Relationship Status: Mafia

Chapter 21

_________ Alice POV________

As I sat at the dining table across from Matsuo, I had only one thought going through my mind. It came to me after breakfast with Anne, then the spa, and now the extravagant dinner spread. I realize this isn't done out of kindness. This whole day was a pathetic attempt for Matsuo to repay me for saving his life.

Just like the jewelry he tried to throw at me the day before, this won't simply do, no matter what he planned.

A large spread of food is laid out at the center of the table. From what I can tell, the dishes were a range of varieties of sushi. I've yet to culture myself to know the dishes before me. However, I am so hungry ill eat whatever is in front of me.

My plate remained bare as I decided what to try first, so I picked random foods and placed them on my plate just as Matsuo did. He sat across from me, eating. For a moment, I did admire his skills with a pair of chopsticks. I peered down at the pair next to my plate, deciding it was best to stick to a fork.

The first piece of sushi is surprisingly delicious. It beats me what it was, but it sure as hell tasted spectacular. Soon I was shoving food into my mouth, enjoying each and every bite.

While chewing on a dumpling, I look up to see Matsuo staring at me. I start to feel embarrassed by my unladylike behavior. He continues to eat with a smirk on his face.

As I am sipping a glass of red wine, Matsuo cleared his throat, gaining my attention.

"Did you try the tuna?"

I set down the glass gazing at the platters of food.

"To be honest, I don't know what I've been eating this whole time." I admit placing my hands in my lap.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but it quickly disappeared. Matsuo reached over the table and pointed with his chopsticks at a particular piece of fish that is red.

"That is tuna," he picked it up and popped it into his mouth along with rice.

As I began to reach for the tuna with my fork, he shook his head.

"What?" I stopped and asked.

"Use the chopsticks."

I released a very unladylike snort before throwing a hand over my mouth.

"I can't use those." I'm embarrassed to admit it.

Matsuo let out a scoff setting his down, and grabbed my pair. He motioned for me to raise my hand. Then, Matsuo set the chopsticks between my fingers showing me how to pick up the sushi. His fingers caressed mine as he guided me to a piece of tuna.

"Just pinch it like this," I closed the chopsticks on both sides of the food.

When our hands separated, the tuna fell from the chopsticks into my plate on accident. Again I tried to pick it up on my own but struggled greatly. In the end I grabbed my fork to eat while Matsuo shook his head. Although he wore a grin he failed to hide. I ignored it grabbing the wine glass that was served with dinner.

"I assume you've enjoyed today's activities. " He wiped his lips with a cloth before focusing his eyes on mine.

I set my wine glass down, straightening in my seat, dreading what comes next.

"I did," a satisfied smile spread across his face. "But this doesn't change anything."

Quickly his smile faded and anger filled his eyes. He placed his hands down on the table beside the utensils, suspiciously close to the knife. My eyes watch his movements closely and I tightly grip the seat of my chair. When Matsuo notices my paranoid stare he softens his face slightly.