Jade stood in front of the full-length mirror in the suite’s bedroom, her fingers nervously smoothing the fabric of her dress. She’d never expected to be going out to dinner in Paris with them—Milan, Enzo, and Thiago. The three men exuded power and confidence wherever they went, and now, here she was, trying to hold her own in their presence.
Her outfit was carefully chosen, a sleek black satin dress that hugged her body just right. The dress had thin spaghetti straps and a modest V-neckline, dipping just enough to be classy but not too revealing. It stopped mid-thigh, showing off her legs, and paired perfectly with strappy black heels that clicked delicately with every step. Jade had added a pair of gold hoop earrings, her only splash of color a swipe of red lipstick that made her feel bold, confident.
She took a deep breath, whispering to herself, “You’ve got this.”
When Jade stepped out of the bedroom, the three men were waiting near the entrance of the suite, their presence filling the space effortlessly. She froze briefly at the sight of them, her breath catching.
Milan was dressed impeccably in a tailored black suit, the jacket perfectly fitted to his broad shoulders, with a crisp white shirt underneath. He’d skipped a tie, leaving the top two buttons undone, a small but deliberate detail that softened his usually sharp appearance. He looked every bit the powerful businessman he was, his icy-blue gaze flicking to her the moment she appeared.
Enzo stood beside him, wearing a charcoal gray blazer over a black turtleneck, the dark fabric highlighting his lean, muscular frame. His sleeves were pushed up just enough to reveal the edge of his tattoos curling around his forearms, a contrast that gave him a dangerous edge.
Thiago, ever the rebel, had opted for a deep burgundy dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and black dress pants. His dark hair was tied back into a low bun, and his shirt was unbuttoned enough to show a hint of his collarbone. A devil-may-care smirk played on his lips as his eyes scanned Jade’s outfit.
“Wow,” Thiago said, giving a low whistle. “Looks like you clean up nice, Gasolina Queen.”
Jade rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed. “You have to stop calling me that.”
“No chance,” he replied with a grin, his gaze lingering just a little longer than necessary.
Milan, on the other hand, gave her a once-over, his expression unreadable, though his voice was calm as always. “You look appropriate for the evening.”
“Appropriate?” Enzo snorted, shaking his head. “That’s one way to put it. You look stunning, Jade.”
“Thanks,” Jade replied softly, ignoring the flutter in her chest. “So… where are we going?”
“A place you’ll never forget,” Enzo said cryptically, holding the suite door open for her.
The restaurant was a work of art in itself. Tucked away on a quiet Parisian street, the exterior was charming and understated, a heavy oak door framed by ivy. Inside, the atmosphere was sophisticated and intimate. Crystal chandeliers hung low, casting warm golden light across the room. Velvet chairs in deep jewel tones surrounded small, round tables, and candlelight flickered in elegant glass holders. The air was filled with soft jazz music and the mouthwatering aroma of gourmet cuisine.
The hostess led them to a private table in a corner of the room, tucked beneath an arched window that overlooked the softly lit street. The white tablecloth was pristine, and tall wine glasses sat polished to perfection.
Milan sat at the head of the table, his commanding presence unmistakable. Enzo and Thiago flanked either side, and Jade slipped into the seat opposite Milan, feeling both exhilarated and nervous as she adjusted her dress.
“Champagne to start?” Milan suggested, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The waiter appeared instantly, uncorking a chilled bottle and pouring the sparkling liquid into their glasses.
“To Paris,” Enzo said smoothly, raising his glass with a lazy grin.
“To surviving our first trip together,” Thiago added with a wink, clinking his glass against Jade’s.
“To staying professional,” Jade muttered pointedly, shooting Thiago a look as the men chuckled.
The food began to arrive, and it was unlike anything Jade had ever tasted before. There were delicate amuse-bouches—bite-sized creations bursting with flavor—followed by rich, buttery escargot served in a sizzling dish. The main course was an indulgent filet mignon, cooked to perfection, paired with truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Throughout the dinner, the conversation was surprisingly light.
Thiago teased Enzo about his obsession with his watch collection, which earned him a dry, sarcastic remark. Milan remained composed but occasionally smirked at the banter, his presence grounding the group as always.
“So, Jade,” Enzo asked at one point, swirling the wine in his glass. “What did you think of your first flight?”
“It was… a lot,” she admitted, taking a sip of her wine. “But I survived.”
“You did more than survive,” Thiago replied, raising an eyebrow. “You actually impressed us.”
Jade felt her cheeks heat under the compliment and quickly focused on her meal.
The drinks kept flowing as the night went on—champagne, wine, and eventually a round of aged whiskey that Enzo insisted they try. Jade felt the warmth of the alcohol seeping into her, loosening her shoulders and making her laugh a little louder than usual.
After hours of eating, drinking, and bantering, Jade excused herself to use the restroom. The corridor was lined with ornate mirrors and soft lighting that gave everything a golden glow.
As she stepped out of the restroom and turned the corner, she nearly collided with someone.
“Whoa, easy there.”
It was Thiago, his broad frame blocking the narrow hallway. He steadied her with his hands lightly on her arms, his grip warm and steady.
Jade looked up at him, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest. “Sorry. I didn’t see you.”
Thiago smirked down at her, his dark eyes glittering with amusement. “You’re tipsier than you’re letting on, aren’t you?”
“No,” she replied quickly, though her voice betrayed her.
They stood there for a beat, the tension between them stretching tight. Thiago’s smirk softened as his gaze dropped to her lips. “You know, you’re full of surprises, Jade.”
Jade swallowed hard, her breath catching. “You’re the one always surprising me.”
Before she could think twice, she leaned up on her tiptoes, closing the space between them. Their lips met in a soft but electric kiss, the kind that made the world around them blur. Thiago froze for a split second before his hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss with a quiet groan.