Asuriel looked at Vaerion incredulously. "This is an antique shop, not a restaurant, Jae."
"Is it?" he replied casually. "Let's go."
'The Gilded Chalice' was a small antique shop just a few blocks from where the sketchy part of town started. The building was made of brick and appeared worn, making it appear older than the buildings surrounding it. Asuriel pursed her lips and obediently followed Vaerion through the front doors.
Its interior was no more impressive than the outside. It was cluttered and smelled dusty, full of useless, boring antiques. She gave Vaerion a puzzled expression that he completely ignored, leading her to the back of the antique shop. A door awaited them when they reached the back wall and went behind a few shelves.
An older gentleman stood next to the entry and nodded politely in greeting. He looked at Vaerion with a gentle smile of recognition.
"Fortune favors silence," Vaerion said to the man, who opened the door upon hearing the words.
"Enjoy, Mr. Sinclair," the gentleman said, then glanced at Asuriel. "You, too, Miss."
Asuriel blinked as she watched the interaction but had no time to question anything. Vaerion grabbed her wrist firmly and pulled her inside the door, which was shut behind them. A dimly lit staircase greeted them.
"This feels shady," Asuriel frowned at Vaerion, but her observation was ignored.
Vaerion began descending the staircase with Asuriel in tow. The further down they went, the faint sound of jazz grew louder and more prominent.
When they finally reached the bottom, Asuriel's eyes widened. It was a speakeasy.
Opulent low-hanging chandeliers with vintage Edison bulbs and smoky glass shades cast an intimate, warm glow on the large establishment. In the center of the big main room was a small stage where a live jazz quartet was performing the sultry rhythm they had heard on their way down the stairs.
The walls were lined with mirrors with delicate infernal and celestial motifs etched into them, and the surfaces of the reflections shimmered faintly in the dim light. Deep burgundy and black velvet furnishings decorated the area surrounding the center stage, and what appeared to be private alcoves inhabited the back wall.
Asuriel shifted her weight awkwardly. Although she was an overall confident woman, she couldn't help feeling out of place in such a beautiful and luxurious setting.
"Wow, this… definitely isn't over the top at all," she deadpanned, masking her discomfort with sarcasm. "So casual and low-pressure."
"You wound me," Vaerion smirked, "I thought you'd appreciate my subtlety."
A staff member approached them and gave a polite bow. "Mr. Sinclair, it has been a while. Welcome back."
"Take us to one of the booths," the devil replied indifferently, ignoring her greeting. The staff member nodded and immediately led them to the opposite side of the room, pulling back a heavy velvet curtain to reveal an intimate booth.
Asuriel and Vaerion took their seats across from each other.
"Would you like to look at the menu, Asuriel?" Vaerion asked, a slight smirk still playing on his lips.
"Mm…" she deliberated for a moment but let him choose. "Since you're a regular here, pick whatever you think is best. I'll judge your taste."
Vaerion nodded in understanding and turned to the staff member who awaited their decision. Asuriel tuned out as he started their order, distracted by the lavishness of the alcove they were occupying.
The table was set with fine silverware and adorned with small, black crystal vases that held roses of peculiar hues. Obsidian, gold, and burgundy petals sprouted from each rose, which initially led Asuriel to believe they were fake – but, upon closer inspection, she discovered the flowers were real.
It was beautiful… and expensive. Everything was so expensive! As icing on the cake, the staff treated Vaerion with almost religious reverence, which unsettled Asuriel.
"You're not nervous, are you?" Vaerion teased, pulling her from her thoughts.
She pursed her lips and replied defiantly, "Please, it's just a restaurant – not an execution. I'm not nervous."
Vaerion gave her a pointed look, amusement twinkling behind his gaze, "Good. Because you're not leaving until you enjoy yourself."
There was hardly any wait before the starting appetizer was served to them. It was smoked duck breast with cherry glaze and a side of edible charcoal chips; the dishes were organized so beautifully that it made Asuriel reluctant to eat it, as it felt like she would be eating a piece of art.
With the appetizer, they were served a cocktail. Asuriel took a sip and deliberated on the flavor profile; from what she could tell, it was a blackcurrant and absinthe blend. It was served in a smoky glass that seemed to exhale faint tendrils of mist.
She enjoyed it. The flavor was…
"Sweet, with a sharp finish. Just like you," Vaerion's deep voice was smooth and seductive. "It's called the Midnight Whisper."
Asuriel's eyes narrowed. Although she enjoyed their banter and often found herself caught up in their mutual interest in one another, she couldn't help but think he was too good at flirting.
"Do you always flirt so shamelessly, devil? Or am I just special?" she asked as she took another sip.
Vaerion's smirk turned into a grin. "Oh, little dove, you aren't just special – you're exceptional."
"Is that so? I'm honored," Asuriel rolled her eyes and dug into the duck's breast. It was delicious, and it wasn't long before her plate was cleaned.
Shortly after, the main dish was served.
Black truffle risotto served in a glistening golden bowl with a wine reduction drizzle. It was, once again, an aesthetically pleasing sight to behold. Asuriel couldn't help but bring her phone out to take a picture.
"The menu is as much about artistry as it is taste," Vaerion stated simply, a satisfied smirk on his handsome face.
Asuriel nodded in agreement. She was excited to taste it and wasn't disappointed when she brought the spoon to her mouth. Her earlier discomfort faded with each bite; their surroundings disappeared into the background, and all that remained was the delicious food and Vaerion.
"Everything has been so good," Asuriel mused, a contented smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Perhaps your taste is better than I thought."
Vaerion tilted his head, satisfied by her statement. "If you think the appetizer and main course are delicious, wait until dessert arrives."
As if on cue, the curtain was pulled open and revealed a server holding a molten chocolate cake paired with rosewater mousse. They placed the plate on their table, removed empty dishes, and silently closed the curtain behind them.
"It's infused with chili," Vaerion elaborated, taking a slice of the cake. He gingerly sliced into it, clearly excited to eat.
"Do you like desserts, Jae?" Asuriel asked, following suit.
"That isn't my name." Vaerion sighed with irritation but answered her anyway, "But yes. Some would say I have a sweet tooth. Though, I prefer my desserts to be spicy too – which is why I enjoy this cake so much."
Asuriel hummed in understanding. She took a bite and smiled softly – it was unique and tasty.
"They say the finest things in life are best savored slowly," Vaerion said, his eyes trained on Asuriel, "…though some temptations make it hard to wait."
"Oh?" she licked some chocolate from her lips and met his gaze. "It almost doesn't sound like you're talking about the cake, Mr. Sinclair."
Vaerion chuckled deeply, "You caught me."
"You should pay attention to your food," Asuriel winked. "We'll be late for the meeting if you take too long."
The devil sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The problem with someone like you, Asuriel, is that you make it far too easy to lose focus."