Seattle restaurant Rhyland has chosen for our date, I can't help but be impressed by its sheer elegance and sophistication.
The decor perfectly blends classic and modern, with plush velvet curtains, glittering chandeliers, and abstract art pieces adorning the walls.
The tables are set with crisp white linens, gleaming silverware, and delicate china, each place setting arranged meticulously.
But the breathtaking panoramic view of the Seattle skyline truly steals the show.
"So," I drawl, leaning forward on my elbows and giving Rhyland an eyeful of my ample cleavage. "What other delightful tortures do you have planned for me tonight, oh great and powerful Norse god?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out, little minx."
Before I can devise a suitably sassy retort, Jake returns with our drinks and takes our orders.
I can barely contain my excitement when my meal arrives—a mouthwatering filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.
I'm pretty sure I'm drooling, and it's not just because of the sexy Viking sitting across from me.
As we dig in, Rhyland and I trade heated glances and easy banter, the sexual tension between us simmering just beneath the surface. But then he has to go and ruin the mood with a serious question.
"So, you spoke with your brother? How is he?" Rhyland asks between bites.
I shrug, spearing a piece of asparagus with my fork. "Oh, you know, living the dream. Working for some fancy-schmancy company, probably making more money than God. He's coming to visit next week."
Rhyland frowns. "Do you think that's wise, Dani?"
I roll my eyes, taking a sip of my wine. "Why wouldn't it be? He's my brother, Rhyland. I need to see him."
"Does he know yet? About...everything?"
I cringe, my stomach twisting with guilt. I hate lying to Damon and keeping such a massive part of my life a secret, but what choice do I have? The supernatural world is dangerous; the less he knows, the safer he'll be.
"No," I admit, my voice quiet. "He doesn't know."
Rhyland's gaze softens, his hand reaching across the table to cover mine. "Are you going to tell him?"
I sigh, suddenly feeling like the world's weight is on my shoulders. "I don't know yet. I just...I want to protect him, Rhyland. He's all the family I have left."
Rhyland nods, his thumb stroking soothing circles on the back of my hand. "I understand, Angel. But you know you can't keep this a secret forever. Eventually, he will find out, one way or another."
I know he's right, but that doesn't make it any easier. Rhyland knows Damon is not fond of the supernatural, and I fear that Damon will disown me.
How do you tell your baby brother that you're mated to a vampire—that you're some kind of supernatural chosen one destined to save the world?
It's a conversation I'm dreading but one I know I can't avoid forever.
But tonight? Tonight is about forgetting all of that, about losing myself in pleasure and passion and the man who sets my soul on fire.
So I push those heavy thoughts aside and focus on the delicious meal in front of me, on the way Rhyland's eyes darken with hunger every time they meet mine.
The rest of the world can wait. Tonight belongs to us.
Jake returns to our table with a smile that's just a little too eager. "Is there anything else I can get you? Dessert, perhaps?"
I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table and pushing my tits together until they're practically spilling out of my dress. Jake's eyes immediately zero in on the tempting display, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows hard.
I can feel Rhyland's glare again, but I ignore him, focusing all my attention on the flustered waiter. "Dessert sounds perfect, Jake," I purr. "What do you recommend? I'm in the mood for something...sweet and sinful."
Jake's face turns a delightful shade of crimson, his eyes darting between my cleavage and Rhyland's murderous expression. "Um, well, we have a delicious chocolate lava cake," he stammers, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. "It's served warm with vanilla ice cream and a raspberry coulis."
"Mmm, that sounds amazing," I moan, licking my lips slowly. "I do love something hot and gooey in my mouth."
Jake makes a strangled sound, his pants visibly tightening as his bulge grows more pronounced. He looks like he's about to pass out, his face flushed and his breathing shallow.
Rhyland clears his throat pointedly, his eyes flashing with fury. "We'll take two of those," his voice low and dangerous. "And the check, if you don't mind."
Jake nods frantically, practically tripping over himself in his haste to escape the table. I cross my legs, my core clenching, a self-satisfied smirk on my face as I meet Rhyland's gaze.
"What?" I ask innocently, batting my eyelashes. "I was just being friendly."
"You know exactly what you're doing," he warns, his eyes promising retribution—a dark promise. "Keep it up, and I'll show you just how friendly I can be."
I shiver at the heat in his words, my thighs clenching together under the table. God, he's so fucking hot when he's jealous, all possessive and dominant, and ready to stake his claim—It's like poking a bear with a stick, only instead of getting mauled, I get fucked within an inch of my life.
Jake returns with our desserts and the check, his face still flushed and his pants still straining against his obvious arousal. He sets everything down on the table with shaking hands, his eyes darting nervously between me and Rhyland.
"Thanks, Jake," I say sweetly, my finger tracing the rim of my water glass. "You've been so helpful tonight."
He swallows hard, his voice cracking as he replies, "It was my pleasure, m-ma'am. Have a wonderful evening." He looks at Rhyland, "Sir."
As he hurries away, I can't help but giggle, feeling a little drunk on the power of my seduction. But when I look at Rhyland, the heat in his eyes sobers me up quickly.
"You're in trouble now, Angel. I hope you're ready for what comes next."
Ruh-Roh.