"I'm out," I declared, turning around and heading for the back door. I felt an arm around my waist, pulling me back.
"We were kidding. Alphonse hit her."
"Wait, who's hitting who?" I asked as Darius and Alphonse had a silent eye conversation. They both ignored me as Alphonse clicked his fingers to follow and led us through a door to the outside.
"I'd let you stay in the kitchen but if you keep leaving powder trails, then the chefs will get angry. I'll bring you the first course," he said, going back in.
"Come on."
Darius walked over to a small table in the edge and I raised an eyebrow, looking at it. It was a makeshift table that was set in the middle of the alley way, looking as shady as ever.
"Are you serious?" I asked, walking over.
"Well, this is what we get when we look like this."
I grunted, sitting down in the wooden chair and looking around. We were literally seated in the alley way behind the restaurant and our beautiful view was a car, not just any car, a massive white van with heavy tinted windows.
“This is actually pretty cool,” I said, looking around. It felt different to be sitting outside, and the breeze was nice. I looked up, seeing Alphonse walk back out, carrying plates.
"Please tell me that's not snails," I said, as he placed a plate down.
"No, it's Rid de Veau," said Alphonse, winking as he headed back in. I looked at Darius as he tried to contain his laughter and raised an eyebrow.
"What is Ride di Vey?"
"Rid de Veau," he said in perfect French, making me roll my eyes, "is a calf's pancreas."
"I'm out," I said, standing up. But he grabbed my hand while laughing and pulled me back down. "Alphonse was kidding. It's just pasta. Sit down."
I stared at the plate and then back at him. He better be not lying.
"I promise."
I sat back down, taking the fork and poking a piece. It did look like ravioli in a weird sauce.
"Just try it," said Darius, leaning back in his chair. I bit my lip as I stared at it before taking a bite. I just had frog legs, how bad can this be? I carefully lifted it to my mouth and took a bite and froze.
"This is so good," I muttered, shoving another forkful in.
"Told you."
It wasn't till a few courses that I had to stop. After my third dessert, I had to stop. Another bite of this chocolate fondue and I was going to burst.
"I had too much," I groaned, suddenly feeling sick. Darius had stopped eating ages ago and instead was drinking wine while staring in amusement at me.
"I would think so. So does this make up for all the food you were deprived of?"
"Nearly," I said with a half smile as Alphonse came back with another plate.
"Now, madame, why don't you try –"
I put a hand up, cutting him off. I was his new taste tester, it seemed.
"I can't. Not another bite." For emphasis, I placed one hand on my stomach. I just couldn't eat anymore.
Alphonse turned to Darius, speaking in French, and raised an eyebrow as they both talked laughing.
"What did he say?" I asked as Darius got up, shaking hands with the man.
"Come on," he said and grabbed my hand.
"What did he say?"
"Something. Let's go. Adrian's wondering where we are."
"Where are we going now?" I asked as I looked at the sky. It was still light, meaning it was probably just noon or something.
"It's a surprise," winked Darius before dragging me to a car waiting at the end of the alleyway.
CHAPTER THIRTYONE
"So what did he say?"
"What did who say?" asked Darius, helping me out of the car.
"Alphonse, before," I reminded him, curious about what they talked about. Damn, I should have paid more attention in French classes back in school.
"Oh," he said with a slight pause and then turned around heading back toward our hotel. "Nothing."
I hurried after him. Nothing? Well, he clearly said something. I hurried into the elevator and turned around, wincing as I saw all the orange powder that stained the clean foyer. Oh boy, the hotel wasn't going to be too happy with us. But then, again seeing as it was Darius, they probably wouldn't even care.
Wait, this was the surprise?
I got out at our level, walking toward the room when the main suite room opened and Adrian sauntered out, all clean.
"Wow, you guys aren't even ready yet," he said, smirking as he leaned against the wall as Darius grabbed the key out of his pocket.
"We will be soon. What are we doing?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. What was this big surprise? Judging by the way Adrian was dressed, casual, it couldn't be anything big.
"You'll see and oh, good luck washing all the colour out of your hair," he said laughing as he followed Darius into our room.
I touched the top of my head, only to feel that my hair was a rat’s nest. I could only imagine the pain of trying to untangle it.
"You go first," said Darius as he headed toward the other side of the room. I nodded, walking toward my suitcase to find some clothes. Adrian came and stood behind me, poking my head.
”Can I help you?” I asked, shuffling to put some distance between us.