A table for two

The days following her tense conversation with Lucas Mercer were a welcome shift in Alicia's life.

For the first time in a while, she was free from his presence, free from his probing gaze, his cryptic words, and whatever unspoken game he was playing. And she welcomed the distance.

Throwing herself into work, Alicia spent her days immersed in case files, reviewing forensic reports, and going over testimonies with meticulous detail. The investigation into the recent crime scenes had grown more complex, but Alicia thrived in the complexity. She needed the distraction.

Sitting at her desk in the prosecutor's office, she flipped through reports, her pen tapping against the wooden surface. The crime syndicate they were investigating had threads leading to multiple corporations, and Mercer Industries was one of them. While there was no solid proof of Lucas's direct involvement, too many coincidences pointed toward him.

"Still obsessing over Mercer?"

Alicia looked up to see Eric leaning against the doorway, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

She rolled her eyes. "It's called doing my job."

"Right," Eric drawled, stepping inside. "And your job just so happens to include dinner reservations with him?"

Alicia stiffened. "How do you—"

"You're not exactly subtle," he cut in, raising an eyebrow. "When a man like Lucas Mercer asks a woman like you out, people notice."

Alicia sighed, rubbing her temple. "It's not a date. It's... something else."

Eric crossed his arms, watching her with a knowing glint in his eyes. "Whatever you say, Voss. Just be careful. That man doesn't do anything without a reason."

Alicia didn't need the warning. She already knew.

By the time the evening arrived, Alicia found herself standing outside the restaurant Lucas had reserved for them. And she was—without a doubt—completely unprepared for what she was looking at.

The building loomed before her, its design a seamless blend of modern elegance and old-money sophistication. Golden lights reflected off towering glass panels, and the name of the restaurant, La Rivière Noire, was etched in cursive gold lettering above the entrance.

Alicia had expected something upscale, considering it was Lucas Mercer, but this? This was beyond extravagant.

As she stepped inside, the first thing she noticed was the sheer opulence of the place. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling, casting a golden glow over the sleek marble floors. Soft classical music hummed in the background, and a faint scent of fresh roses lingered in the air.

Everything gleamed—from the polished silverware to the pristine white tablecloths.

But what truly took her breath away was the emptiness.

There wasn't a single guest in sight. No murmuring voices, no clinking glasses. Just the staff, standing discreetly near the walls, their uniforms impeccable, their movements precise.

The entire restaurant had been reserved. For them.

Alicia felt her throat tighten.

This was not a simple dinner. This was a statement.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a familiar deep voice called out from across the room.

"You're late."

Alicia turned, her eyes locking onto Lucas.

He was already seated, dressed in a tailored black suit that somehow made him look even more untouchable than usual. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the sharp angles of his face, casting shadows that only enhanced his striking features.

He watched her with an unreadable expression, his fingers lazily resting against the rim of a wine glass.

Alicia squared her shoulders and walked toward the table, ignoring the strange pull in her chest. "You didn't tell me we'd be the only ones here."

Lucas gave her a slow, deliberate once-over before smirking. "Would you have come if I had?"

Alicia pulled out her chair and sat down, fixing him with a glare. "That depends. Are we actually here to talk, or is this some kind of game to you?"

Lucas leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Everything I do has a purpose, Alicia. You should know that by now."

Of course. He wouldn't go through all this trouble just for casual conversation.

A waiter appeared almost instantly, pouring Alicia a glass of deep red wine before placing a menu in front of her. But when she glanced at the menu, she nearly choked.

There were no prices.

This wasn't just an expensive restaurant. It was the kind of place where if you had to ask how much something cost, you didn't belong there.

Alicia set the menu down, her fingers tightening slightly around the stem of her glass. "Lucas, if this is your way of trying to intimidate me, it's not working."

Lucas chuckled, a low, amused sound. "Intimidate you? No. Impress you? Maybe."

Alicia scoffed. "Do you really think throwing money around impresses me?"

Lucas's smirk deepened. "No. But I think knowing you're worth the effort does."

For a moment, Alicia was at a loss for words. She searched his expression for any hint of insincerity, but all she found was that same maddening confidence.

"What do you really want, Lucas?" she finally asked, her voice softer now.

Lucas leaned back in his chair, studying her for a long moment before finally speaking.

"I want to make you an offer," he said. "One that will change everything."

Alicia's grip on her glass tightened. She had a feeling that whatever Lucas was about to say next would pull her even deeper into his world.

And for the first time that night, she wasn't sure if she was ready for it.