Chapter 22. Double Date

Emerald and Iris sat together on one side, while Yvo sat across from Iris. Emerald glanced at the empty seat next to Yvo, across from her. Before she could ask, Alaric slowly sat down, his eyes fixed on her.

His long legs stretched out and gently brushed against Emerald's. The fabric of their trousers clung to her calves, the slight warmth of his body making her skin tingle—a subtle but intoxicating sensation.

It felt like the perfect aphrodisiac, as if he wanted to pull Emerald into a deep, irresistible desire. When she glanced at him, he pretended not to notice, staring nonchalantly ahead.

Tonight, this man was definitely going to mess with her, or give her a thrilling experience…

Feigning innocence, Alaric picked up the menu and handed it to Yvo. Emerald could tell he was teasing her because of the small smirk on his lips, though he didn't meet her gaze. She was about to turn to her friend when the setting sun bathed Alaric in its warm light, and she couldn't tak