Chapter 2 - The Dinner Guest
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I stood frozen as Damian Bellucci gestured to the empty chair.
Selene’s face drained of all color. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. The sheer disrespect of Damian overriding her authority in front of her father and his board of directors was palpable.
Lily looked up at me, her big brown eyes seeking permission.
I hesitated. This was crossing a line that could never be uncrossed. But looking at the man who controlled the city’s underground, I saw something entirely unexpected in his eyes. Not violence. Not manipulation. A strange, quiet respect.
I gave Lily a tiny nod.
She walked forward, her scratched black flats padding softly against the Persian rug, and climbed into the massive walnut chair. She looked incredibly small, dwarfed by the heavy wood and the towering crystal centerpieces.
Damian didn't return to the head of the table. He snapped his fingers at one of the hovering waiters.
“Bring her a plate,” Damian ordered. “The roast. And whatever dessert she wants.”
He remained standing near her for a moment, ensuring she was settled, before walking back to his seat. He didn't offer a single word of explanation to his stunned guests. He simply picked up his fork, the universal signal that the dinner was continuing.
For the next hour, I stood by the service door, my heart hammering against my ribs.
Lily ate quietly, her manners impeccable. Every so often, the younger executive sitting across from her would offer a polite, nervous smile. Damian occasionally glanced down the table, his sharp eyes ensuring no one dared to make her feel unwelcome.
Selene, however, vibrated with a silent, murderous rage. She drank her wine aggressively, her knuckles white around the stem of the glass. She shot me glares so toxic I could feel them burning into my skin from across the room.
When the dinner finally concluded, the men stood to move to the smoking room for cigars and brandy.
Lily carefully wiped her mouth with the linen napkin, slid down from the heavy chair, and walked over to Damian.
“Thank you for the food, Mr. Bellucci,” she said softly.
Damian looked down at her, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching the corners of his mouth.
May you like
“You are very welcome, Lily,” he replied.
I took her hand and led her quickly out of the dining room, retreating to the safety of the staff corridors. I had won the battle, but I knew with absolute certainty that I had just started a war with Selene Vale.
