33. Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Talia

The chandelier glistened overhead as we entered the restaurant, a realm of luxury and tantalizing scents. Crystal droplets catch the light, casting shimmering reflections across the room, filled with the murmur of polite conversation and the clinking of fine china. Aleksandr's hand, warm and firm on my lower back, guides me through the gilded entrance, Anton and Ivan following closely behind us. The weight of his presence makes me acutely aware of every glance, every gaze upon us. I could feel the eyes of the other diners upon me, their gazes a mixture of curiosity and reverence. My dress clings to my curves, the red color as bold as the heels I'm wearing, and I can't help but wonder if the dress or the company is dawing their attention. Whispers float around us like delicate tendrils of smoke, curling into my consciousness and igniting my curiosity.

"Aleksandr," I murmur, leaning closer to him as we walk. "Why are they staring?"

The corner of his lips hike up, his dark eyes glinting with amusement and something else I can't quite name. "They know who I am. Many are from other families, rivals, and allies alike."

" Pakhan of the Avilov family," I said, more to myself than to him. The weight of his title settled over me like a heavy, invisible cloak. The whispers grew louder as if to confirm his words. But then, Aleksandr's smile widened into a rare and genuine expression that made my heart skip a beat.

"And they're also whispering because you are the most beautiful woman in the restaurant." His voice was low and intimate, sending shivers down my spine.

Before I could respond, the hostess approached us with a practiced smile, her eyes lingering on Aleksandr a moment too long for my liking. "Mr. Avilov," she said, inclining her head. "Your table is ready."

We were led to a secluded restaurant corner, a VIP table offering privacy and a view of the entire room. The table was draped in fine linen, and a single candle flickered between us, casting a soft, golden light over our faces. As we settled into our seats, I noticed more than one envious glance cast our way. It seemed Aleksandr's reputation and my presence created a perfect storm of curiosity and speculation.

The waitress appeared, her demeanor shifting to blatant flirtation as she took our orders. Her fingers brushed Aleksandr's shoulder as she handed him the menu, and I felt a flare of jealousy ignite within me. But Aleksandr's eyes never left mine, his gaze steady and reassuring.

"What can I get for you, sir?" the waitress asked, her voice dripping with honey.

Aleksandr didn't even glance at her. "We'll have the chef's special," he said, focusing solely on me. "And a bottle of your finest red wine."

"I'll take a club soda with a lime. Thanks." I gave the waitress my best smile, but my eyes shot daggers at her.

The waitress's smile faltered before she composed herself and left us to our privacy. I couldn't help but smirk a little, pleased by Aleksandr's unwavering focus on me.

"You look stunning tonight," he said, his voice softer now that we were alone. "Your dress is gorgeous, but I prefer you naked."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, flattered and self-conscious under his intense scrutiny. "Oh, um…thank you. You look...very handsome."

He chuckled and reached across the table to take my hand. His fingers were strong but gentle, a contrast that intrigued me. Aleksandr was more than just a mafia boss; he was intelligent, charming, and unexpectedly kind.

"Do you come here often?" I asked sheepishly. I wanted to know if he came here often with other females.

"Yes, I frequent this restaurant," he replied, amused.

"Oh," my smile faltered, glancing at my hands folded in my lap. "Do…do you come here frequently with other women?" I searched his face, knowing the answer was probably yes but hoping it was no.

"You are the first woman I have taken to this restaurant. I usually come here for business reasons only."

"Really?" Hope and anticipation bubbled, but I tried to remain casual. "I assumed you've taken other women here before me."

Aleksandr's lip ticked as a smirk appeared. "Not only are you the most beautiful woman in this restaurant, but you are also the first woman to dine with me. It seems you have piqued the interest of the other diners."

Glancing around the restaurant, I noticed some women and men stealing looks at us. The whispering continued, and I suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious.

Reaching across the table, Aleksandr held out his hand. Hesitantly, I gave him mine. Bringing it to his lips, he kissed it gently.

"Thank you for accepting my dinner invitation." The fire burned behind his blue eyes, heating my core and making my panties wet.

The world outside our little bubble faded into insignificance. I barely noticed the waitress placing the food on our table. It was exquisite—delicate morsels of seafood, tender cuts of beef, and vegetables prepared with a skill that spoke of a master chef. Each bite was a revelation, a symphony of flavors that seemed almost too extravagant to be real. But it was Aleksandr's company that truly captivated me. He listened intently as I spoke, his eyes never leaving mine, and the intensity of his gaze made me feel like the only woman in the world.

But beneath his warmth was an edge, a hardness that spoke of the life he led. It was that duality that drew me to him; the light and the dark intertwined in a dangerous and intoxicating way. I admired how he carried himself, with an air of authority and confidence demanding respect.

"Any luck finding Vic?" I inquired.

"Not yet, but we will get him. This will all be over soon enough." His face was a mask of determination, and I believed he'd stop at nothing to get Vic.

After a while, I excused myself to go to the restroom. The opulent decor of the restaurant continued into the hallway, but the further I went, the quieter it became. Gold-framed mirrors hung on the walls, reflecting the dim lighting and creating a sense of sophistication. I freshened up quickly, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The woman looking back at me was confident and alluring, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—uncertainty, perhaps. I shook my head, pushing the thought away, and exited the restroom.

The hallway was dimly lit, and as I walked back towards the dining area, I felt a sudden, dark presence behind me. Before I could react, a rough hand clamped over my mouth, and I felt a prick in my neck, a needle injecting something into my bloodstream. Panic surged through me, my body choosing fight over flight.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins, sharpening my senses. I stomped down with my heel, aiming for my assailant's foot. A muffled cry of pain told me I'd hit my mark. Summoning all my strength, I reached behind me and grabbed his crotch, squeezing and twisting with every ounce of force I could muster. He howled, his grip loosening just enough for me to break free.

My vision blurred as I stumbled into the dining room, my legs feeling like jelly. I could hear Aleksandr's voice, a roar of fury cutting through the haze, but I couldn't focus on the words. The world tilted, the faces of the diners spinning in a surreal dance of concern and curiosity. The luxurious surroundings seemed to warp and distort, the rich colors and textures blending into a disorienting swirl.

Each step felt like I was wading through water, my limbs heavy and uncooperative. I reached out, trying to steady myself on the back of a nearby chair, but my fingers slipped off the polished surface. The voices around me grew louder, a cacophony of alarmed exclamations and hushed whispers. Aleksandr's figure loomed ahead, his expression full of rage and fear.

My strength waned, my vision narrowing to a dark tunnel. The last thing I saw was Aleksandr rushing towards me, his eyes wide with panic. Then, everything went black, the world dissolving into nothingness as I fell into unconsciousness.