Chapter 36
The restaurant Nathaniel chose wasn’t just upscale—it was dazzling. Andrea hesitated at the entrance, tugging at the hem of her sweater. She hadn’t dressed for a place like this, and neither had Mia or Harper. Mia, in particular, looked around with wide eyes, clutching her bag tightly as if she might break something by accident.
“This is…” Harper began, trailing off as she took in the pristine white tablecloths and immaculately dressed servers.
“Insane,” Mia finished, her tone somewhere between awe and disbelief. “Andrea, you didn’t tell us this was the plan.”
Andrea glanced at Nathaniel, who stood beside her with his usual calm confidence. “It wasn’t my idea,” she muttered, shooting him a look.
Nathaniel smirked, unbothered by her tone. “You’re my guests tonight. Relax and enjoy yourselves.”
A hostess appeared and greeted Nathaniel by name, leading them to a secluded table in the corner. As they walked through the dining room, Andrea felt the weight of curious stares. She could practically hear the whispers: Who is he? Who’s she? Isn’t that Nathaniel Sinclair?
By the time they sat down, Andrea’s cheeks burned. Harper and Mia exchanged nervous glances as they sank into the plush chairs.
The waiter appeared almost immediately, handing out menus that didn’t include prices. Mia opened hers and nearly dropped it.
“This place serves lobster… as an appetizer?” she whispered, her voice low but incredulous.
Harper leaned over to look at her menu. “I can’t even pronounce half of this.”
Nathaniel chuckled softly, resting his arm casually on the back of Andrea’s chair. “Order whatever you like. Don’t worry about the price.”
Mia raised an eyebrow. “Easy for you to say.”
Andrea sighed, rubbing her temples. “Mia, can you just—”
“It’s fine,” Nathaniel interrupted smoothly, his tone warm but firm. “I brought you here to enjoy yourselves, not to argue. So, please—order whatever catches your eye.”
His charm had its usual effect, and Mia’s irritation melted into curiosity. “Okay, fine,” she said, glancing back at the menu.
By the time their food arrived, Mia and Harper had relaxed slightly, though the sheer luxury of the meal left them visibly stunned.
“This steak is… I don’t even have words,” Harper said, her fork hovering over her plate.
Mia nodded, chewing slowly. “I’ll admit, this is the best meal I’ve ever had. So, thanks, I guess.”
Nathaniel inclined his head, a faint smile on his lips. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
Andrea poked at her own plate, feeling self-conscious as the conversation turned toward Blackthorn.
“So,” Mia began, eyeing Nathaniel carefully. “What’s it like being a Sinclair? Must be nice to have… all this.”
Nathaniel’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze sharpened slightly. “Being a Sinclair comes with its perks,” he said, his voice measured. “But it also comes with responsibilities. At Blackthorn, people expect a certain level of control, influence… power.”
Mia raised an eyebrow. “And you enjoy that?”
Nathaniel’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “I don’t mind it. Especially when it lets me protect the people I care about.”
His words sent a ripple of tension through the table. Harper glanced at Andrea, her expression unreadable, while Mia leaned back, studying Nathaniel with a mix of fascination and unease.
Nathaniel’s gaze slid to Andrea, and his smirk softened into something warmer. “Andrea knows what I mean.”
Andrea’s fork froze mid-air, her stomach twisting. “Nathaniel…” she started, but he reached over, brushing his fingers lightly against her wrist.
“Relax,” he murmured, his tone low and soothing. “I’m just being honest.”
When dinner ended, Nathaniel took care of the bill with a casual wave, leaving Mia and Harper gaping.
“That’s it?” Mia whispered as they walked out of the restaurant. “He just… paid for all of that like it was nothing?”
Andrea sighed, pulling her coat tighter around her. “That’s Nathaniel for you.”
Harper smiled faintly. “Well, I can’t say I’m not impressed.”
As they stepped into the cool night air, Nathaniel lingered near his car, waiting for Andrea. When she approached, he pulled her aside, leaving Mia and Harper chatting a few feet away.
“You didn’t have to do all this,” Andrea said, crossing her arms.
Nathaniel tilted his head, his gaze intense. “Didn’t I? Your friends deserved to see how important you are.”
Andrea frowned. “I don’t need you to prove anything, Nathaniel. I can handle myself.”
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I know you can. But I don’t like being ignored, Andrea. Not by you.”
Her breath hitched as his hand brushed against her arm. “Nathaniel, this isn’t—”
“You’re mine now, kitten,” he murmured, his voice soft but possessive. “Don’t forget that.”
The intensity in his tone sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn’t tell if it was fear or something else entirely.
“Nathaniel…” she began, but he stepped back, his expression softening.
“Let’s not fight anymore tonight,” he said, his tone gentle now. “Your friends are waiting.”
The drive home was quiet. Nathaniel’s hand rested casually on the steering wheel, his calm demeanor at odds with the storm of emotions swirling in Andrea’s chest.
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, trying to make sense of the pull he had over her—the way he could make her feel both safe and suffocated all at once.
When they pulled up to her house, Nathaniel turned to her, his gaze steady. “Goodnight, Andrea.”
“Goodnight,” she said softly, slipping out of the car.
