Azalea Faye Larau - The sweetheart socialite with a fire underneath and an up and coming ballet dancer in London striving to stay afloat in an ocean of sharks, all the while dealing with heartbreak and loss.
Harlan Emeric Marchetti - The Italian Maf...
"Few things I really have to know, before I go and let you in."
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The restaurant Harlan had chosen for our dinner was the epitome of elegance. A soft golden glow bathed the room, cast by chandeliers dripping with crystals.
The sound of soft jazz filled the air, blending seamlessly with the clinking of glasses and murmured conversations.
It was the kind of place where you could feel the weight of the silverware and taste the artistry of every dish.
"Wow," Nikki whispered as we were led to our table, her dark eyes wide as she took in the opulent surroundings, "I feel underdressed."
"You look perfect." Jamie said with a playful grin that made her blush and we all exchanged knowing looks with each other at them two. We were seated at a private table near a large window overlooking the city.
Harlan occupied the seat next to me, his presence commanding attention despite his silence. His posture was impeccable, his expression carved from stone—controlled, cold, and utterly unyielding.
His presence was magnetic and it was hard not to feel self-conscious under his watchful gaze. He wasn't making an effort to fit in. He didn't need to.
"Don't mind us," Reina teased, her blonde hair catching the golden light as she smirked, "You two can have your little love bubble. We'll just sit here and admire it."
"Please don't." I felt my cheeks heat.
"Why?" She grinned, leaning forward, "It's adorable. Look at him. He's so serious, like he's about to duel anyone who gets too close to you."
Harlan didn't react, his face impassive as he flipped open the menu.
"I'm ensuring Azalea enjoys her evening without interruption." He said in a clipped voice that made me press my lips together.
"Oh, so romantic." Reina cooed dramatically.
"More like possessive," Anthony added with a smirk, "Do you ever let her out of your sight?"
Harlan's dark, red eyes flicked to Anthony and for a moment the table fell silent. Then he spoke, his tone even but cutting.
"I don't recall needing your approval to care for my fiancé." The retort was so swift and sharp that Anthony blinked, momentarily stunned.
Sam and Lola burst into laughter and even Nikki hid a smile behind her hand while Jamie looked down to hide his smile, his shoulders shaking slightly.
"Touché," Anthony muttered, raising his glass, "Fair enough."
Harlan inclined his head slightly and returned to perusing the menu as if the exchange hadn't even happened when I glanced at him nervously.
"You don't have to be so serious." I murmured under my breath, my hand brushing over his knee when his eyes flicked to mine.
