A Wolf in the City

18. Lustful thoughts.

Raven.

I stare at my untouched plate, mind still very much on the scene that happened in the hallway. Dante's scent - a warm earthy fragrance - still permeates my nostrils, making every breath impossible to take without inhaling the very essence of him that brings to mind hot steamy nights and writhing bodies atop silk sheets.

I frown and stab at a piece of food with my fork, wishing it was the psychopath's head. He is crazy and I am not supposed to be having lustful thoughts about a man who has several bolts and screws loosened from his head. I lift my eyes and risk another glance at the object of my thoughts.

Dante seems unaffected by our earlier encounter. If anything, the bastard looks to be having a good time, flirting shamelessly with his stunning date who is hanging on his every word and flirting right back. Does the poor woman have any inkling of how deadly and dangerous Dante is? I guess not.

Unconsciously, my fingers tightened over my fork, jealous at how much a good time he is having while he had succeeded in ruining my night.

"You don't like the fish?" Kai's voice startles me from my thoughts and I flush, guilt washing over me. "You can order something else, if you like?"

"Oh no," I force a smile, turning my attention back to my own date. "It's good, it's very good really." Kai chuckled, giving me a knowing look. "You've hardly touched it. And you've been glaring at your plate for the last half hour.”

"That's not because I don't like it." Resolutely, I cut into the blackened bass, lift a morsel to my mouth and chew, my taste buds exploding with flavor. The food is really very good and on another day, I would have enjoyed every bite. But not today. Certainly not with my self proclaimed enemy flirting like crazy a few tables away.

I swallow, reaching for my glass of white wine and downing the contents in one gulp. "More wine?" Kai holds up the bottle, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

"Yes, please." He refills my glass and I flash him a grateful smile before downing the second glass just as fast as the first. Kai raises an eyebrow but makes no further comment, simply refilling the glass again, then set the bottle down, just out of my reach.

The action did not escape my notice and I blush, wondering what he must be thinking - probably that I am an alcoholic. The thought did not sit well and so I set down my glass, picking at my food again. I steal yet another glance in Dante's direction to find him watching me, a smug smile on his face even as he lifts his own wine glass in a mocking toast. The glare he gets in return only seems to amuse him further, though he merely shrugs and turns his attention back to his date.

I take a deep, fortifying drink of my wine and wish I am home, curled up on my bed with a box of chocolates and a magazine, far away from the psychopath’s cloying presence and this already ruins the evening.

"Raven," Something in Kai's voice makes me look up sharply. The easy amusement on his face is gone, to be replaced by a serious expression. "Is something wrong?" I ask, still studying his face, trying to gauge his state of mind.

"Look, I'm sorry I haven't been good company tonight. But, I promise I'll make it up to you -"

He looks taken aback. "No, there's no need to apologize. I understand there's something on your mind tonight." He laughs, the sound putting my mind at ease. At least he isn't dumping me on our first dinner, I heave a sigh of relief. That would have sent my already fragile state of mind over the edge, and given me yet one more reason to despise Dante.

"It's not?"

"Not at all. I just want to ask if you were free on Saturday."

"Oh." Nonplussed, I can only stare at him with a blank look. He is actually interested in me enough to ask for another date... there is a silver lining to the terrible evening after all. I will get a second date with Kai. "I guess I can make time. Why?”

"A friend of mine's having a birthday party, and I was wondering if you would like to accompany me?" Kai looks abashed, a look I find very endearing. "I know we've barely -" His words are cut off by a tiny persistent beep and he frowns and reaches into his breast pocket for his pager. "Excuse me, I have to take this." He murmurs the apology even as he rises and pulls out his cell phone.

"Of course." I say as I watch him walk away with quick strides, anxiety nips at the edges of my nerves when I see a missed call on my phone and it is from my sister who had gone to stay with dad over the night.

I can not help but be nervous about the missed call. What if she is calling because dad’s condition have become critical? I immediately dial Winter’s number, fingerings beating out a rhythm as I wait for her to answer the call.

"Hello?" Winter sounds like she'd been asleep. That is a good sign. I think, relief sweeping through me for the second time this evening. "Sis, is something the matter?"

"Hey, Winter, were you sleeping? Sorry to wake you but I just thought to check to see if Dad's okay?"

"He's fine, he’s breathing." My sister’s tone changes from sleepy to curious. "But, are you alright, sis? You sound strained."

I stifle a groan, suddenly wishing she have not made the call. "I'm fine, Winter, I'm just having dinner is all."

The silence at the other end of the line speaks volumes. "Really Raven, I hope you get ready to tell me everything about it and I hope he’s rich-"

"Winter, I really have to go now." I cut in before she can gather steam. I really don’t fancy her shallowness tonight of all nights.

"I'll come to the hospital in the morning." I say as I spot Kai weaving his way back to our table, a look of concern written clearly over his face "Good night, sis.”

The call ends and I slip my phone back into my purse just as Kai reaches our table. "Hey, what's wrong?" I ask, as he slides back in his seat. Kai runs a hand through his hair and looks troubled.

"That was Work, Raven - I'm really sorry but I have to go now. There’s been a new evidence concerning the death of Veer Arush and as the officer in charge of the case, a meeting has to be done right now to tackle it as it has been ruled as a very important case."

I nod. "Sure, no problem."

"Listen. I know this is incredibly rude of me but could I call you a cab to take you home? I would but..." I raise a hand to stop him. "It's fine, Kai, I don't mind." He looks relieved and reaches across the table to take my hand, cradling it in his big, warm one. "Thank you. Shall we?"

I have a million questions to ask, but Kai seems really perturbed so I merely gather up my purse while he pays the check. I resolutely keep my eyes averted as we pass Dante's table, not wanting to participate in another round of angry insults. Though, I can feel his gaze, burning into my back, setting my skin on fire.

I am thankful when we emerge into the cool evening, and far away from the psychopath. As much as I try to ignore him, the man still manages to unsettle me way too much for my comfort.

Kai gives me an uncertain look "You know what, forget this. I'll drive you home, and then go to the station. There should be enough time."

"Don't be silly. There's a huge case to be solved and all that, he deserves his justice as soon as possible." I say as I lay a comforting hand on his arm. "Go on, I'll be fine."

"I can get you home." A familiar voice say behind me causing me to freeze.

Oh God!