Chapter 27: The Dinner Date

Maria and Roy stepped into the private spot in the popular del monte restaurant. There were very few people in this section because it was the VIP section. Everyone's table was secluded in a way that you couldn't see other couples except at the entrance or you stretched out your neck.

When they passed other couples on their way to the table, Maria giggled inwardly at the hysteria she caused. They could not take their eyes off her and who could blame them. The goddess had adorned a nude-colored mini, flared gown made of silk. It was so short her long sensual legs came out to play.

It was opened down to the waist at the back and her golden body chain was on full display. The front was parted so far apart her soft, firm boobs were halfway displayed. She had let her hair down which fell to her waist. She paired it with red stilettos with a rope tied up to her thighs. Ending the look with deep red lipstick, it was obvious she was dressed to kill, literally.

Maria was out for blood and the reactions she had gotten so far, showed it was well worth it. Roy's eyes almost fell out of their socket when he had watched her come down the stairs on his arrival to pick her up. His mouth must have opened agape throughout the journey to the restaurant.

He knew she was a beautiful woman, but the woman he saw today told tales of a dangerous enigma. She made him want to conjure the sweetest words even though he was too vain to be poetic.

They were shown to their seats and Roy quickly drew out hers. She gave him an appreciative smile and sat down. Only when he did sit, did she take her time to look at him. He was a handsome man when his mouth was shut. He looked like he could be of importance if she couldn't control her desires anymore.

"I know I've said this may be a million times already, but you look ethereal Mar," he said astonished.

"Mar" she repeated. "Second time you're calling me that. Is it some kind of nickname" she asked, indulging him.

There was no need to be rude, she thought. So far, Roy hadn't done anything to warrant it. Oddly, he was on his best behavior.

"I could call you pretty if you prefer. I just want you to know how gorgeous you are" he said.

Maria smiled as she watched him struggle and fail to keep his eyes on her face. His treacherous eyes kept betraying him by trailing down to the globes at the two ends of her chest.

"No. Mar is fine," she said, as they ordered.

The food came and Maria was super excited. Ever since her appetite opened, all she wanted to do was eat.

"You seem different" he observed and she was shocked. She didn't think Roy could take note of moods. He probably had taken lessons after his horrible decisions at the last dinner.

"And you seem less annoying and more interesting" she didn't mean for the backhanded comment to come out that way, but she couldn't help it. She was discovering another side of Roy Hudson.

"I'll do anything for you Mar. And I meant it when I said I was sorry for leaving you in the hands of that beast. He'll pay for hurting you" he said and she somehow believed he meant it. Maybe Roy did like her anyway.

"You're forgiven. You did say you have something that'll redeem you. I'll be foolish not to hear you out and give you a second chance" she said and focused on eating her food.

However, something felt off. She sensed someone's eyes staring unwaveringly at her. The stare was so intense it radiated like hot sun and caused a burning sensation in her body. She looked up to see if it was Roy but the man was also on his food. She grew apprehensive.

A part of herself to her to keep on eating and ignore whatever was going on but another part if she was curious to know. Curiosity won the short-lived battle and she stretched to see who it was looking at her. From a distance, her eyes rested on Vincenzo who raised his glass the moment she saw him. She inhaled sharply as she watched him, watching her.

Vincenzo stiffened when Maria turned and caught him staring at her. Truth be told, she was the last person he expected to be in this restaurant and at this moment.

Even the fact that she was with that scum of the earth, Roy, couldn't distract him from her danger. She was hands down the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She felt a pang of envy at the fact that she had dressed up this naughtily for Roy of all people.

It should have been him. Everything about her intrigued him and that's why he hadn't taken his eyes off her. He had completely forgotten about his date. All his focus was on the beautiful lady that had stolen his breath away. He was excited when he saw her look at him.

He observed how she inhaled deeply. He knew his desire would be apparent if he didn't do something. And that's why he raised his glass to somehow shield himself. When he put it down, he watched her face change from surprise to disgust. His suspicion had been confirmed. She hated him.

It took all of Maria's strength to tear her eyes away from Vincenzo.

For all his wickedness, the nan was unbelievably good-looking. He looked like a dream come to life. No man should be that beautiful, she thought. God was probably on a happy day as she was when he made him. Too bad he forgot to adorn him with some positive character. For as handsome as he was, he was still evil.

"Are you okay?" Roy asked worried about her. Her mood had suddenly switched up from happy to distressed. He wished he could wipe off whatever made her feel uncomfortable.

In Roy's head, he was already deeply in love with the beautiful Maria.

"It's nothing" she lied through her teeth." eat up" she managed a smile. She didn't think it would end well if Roy happened to find out that his arch-enemy was only a distance from them.

His super hot and sexy enemy. She chided herself for having such thoughts but she couldn't help it. Vincenzo Santoro was a beautiful man and try as she may, there was no disputing that fact. Her mind began to compare the two men. While Roy had the charms of a boyish westerner, Vincenzo had the sexiness of a man.

Every part of his body was built to overwhelm him in a good way. She turned again to see if he was still watching her and he was. Her eyes lingered on a bit as their gaze held.

The way he stared was almost as if he could see into her soul. Her body forgot how to function at that moment. All it wanted to do was stare at the man who had brought her nothing but pain. Yet at that moment, she could scarcely remember why she was so angry at him.

Reluctantly she tore her eyes off him. Touching her face, she realized how flush she was. So she excused herself and located the restroom. Roy watches her leave wondering if he had said the wrong thing.

She kept on staring into space. Due to his position, he couldn't see what she was staring at that had her so unnerved. He stood up from his seat to have a glance and at that same moment, Vincenzo had excused himself to use the restroom.

The only thing Roy saw was a figure retreating. Maybe she had been staring into space. He thought he had everything in control. To the best of his knowledge, dinner was going great. He had even managed to make her laugh. He thought she was slowly warming up to him.

What could have happened in so short a time for that kind of drastic switch up to occur? He didn't know what to do, so he decided to order more wine. Perhaps she just needed a drink to relax again.

Maria stared at her reflection in the mirror as she confirmed for herself that she was indeed flushed. She hated the satisfaction she saw in Vincenzo's eyes just before she stood up to use the restroom. How could you have let yourself be so easily swayed? She pointed accusingly at the mirror.

She had checked to make sure she was alone in the room so as not to be looked upon as a crazy person. Just then she heard a knock on the door and froze when her name rolled out of his lips. Damn it! She whispered. Vincenzo was at the door.