Astrea's pov

I stood in front of my penthouse door staring at the package lying outside it in confusion. I picked it up anyway before unlocking the door and switching the lights on.

I hope it's not a bomb meant to kill me

I unwrapped it and opened the box only to find a beautiful dress and a pair of heels along with a bracelet in it. Everything looked extremely expensive and of my style.

I noticed a paper sticking out from the bottom of the box. Written in beautiful calligraphy it says,

A little gift for you. Wear it tonight for me.
-Nikolai

I smiled. It's so sweet of him to do that although I don't want him to waste money on me.

I took a quick shower and changed into the dress. The dress is off-white in colour and reaches up to my mid-thighs and the heels are about 6 inches tall and nude in colour.
He sure does have good taste.
I applied some makeup, fixed my hair and sprayed some perfume on my wrists and neck.

At exact 7a.m the bell rings. I opened the door and there stands Nikolai looking gorgeous. He hands me a bouquet along with some chocolate.
I don't understand why he is doing this. Buying me things. showing up with flowers and chocolates

"You look stunning" he said after staring at me for a few seconds drawing a smile on my face from his sweet words

"Thank you for your gift. You didn't need to do that and you look handsome" I replied before putting away the flowers and the chocolate and inviting him in.

"You didn't put on the bracelet" he said noticing my bare wrist
"I was just about to before you came" I replied and went to my room to retrieve it.

Taking the expensive looking bracelet in my hands, it feels almost nostalgic. The familiarity of it invokes some hidden feelings in me that I can't recognize.
I take it to the living room where Nikolai is sitting since I couldn't clapse it myself.

"Can you help me with putting it on?" I asked
"Of course" he replied taking the bracelet from my hand before taking my hand in his and putting the bracelet on my wrist. His rough fingers feel soft against my skin. His touch drew a shiver from my body.

He stares at my wrist with soft eyes and an unfamiliar expression on his face before snapping out of it and leading me towards the door.

I locked the door and he leads me towards his Lamborghini with a hand on my back. He opens the door for me and I internally swoon at his gentlemanly behaviour while externally I just thanked him.

"So with whom are we meeting?" I asked when he starts driving.
"Nothing you need to worry about" he replied with a mischievous smile on his face that screams trouble. And I suddenly felt scared for myself.

....

We entered the restaurant where we are supposed to be meeting the clients. The hotel looks exquisite and classy. Nikolai leads me towards the reception where a middle aged man stands along with a girl who looks a little older than me, probably the receptionist.

"Welcome Mr dimitriev. We have, prepared the rooftop for you as per your wishes." he said with a smile and the receptionist leads us to the rooftop.

"A waiter will be with you in a minute" she said before leaving us alone.
Looking around the area, I noticed a few things.

The decoration is romantic and not suitable for a formal meeting.
The rooftop is completely empty.
Romantic music plays through the speakers.
There is only one table and only two chairs.

The butterflies in my stomach go wild and my heart flutters in my chest.
Suddenly everything makes sense.

I looked at the man standing beside me who is rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"So where are the clients?" I asked him with my arms crossed
"Perhaps they are late" he lied choosing to continue pretending even though it is of no use.
He pulls out a chair for me before taking his seat across from me.

"You know you are supposed to ask before bringing a girl to a date" I informed him
"I didn't wanted to give you a chance to reject me" he admitted
"What makes you think I would have?" I asked
"Because it would have been 'unprofessional'? no?" He replied

"And What makes you think I wouldn't just leave?" I asked even though I am not gonna actually leave
"Because you want to be here and you didn't bring your car " he smirked making me roll my eyes
"Fine. But I am just here for the food." and because I like you
"Sure" he replied like he doesn't believe me.

Just as I am about to reply a young waiter comes interrupting our conversation.
"what would you like to have sir and mam?" he asked but his eyes lingers on me from time to time.

"What would you like love?" Nikolai asked me instead
"Can you order for me?" I asked since I have no idea what to order
"Of course" he smiles before looking back at the waiter with a cold gaze

He ordered our food and a few minutes later the waiter came back with our food and wine
He places our food in front of us and starts to fill our glasses with wine.

His gaze still lingers on me making me feel uncomfortable. Due to which he filled Nikolai's cup over the rim.

"Enough" he finally snapped and with that all hell breaks loose.