I felt like prey in the midst of predators, their stares were fixated on me and unwavering, I was afraid to look away even for a second, scared of what might happen, I gulped and the sound echoed in my ears like a repeated rhythm. my brain couldn't process what I did to earn such a burning gaze from them. What exactly did I do? I did nothing, for a split second there the look Lucas gave me wasn't exactly primal anymore but it became lustful? I cringed as an uncomfortable shiver ran through me.
"Lucas!" Dace snapped at him and his eyes were off me and he blinked like he suddenly awoke from a trance. I felt Dace's hand at the small of my back and I stilled.
"Take a walk Lucas" Dace spoke once again at the silent table.
A forced smile found Lucas' lips as his eyes darted to me. "Forgive me, Emma" he muttered before rising to his feet and leaving.
"W-What's wrong, is he okay?" I asked, suddenly worried.
"He's fine just…" Dace paused and I gulped.
"You're so quiet..."
I faced Emilia who still had her eyes on me, with that primal look. "...Inside your head" she tilts her head to the side. "And you're alluring"
My features grew more puzzled. What does she mean by that? Luckily the waiter was back with my dish and the table fell silent again. The moment the waiter left she spoke again.
"She shouldn't be close to us Dace'' her eyes diverted to him and I did too, his eyes remained on Emilia and it wasn't pleasant.
"Enough Emilia, don't make her uncomfortable"
She scoffed. "She's already uncomfortable," she muttered. "Enjoy your meal Emma" she adds, rising to her feet before sauntering away.
He faced me but I looked away. "Emma" his hand at the small of my back moved.
"Did I do something wrong?" I asked even though I knew I didn't but it seemed like I did.
"Eat okay? Emilia is just messing around and Lucas had… something to do, I just reminded him" he gave me a reassuring smile that everything was okay.
A perfect response and yet I felt that wasn't the truth, he was covering something up and I knew it. Do I even have the appetite anymore? I looked down at the Italian cuisine before me, well there was no way I was letting THAT go to waste. In silence I picked up my fork and began eating in silence, I could feel Dace's gaze on me, I also noticed he didn't have a plate.
"You're not eating?"
He smiled at me. "I already ate"
I just stroke a nod at his response, he paused before reaching for the side of my lip, using his thumb to wipe the sauce off that must have gotten there when I slurp on the noodles, I felt my body electrify at his action even as he brought that exact thumb to his mouth and sucking the stain away, I felt a wave of desire flush through me, suddenly everything around me seems to vanish and it was just him with our ardent gaze. His pupils did that again, but they didn't change like I hoped they would.
"Eat Emma" he mouths and my eyes followed every movement of his lips as he spoke those words, I licked my lips, my entire focus on his light pink lips, I could already feel my lips brushing against his, how would it feel? Will I feel those sparks again?
"If you keep staring like that I might just give you what you want"
I blushed deeply and my body rolled in a hot shiver. His words were so close to my ear and I could feel his breath against it, I closed my eyes hoping to imprint the feeling. Give me what I want? I bit my lip. Does he know what I want?
I didn't know how long we were in that position but I knew long enough. He leaned backward and I could see the primal look in his eyes like he was just about to eat me, I shivered feeling that thrill again. Should I be worried? I keep trying to tell myself to stay away, and the off-limits flag was at the back of my brain but I couldn't process it whenever I'm with him, I was like a moth to his flame I knew little about, everything about him was both powerful and mysterious, the pull I felt towards him was confusing.
I looked away, eyeing my food, I could still feel his stare as I ate slowly, but my stomach wasn't quite settling with it after what just happened and Dace seemed to notice, he was very observant when it came to me.
"Are you full?"
I stroked a nod with a forced smile hoping to convince him that the little I ate was enough for me. After what happened with his sister and cousin, I'm pretty much convinced I lost my appetite even though I told myself I was starving.
But Dace didn't buy what I said, he opened his mouth to speak but then my phone rang. I quickly searched my bag before pulling the device out, the caller was bold 'Owen' I was sure Dace saw it but I wasn't waiting for his reaction so I picked it up.
"Hey"
"Emma, where are you, I met up with Sarah but she said you left"
So she didn't mention she set me up?
"Where are you guys?"
"At the entrance, wait, are you still in the mall?"
"I will meet you guys there okay?" I ended the call facing Dace.
"So you came with Owen"
"And my other friends" I corrected, I paused but then I found my voice again. "I-I have to go, Dace"
"Good, then let's go"