“I like dessert,” he shrugs, smiling. His smile makes me smile, seeing him so carefree and unburdened. His positivity is infectious, and all the worries of my world are a distant memory.
“Well then,” I say picking up a slice of cheesecake with some type of fresh berry compote on top, “we should start there.”
I take a fork and scoop up a bit, walking over to Dorian and offering it to him. He keeps his eyes on mine as he opens his mouth and receives the smooth, creamy bite. Then in a swift movement, he picks me up with ease, setting me down on the edge of the table where I once was his dessert. He grabs another dessert plate, I’m guessing Crème Brulee, and sits in the chair facing me. He scoots himself forward so that he is right between my thigh-high clad legs, obtaining a full view of my naked sex.
“Open up,” he says, and for a moment I think he means my legs. I open my mouth instead and welcome the sweet, sugary custard.
We continue like this for a while, sampling each dessert, laughing, flirting. Once we’ve each satisfied our sweet tooth, I scoot off the table and sit beside him at the table.
“Can I ask you a question?” I say reaching for a raw oyster. I suck down the slippery shellfish and wipe my hands and lips on a napkin.
“Shoot.” Dorian says, going for an oyster as well.
“What do you think about this Icepick Murderer?” Dorian seems to know a bit about everything, and while I have my secret suspicions, I really do feel more comfortable talking to him.
Dorian takes a moment as he swallows his oyster. He takes a long sip of the wine he’s poured for us, mulling over my question. “I think it’s someone who is desperate, unaware, and ignorant of the consequences he faces for such savagery.”
Dorian’s words catch me off guard. I expected him to describe the killer as ruthless and vile, but yet he’s somewhat explaining the reasons behind his actions. Unbelievable!
“Do you have an idea of who it might be?” I have to ask. Dorian is talking about this person, this Dark murderer, as if he knows him. Does he?
“Why would you think I’d know something like that?” Dorian asks, quizzically. He isn’t upset. He’s curious. I shrug my shoulders and go back to eating silently. Now is not the time to let my imagination run away with my rationality.
After a few quiet moments, I open up the conversation to something a bit more light and casual. “So have you thought about Morgan working at your salon?” The question has been gnawing at me and I didn’t want to bring it up right away in fear that he’d feel I was owed a favor after sleeping with him.
“I have actually. I think you were right; she’d offer a fresh, young perspective to our more mature, youth-seeking clientele. As soon as she’s licensed, she will have a job at Luxe, if that is what she desires.”
I flash Dorian a bright smile and don’t stop myself from jumping up and planting a quick peck on his lips. Morgan will be thrilled.
“Thank you, Dorian,” I say sitting back down and collecting myself. “She will be so excited. We’re hoping to get a nice place together with the extra money I’m sure she’ll get from those big tippers.”
“About that… What kind of place are you two looking to rent?” Dorian says with a raised eyebrow.
“Just something nice enough, a couple of bedrooms, bathrooms. Oh, and pet-friendly. Morgan has her little rat, Dolce,” I chuckle. Dorian looks bemused. “Oh, not a real rat. A Chihuahua. Morgan is crazy about that thing. She dresses him up and everything. That dog has a better wardrobe than most people.”
“I see. Not an animal lover, Gabriella?”
“I guess I like animals alright. Not overly crazy about them, especially pretentious little lapdogs.”
Dorian looks oddly interested in the news. Maybe he pegged me for some zealous tree-hugger since I told him I like being outdoors. Oh God, I hope he doesn’t think I like camping or stuff like that. Sunshine, I like. Bugs, rodents, and no indoor plumbing? Not so much.
“Well, if you’re interested, I happen to own an apartment complex. Have you heard of Paralia?” My wide eyes and dropped jaw answer his question. “If you would like to live there, I can offer you and Morgan a place that should suit your needs.”
“Geez, Dorian! You own that place? Since when?” The questions roll out a bit more excitedly than I intend.
“A little while now. An investment that fell into my lap unexpectedly.” Dorian shrugs as if it’s no big deal to own a luxury apartment complex.
“If you own Paralia, why do you live here?”
Again, he shrugs. “Convenience.” He looks back down at his food. “Think about it and let me know.”