My Rise: a dark mafia romance (Darkest of All Book 1) by Lexi Archer

Author:Lexi Archer [Archer, Lexi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

The next night, as the cityscape glimmers under the soft glow of streetlights, I find myself approaching Elysian Delights. Dylan greets me at the door, which he holds open for me. The ambiance exudes sophistication, a stark departure from the shadowy undercurrents that characterize my other life. The discreet chatter of diners and the clinking of fine china create a facade of normalcy, momentarily eclipsing the clandestine world that exists beyond the polished exterior.

We’re seated immediately, and after Dylan orders us champagne, he smiles at me. "Vanessa, I'm thrilled you could make it. You look stunning."

"Thank you, Dylan. The restaurant is exquisite."

We pick up our menus. The waiter hovers attentively.

"I've heard great things about the chef here. I hope you find something you'll enjoy."

"I'm sure it'll be delightful. I appreciate you choosing such a fantastic place."

“The lobster bisque is divine here,” he says.

“I’ll have a bowl if you will.”

“Excellent. We’ll do that,” he tells the waiter.

“And for my main course, the filet mignon. Rare.”

Dylan grins at me. “We can split the Foie gras as an appetizer?”

I nod.

“And the seared Chilean sea bass.”

“Very good,” the waiter says.

“Oh, and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, please,” Dylan says.

“Right away.”

We clink our champagne, and I’m grateful he doesn’t make a speech.

“I eyed your steak on our first date,” I confess.

“You should’ve said. “I would’ve given it to you.”

“I don’t want to eat your food,” I protest.

“What’s mine is yours.”

As Dylan engages in lively conversation, his sincerity and kindness are evident. He remains blissfully unaware of the intricacies that shape my world—a world where power struggles, alliances, and the pursuit of control create a complex tapestry that transcends the elegance of the restaurant's surroundings.

The dinner, a temporary respite from the shadows, becomes a testament to the precarious equilibrium I must maintain. Dylan, unknowingly thrust into the intricate dance of my double life, provides a brief escape from the clandestine world that awaits beyond the restaurant's opulent facade.

“I find it delightful that you’re opening a casino.”

“Delightful? Are you a gambling man, Dylan?”

He smirks. “Actually, before I became the mayor's bodyguard, I worked as a bouncer at a casino. Quite the experience, I must say."

Oh, now if that isn’t interesting, I don’t know what is.

"A bouncer at a casino? That must have been interesting. Any memorable stories?" I ask.

He chuckles. "Oh, more than a few. You wouldn't believe the characters that frequent casinos. I've seen everything from high-stakes poker drama to the occasional card-counting genius trying to outsmart the system."

The revelation adds a layer of intrigue to Dylan's persona—a man who once navigated the vibrant and unpredictable world of casinos as a guardian of order. The subtle shift in conversation unveils a side of him beyond the composed exterior, hinting at a history colored by the complexities of the gambling industry.

“Do you miss those days?"

"Sometimes. The thrill of the games, the constant ebb and flow of fortunes. But life has its twists, and now I find myself in a different kind of game—protecting the mayor, navigating politics."

“Hmm.” I tap my chin.

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