Romani Prince

Chapter 15: Dinner Trap

I stare at the immaculate table setting and check my watch.

It's almost seven.  Luka will be knocking any minute, now.

And I'm a nervous wreck.

My father is in his office, dressed in a dinner jacket, but no tie.

My mother selected my outfit, of course.  a boring tan linen dress with no cleavage and ending above the knees, matched with four-inch nude pumps.

I didn't suggest an attire for Luka because I prefer him to be himself.  I did prepare him for the extreme flavors that will be served, though.

I was surprised when Luka didn't say anything about it.  He kissed my nose and smiled with the disconcerting confidence of a man that can't be surprised with anything.

The doorbell rings.

I jump, startled, and Zed barks.

I hurry to the door before my mother gets out of the kitchen.

And all is fine in the world when I see his handsome face.

We share a smile and squeeze each other's hand in reassurance.

Zed wags his tail so hard that it bangs on the wall, making a loud noise.

"Gabriella!  If your dog can't behave himself, you need to put him in his pen, outside."  My mother raises an eyebrow at my sweet Zed.

Without a word, Luka slaps a hand on his thigh to catch Zed's attention and points to the floor by his feet.

Zed immediately sits by Luka's side and quietly watches him with devotion, waiting for his next order.

My mother squints her eyes at Zed, then looks up at Luka, accepting his hand for a reluctant and probably weak handshake.

"Mrs. Glass, it's a pleasure to meet you."

My mother raises both her eyebrows, now, seemingly impressed by Luka's manners.

I press my lips, wondering if she actually expected some kind of a caveman, barely capable of speaking.

"Please, come in, Mr. Kostic...  Or should we call you Luka?

"Certainly, ma'am.  Mr. Kostic is my father."

I slip my hand inside his and we exchange an amused look as we follow my mother into the living room.

Even though I have no expectations for tonight, I hope it will make us stronger, instead of sending him running out of the door after the first fifteen minutes.

My mother excuses herself to go fetch my father.  I'm sure that she'll spend a good five minutes sharing her first impression.

I don't care.  It gives me a couple of minutes alone with Luka.

Sitting side by side on the gray tweed sectional, Luka waits for my mother to disappear from view and raises my chin so he can plant a long soft kiss on my lips.

"Mmm..."  I needed this.

He looks into my drowsy gaze and curls up the corner of his mouth into a cocky smirk.  "You sure look all proper and elegant, mierea, but..."

"I know...  I blend in with the furniture quite nicely, don't you think?"

We chuckle and he captures my breath when stealing another kiss from my thirsty lips.

I sigh, lost in his smoldering gaze.

"I was going to say that I'd rather see you in a bikini, with your hair all wild, blowing in the wind.  I'd prefer to have you flashing me that breathtaking smile that fills my heart with fire, instead of covering your beautiful face with makeup."