Dangerous Desires

Ch 5: Lola

The rest of the day went by in a blur. I showed Matteo around the hotel, introducing him to the staff and accompanying him to his meeting with Mr. Zeller about the upcoming renovations for certain hotel rooms. By the end of the meeting, I couldn't help but feel excited about the changes that were to come. As the day came to a close, I found myself reluctantly agreeing to have an early dinner with Matteo. All I really wanted to do was find Jenna and catch up on the latest gossip, especially about Angelica's sudden departure from the hotel. But it seems like I'm destined to be held hostage by the moody Italian for a little while longer.

Matteo brings us to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, and all I can think about is chowing down on a cheeseburger. I'm not opposed to fine dining, but I want something greasy. As we're seated at a window table with an extravagant view, Matteo's phone buzzes aggressively against the table. His expression tightens as he reads whatever life-altering message just lit up his screen. He mutters something under his breath, a string of curse words that would make a sailor blush, then stands abruptly.

"I'll be right back. You can order whatever you like if I'm not back before the waiter arrives." He says, not looking up from his phone.

"And what about you?" He is already walking away from the table with his phone pressed to his ear. Somehow, the thought of chowing down without him doesn't seem as appealing. Maybe I'm getting used to his brooding company—or maybe it's just impolite to eat without the other party involved.

Minutes tick by, turning into what feels like hours. The initially bustling noise of clinking glasses and low murmurs of other diners starts to feel like a drone in my ears. Annoyance pokes at me, but then concern starts to seep through. What could be so important?

My stomach growls—yeah, I'm not worried about being impolite. I need something in my belly now. I look around the restaurant until I make eye contact with one of the waiters, and she makes her way over.

"I would like to order now," I tell her. "Let me get the slow-roasted filet of salmon with pinot noir sauce and a prime-aged New York steak." I don't know if Matteo likes steak or not, but that's what he will get today.

The waiter nods, jotting down my order with a flourish. "And for your drinks?" she asks, her pen poised.

"Two glasses of your best red wine," I say, deciding that if I'm going to dine alone, I might as well do it in style.

She smiles, "Very well, madame. Your order will be out shortly."

Left to my own devices, I start people-watching, creating elaborate backstories for each diner. There's a secret agent disguised as a tourist, an old couple celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary, and a young man proposing to his girlfriend with a ring that could probably pay off my student loans.

Out of nowhere, Matteo reappears. His expression is grim as he slides back into his chair across from me. "Apologies," he says with a look of annoyance on his face. "Business."

"Must be pretty serious business to make you storm off like that," I comment, raising an eyebrow. My tone is light-hearted but probing; I'm dying to know what shakes up a man like Matteo Valentino. Since I know my outstanding personality isn't melting his icy exterior.

He hesitates for a moment, then sighs. "Let's just say the Valentino empire faces its fair share of challenges." His gaze flits to the window briefly before settling back on me.

"Well, you're here now," I say brightly. "I ordered us some steak and salmon—and wine! Hope that's okay. The red wine I ordered is my favorite. You're going to love it."

Matteo nods. "Perfect."

When our food arrived, the presentation looked so good that it almost felt criminal to disturb the plate. Almost. Matteo's steak looks cooked to perfection. My salmon is tender and flaky, practically melting in my mouth.