𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭| 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 |𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 55 | Heartbreak in the shadows

As the dinner begins, the atmosphere in the grand dining room grows with tension. Well, at least for me. The crystal chandelier overhead casts a warm, golden glow on the table set with the finest china and silverware. I move with practiced grace alongside the other maids, struggling to keep my focus on work and not on that sickly feeling in my stomach. Each of us maids is silently performing her duties, our presence being barely acknowledged by the guests.

Carrying a tray of appetizers, I approach the table, my heart pounding as I near Demetrios. He sits at the head of the table, his imposing presence dominating the room. To his right sits Alaric, the older man's jovial demeanor contrasting sharply with the cold, calculating aura of Demetrios. Maxim is seated on mob boss's left, his sharp eyes are always alert although it really doesn't seem like it, judging by his carefree expression.

As I place a dish in front of Demetrios, I can't help but catch snippets of their conversation.

"The shipments need to be more discreet," he says, his voice low and commanding. "The Italians are getting too close for comfort."

I see Alaric nod beside him, his expression serious. "I agree. We can't afford any slip-ups, not with police sniffing around."

Maxim leans in, his voice a bit more casual but no less intense. "We agreed on increasing the security. We'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

I move on to serve Diamond, who sits next to her father. Although my first thought is to drown her in this soup or make her choke on cheese cubes, I decide against my poor judgement.

I internally roll my eyes at her behavior. Even her eating is gracious. Seriously, no one eats like this. And this little. I mean what the fuck? She barely touches anything I serve her. You have food on your plate, as much of it as you could want. The least you can do is at least try to eat more than one bite.

Isn't she like the most annoying person in the world?

From someone who used to starve on a daily basis this really pulls at my nerves. It's not right how many leftovers rich people create while some people are barely getting by.

"Have you considered moving the operation to east docks?" Alaric's voice then snaps my attention back on dinner. "It's more secure, and we have a few friends there."

Dimitri's eyes narrow slightly. "It's a possibility. But I don't like changing plans unless it's absolutely necessary. We need to ensure the new location is airtight."

As I continue to serve, the weight of their words presses down on me. The world they navigate is dangerous and ruthless, each decision carrying significant risk.

The maids and I move in a silent dance, refilling glasses and bringing out course after course. The scent of rich, gourmet food is constantly filling the air, and me being forever traumatized by lack of food in my past years, am always quick on taking precise notice.

At one point, I then find myself near Demetrios again, refilling his whiskey glass. But he doesn't take any notice of me, his gaze focused on the men as he dives back into the discussion. "Maxim, we need to tighten security. I don't want any surprises."

Maxim nods. "I'll handle it. And what about the American's? They've been quiet since we killed off Bradford."

He chuckles in return, a deep, rumbling sound that makes heat splash over my whole body. "Quiet doesn't mean harmless. They're biding their time. We need to keep an eye on them."

I move to Alaric, refilling his glass as well. His eyes meet mine for a moment, but I dedicate it no meaning, trying to leave. Surely I am quick to stop as he calls out for me, catching my attention. "Excuse me?"