Chapter 26

Nan’s POV

Lionel’s generosity and thoughtfulness never ceased to awe me.

My blush had only faded a little once we arrived at the restaurant. Not just any restaurant. One of the best in the city.

My frugal side cringes away at the sight of the place. It was the sort of place I could never have even breathed near just a few months ago. ‘Lionel never fails to remind me of his wealth and status, even when he is not trying to,’ My thoughts are bemused.

My estimate of the place proves to be accurate as Lionel and I are seated. Lionel must sense my skittishness, because he has us seated in a private spot. Right away I am more at ease.

The waitress is dressed in classy, but simply attire. Her eyes flicker in interest at the sight of Lionel. Jealousy is sour on my tongue.

But I am pleasantly surprised when all she does is greet us professionally and take our drink orders. Other than the initial interest, she gives no sign of flirting. Perhaps my night is looking up.

The weeks old pain in my chest is nonexistent. There is a comfortable silence between us. This is another aspect of Lionel that I am beginning to appreciate.

I like that sometimes I can just sit in Lionel’s presence. His quietness makes me drop my guard after a day of stress. ‘Safe,’ my brain whispers.

“Have you decided what you would like to order?” Lionel asked. I am a little startled.

“Uh…Not really. There are a few names here I don’t recognize. Also, I don’t see any prices listed…”

Mischief flitted across his expression. “You know us rich bastards. Listing the prices implies you can’t afford it.”

I roll my eyes. “If that’s the case, I promise you that I definitely can’t afford this place. My poor self can barely afford the dollar menu at McDonald’s on the regular.”

“Tonight is my treat for you. Don’t worry about the price. Pick something you think you might like.”

I say, “How about a bet?” That catches Lionel’s attention.

“What kind of a bet?”

“Order for me. If you order something I really like, I’ll won’t pup a fight about you paying for my meals from now on. If you lose, I pick the next place and pay for you.”

Lionel seems both intrigued and annoyed. I hold back my smugness. I cannot resist metaphorically tweaking his nose just a little.

“Deal. I know you better than you think, Nan.” He replies.

‘How can one person be so smooth?’ I muse. “We’ll see.”

The waitress returns, and readies to take our orders. “I hope everything is to your liking. What would you like to order?”

Lionel places his on order. “I’ll take the steak, rare.” The waitress jots this down and turns her head toward me.

I sit back and fold my hands on the table. Lionel and I watch each other. “Yes, Lionel, what am I having?”

My tone is challenging. Lionel meets my challenge head on. “She would like the Risotto, and the house salad on the side, no olives.”

After this, the conversation between us begins to flow. “What made you interested in wedding planning in the first place? Your personality seems more laid back for that kind of job.”

I take a second to gather my thoughts. “A wedding is a special day in people’s lives. The joy it brings…transcends status, bringing people together in ways they normally wouldn’t be.”

I glance at Lionel to gage his reaction. His umber eyes watch my face intently. Listening without judgement.

“It’s almost like magic, in a way. I knew since I was a teenager that I wanted to be part of that magic. To be one of the people sharing that magic with others.”

Something in Lionel’s expression is different. Softer. “That’s a very noble desire.”

“I would not necessarily call it noble. Just hopeful, maybe,” Lionel continues to look at me with that expression in his eyes.

I wet my lips. “So, I’m assuming it wasn’t some childhood dream to be a business tycoon of a multi-industry empire? I’ll admit though that you’ve done well for yourself.”

He barked a laugh. “No, it was not a dream of mine. It was an inheritance if anything.”

“Oh? But I thought you were the younger son…” Typically inheritances were sorted by birth order.

Lionel reads the confusion on my face. He gave a slight shake of his head, inky curls falling across his forehead as he does so.

“Going by birth order is a more modern approach, favored by mainly by the middle class and lower class to bridge the gap in power dynamics. In the business world, things run differently amongst the elite. The wealthier, oldest packs go by more by traditional methods.”

“Traditional methods?” I had vaguely hard of traditionalism, but not like this. Lionel explained further.

“By the old laws, only those with the strongest abilities and capability may lead the pack. I’m sure you’ve noticed that most businesses and people in power are alphas.” I nodded thoughtfully.

“And so, you inherited the family business? I guess that makes you a pretty great alpha.” I let a little flirtatiousness seep into my voice.

I spot the way his chest puffs out a little. I resist the urge to giggle. Learning about this new world and about Lionel makes me feel insatiably curious.

“So, what makes an alpha the best candidate?” I ask him.

Lionel ponders this. “To start with, a good alpha is completely in tune with his senses. He should be able to keep track his surroundings subconsciously.”

“A good alpha should also be able to lead, to understand the needs of his pack and respond accordingly. It’s why we do so well in business. Running a business has similar aspects.”

This sentiment pings something in my brain. “Is that why you were so angry earlier? You seemed able to control the room with just a few harsh commands and glares.”

Lionel made a so-so motion with his hand. “Partly. That entire situation was unprofessional, and I will be giving their CEO, an old friend of mine, a warning to keep a closer eye on their operations until they’ve sorted everything.”

“But Nan, that was not the only reason. I take serious care with everyone of the people I am responsible for. And you are one of those special people.”

‘Oh,’ I think with a racing heart. There goes that dreadful, wonderful hope again. I gulp down a sip of my wine as I try to calm down.

Our food arrives. After a few bites, I accidentally moan in delight. Lionel is incredibly smug.

“So do I win the bet.”

I grudgingly say, “You win. This time. But how did you know I would like it?”

He shrugs. “You lean towards pasta on the nights you are cooking just for yourself. Unlike the rest of the time, you nearly scarf down any pasta when it’s in front of you.”

I am both mortified and elated that he noticed this. It balloons my hope further. ‘Be brave Nan.’

I take a leap of faith. I ask tentatively, “I wanted to ask you…about the deadline…”

“What about it?” His tone becomes indifferent. All friendliness gone and closed off once more.

The pain flares hotly and my stomach drops. My appetite fades along with my kindling hope. “Never mind. It’s nothing.”

I can see that Lionel senses something has changed. His gaze flickering as he attempts to work it out. But I hold my disappointed silence.

Dinner is quiet and tense after that. Lionel tries to bring back the atmosphere from before, but I refuse to cooperate.

The ride home is no better. When the mansion is in sight, I practically fling myself out of the passenger door.

I hear Lionel’s footsteps as he follows me. Earlier in the night I would have been thrilled about his concern, but now it just stabs at my heart. I need to lick my wounds in private.

To make everything worse, I trip over a stupid rock. I prepare to face-plant on the cobbled driveway. But Lionel catches me.

I have no choice but to meet his eyes now. I stare into his eyes, so brown they remind me of freshly tilled earth. Pulled into his gravity as usual.

Neither of us moves away. The air feels charged with something I can’t name. Then Lionel leans a little closer….