Chapter 8: Our First Date
Violet’s eyes fluttered open to find him watching her from the mirror, his reflection as clear as crystal despite his otherworldly nature. “Good morning sweetie. I’m sorry I don’t have the energy to come out today.” His image rippled like water.
“That’s ok, I’m just happy to see you.” She pressed her lips against the cool glass. “I’m going to try to find a necromancer. So if you don’t see me for a while, that’s why. Necromancers can bring back the dead.”
“If I find one, how will I break the contract with Fernando?”
“We will figure that out later, just trust me. I love you.”
“I love you too.” His image faded like breath on a winter window.
She selected her outfit with care: a purple dress that floated around her knees like twilight shadows, paired with black Mary Janes that clicked satisfyingly against the hardwood floors. Today was her big date with Fernando, and her heart was torn between him and her first love, leaving her emotions as tangled as a ball of yarn. She moved through her preparations quickly, desperate to get the day over with. The vanilla perfume she spritzed on her neck was sweet and comforting, while the red lipstick she applied was bold and defiant.
Ribero entered without knocking, his footsteps echoing through the apartment until he reached her bedroom. “You look stunning.” He pulled her into an embrace, his lips finding hers. “Mmm, cherry lipstick. My brother is going to love that.”
“That’s if I kiss him. Without the charm, who knows if I’ll like any of you. It will be like all my feelings are started from scratch.”
“Hey, that’s not nice. I’m sure you will fall in love with us all over again.” He kissed her again, drawing in a deep breath. “Mmm, you smell delicious. I wish I was going on a date with you.” Jealousy sparkled in his eyes like green gemstones.
The afternoon light filtered through the club’s windows as they arrived, casting long shadows across the chaos of male trainees fumbling with bottles and glasses. Terri, fresh from a client, pulled a small pill from his pocket and washed it down with water, the movement practiced and casual.
“What was that for?” she asked, watching the pill disappear.
“We take a pill that erases all traces of the humans after we fulfill their services. That way we stay clean.” His eyes softened as they met hers. “It doesn’t erase any of our experiences, does it?”
“No sweetie, I hold all of our kisses and snuggles in my heart.” His embrace was warm and secure, his lips gentle against her cheek.
“It’s your big day today, isn’t it?” He leaned down, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered, “I hope the pill lasts longer than your date, because Ribero and I want to have fun with you.”
“Terri, don’t say that out loud.”
“I whispered,” he chuckled, the sound rich and playful.
“I’m just nervous. I hope it goes well.”
“It will sweetie, just be ready for us later.”
“Stop talking, Terri,” Ribero interrupted. “You can do what you want while Johan prepares everything for the date. I will get you when he’s ready for you.”
After a quick kiss to her cheek, Terri and Ribero disappeared into the crowd. Yoshi approached like a shadow, his movements careful and deliberate. “Hi cutie, do you want to come with me while you’re waiting?”
“I could get in trouble. The playroom is just for you know what.”
“We don’t have to go in there. Terri’s booth is away from the camera.”
“I will spend a few minutes with you. Please behave.”
“No promises,” he said, leading her to the secluded booth.
The leather booth creaked softly as they settled in, the dim lighting creating intimate shadows around them. His hand found her lap, fingers tracing patterns on her leg through the fabric of her dress. His lips, warm and Insistent, explored her neck, drawing soft sounds of pleasure from her throat.
Ribero’s appearance broke the moment like a splash of cold water. “Yoshi, you better be careful. Baby, it’s time for your date. You’re going to the private dining hall.”
Yoshi’s goodbye kiss held a hint of resignation. “See you later,” he murmured, disappointment coloring his voice.
The private dining hall took her breath away. Crystal teardrops cascaded from a brilliant diamond chandelier, scattering rainbow light across the intimate space. Red and white roses created a garden of romance, their perfume mingling with the rich aroma of spaghetti and meatballs that wafted from covered dishes. A bottle of champagne stood sentinel in the center of the table, beads of condensation rolling down its elegant neck.
“Enjoy your date. I’m going to lock the door so no one will disturb you,” Ribero said, the lock’s click echoing with finality.
Fernando approached, his presence commanding the space. The kiss he gave her was electric, passionate, making her feel as though her feet had left the ground, his lips tasting of promises and possibilities.
“Before we go any further,” he said, his voice velvet-soft, “Here is the pill so you can experience a real date with no charm.” He offered her a glass of water, the simple gesture weighted with significance.
She swallowed the pill with a nervous gulp. “It should work in a few minutes. I’m not sure how long it will last. Let’s sit down; our dinner will be out soon.” He gracefully pulled out her chair, and she rewarded him with a warm smile. Settling into her seat, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. He then took his place across from her, his fingers gently brushing against hers, warm and reassuring.
Soon, she felt a subtle transformation within herself. The pill was taking effect. Johan emerged from the kitchen, balancing two plates of spaghetti and meatballs. As he opened the champagne, it popped with a lively fizz, filling the room with its celebratory sound. He poured the bubbling liquid into their glasses. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Violet. Master speaks of you often.” He extended his hand with a respectful nod. “This food looks delightful. Thank you.” “Johan, could you ensure the door is locked?” “Of course, Master.” Johan was unlike other Fae. His demeanor was more grizzled, with a scruffy beard and long tangled hair that hinted at a life of hardship. He seemed tough like a viking. She found him quite handsome, but sadly he wore a gold wedding band.
“Yes, everything is secure, Master. Do you need anything else?” “Nothing further, thank you.” Johan quietly retreated to the kitchen. “I’m about to show you something very few have seen, and no woman other than my mother has witnessed.” “Okay,” she replied, her voice tinged with apprehension. Slowly, he removed his golden mask, unveiling his full face to her for the first time. “Wow,” she murmured, her hand gently caressing his cheek. “You’re so handsome.” Her fingers traced the patches of facial hair, and she leaned in to plant a soft kiss on his cheek.
“I hope you understand the significance of this. I haven’t allowed anyone, beyond my Fae servants, to see my face. You are the first and last human to witness it.” “Last?” she asked, tension creeping into her voice. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “You find me attractive, right? You feel close and safe with me, now that the charm is gone?” “Yes, but I’m a little nervous,” she admitted, her lip trembling. “That means your feelings for me are genuine. I want us to be together, just us, no one else, okay?” “Okay.” He drew her in for a kiss—a charmless kiss—where she could finally see his facial expressions. The sensation of his lips on hers was strange. Kissing the ghost felt like discovering true love, yet she was bound by a contract with Fernando. This didn’t feel like love; it felt like an obligation. He was undeniably attractive, but she was cautious not to fall for him.
He stood, extending his arm to help her rise. Drawing her close, he kissed down her neck, evoking an involuntary response. Even without the charm, she was still enamored with him. She moaned softly against him. He began to feed off her energy, leaving her feeling as light as the night before. All her stress vanished. He stopped kissing her, holding her tightly. She was breathless from his touch.
“That was incredible. I’ve finally found my fated mate.” Tears glistened in his eyes. The Fae King was actually crying over a human. “Let’s eat our dinner before it gets cold. I’ll put my mask back on in case someone tries to intrude.” He gave her one last kiss before masking up, then twirled his fork in the spaghetti. She mirrored his action, slurping the noodles. A drop of sauce landed on her chin, and he leaned over to playfully lick it off, stealing a kiss, and nibbling the noodle before tasting her lips.
They continued their meal. The sauce burst with flavor, the noodles were perfectly al dente, and the meatballs succulent. The strawberry wine was refreshingly crisp, leaving them both a bit tipsy. Johan returned from the kitchen. “How was the meal?” “Excellent!” “Yes, Johan, perfect as always.” He smiled, passing Johan a hundred-dollar bill. Johan shook his head. “Take it, you deserve it.” “Thank you, Master.” He set down two slices of chocolate truffle cake. “I hope you both enjoy my cake.” With a smile, he disappeared once more.
“I love chocolate cake!” she exclaimed, taking a generous forkful. “Good, that’s what we’ll have at our wedding.” “What?” she sputtered, choking on the cake. “Johan, help!” Johan rushed from the kitchen, wrapping his arms around her and thrusting upwards until she spat out the cake.
“I’m so sorry, madam.” “It’s okay, my fault. It looked so delicious I couldn’t resist.” She finished her wine and sat down. “Can you pack up the rest of the cake to go? I’m going to take her home.” “Right away, Master.” Johan gave Violet a heartfelt hug. “So nice meeting you, miss.” “You too.”
“When you mentioned marriage, I thought it was too soon.” “You signed a contract. I’m actually taking my time. I could’ve married you already, and we could have fallen in love later. Are you staying only because of the contract?” Fear flickered in her eyes, and she began to cry. “No, I—” But he silenced her with a kiss. As he felt her soft lips, he also felt her cold, wet tears. This was how she felt. The contract ensured she couldn’t leave, no matter what. He had to have her, so neither the Russians nor anyone else could. He believed she would eventually give in and fall for him. But seeing her like this was breaking his heart.
He never cared for human emotions, but she was different. This next decision could change everything, but he knew it had to.“What if I rip up the contract?”