Page 55 of Beneath Scarred Vows

"Have you been there before?" I press, my hands strumming on my thigh.

"Yes, ma'am. It's got good food."

I nod. I suppose Calli wouldn't go to a place that didn't have good food.

We fall back into silence, and before I know it, the car slows as we approach a tree-lined street with brownstone buildings and small shops. Chris pulls up in front of a charming restaurant with a dark green awning. Gold lettering spells out"Vesuvio"across the glass.

"We've arrived," Chris announces, putting the car in park. "Miss Calli is already inside waiting for you," he finishes and gets out of the car to open my door.

I step out and look to my right. Another SUV is parked with a man leaning against it. I recognize him—Calli's driver or bodyguard, or whatever these men are to us.

I enterVesuvioand take a look around. The restaurant has a cozy, upscale atmosphere with dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and soft lighting from vintage-looking chandeliers. The scent of garlic, fresh herbs, and baking bread fills the air.

I spot Calli immediately. She's speaking with the maître d', gesturing animatedly with her hands. Her dark hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she's dressed in a beautiful navy blue dress. Even in her casual attire, there's something commanding about her presence.

She turns as I approach, her face lighting up with a genuine smile.

"Katerina!" She walks over and embraces me, the scent of an expensive perfume with notes of jasmine and vanilla enveloping me. "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you," I say, smoothing down my white sundress. "You look amazing as always."

She links her arm through mine and turns to the maître d'. "It's such a beautiful day. I think we should eat outside, don't you think?"

I glance through the windows at the sunlit patio. "Sure, that sounds lovely."

The maître d' nods. "Of course, Miss Kastaris. Right this way, ladies."

He leads us back outside to a secluded corner of the patio surrounded by potted lemon trees and flowering plants. Our chaperones take positions at a respectful distance—close enough to act if needed but far enough to give us privacy.

"This is perfect," Calli says as we sit down. A server immediately appears with water and menus.

After we order drinks—a sparkling water for me and a glass of white wine for Calli—she leans forward, her dark eyes sparkling with interest.

"Nice to get out, right?" she says, laughing. "Has my brother been behaving himself with you?"

I take a sip of water, heat rising to my cheeks at the mention of him. "Yes, he's been surprisingly considerate."

Calli laughs loudly, drawing glances from nearby tables. "Considerate? That's not a word I'd normally associate with my brother. You're having quite the effect on him."

"I wouldn't say that."

"I would," she says and takes a sip of her wine after the server delivers our drinks. "He talks about you, you know."

My heart quickens. "He does?"

"Mmm-hmm." She nods, studying me over the rim of her glass. "Not directly, of course. Ares isn't one to bare his soul. But your name comes up in conversation more often than anyone else's, and when it does, there's this look on his face..." She gestures vaguely.

"What kind of look?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity.

"Like he's trying to solve a puzzle. Or maybe like he's found something he didn't know he was looking for." She sets her glass down. "It's nice, actually. I've never seen him like this before."

I fiddle with my water glass, unsure how to respond. The server returns to take our order, giving me a moment to collect my thoughts.

After he leaves, Calli changes the subject. "So, are you working on any drawings now?"

The question catches me off guard, but I like the fact she's trying to bond over my interests. "I haven't had much time lately, but I've been trying to sketch a bit here and there. Nothing serious."

"I'd love to see your work sometime," she says, her tone genuine. "I always wished I had artistic talent. The closest I get is arranging flowers, which I really like and find relaxing. Theo teases me mercilessly about it, but I don't care."