Alaric didn't drive them to a restaurant. Instead, he pulled into a quiet lane tucked behind the city lights.
The car stopped outside a place with no signage, only warm lighting from within. A staff member stepped out with a small paper box as if they had been expecting him.
He collected the box and handed it to her without a word.
"What's this?" Aveline asked, glancing at Alaric as he paid the young staff member without exchanging a word.
"Open it," he said.
Inside was a square of dark chocolate brownie with delicate gold flakes dusted on top. It looked almost too decadent to eat.
She took a bite, and her eyes widened. The chocolate center was molten in the middle, still warm, rich with the kind of depth that only came from obsession.
"Mmm," she said, stunned, savoring the taste, "I don't know where this is from, but this is so delicious."
He didn't gloat and was happy to see her dig in for another spoonful. He simply said, "Knew you would like it."
