Their Love

Chapter 19

They clearly know I’m changing the subject but they let it go. Ryker goes to the stove with a chuckle. Dante and Alastair sit at the kitchen bar in front of me and watch me finish the salad. I took the fennel and mustard seed and made a vinaigrette. Kinda a cross between Greek and Italian with my own little twist. I hope they like it. This is my favorite concoction I’ve created so far. Plating up the salads I get nervous with the way they’re watching me. I finish it off with a mixture of Asiago,Parmesan and feta. Feta is not my favorite but it’s good mixed with others. “Ryker, is there anything you need?” He gives me a naughty look but says “Set the table. Ali and Dante will help you find what youh need.”

Alastair stands up and walks around the counter, gently grazing me, and gives me a rundown of the kitchen. I grab plates and bowls. Ali grabs glasses and silverware Dante takes the salad and grabs some tea out of the fridge. We silently and fluidly set up the table. It’s odd working so seamlessly with people you just met. As we’re finishing Ryker walks in with the chicken parm. My mouth is watering “that smells heavenly.” I tell him. He just smiles at me.

We all sit and make our plates. They start eating the salad as I say a small prayer. I’m not super religious but I am grateful for the life I have so I give thanks every night at dinner. I look up and notice three sets of eyes on me suddenly embarrassed. I shyly asked “Is the salad ok?”

“Are you religious?” I hear Ali.

“Not necessarily, I’m just grateful for the life I’ve built so far and the people I’ve been blessed with. Life gets crazy busy sometimes so a quick prayer before dinner ensures I always find something I’m thankful for. Even when it’s been a rough day.”

“So, la mia fiorellina, what are you grateful for today?” Dante chimed in and my face exploded in heat. I was thankful for meeting them and feeling passion and heat for the first time and for the opportunity to work with Ryker. His reputation in food is outstanding.

“Ummm I - well i am grateful for m-meeting new people and getting to learn from Ryker. I’ve been told his cooking is outstanding,even if he can be brutal” I say with a small smile “and I love learning new techniques from others. It’s amazing the things that can be created with food.” I start getting excited about food. Until yesterday that’s the only time I’ve felt passion.

“Cooking is obviously you passion. Do you have any other hobbies?” Ali asks. Ryker just watches with a peculiar look on his face.

“I love training with Jacob. He’s taught me jujitsu, MMA, Krav Maga, akido. He’s also trained me with guns and knifes. Did not do so well with explosives” I tell them with a shudder. Not a good week and definitely not in my skill set. “I like anime, reading and dancing.” I say with a blush. My dancing is belly dancing and pole dancing but I can’t say that to them. “I oversee some charity work. Jacob said this year he’s going to teach me to fly a helicopter. I’ve got mixed feelings on that but it’s worth a try.”

Dante interrupts. “ how do you have time for a job, when you do all this? I saw your resume and I gotta say it’s impressive on its own then you have your list of hobbies.”

“ I don’t sleep well so I’m always doing something. Outside of work everything else is just when I’m awake and feel like it usually Jacob and I train or I just experiment with flavors in the kitchen.”

“How do you have the energy? It seems like you’re always going to and excelling. You’ve been all over the world and studied with top chefs to the most basic tribes. And you keep up training then? When do you have time for you? When do you relax? When do you care for yourself?” Ali questions in awe and horror

“ I like staying busy. I’m constantly trying new recipes and surviving off protein bars and C4’s in between. My relaxing time and self care is training.” I tell him and see all three of them are annoyed at that answer.

“Open” I look over at Ryker confused when I see him holding out some chicken parm to me. “You two let the little warrior eat then we can continue to talk. Taking care of yourself properly, both physically and mentally are the first priority here. Including over your job. I want that very clear, Rayna. We will not have you neglecting yourself for any reason at all including your job. Understood?” He asks waiting on an answer from me.

I pout a bit “I don’t neglect myself. I simply have a chaotic sleep schedule and work around that and my jobs.“ I say irritated

“You just admit to surviving of of protein bars and C4’s. What is that by the way?” Dante asks.

Ryker and Ali both answered “energy drink” the horror on Dante’s face made me laugh. And they all watch me.

“Its just to keep be going at work. I have a lot to do. I don’t sleep good and I need a little pic me up sometimes. I’m sure you three drink coffee. Not much difference.” I say with my attitude slipping out. I’m not even sure why I’m explaining in the first place.

They all stare at me like they’re barely controlling themselves. “Open. You will have 3 balanced meals a day while you’re with us. Even if I have to make it myself. Open. Now.” I blush and open. We make eye contact as he feeds me the chicken parm. I moan loud as the flavors burst on my tongue. My eyes slide closed and my tongue darts over my lips. Once I open my eyes back up I’m for sure feeling like a lamb surrounded by three big bad wolves.

Suddenly self conscious, I try to look away but I’m held captive by three pairs of beautiful eyes burning with fire. I can’t help but wiggle in my seat, I feel myself getting wetter by the second and I want to be touched, nothing else matters.

Thankfully Dante clears his throat and asks “is this something you’d like to learn under Ryker?” His wording made my chest heat up. There is a lot I’d love to learn under him.“This salad is amazing though, I’ve never had anything like it, you did amazing What did you do to it?”

I love knowing they like my food, and Dante complementing me set butterflies loose in my tummy. I look down all the sudden shy and tell them what I did. I couldn’t stop the big smile on my face. Guess I like praise from him. We go on for a bit about where I’ve been and what I’ve tried, while Ryker continues to feed me. He refused to let me feed myself once he started, it’s surprisingly intimate, we talk about foods they like and don’t, favorite colors, hobbies.

“So why’d you get into training the way you do?” Ali asked.

I froze “After what you saw earlier I’m sure you already know the answer to that. I don’t like being touched.” I tell them.

The mood changed Dante asked “Does it bother you when we touch you?

I liked their touch…how do I say that? So instead i shake my head “words, fiorellia.” Dante says.

“I..umm…n…I..” My words stopped working “what the f*****g hell” I mutter to myself looking down, embarrassed. Then just stopped talking. I hear a chair scrape against the floor.next thing I’m lifted out of the chair and I’m pressed into a hard body’s with a hand around my throat and a thumb stroking my jaw.

Dante breathes in my ear “this is the third time I’ve warned you about your language, fiorellia.” I felt myself gush at his voice and the feel of his hard c**k pressed to my back.