Page 96 of Grace of Spades

“Andras is going to kill us,” I whisper making everyone start laughing.

***

After a very awkward return to the party where Kennedy grins at me like she knows everything. Apparently, she came up to check on us and heard us and made excuses for us. I have a feeling everyone knew the truth though. There was really no hiding the hickey on the side of my neck… or the teeth marks. Thanks, Liam.

A few days later I was told to wait out by the front gate with Christian. Blindfolded. Yeah, don’t ask me how they convinced me to do this. It involved a bit of duress in my opinion. In my defence, Jai's tongue is just so talented. How could I say no?

So now I'm here, at seven at night blindfolded as I hear a car approach us. This is a terrible plan.

“Come on, Perfect Girl.” He whispers leading me to the car and buckling me in.

“What are you guys up to?” I ask. They’re all giggling like school girls. It’s kind of adorable.

“Just relax. Enjoy your surprise.” Liam chides as I grumble to myself. We drive for a while and then we’re out and I’m being guided through a set of doors, through a large room and another set of doors.

“Okay, stand right there,” Keir says. I can hear the smile in his voice.

“Alright! We're ready! Take off the blindfold.” I hear Liam practically brimming with excitement as my eyes are blastedwith light. It takes me a few hard blinks to recognize where we are. A kitchen.

Like a restaurant kitchen. The guys are all grinning like fiends in front of a shining stainless steel prep station. Everything is gleaming metal and just mocking me. I want to run my hands over everything but that’s not exactly sanitary, is it?

“Wha-” I begin.

“You have free range of an entire professional kitchen and restaurant for the night!” Liam shouts cutting me off.

“Are you serious?” I whisper looking at Liam. If his is a joke, I will cry.

“We are serious. It’s all yours. You can make anything you want. Liam’s cousin owns it.” Christian smiles his coffee eyes are soft as he watches me.

“Oh my god!!” I gasp and my feet start moving my hands are touching everything anyway. I’m opening drawers and fridges. Yes, fridges. Plural. There are three of them and two stovetops. “Holy shit! I think I’m freaking out.” I gasp suddenly unable to take full breaths.

“Great job, Liam. You’ve killed her!” Jai laughs coming up beside me. “Alright Princess, breathe with me.” I look into his almond eyes and match my breathing to his. Soon, I’m breathing normally again.

“What’s causing this?” He asks gently.

“This is a fantasy. I never thought I’d actually be in a restaurant like this. I figured I was realistically destined for a food truck.” I explain. I’m between them all now each of them shushing me or stroking my hair.

“Oh, baby, no fucking way that's happening. We’ve tasted some of your food. Even without schooling, you’ll get here. Maybe even better.” Keir soothes.

“Agreed.” Christian smiles. I lean back to look at them and stop.

“What are you guys wearing?” They’re in all white.

“We're your sous chefs for the evening.” Beams Jai.

“Except for me.” Liam frowns but I see the playful light playing in his Caribbean eyes. “I…. Will be your saucier!” He says dramatically with a flourishing bow making me laugh.

“Alright Chef Jacobs. What are we making?” Christian holds up a chef uniform with a smile and tears spill down my face. How did I get so lucky to have these guys?

The End