Taming the Bitch (COMPLETED)

Chapter XLIII - LET HER GO

"Baby, I've already made the booking. We leave at 11:15 tonight," Vincent said excitedly over the phone as they travelled separately for their dinner date.

"V-Vince..." she tried to speak, but he continued, outlining his plans.

"We can have dinner before heading to the airport. I've asked Teresa to pack your things, and I've still got mine at the house in Germany, so no worries there. I'm excited to show you my place! We can have—"

"Vince... I need to tell you something."

The car horn blared as another vehicle cut them off, forcing a near-collision.

"Fuck!" she muttered, heart racing.

"Hey! Everything alright?" he asked.

She breathed hard, clutching her chest.

"Baby? Are you alright?" His concern was obvious even through the phone.

"Y-yes... just a bloody idiot on the road."

"Where are you now? Are you close?"

"Yes... just a block away."

"Be safe, Bella..." he said, and she smiled as she neared the restaurant.

"I'm almost there..." she informed him, spotting his sports car parked at the Michelin-starred restaurant.

"Ok... see you, love," he replied before she ended the call.

The driver opened her door, and to her surprise, Vincent was already at the entrance, descending excitedly to meet her.

"You look beautiful..." he complimented. She wore a turtleneck, blue embroidered vintage dress hugging her curves, matched with black heels. Her longer hair had been blow-dried, curls springing lively and healthy.

"Thank you..." she smiled, and he kissed her lips, his palm resting gently on her back, massaging as he guided her into the restaurant.

"You'll love it here. Best oysters—you love them. Juiciest steaks—I love them," he said, pressing a kiss to her temple, holding her close as they walked in, oblivious to any stares.

"How was your day?" he asked, and she looked up, smiling.

"Not bad... and yours?" she replied, letting him lead her to their table.

"Oh... horrible. I couldn't stop thinking about that one special girl who won't leave my mind..."

"Hmmm... wonder who that could be," she teased.

"Someone who keeps me aching all night without doing anything..." he murmured, kissing her cheek.

"Intriguing girl... she must be very pretty," she said, smiling widely.

"Oh... she's so damn beautiful it hurts..." He pulled out her chair, placing her by the window overlooking the garden.

"Hmmm... now I'm jealous..." she pouted, and he seated himself opposite her, eyes fixed on her face.

"Don't be... the girl's a monster," he winked, and she hit his arm, glancing around, embarrassed by their public playfulness. Not that she usually minded being playful, but with Vincent it was different—spontaneous, affectionate, real. He loved her, and though she wouldn't admit it fully, he mattered to her more than she could articulate.

"What do you mean, monster?!" she asked, struggling not to giggle.

"You're the monster. Could kill me without touching me." He chuckled, and she shook her head at his soppiness.

Vincent placed their orders—arugula salad and grilled salmon with scallops and herbs for her starter and main, BBQ short ribs for himself. They'd have a strawberry basil smoothie, abstaining from alcohol before their flight.