Alexander walked toward the restaurant, Artemis trailing behind with the bags in hand. Her heart was racing; she could barely contain her excitement.
The restaurant loomed ahead—elegant and refined.
As they entered, Artemis immediately shifted behind him. All eyes turned to them, but Alexander couldn't have cared less. The waitstaff recognized him instantly and, per his request, guided them to the farthest table—secluded and perfect for Artemis.
Just as they settled in, his gaze fell on the last person he wanted to see. Of course, it had to be him.
Lexus Silver.
As always, his presence soured Alexander's mood.
Noticing the sudden change in Alexander's expression, Artemis followed his gaze to a table across the room. A tall, striking man with shiny red hair and dark red eyes sat there, listening absently to the woman across from him. Artemis narrowed her eyes—he looked oddly familiar.
"Enjoying the show, bunny?"
She flinched and snapped her gaze back to Alexander, who was now glaring at her with his arms folded.
She'd been caught staring. Shamelessly. At another man.
Flustered, she buried her face behind the menu.
Lexus raised his glass as the woman in front of him continued to prattle on.
"Lexus, since you'll be at your sister's birthday, don't you think you should—"
Her voice faded into the background the moment he spotted the new arrivals.
Alexander Quinn.
The woman beside him noticed. "Who's that girl with him?"
Lexus clenched his jaw as he watched Artemis trail closely behind Alexander.
He scowled. She should've been his.
He'd lost her to that bastard during the auction, just because he hesitated a moment too long to raise his bid.
His grip on the glass tightened. A crack formed.
Meanwhile, Alexander leaned over and gently poked Artemis' forehead.
"Focus only on your master. Understood, bunny?"
He smiled.
Artemis blinked, her cheeks tinged with pink, and nodded. "Yes."
Satisfied, he waved down a waitress. Artemis noticed three of them whispering and squabbling over who would serve him first. Her cheeks grew even redder when the fastest one approached, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and fluttering her lashes.
"May I take your order, young master?" the waitress beamed.
Artemis leaned back in her seat, narrowing her eyes. Why is she trying so hard?
Alexander glanced at Artemis and chuckled, catching both her and the waitress off guard.
"You're so adorable, bunny," he said with a warm smile.
The waitress blinked, now visibly confused, glancing between the two.
"I'll have the breakfast option. Two servings. And bring the usual wine," Alexander ordered.
The waitress snapped out of her confusion, bowed, and left—throwing one last sharp glance at Artemis, who still avoided eye contact.
Alexander rested his elbow on the table and tilted his head, watching Artemis.
"Are you shy?"
"Wh-What? Wh-Why would I—"
"Then look at me. Or is the menu more interesting than your handsome master?" he teased.
Artemis nearly short-circuited. Her heart pounded.
"I can hear your heart racing again," he chuckled.
"N-No, it's not!" she whispered harshly. He laughed again.
Then his eyes darted to Lexus—still staring at Artemis with open hostility.
Alexander's expression darkened. He reached out and twirled a strand of her hair around his finger, maintaining eye contact with Lexus in a silent, territorial warning.
The waitress returned with their food. Artemis' eyes widened, and her mouth watered.
Alexander smiled. The way she immediately lit up at the sight of food amused him to no end.
Across the room, Lexus' eyes narrowed. He stood abruptly.
"Let's go," he said to the woman, who quickly rose with him.
At the counter, he smirked and dropped a few gold coins.
"This is for the corner table."
Back at their table, Alexander watched Lexus leave. His jaw ticked.
Only then did he begin to eat.
Artemis, on the other hand, had already dug in like a starving kitten.
When she looked up and caught Alexander watching her, she almost choked.
While his plate remained barely touched, she'd devoured most of hers. Embarrassed, she slowed down.
"Don't be ashamed. Eat as much as you want," he said softly, noticing her flustered state.
She nodded, her ears bright red.
Still, it was hard eating under his intense gaze. She swallowed hard and looked away.
After a while, she peeked at him. He raised a brow.
"Hm?"
"I… I want to use the restroom," she murmured.
He smiled and waved down a waitress.
"Take her. And bring her back immediately," he ordered.
The waitress nodded, swallowing nervously under his stare.
Artemis bowed slightly and followed her. The restroom was clean and pleasantly scented. She slipped into a cubicle.
A few minutes later, she returned to the table. Alexander watched her approach, then smiled when she smiled back.
They finished their meal and made their way to the front counter.
"Apologies, Young Master Alexander, but Young Master Lexus has already paid for your table," the attendant informed him politely.
Alexander's eyes darkened. His jaw clenched.
Son of a bitch.
Lexus was really testing him.
Without a word, he still dropped his own gold and exited.
They approached the waiting carriage.
Alexander stared at Artemis. She met his gaze and smiled sweetly. His eye twitched.
"Stop the carriage," he called to the coachman. A small smile tugged at his lips.
"How about we take a walk, bunny?"
Artemis blinked and nodded.
"Put the bag in my room. If I see a single scratch, I'll feed you to Draco," he added coldly, walking off.
Artemis followed close behind.
Falcon, trembling, saluted and wiped the sweat off his brow.
He would never get used to the master's threats—especially when Draco was involved.
He glanced toward the forest entrance and shivered.
What was he going to do to the girl now?