Chapter 3: Between The Lines

Back at Nolan's table, the steak had been served, rich and perfectly seared, paired with the exquisite wine. His assistant had stepped away, leaving Nolan alone with his thoughts. He lifted his wine glass, taking a slow sip, letting the flavor settle on his tongue.

The restaurant buzzed with quiet conversations, the clinking of silverware, and the low hum of a violin playing in the background.

He swirled the glass, as a shadow fell over the table, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

He didn't need to look up.

"Alone?"

Nolan lifted his gaze lazily, their eyes locked. 

Liliana stood near his table, tilting her head slightly. She gestured towards the empty chair opposite him.

He set his glass down.

A playful glimmer flickered in his stare.

"Please," he tapped a finger against the table before gesturing slightly. It was a silent invitation.

By the time his hand lowered, she had already taken her seat, her movements fluid yet elegant.

Nolan let out a soft chuckle, picking up his wine.

Bold.

Liliana propped her chin against her hand, her eyes lazily scanning him before trailing lower. The soft fabric draped over his broad shoulder, dipping low enough to catch the curve of his muscles beneath the layer.

He could see her eyes moving, following the subtle roll of his throat as he took another sip of wine, her gaze lowered down his chest, and then back up again, as if mapping the contours of his body.

"Satisfied?" Nolan asked, low and smooth, as he elegantly sliced a piece of steak.

Liliana chuckled softly. "Certainly."

His lips curled for a moment, unreadable.

Nolan didn't answer. He merely set down his knife and pushed the entire plate towards her.

"Go ahead," he said, his tone casual, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Liliana glances at the plate, then at him, before picking up her fork.

"Generous," she remarked, cutting into the steak with effortless elegance.

She carved through the steak with ease, the plate clearing steadily.

A low chuckle escaped him.

"I guess you were hungry," He noted.

Nolan reached for the bottle of wine and poured her a glass smoothly, the ruby liquid shimmering in the soft light.

A waiter arrived at his side, setting down a fresh plate of steak before respectfully leaving.

As if the request had been pre-empted.

Liliana accepted the glass, twirling it lightly. "Your hospitality is impressive," she mused. Her meaning was uncertain.

Nolan took a sip of wine, "I own the place. It'd be concerning if it wasn't."

Liliana hummed in response as she took a sip, the deep red staining her lips slightly before she licked it away.

Then, she returned to the meal, taking another bite, chewing slowly, and savoring the taste before setting down the fork. 

"Full already?" He asked, his fingers tapped idly against his glass.

"Almost." Liliana wiped the corner of her lips with a napkin, setting it down neatly beside the plate. Her tone was light. Her movements were gradual and leisurely.

Nolan leaned back in his seat, swirling the wine in his glass. His gaze lingered on her, slow and assessing, before he spoke.

"What's your name?" He asked casually.

Liliana slightly raised her eyes, momentarily surprised. He didn't know?

That was unexpected.

But she responded just as smoothly.

"Curious?" She asks lightly, her voice carrying no particular weight.

"But...there's probably no need to know now, is there?"

She glanced at her watch, a delicate gold piece encrusted with diamonds.

"Thank you for the meal." She continued, rising gracefully from her seat. She gestured towards the half-empty glass with a playful smile. "And the wine."

Nolan watched, a glimmer of amusement crossing his features.

Liliana met his gaze, lips curving slightly.

"Well then, if fate allows..."

She turned and walked away, her heels clicking softly against the floor.

As she stepped out, she passed by Nolan's assistant, Harley, who had just returned, his eyes widening in surprise.

She barely spared him a glance.

Harley watched her go, his curiosity piqued.

After all, the number of people who could dine with the devil himself could be counted on one hand.

And a woman?

Even fewer.

But still, he kept his curiosity in check. Restraint was part of the job.

He stopped beside the table. "Second Master, the car is ready."

Nolan exhaled lightly, setting his empty glass down with a soft clink.

"Let's go," he said lazily, pushing his chair back.

Harley followed without another word.

Stepping outside, Liliana let the night air wash over her skin. The faint trace of wine still clung to her, so she reached into her purse retrieving a small bottle of perfume.

A light mist, just enough. Letting the scent mask any lingering traces of wine.

She checked her reflection in the glass before she made her way back.

"Excuse me," A soft knock on the door, just enough to announce her presence before stepping inside.

Evelyn barely spared her a glance before remarking, "Did you die in there? What took you so long?"

Liliana leaned away, almost imperceptible, as if distancing herself from the rebuke.

"The line was long," she said, offering a small harmless smile. "I didn't expect it."

Evelyn clicked her tongue, scrutinizing her with narrowed eyes but seemed to accept it, taking Liliana's meek demeanor at face value. Without another word, she turned back to the conversation, engaging the guest once more.

But Theodore?

He wasn't as easy to fool.

The car ride was quiet at first, the hum of the engine filling the space.

Theodore didn't look up from his phone as he spoke.

"Next time," he said, his voice even, almost casual, "try not to keep people waiting over something so...trivial."

A pause.

"It would be a shame if such minor delays led to the need for unnecessary discipline." The warning was wrapped in polite words, but the message was clear.

"I understand," Liliana lowered her lashes as she murmured. "It wouldn't happen again."

Theodore hummed in acknowledgment, his attention already shifting away.

Evelyn, meanwhile, was fixing her lipstick in the mirror, applying a fresh coat barely paying any attention.

"You're worrying over nothing," She said lightly to her brother. "She wouldn't dare stir up trouble, would she?"

Her eyes flicked to Liliana through the mirror before turning back to her reflection.

Liliana remained silent, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery. 

She knew Evelyn was wrong.

After the car ride home, Liliana stepped into her room, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. She walked to the vanity, reaching out for a cotton pad. With slow, precise motions, she wiped away her light makeup, watching as the faint traces disappeared.

Her phone screen lit up beside her. She didn't pick it up immediately, letting her fingers trail idly over it for a second before answering.

"Miss Hill, how about I pick you up tomorrow?" The voice on the other end was familiar, casual.

Liliana glanced at her reflection, then leaned back in her chair slightly. "Then you can come early."

Ari huffs playfully. "Don't worry, I have the perfect excuse."

Liliana let out a soft hum, her gaze lowering as she tapped a finger against the vanity.