~LAUREN’S POV~

I could practically hear my heartbeat as I forced my gaze to stay fixed on the plate of food sitting in front of me. The mashed potatoes sat untouched, a smudge of gravy trailing down the side, but the rest of the dish looked foreign.

Some kind of meat—roast, maybe?—and vegetables I couldn’t quite place.

Was this even what I ordered?

My brow furrowed as I poked at the food with my fork, lifting my eyes just slightly to catch Alexandro staring at me.

He didn’t bother looking away when I met his gaze.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, suddenly too aware of the low murmurs floating...