𝑀𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝒶 | 𝟏𝟖+

10.

Ellianna Kingston

The muted lighting cast a warm glow along the polished wooden floors, and the faint scent of saltwater hung in the air. With every step, I felt the satin dress brush against my thighs, the smooth fabric clinging and shifting as I walked.

As I approached the dining room, I half-expected to hear the murmur of voices or the clatter of silverware. But when I rounded the corner and stepped into the room, I was met with silence. The entire space was cleared out—no other guests, no waitstaff bustling around.

Just an elegantly set table for two, situated by the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the ocean. The water was dark and endless, reflecting the faint glow of the moon. Candlelight flickered across the table, casting shadows that danced along the pristine white tablecloth.

And there, standing by the table, was Kairos. His back was to me at first, his hands in his pockets as he stared out at the view. He must have heard the soft click of my heels because he turned, and for a moment, I was struck by how effortlessly composed he looked.

He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, the top button was undone to reveal a hint of tanned skin at his collarbone, and a dark charcoal blazer that fit him perfectly, emphasizing his broad shoulders. The sleeves were rolled up slightly, exposing his forearms, and his black pants had that tailored look, hugging his frame in all the right ways.

My eyes lingered on him a little too long, and when I finally met his gaze, he was already watching me, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "Elle, you made it," he said, his voice smooth and warm, like the amber glow in the room.

I took a steadying breath before walking further into the room. "Well, you certainly know how to clear a place out," I replied, glancing around. "You sure you didn't reserve the entire dining room just for yourself?"

Kairos's smile widened a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I like my privacy," he said with a small shrug as if that explained everything. "Besides, I wanted this to be... special."

There was something in his tone that sent a faint shiver down my spine, though I couldn't quite place why. I took the seat he pulled out for me, feeling the soft cushion give under me as I settled in. The candlelight reflected in his eyes as he took the seat across from me, his gaze never wavering, like he was studying me, or perhaps, waiting for something.

"You didn't have to go to all this trouble," I said, trying to sound casual, though the intimacy of the setting made my voice feel small in the spacious room.

Kairos tilted his head slightly, a lock of dark hair falling over his brow. "I think you deserve a little trouble," he replied, his lips curving into that same knowing smile that made it feel like he was always a step ahead of me.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs under the table as I took in the setting again when the waitstaff appeared with the first course, a delicate plate of seared scallops with a drizzle of citrus sauce and a garnish of microgreens.

I picked up my fork, trying to ignore the way Kairos was still watching me, his gaze following every little movement I made.

"How's your scallop?" he asked, his voice smooth, but there was an edge to it, a kind of intensity that made my heart race.

"It's really good," I replied, forcing a smile and trying to keep the conversation light.

"Your hair looks beautiful tonight, Elle." He said without looking up, pushing his finished plate away from him.

I felt warmth creep into my cheeks at the compliment, but I quickly tried to regain my composure. "Thanks. I actually debated wearing it up, but I didn't want to—"