The dining room in Zayden's mansion felt way more laid-back than the rest of the house.
It had cozy lighting, a long oak table that could fit twenty but was only set for six that night, and the delicious smells of roasted chicken, garlic bread, and something sweet baking in the kitchen.
Ayla was stuck between Liam and Aylin, still trying to wrap her head around the fact that her sister was living in a real-life palace with a person who looked at her like she was the only person that mattered.
Zayden was at the end of the table, with Leo next to him on one side and Reyes on the other. The staff had served their meals and quietly slipped away, leaving them alone.
"So," Zayden said, cutting into his chicken like a pro, "Ayla."
She looked up, her fork pausing on the way to her mouth. "Yeah?"
His steel-blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Tell me, is your big sister always this stubborn, or is it just with me?"
Aylin nearly spit out her water. "Zayden—"
