Ask Me to Stay

Chapter Eighteen

Dominic's POV

------

For the most part, I had everything planned out. After the other night, I was completely sure with myself. Vera was more than amazing with accepting that part of me, she actually enjoys it. Kara on the other hand has been doing the whole helicopter thing, we can barely go two hours without a phone call or a worried text. I keep telling myself that I was fine with it, that my love for Kara was more than enough for me to put up with her more annoying qualities. But then I look at her and suddenly my love for Kara seems like a childish romance. One that would surely not last...

"Love?" I called, waving Vera over from her conversation with an interior designer. She loved the expo and as each day passed I could see her unwillingness to leave this world behind. I sipped at my bourbon as she walked over, her black dress hugging her hips. 

"Yes?" She asked eagerly, a bright smile fitted on her lips. 

"Ready to go? We are walking to dinner and I don't want to be late." I sat down my crystal glass, lightly sliding it across the bar to the bartender. He nodded as I handed him a small wad of cash, mumbling a "have a good evening" before turning to attend to other customers. 

Vera nodded, looping her arm in mine after I stood up. She sent a small friendly wave to the tall, modelesque Korean woman. We walked out of the hotel event hall, not really caring if the expo didn't close for another two hours. 

"So why are we walking?" Vera asked curiously. I smirked down at her, pulling her closer to my side. 

"We haven't really been doing much exploring, Love. I thought a nice stroll would do us both good." She nodded attentively, laying her head on my shoulder as we passed small shops and cafes. 

"It's not like we haven't been getting exercise...muscles I didn't even know I had are sore." She giggled, looking at me with those golden eyes, the sunlight casting an unimaginable glow on them. 

"Well, then this walk will be a good change of pace." I returned, causing her to groan. I'm surprised at how well she's taken all this, before Paris she was used to me doting on her like a princess, only really showing her my sweeter side. Now, she's learning how to be a little more...pet-ish. And she's been a fast learner, to say the least. 

On the way, I bought her a rose. She had run off to the restroom and I found a florist selling rose bouquets. I had to pay the full price of the bouquet to her to give me a single flower. When she came back I hid it behind my back and tucked it in her hair when I kissed her. She found a mime and demanded I take a picture of them. We found ourselves on a bridge during the sunset and she charmed a stranger with a camera into taking some photos of us, giving them her number to send the photos to. I had secretly given him some money to ensure the photos were sent. 

Finally, nearly two hours later we found ourselves at the restaurant. A small but cozy establishment across from a park. It was out of the touristy area and barely any of the employees spoke English. 

We were seated outside, under a pergola lit by Edison bulb fairy lights. I helped Vera with the menu, translating the dishes for her but mostly relying on the pictures. When the waitress came for our order. I got the boeuf bourguignon and she got the lamb chops, I also ordered a bottle of wine for us to share. 

"Aren't they going to ask for my ID?" Vera asked after the waitress delivered the bottle and glasses. 

"As long as you're not drinking hard liquor then you're fine. Wine my love is not hard liquor." I inform her gently, a smile playing at my lips. I pour us both a glass, handing hers to her.