Serenah stared at Ashtin's Heart. Anxiety gripped her. She didn't want to leave the car. She knew that when she walked in, she would be the center of attention in a bad way. She closed her eyes, trying to fortify her nerves.
"You have to go. You can't stay, Serenah."
Alastar's words jabbed at her. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and got out of the car. She trudged up the steps and entered the building.
She froze at the hostess's gasp of horror. Serenah wished the floor would swallow her. This was so humiliating! She cursed her father and sister for their hatred. She didn't deserve this. She didn't want Romeo to see her this way.
"Welcome to Ashtin's Heart. What name is your reservation under?"
"Romeo Lancaster."
The hostess blinked, spun around, and led Serenah toward the back of the restaurant. Her fated mark flared to life as did her twin sense. She heard the whispers, her head drooping in shame. She didn't have thick skin. She couldn't just shrug it off.
She felt Romeo's anger and concern through their bond. It soothed her a little. His presence calmed her. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. Her heart thumped a beat of happiness when she heard Romeo's voice.
"Sera." His voice was soft as he pulled out a chair for her.
She flinched, trying to tamp down the anxiety and shame at her appearance. She sat down in the chair, her expression neutral. She had to hide it all, lest Amanah use it to harm her.
Romeo stroked her back once before returning to his seat. Serenah twitched at Amanah's fake smile, her gaze dropping to the table.
In her sweetest voice, Amanah spoke, "Tsk, tsk, Sera. Why are you so late? We almost started without you." Amanah didn't give Serenah a chance to respond, continuing, her words jabbing at Serenah's self-esteem. "And what is up with your hideous dress? You're not some elementary kid. You should know how to dress for this kind of place."
Serenah raised her head, her gaze going to Amanah, her face flushed in embarrassment. "Sorry," she stammered, her gaze again dropping to the table.
An uncomfortable silence fell. Romeo signaled for the waitress. He quickly ordered some appetizers. Serenah didn't know what to say to break the awkwardness.
Romeo broke the silence. "While we wait on our food, I have something for both of you."
Serenah raised her gaze, curiosity getting the best of her. She watched him reach under the table and set two long boxes on it. He handed her the box with the purple ribbon. He gave the box with the black ribbon to Amanah. Serenah caressed the ribbon on her box.
On Earth, purple meant royalty and power. One she had by birth, the other she lacked in both worlds. She hesitated to open it.
"Go ahead, you can open it," Romeo urged.
Serenah opened hers first and gasped. Inside was a red rose. She knew that roses were used as symbols of love and passion. She reverently stroked the rose. Happy tears filled her eyes, but she didn't let them fall. She glanced at her sister's box.
Inside Amanah's box was a sunflower. Serenah stared in shock. She knew what the flower meant on Earth in its language of flowers. Sunflowers had positive and negative meanings. She was sure that Romeo meant it negatively toward her sister. The negative connotation meant someone who was pompous and had delusions of grandeur.
Serenah saw Amanah's hand grip her phone so hard that the screen cracked in her rage. Her sister glared at Romeo.
Romeo nonchalantly replied, "Do you like your gift?"
"Is this flower meant to be an answer?" demanded Amanah.
"It is. The flowers represent my feelings toward you. Your father asked for this dinner date and the stipulation that I make a choice. The flowers are my answer to his demand," Romeo explained.
"You dare reject me?" hissed Amanah. She swept her hand out, knocked the box to the floor, and surged to her feet. "You will pay for this! You've made the wrong choice tonight!"
"No, I made the right choice. You just don't want to accept it."
Wide-eyed, Serenah stared at her sister, mouth agape.
Amanah glared at Serenah. "You, too, little sister. You'll regret this!"
Serenah felt fear at the rage in Amanah's eyes. Her twin glared at her one last time before leaving the restaurant, her fury pounding through their twin bond.
Serenah let out a relieved sigh once her sister was gone. She flinched when Romeo's hand covered hers, her eyes focusing on his face.
"Sera, are you alright?"
She looked at him, confused by the question. "I don't understand."
His hand came up toward her, and she jerked her head back. Her eyes widened when she realized what she'd done. She had moved as if she thought he would hit her.
"I'm sorry!" she stammered. She knew he wouldn't hurt her. It was just….
"No, it's my fault for moving too quickly," Romeo said, his tone soothing. "I wanted to know about this." He gently touched under her jaw.
She winced from the touch, belatedly remembering her father's bruising grip on her face before she'd come to the restaurant.
"Judging by the size of the bruise, a man did this to you. Was it your father?"
She dropped her gaze, unable to stand Romeo's knowing look. Even if he knew, it wouldn't change the fact that she couldn't let this amazing human become entangled in her family issues.
"Can we talk about something else?" she asked softly, wanting to avoid any conversation about her father.
"Sera, you can't keep avoiding this. I'm afraid of what he will do to you when you go home tonight. Please, let my father and me help you leave your family and go somewhere safe until everything is resolved."
His offer was tempting. The continuous punishments, the plots, and her isolation at home ate at her heart and soul. She knew that if something didn't change, she would break down, and escape wouldn't be impossible.
She took a breath and raised her head, staring Romeo directly in the eye. "I will be fine. I promise. When I can't…," She stopped and changed her words. "I'll let you know when I'm ready to leave home. I promise."
He stared at her for a moment longer. His sigh made her feel bad. She was causing Romeo so much worry. Soon it would be over, and she'd be free of her family. She just had to make it to May.
She took his hand and squeezed gently. She could do this. She had to stay strong.
His free hand reached out and stroked her cheek. Serenah closed her eyes, leaning into this touch. The warmth from it was welcome. Her mark pulsed with his emotions. That fierce love, his worry, and his resolve. It all bled into her through their bond, giving her strength.
The arrival of their food broke the moment. They reluctantly separated and ate their meal, their conversation flowing easily.
All too soon, it was time to leave. Romeo walked her to the car. Serenah saw Alastar in the driver's seat. Her anxiety calmed a little. She'd worried that with her sister's dramatic exit, their father would send someone else to pick her up. At least she would have time on the drive back to mentally prepare herself for whatever hell her family would throw at her once she got home.
Romeo pulled her into a hug. "Sera, call me if you need anything. I do mean anything," Romeo told her. "I mean it."
"I understand. I will," she replied, returning the hug.
She stepped back, her eyes drinking in the sight of him one more time before she got in the car. She watched him until he disappeared from view. She settled in and tried her best not to think about the chaos that would greet her once she got home. She prayed that it would not be too horrible. One could only dream.