Elias Kane acted as if he hadn't heard anything. He picked up his knife and fork and began eating the steak that had been prepared well in advance.
Serena Blackwood seemed to have known exactly when he and Liora Voss would arrive. She had given the chef specific timing instructions, leaving the steak at medium-rare so the residual heat would slowly bring it to perfect doneness right then. One bite sent thick, rich juices bursting in his mouth, delivering an intense wave of satisfaction.
But while Elias found satisfaction, Serena clearly had not. She watched him sitting there unmoved at first, now actively cutting into the meat, and her tone grew heavier. "Come here. Sit on my lap."
Elias's gaze lingered on the steak with visible reluctance. It was so good—what a shame. Still, he abruptly set down his utensils and stood. "I'm full. Thanks for the meal. I have class, so I'll be going now."
The whole sequence flowed without a hitch.
Serena's eyes darkened. "Stop right there."
