Chapter 2
Sebastian
“You look gorgeous,” I said.
My eyes drifted over the silk dress she was wearing. Midnight blue was her colour. It brought out the grey in her eyes—those beautiful moon-like eyes I loved so much. Her blonde hair sat in loose, wavy curls, framing that perfect face of hers.
I could look at her all day and often found myself staring at her through the window at work. It was something I couldn’t help. I needed to see her, be with her all the time. She was that part I’d been missing, and I wasn’t ashamed to admit it, because she was all mine.
She smiled, placing her hand on my cheek. “You look pretty handsome yourself.”
Leaning in, I kissed the tip of her nose, then her forehead.
“Are Serfina and Hayden already inside?”
“Yeah, I told them to go ahead as we had a few things to do.”
I wanted to spend some time alone with her before we returned to reality and work took over—just doing normal things together as a couple, without having to worry about anything else.
“We’d better get inside before we miss everything.”
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out, seeing Soran’s name. I’d call him back later. I knew what he wanted, but tonight wasn’t the night.
“Who was that?” Aria asked.
“No one important.”
I stepped off the private water taxi, turned to take Aria’s hand to help her off, then straightened my cuffs to release my ID bracelet. Placing my hand on the small of her back, I guided her to the entrance.
Hayden and I had booked out the whole restaurant for the night. It was a special occasion, after all. They were more than happy to oblige when I told them my last name.
“Welcome, Mr Knight. It’s a pleasure to have you and Mrs Knight here tonight,” the server greeted warmly.
Mrs Knight. Aria Knight. They sounded fucking good together.
“Please, follow me to your table,” he continued.
As we walked, I leaned into Aria. “Wifey,” I whispered.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling as she elbowed me playfully. “Giving me your name already.”
“It’s always been yours.”
She linked her fingers with mine, squeezing tight, an acknowledgement that she felt the same way.
We walked up the stairs to the rooftop restaurant.
All the tables had been cleared except the one in the middle of the balcony, which was set for the four of us.
An open space with a roof to keep the elements out.
Free-standing vintage-style heaters sat around, spreading their orange and reds.
The restaurant itself was an old building situated next to the Venetian Lagoon, and you could see it over the rooftops.
Violet flowers were scattered along the floor, a path leading us to our table. Mixed flower arrangements of tiger lilies, pink roses, and daisies were positioned elegantly, and fairy lights weaved around the metal fence. The faint sound of classical music played in the background.
“Aria!” Serfina said cheerfully.
They gave each other a warm embrace as I reached Hayden, and we did our usual bro hug.
“Look at you, going all out in a suit,” I teased him.
“You’ve seen me in a suit before.”
“One time.”
“Hush, you,” Serfina said, pulling me in. “I don’t want you two acting like children tonight.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I kissed her cheek. “Happy birthday.”
Hayden had to be on his best behaviour tonight. I, however, had a few things I needed to sort out with the Organisation whilst we were here. Arrangements that needed to be made for tomorrow.
I pulled the chair out for Aria, and we all sat at the table.
The waiter brought out a bottle of Champagne Salon, opened it, and poured a small amount into my glass for me to taste.
I wasn’t a massive champagne drinker, but it was a special occasion.
I gave him a nod of approval, and he proceeded to fill everyone’s glasses before leaving.
“What did you need to do that made you late?” Serfina asked, taking a sip.
I smirked at her, my eyes flickering to Aria, whose cheeks flushed.
“It’s quite warm tonight,” she said, fanning herself.
“Yeah, I bet,” Serfina giggled.
I ran my hand over Aria’s thigh, finding the slit in her dress and resting it between her legs. I needed to be close to her all the time. To feel her.
“All I’m saying is, I’m happy for you. I was getting a bit worried that you’d never settle down,” Serfina said.
“Who knew he’d be such a Romeo,” Hayden joked.
“You two think you’re comical together, but you’re not.”
“I beg to differ,” Aria chuckled.
I squeezed her thigh, and she caught her breath. “Ganging up on me, too?”
“You know I love you.” She kissed me.
The waiter approached the table. “Are you ready, Mr Knight?”
“Sì, siamo pronti. Può portare gli antipasti, per favore? Grazie.” I instructed the waiter to bring the starters.
“I didn’t know you spoke Italian.”
“I speak many languages, Nyx.”
“Oh God,” Serfina chuckled. “When I was preparing for my French GCSE, Sebastian refused to talk to me in English and would only speak to me in French. It was so annoying.”
“You got the highest mark because of it.” I took a sip of my champagne, screwing my nose up a little.
“That’s because I studied.” She stuck her tongue out at me.
My phone started ringing, and I took it from my suit jacket pocket.
Luca.
“Excuse me.”
Standing from the table, I stepped aside to answer so no one could hear.
“Hello.”
“Ciao Sebastian, we still on for tomorrow?”
“Yes. Send me the location and time. Hayden and I will be there.”
“See you tomorrow.”
He hung up, and I returned to the table, where Aria was talking with Serfina.
“Luca?” Hayden asked quietly.
“Yeah. He’s going to send the details.”
“Who was that?” Aria asked, looking over.
I squeezed her thigh. “Just work. Some paperwork I need to sort out.”
It wasn’t a complete lie. Technically, the Organisation was work, and it was something I needed to sort out, yet my stomach still churned from it.
“Work at this time of night? On the weekend?” she questioned.
“A few important projects are coming through when we get back.”
Before she had a chance to respond, the waiter brought the starters out, laying them neatly on the table.
“You need to try this, Nyx.”
I placed some cicchetti on her plate with some pumpkin carpaccio that I knew she’d like.
She leaned in. “You know, these two will be so funny to watch when they’re an old married couple.”
My eyes flicked up to Hayden and Serfina. She was doing her usual of trying to feed him things he didn’t want, and then he’d give in anyway after trying to stop her. The thing was, he’d always end up liking what she gave him. She knew him inside and out.
“Do you think we’ll end up like that?”
“No. We’ll end up with you constantly stealing my food.”
I grinned, then took some cicchetti from her plate and took a bite.
“Like that?” I teased.
“Yes, like that,” she laughed.
I pulled her in, planting a delicate kiss on her head.
I loved this girl with every part of me.
She was my future. She truly was beautiful—not just on the outside, as breathtaking as she was, but on the inside, too.
The warmth and kindness she had for people was something I hadn’t experienced much in life, but Aria saw me in a world full of darkness. She always had.
“Look at you two. It’s like Tony and Maria. A westside story of love,” Hayden teased.
I arched my brow at him. “Tony died.”
“Fine. Jack and Rose.”
“Again. Died. Why are you always trying to kill me off?”
Serfina giggled to herself. “I think Hayden is trying to get rid of you.”
“I’m just amazed you know where all these couples are from,” Aria added.
“Sebastian’s a hopeless romantic, really,” Serfina joked.
“Not sure about that.”
“I don’t know. You seem softer.” Hayden grinned.
“Yeah, less intense,” Serfina agreed.
I glanced over to Aria, who had her hand covering her mouth to stop the laughter bursting out, and I shook my head, smiling at her.
“I’m getting rid of you two,” I told Hayden and Serfina.
“You can’t.” Serfina took a sip of her drink. “No take-backs. Stuck with us for life.”
Honestly, I wouldn’t change them for the world.
Serfina had been there since I was eight years old.
She’d known my mum for two years, and when she’d died, Serfina was there as much as she could be for a seven-year-old and every day after that.
Then I met Hayden. My best friend, my brother.
We’d been through a lot in those eleven years.
He was there when my granddad died, helping me through it.
Even in my darkest times, he’d stayed by my side.
I couldn’t see my life without them in it.
After we finished our starters, the waiter cleared the table and brought the main dishes out for everyone.
The food was exceptional—everything a place like this should be.
There was beef fillet with a cream sauce, accompanied by mixed vegetables and lamb.
The lasagnetta was Aria’s favourite—I’d made sure to order it for her.
Looking around at everyone at the table, I realised it had been so long since we’d done this together. It was nice to get away. Running Luxe Corp had given me less time with them—it wasn’t like it used to be before I took over.
Then there was the Organisation. Something that wouldn’t run itself.
I shouldn’t have been doing “business” deals whilst away with Aria, but it was the perfect opportunity I couldn’t miss.
I’d made a promise, and all I wanted to do was protect Aria and keep her safe. So for now, I had to keep it from her.
“I think the champagne may have gone to my head,” Aria giggled, leaning against my shoulder. I tilted her chin to meet my gaze, and her eyes were a little glassy, so I kissed her lips, which tasted like alcohol.
“You’re everything to me,” I whispered against them.
“I love you,” she whispered back.
“Ok,” Hayden said, grabbing everyone’s attention. “Now that dinner is out of the way, I just want to take some time to appreciate this phenomenal woman sitting next to me.” He took Serfina’s hand, and she blushed.
I don’t think I’d ever seen Serfina blush the whole time I’d known her. She was such a badass with everything.
Placing my arm around Aria, I pulled her in close to me.
“You completely took me by surprise,” he continued.
“That’s true. I literally had to kiss you to make you realise I liked you.”
“I hardly had anything when we first got together. You stood by me when your dad said I wasn’t good enough and couldn’t give you the life you deserved.
We almost didn’t make it, but you fought my corner with him—and won, of course.
You helped with the business and were there through it all.
You’re the most precious thing in my life, and I couldn’t imagine a second without you. ”
Hayden stood, pulling a red velvet ring box from his pocket, and got down on one knee. Serfina’s eyes widened, and she placed her hand over her mouth. He opened the box to reveal a princess-cut diamond set on a platinum band. Tightness hit my chest.
I glanced down at Aria. Her eyes were dancing with joy.
“Nari, my fiery one. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?”