The Promise

Chapter Twenty

My heart was pounding with nervous excitement as I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room. The makeup I had painstakingly applied seemed garish and overdone, and I worried that I looked more like a clown than the effortlessly cool look I had been aiming for. Just as I was about to dash to the bathroom to start over, the rumble of the guys' motorcycles filled the air, signaling their arrival in the driveway. At that moment, my self-doubt intensified, threatening to overshadow my anticipation.

As I realized I was running out of time, I felt the pressure of not wanting to keep them waiting. I paused to take a deep breath, studying my reflection in the mirror. Marko's encouraging words echoed, but I couldn't shake the tension. After inhaling deeply, I finally decided to go and greet them. It was a decision made with a mix of determination and self-doubt, a battle between my desire to please and my fear of judgment.

"You better treat her properly!" Sam's voice echoed through the hallway as I approached the stairs. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his attempt to deepen his voice and sound more mature. As I began my descent, the attention of everyone in the room shifted towards me. Standing at the foot of the stairs, I could feel their gazes piercing through me, stripping away my confidence and leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable.

I fidgeted nervously, my hands trembling and my heart racing. Feeling incredibly uncomfortable and vulnerable, I teetered on the brink of tears. It was abundantly clear that my outfit was wrong, and my makeup seemed entirely off. I couldn't understand why I had even bothered trying to look presentable.

"I'll go change," my voice was barely a whisper as I turned to ascend the stairway once more, my self-doubt palpable.

"No!" David's voice was sharp and commanding as he protested my actions. "You look stunning."

"Mesmerizing," Dwayne's deep voice rumbled. I looked back at the four men taking me on a date. "We've forgotten how to speak."

"Quel vestito e incantevole," Marko's green eyes smoldered as he spoke Italian, seemingly forgetting that he wasn't speaking English. "Sei uno schianto, tesoro."

"You are beautiful, babe!" Paul suggestively licked at his lips. I blushed, looking down after all their compliments.

"Have fun!" Grandpa winked at me before sliding an arm around my body. He guided me to the four men who couldn't take their eyes off me. "Have her back before 2 AM, boys."

"Yes, sir!" David gave a silent nod before gently placing his gloved hand on the small of my back, guiding me out into the crisp, chilly night. The faint chill in the air hinted at the approaching end of summer while the stars shimmered and twinkled above us. With a warm smile, Dwayne extended his hand towards me, offering his help to climb onto the back seat of his sleek, black motorcycle. I settled in, wrapping my hands around his naked waist. As soon as everyone had found their comfortable spots, Dwayne double-checked to ensure that I was securely positioned on his bike, ensuring I had a good grip and was seated correctly. Satisfied that everything was in place, we revved the engine and rode off into the night, the sound of the motor fading into the distance as we ventured into the darkness.

The four males deviated from their usual routine of visiting the Boardwalk and instead opted to drive to a quaint restaurant in the heart of the main square. Upon arrival, Paul gallantly assisted me as I dismounted from the back of the motorcycle. Their striking motorcycles stood out amidst the sea of sedans and practical vehicles. As Paul guided me down, his touch lingered on my sides for a few moments longer than necessary. Marko, displaying his assertiveness, swiftly took my hand and led me into the establishment.

The hostess greeted us warmly as we entered the restaurant and led us to our table. I couldn't help but notice the hostess didn't bat an eye at the peculiar way the men were dressed, which was entirely unexpected for the setting. I sat between Paul and Marko, with David and Dwayne sitting directly across from me. The arrangement sparked my curiosity, and I couldn't help but wonder what the evening had in store. I gazed down at the menu, feeling a rush of warmth as Marko silently gestured towards the section offering healthier choices. A radiant smile lit my face as I looked at the four men seated with me. Their considerate actions were a welcome change, as they made sure not to pressure me into eating more than I was comfortable with. Dwayne's playful wink conveyed understanding, but it was clear that all four were attuned to my emotions, particularly David.

As I carefully scanned the menu, considering each option, I finally settled on a refreshing salad with a crisp glass of water. In contrast, the four gentlemen at the table opted for hearty entrees and indulgent sides, such as baked potatoes generously adorned with extra sour cream. The atmosphere during dinner was surprisingly tranquil, contrasting my usual experiences over the past five years. As the waitress approached our table with the substantial plates of food, I couldn't help but feel a surge of apprehension. However, Marko and Paul reached out with comforting gestures, offering gentle touches to soothe my nerves.

As I sat at the table, none of the four men I was dining with uttered a word as I absentmindedly pushed my food from side to side on my plate. The ravioli Marko had ordered emitted a tantalizing aroma that filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. Despite my mouth watering at the thought of digging in, I continued playing with my food. After we all finished our meals, David graciously settled the bill.

As the evening drew close, we found ourselves standing outside the restaurant. The streetlights glow warmly on the bustling sidewalk as David casually lit a cigarette, the ember glowing in the darkness. I fidgeted nervously, my mind racing, uncertain about what would come next. Would they express that they had enjoyed their time, but it was time to part ways? Looking up, I was trapped by David's intense, piercing blue eyes. His gaze felt like it could see through me, sending a shiver down my spine. As he exhaled a cloud of smoke, the air seemed to thicken with tension, and I couldn't help but hold his gaze, feeling the weight of unspoken words hanging between us.