Lyra's POV
The metallic clink of my silverware hitting the expensive porcelain plate echoed through the intimate space. Alaric glanced up from his meal, wine glass poised halfway to his mouth, and watched me with those penetrating golden eyes.
"Enjoy it?"
"Enjoy it?" I nearly choked on my words. "God, that was probably the most incredible meal I've ever had in my life."
A slow smile spread across Alaric's lips as he lifted the glass to his mouth. When he lowered it back to the white tablecloth, that same satisfied expression lingered on his face. "Excellent."
I watched, mesmerized, as his index finger traced a lazy path down the delicate stem of his wine glass. His tongue darted out briefly, wetting his lower lip in a gesture that sent heat spiraling through my core.
With a quiet exhale, he raised the glass once more. In one fluid motion, he drained the remaining burgundy liquid and set the empty vessel down with finality.