His Private Chef

Chapter 5: The Brunch Trap

Liam Black was the last person I expected to see at Marco Russo’s restaurant. His bratty attitude was the last thing I needed. I was having an amazing day, and there he was, perfectly poised to ruin it.

Yet there he sat, in full glory, wearing a navy-blue three-piece suit, looking like sin dressed in Armani. His fingers tapped furiously on his phone, a deep scowl etched across his face. Whoever was on the other end of that message, I kind of pitied them.

Jay grinned beside me.

“Brother!” he announced cheerfully.

Liam looked up. His gaze landed on me, and for a brief second, he froze. His eyes darkened, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

“If I remember correctly,” he said, voice cool, “you wanted to have lunch with me.” His gaze didn’t waver. “You failed to mention we’d have company.”

Jay raised both brows and feigned innocence. “You know me. Must’ve slipped my mind.”

I shifted, uneasy under Liam’s scrutiny. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, lingered too long.

“Hello, Mr. Liam,” I said with a polite smile, awkwardly.

He glanced back at his phone like I hadn’t spoken.

Rude.

Can we skip this lunch? Wait–no. That means I won’t get to meet Marcus Russo. Screw it. I’d ignore Liam Black if it killed me.

Jay pulled out a chair for me. “Come on, Em. Sit. Ignore him,” he whispered.

I slid into the seat between the two brothers. The tension was thick, charged, and almost visible in the air. Like sitting between two opposing forces held together only by table linen and polished silverware.

Moments later, he arrived.

Marcus Russo.

Tall, poised, with salt-and-pepper hair and a warm smile. His chef’s jacket was crisp, embroidered with a gold “M.R.” His presence was magnetic, commanding yet effortlessly graceful.

“Gentlemen. Miss,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “Welcome.”

Jay stood to give him a side hug. “Marcus, my man!”

Then he turned to me, beaming. “Emily, meet Marcus Russo. The best in the business.”

My heart skipped a beat. Marco freakin’ Russo. The man whose culinary genius had inspired half my career aspirations.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” I said, reaching out.

He took my hand gently. “The pleasure is mine. Jay mentioned something about culinary school?”

I threw Jay a surprised look. He just winked. I couldn’t even stay mad anymore.

“Yes,” I nodded. “I’ll be rounding up in a year.”

“Wonderful. If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out. Any friend of the Blacks is a friend of mine.”

Holy. Cow.

Did Marcus Russo just offer me an open line of communication?

“Thank you so much. That means a lot,” I said, trying not to squeal like a fangirl.

Liam cleared his throat, loudly.

Of course.

“Marcus,” he said flatly, “we’ll trust your judgment as always.”

Marcus nodded. “I’ll have your courses out shortly.”

As he walked away, I turned to Jay. “I can’t believe I just met Marcus Russo. Thank you. Really.”

Liam scoffed. “He’s just a guy. No need to be dramatic.”

I stared at him, stunned. “You don’t get to decide what he is to me. And I definitely didn’t ask for your opinion.”

I muttered under my breath, “It’s better when your mouth is shut.”

Jay chuckled into his water glass. “Don’t mind him, Em. He’s just jealous. He wants to be Marcus.”

Liam shot him a glare. “Quit talking rubbish. I don’t give a shit.”

“You don’t get to decide for the rest of us,” I added, unbothered.

The appetizers arrived, an artful blend of flavors and textures. I took a bite, savoring every note.

“This is incredible,” I whispered.

Liam smirked. “Like you expected less?”

I met his gaze, refusing to let him get to me. “Can you pretend I’m not here?”

Jay leaned back, grinning. “Isn’t this fun? Good food, great company. What more could I ask for?”

Liam didn’t reply. His face stayed stoic, unreadable.

The main course arrived, more exquisite than the last. Despite the tension, I found myself swept up in the experience. It was hard not to be, sitting in the presence of culinary royalty.

Then came dessert, a decadent chocolate creation almost too pretty to eat.

Marcus returned. “I hope everything met your expectations?”

Jay raised his glass. “Exceeded them, as always.”

I nodded, glowing. “Truly unforgettable.”

Marcus smiled warmly. “I’m glad. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

As he left, I turned to Jay again. “Okay, I know I sound like a broken record, but thank you. This has been… everything.”

He grinned. “Anything for you, Vixen.”

Then, casually: “This would be a perfect date spot, don’t you think, Em?”

I glanced around. “Yeah. I guess.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

I squinted. “Is this a trap?”

“No,” I answered, slowly.

He leaned in, eyes playful. “Do you believe in love?”

I paused. That one caught me off guard. I could feel Liam’s gaze on me.

“Sure,” I said softly. “Love is beautiful. Better when experienced with the right person.”

Liam scoffed. “Rubbish. Everyone says that, like it means something.”

I turned to him. “With an attitude like yours, I doubt anyone sticks around long enough to prove you wrong.”

“Oops,” Jay murmured, sipping from his glass.

Liam’s face darkened. His mood shifted tangibly.

He stood, adjusting his jacket. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Jay raised a brow. “Leaving already?”

His eyes lingered on me. “I’m a busy man.”

Without another word, he turned and walked out.

I exhaled. The weight of his presence left with him.

Jay reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “Don’t let him get to you. He puts up walls. It’s a thing.”

I gave a small smile. “I’ll try.”

As we finished our dessert, the tension faded. Jay leaned in, eyes twinkling again.

“So,” he said. “Ready for our next adventure?”

I laughed. “Like I have a choice?”

He grinned like a man with a secret.

As we stepped outside, the night air was cool and refreshing. I glanced back at the glowing restaurant, the memory already settling into my bones like something important.

Whatever comes next… I’m ready.