After we left the movies, I wasn't ready to part ways with her, so we went into the bakery because she was craving something sweet. I could smell the different cakes and treats as my taste buds tingled, and I couldn't wait to have a taste of the aromatic cake as it melted in my mouth. I moan at the thought of it.
"Since when did you start eating strawberries?" Stephanie asked what I was doing when I put a slice of cake in my mouth and my eyes shot close.
"I don't know; you know how much I hate eating strawberries, but this day I like them more." I answered, shrugging off my shoulders and taking another bite of the very tasty cake.
"And you don't find that strange." What was she getting at?
"What's strange about liking something you once disliked?. My taste buds changed, and now I prefer strawberries to vanilla."
"Oh my God! Why didn't I figure it out before?" Her eyes widened, staring right at me.
"The guy you are dating, have you slept with him?" I choked at her question, not expecting it.
blush crept up my face. "Why are you asking?"
"Answer the question. Mani. I need to know something." What could she possibly want to know by asking me this question?
"Yes, we have Steph." I whispered, not wanting anyone to hear.
"Are you on birth control, or does he use condoms when you guys have sex?"
I feel my cheeks blush even more at her question. "I am not pregnant if that's what you are asking, Steph."
"Come on, Mani, the clues are there. The glow of your skin and the way you eat, especially foods you hated before," She stated with a matter-of-fact tone.
"It's not possible, Steph, because I just finished my period few days ago. So no, there is no baby in the bum."
"Are you sure? Why don't you see a doctor?" She is definitely not going to give up.
"I'm not pregnant, Stephanie; if one was, I think i would know. And besides, I might not be a doctor yet, but I did go to medical school," I tried to convince her. I can't be; I think I would know. I don't feel pregnant.
"Mani..."
"I'm not Steph," I told her sternly.
Stephanie let out a sigh before speaking again. "Okay, I won't ask again. But do take the test just to be sure."
"I will, Steph," I said, rolling my eyes playfully at her. I put the plate of cake away, not really into it anymore. "I think I am going to leave now."
"why... "Stephanie asked not to have our time together end. "Where exactly are you staying?"
"Nikolai has a place here in New York, so I stay with him."
"That's nice; maybe I can come visit." A smile stretched her face.
"That won't be necessary; we will be leaving tomorrow," I quickly said. I don't want her involved in the mafia.
"oh.. That's sad. When are you coming back to New 6York?"
"I don't know yet, but I promise to come to your graduation."
"Okay, then, see you when I do," she says.
"Be careful and call me when you need anything," I tell her, standing in front of her.
"I will," she says, hugging me before we go our separate ways.
♤♤♤♤
I walked over to the mirror for a final check, then grabbed my matching black clutch purse and went downstairs, where Sin and the others were waiting.
When I got to the last flight of stairs, Sin was standing there, just a foot away, typing rapidly on his phone while the others were nowhere in sight. I took the time to admire how handsome he looked in a black Amarni suit, with his hair styled backward and his face flawless.
The more I stared at him, the more I noticed how tightly his jaws were clenched together. letting me know that whoever he was chatting with or whatever message was being exchanged pissed him off. I got down from the last set of stairs, clearing my throat to gain his attention. His head raised, his eyes scanned me up and down like always, and I could see the warmth and gentleness in his gaze.
I gave a small smile, blushing under his strong gaze as he slowly walked up and stroked my cheeks, which made me blush even harder. Warmth spread through me when he brought his hand around my lower back.
"Are the guests arriving?" I stutter out breathlessly, causing him to smirk at the effect his mere presence has on me.
" A few."
"Sorry if I took too long. keeping them and you waiting."
"Not at all." He replies, pecking my forehead. "Shall we?"
I let out a deep breath before nodding, and we both began making our way to the dining room.
Sin had informed me the day I returned from my outing with Stephanie about a dinner party he was hosting, which was two days ago. He said it was nothing extravagant and only a small group of associates were invited, but he won’t give much detail as to who they were.
And as much as I was a nervous wreck, I knew not to let it show and tried to swallow it down. I was very grateful when he told me Samantha was going to be there. I decided I was going to keep my focus on her and not worry about the other strangers in the dining room.