Page 81 of One Night Seduction

A waiter comes over, lighting the candle at our table before rattling off the specials and promising to return soon. Arianna and I sit there staring at the menu for so long while she actively debates whether she wants the risotto or the chicken florentine.

“May I take your order?” the waiter asks.

Arianna’s eyes widen in panic, clearly still undecided.

“We will take an order of the risotto and an order of the chicken florentine. Can we also get a bottle of Pinot Grigio? Whatever is best.”

“Yes, sir,” he says before taking our menus.

Arianna watches him walk away in disappointment.

“I didn’t decide yet,” she says.

I reach across the table, holding her hand in mine.

“I know, that’s why I got both.”

She smiles softly. “You’re kind of the sweetest, has anyone ever told you that?”

“Never in my life.” I laugh. “But I’m glad you think so.”

Arianna nods as her eyes begin wandering around the space. It’s elegant yet intimate. It’s no wonder it’s been rated one of Seattle’s most romantic restaurants.

“I got you something,” I say as I pull out the thin box from my jacket pocket.

“Logan!” she laughs with a smile. “You have to stop.”

I frown as I set the box on the table.

“Why?”

“The flowers, the fancy dinner, the gifts. No need to butter me up, I’m already fucking you,” she says with a smirk.

A chuckle escapes me as I shake my head.

“The flowers are nothing, a simple gesture to remind you that I was thinking about you today. The dinner is essential, I have to keep my girl fed. The gift, well, it’s more for both of us than just you.”

She tilts her head curiously as she lifts the top of the box off, revealing a white gold chain with two diamond encrusted heart ends.

“It’s a necklace,” I say.

“How does it go on?” she asks, clearly confused by the unique construction.

Standing from my seat, I round the table, gently taking the necklace out of the box as I begin wrapping it around her neck.

“I don’t think you understand how in love with you I am, Sparrow. These things that you say are too much don’t feel like enough. I don’t deserve you. I’m painfully aware of that, but I will do everything from sunup to sundown, until my lastbreath, attempting to be worthy of your care, your affection, your love.”

Her eyes shimmer with emotion as she looks up to me before down at the necklace. One heart sits higher than the other and she touches it gently.

“It’s beautiful, how is this for you, though?”

My fingers grip the longer heart, yanking quickly as the rest of the chain tightens quickly around her throat, effectively turning the necklace into a leash and collar. Her eyes widen with surprise as her breath catches. I keep the diamond heart in my hand as I lower my face to hers and speak slowly.

“Because it keeps you exactly where I want you, no more than a step away from me. Look around, Sparrow. Do you see all these prying eyes? All these judgmental gazes?”

She swallows, taking an inventory of the looks we are getting because there are a lot. Mainly snooty rich people who aren’t brave enough to actually go after what they want in life. Arianna and I have no such qualms, and neither of us is shy when it comes to putting on a show.

“Jealousy drips from them as they watch us. The men all want you, they envy me.”

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