Page 13 of I Summoned A Demon For A Date?!
Aldaine's thumb traced circles on the back of my hand. "You don't have to pretend with me. I see you for who you are, Rosie. You're strong, brave, and kind. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
His words warmed me from the inside out, and I felt a sudden urge to lean into him, to let him wrap his arms around me and protect me from the world. But I knew that wasn't part of our deal. He was here to help me, not to be my knight in shining armor.
"Thank you," my voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without your help."
Aldaine's eyes darkened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. But then he cleared his throat and stood up, releasing my hand. "We should get ready for lunch. I'm sure your family is eager to see us."
I nodded, standing up as well. "You're right. Let's do this."
As we made our way downstairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread settling in my stomach. I knew that this week was going to be a challenge, but with Aldaine by my side, I felt a little more confident.
When we entered the dining room, I wasimmediately struck by the sheer lavishiness of it all. They weren't holding back it seemed. The table was set with fine china and crystal glasses and a massive floral arrangement dominated the center. My father and Jan were already seated, along with a few other guests I didn't recognize.
Stephany, however, was nowhere to be seen.
"Ah, there you are!" Jan's voice was like nails on a chalkboard. "We were starting to wonder if you were going to join us." She was annoyed.
I forced a smile, taking the seat next to my father. "Sorry, we got caught up talking."
Aldaine's hand found mine under the table, squeezing it reassuringly. "I apologize. I wanted to have a little more time with Rosie."
Jan's expression softened slightly. "Well, I'm sure Rosie has told you all about our little family."
"She has," Aldaine replied smoothly. "And I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better."
Jan's gaze lingered on Aldaine for a moment longer before she turned her attention to the other guests. "Well, let's eat, shall we?"
As the meal progressed, I found myself growing more and more uncomfortable. The other guests were all wealthy and pretentious, and I felt like an outsider among them. Aldaine, however, seemed to fit right in. He charmed everyone with his wit and charm and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
But then I caught him watching me, his dark eyes filled with concern. He squeezed my hand again and I felt a surge of gratitude. He was here for me, not for them.
Just as I was starting to relax, Stephany made her entrance. She swept into the room like a queen, her white sundress billowing behind her. Her eyes locked on Aldaine, and I could see the hunger in them.
"Well, well, well," she purred, taking the seat next to him. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"
Aldaine's smile didn't falter, but I could see the tension in his jaw. "I'm sure you meant that for your fiance'."
Stephany's laugh was like a tinkling bell. "No, I meant you. Really, Rosie, what have you told him about me? You always did have a way of exaggerating."
I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment, but Aldaine's hand tightened around mine. "I think Rosie has been quite modest. She's an amazing woman."
Stephany's eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Jan stood up. "Well, it's time for dessert. I hope you all saved room!"
As the servers brought out the elaborate desserts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The meal was almost over, and I had survived.
Aldaine leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "You're doing great, little minx. Just remember, I'm here for you."
I smiled, feeling a surge of affection for him.
I scanned the table again, realizing that Roger was conspicuously absent. My high school boyfriend, now Stephany's fiancé', hadn't made an appearance yet. The thought of him brought back memories of stolen kisses behind the bleachers and that devastating moment when I caught him with Stephany in his car. I smoothed my napkin across my lap, trying to appear nonchalant as I addressed my stepsister. "Where is Roger? I would have thought he'd be here for such an intimate family dinner."
Stephany's perfectly manicured hand waved dismissively in the air. "Oh, Roger's just picking up some of his college friends from the airport. They're flying in for the celebration." Her eyes never left Aldaine as she spoke, her lips curved in what I assumed was meant to be an alluring smile. "He'll be here later tonight."
I felt Aldaine's arm slide around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side. The warmth of his touch helped ground me, even as Stephany's sharp gaze made my stomach churn.
"So, Aldaine," Stephany practically hummed his name. Stephany was good at making sure dad and Jan were busy chatting with others and her voice low. "What made you fall for my dear stepsister? I mean, you're clearly," she gestured vaguely at all of him, "and she's so.."
I stiffened, waiting for the inevitable insult, but Aldaine's fingers squeezed my shoulder gently.
