Chapter Three
A short drive back through town took them to a restaurant set back from the main road. The stonework of the building gave it a medieval feel. Large lanterns hanging every few feet put off a tremendous amount of heat from the flames within. They were greeted by a hostess wearing a corset dress made out of large scales. She would hate to see the alligator those must have come from.
Sitting around a large round table were three giant men, she had thought Asald was big but he was average sized compared to them. Smiles instantly transformed their faces as they saw them and jumped up to crush them each in hugs.
“Finally, we meet!” Two of the giants looked alike, she assumed they were the brothers Pascal and Toussaint. The third man was calmer, standing back watching everyone, it was safe to assume this was Aristide, the one who owned a bookstore.
“We’re so glad you all finally came up here. This is the best week of the entire year so you are in for a real treat.” The brothers held out chairs for Penny and Sarah to sit in.
“There is no seat for Sebastian, is he not coming?” Asald looked between the three friends curiously.
After a couple of odd looks between them, Aristide made an excuse that he had to work. You would think being the Chief of Police would let you take time off when you wanted to.
A waitress dressed like the hostess passed out menus and took their drink orders. After ordering, Sarah excused herself to the restroom. At the back of the restaurant, her attention was caught by voices coming from behind a partition. Always more curious than she should be she peeked behind the temporary barrier.
She had never seen such beauty before, the man sitting at a table deep in conversation stole her breath away. Tiny silver lines crisscrossed every inch of skin she could see. They shined with his movement, it was a beautiful sight.
She must have gasped, his head turned sharply and their eyes met. Seeing his face filled with anger didn’t penetrate her thoughts as his beauty sent a shiver down her spine. Her fingers itched to trace the tiny scars running across his forehead and cheeks.
“Ma’am, may I help you with something?” Her transfixion was broken by the deeply tan man with black piercing eyes standing next to her in the hallway. “That is a private party, can I help you find your way back to your table?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I was actually looking for the restroom.”
“You are in luck; one more left turn and you will be at your destination.”
Embarrassed at being caught she nodded and scurried away without a backward glance at the man who was sure to take over her every thought. Deep in her stomach, she felt a burning need to know who he was and what happened to him.
***
“Dinner was amazing, the charring on my steak was perfect.” Asald leaned back and rubbed his still completely flat stomach.
“I agree, the smoky flavor of my chicken was excellent.” Pascal set his napkin aside and waved over the waitress. “Can you let Pietr know we are ready for dessert.”
Sarah’s plate was removed as she spied the dark stranger from the hallway approaching their table.
“Pietr, so good to see you again. Did you enjoy that book I sent over last week?” Aristide talked more animatedly than he had all evening, it was obvious books brought him to life.
“Thank you for finding that for me, it is definitely a rare treasure.” Intense black eyes found hers and smiled. “I see you found your way back to your party?”
Sarah couldn’t help the blush she felt burning her cheeks.
“I heard you all are ready for dessert, allow me.” Pietr leaned in and removed the center of the table which turned out to be a cover for a large burner. With a cheeky smile and a wink to Penny, he put his hands to his mouth and blew fire into the burner igniting it immediately.
Penny grabbed Sarah’s arm as they both let out a gasp. “How did you do that?” Sarah couldn’t help but laugh with excitement and intrigue.
“A little dragon fire to make your dessert more luscious.” With another wink and a small bow, she watched as he went to the back and disappeared behind the temporary wall.
What she wouldn’t give to follow him and see the sexy stranger again.
“That was incredible, how did he do it?” All four men at the table shrugged, fat lot of good they were.
Waitresses brought a pot of chocolate and skewers for everyone. A few minutes later trays of fruit, marshmallows, and small square cakes were set around the table.
She watched as Toussaint speared a marshmallow and held it over the flame browning it before dipping it in the melted chocolate. Asald grabbed a giant strawberry and dunked it completely in the chocolate before shoving it all the way in his mouth.
If she wanted to experience the moans echoing around the table she had to dive in before it was all gone. She selected an orange segment and covered it in chocolate, intense flavor burst in her mouth as soon as it touched her tongue. The sweet chocolate mixed with the tart flavor of the orange was unexpectedly delicious.
Less than ten minutes later the trays were empty and the chocolate bowl was wiped clean. With one last groan of ecstasy she sat back, for a fleeting second, she imagined unbuttoning her pants for a little relief.
“That was amazing, thank you for picking this place.” Penny licked the last drops of chocolate off her fingers.
“It’s the best place in town, I always think it’s weird to eat at the mermaid’s place. Their specialty is fish and chips and that is just too cannibalistic for me.” Toussaint laughed hysterically.
“You all do take this paranormal stuff seriously don’t you?”
“It’s a lifestyle.” Pascal winked at Asald before erupting in laughter.
“So, what are your plans tomorrow?” Aristide ever the somber one asked with a more serious tone.
“Besides exploring more of the city, we have to get our costumes for the ball Saturday night.”
“That’s right, it’s imperative that you dress to impress. You must go to Seraphine’s Disguise. She has the best shop in town and has a knack for picking the perfect costume to match the monster that is inside you.” Toussaint wiggled his eyebrows at them before laughing again. They really were a merry band of brothers.
“If you guys want to meet up tomorrow give us a call.” Aristide hugged each of them before leading them out of the restaurant.
She couldn’t help looking back one last time at the partition hiding the private party.
She was surprised to see Pietr talking with someone behind the barrier, he turned and stared directly at her while he continued to talk. With another blush at being caught, she took off after the rest of the group. How will she ever sleep tonight with visions of that beautiful stranger haunting her thoughts?