Ch. 8: The Company Dinner

Isaac couldn’t understand why they were all required to attend a company dinner. He attempted to excuse himself, but his manager insisted it was mandatory for team-building purposes, essentially code for formalities, small talk, and free food. Isaac questioned why he had to go; after all, he hadn’t officially signed the contract yet.

But he had a sinking feeling that if he didn’t show up, Lucien would find a way to get him there. Trying to reassure himself, Isaac told himself he would show up but leave as early as possible.

They were at a fancy restaurant. Isaac hadn’t been to one since his last part-time job washing dishes in a kitchen, and the last time he ate out was at a fast-food place with Jubilee, which he wasn’t sure he could qualify as a proper restaurant. This one was located in a five-star hotel, and when he glanced at the menu, his mouth dropped open. Why was everything so expensive?! Just a bottle of water cost as much as a burger.

“Isaac, your seat isn’t there,” one of his colleagues interjected, hurrying over to him. Isaac’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“We were assigned seats?”

She nodded. “Your chair is over there.”

She pointed to the table where the higher-ranking employees were seated. Despite finding it odd, Isaac had no reason to decline, so he complied and took his place among the managers and directors, noting the three empty seats across from him. Isaac couldn’t shake the feeling of being underdressed and uncomfortable amidst the lavish setting.

Isaac looked around the opulent surroundings once more and pursed his lips. He knew Lucien was rich, but seeing the entire group gathered here made him wonder how Lucien could afford to pay the bill for everyone. Speaking of Lucien, where was he? A faint frown creased Isaac’s brow, feeling strangely disappointed by his absence.

No, he scolded himself inwardly. He couldn’t allow himself to feel disappointed. Isaac turned his attention to the menu in front of him, but his mind turned blank. He had no idea what to order. Everything was beyond budget, and he felt bad ordering when someone else was paying.

“You should get the steak,” came a voice from behind, and Isaac spun around in surprise. There stood Lucien with two other men, all dressed in black. Isaac recognized them immediately. It was Elijah and Rocco, the two psychos who wrecked the store and shot down the windows.

“Lucien,” Isaac whispered, feeling his chest tighten.

“It’s Mr. Royce to you,” snapped one of the managers, and Isaac realized he had never called Lucien by his last name.

“It’s fine,” Lucien reassured, placing a large hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “Isaac and I are quite familiar with each other.” Isaac stiffened at the touch, his pulse racing. “Isn’t that right, Isaac?”

Isaac dodged his gaze, his senses hyper aware of the gentle grip on his shoulder.

“Right,” Isaac mumbled.

Lucien and his associates sat in the empty seats across from Isaac. Isaac glanced at Rocco, whose buzz cut accentuated his strong jawline, adding to his intimidating presence. His cold demeanor, coupled with piercing dark eyes that seemed to miss nothing, sent a chill down the spine of anyone who dared to meet his gaze. Even the managers seemed uncomfortable around him.

Elijah, who sat on Lucien’s left, appeared more relaxed and engaged in casual conversation with the manager beside him. Elijah sported a head of tousled blond hair, complemented by his unbuttoned shirt and relaxed disposition. His charming smile came easily, and he exuded a flirtatious nature that drew people in effortlessly. His beautiful slim fingers were adorned with numerous metal rings, adding to his unique and charismatic appearance.

Then there was Lucien, who sat at the center of attention. Isaac discreetly watched as he engaged in conversation, his words flowed effortlessly, demonstrating both intelligence and eloquence. Not only was he articulate, but he also displayed remarkable listening skills, effortlessly steering discussions and introducing new topics. When Lucien spoke, everyone stopped to listen, and Isaac could tell that everyone was fascinated by him.

Isaac felt inadequate and out of place, lacking knowledge in various subjects discussed at the table. He didn’t know enough about politics and economy, and even less about literature and art. Isaac’s mind was also consumed by something else. Was Hound already at his house? Did he bring Riley? Anxiously checking his phone for missed calls, Isaac knew he needed to leave before the dinner was over.

“What about you, Isaac?” Elijah prompted, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Isaac tensed. “Pardon?”

“What did you study in college?”

Elijah’s question directed all attention to Isaac, who felt a blush creep onto his cheeks, especially under Lucien’s gaze.

“I did a degree in athletic training.”

“Did you graduate?” Elijah inquired, asking as if he already knew the answer.

“No.”

“Why not?”

Isaac felt hyperaware of the curious gazes. “I broke my leg.”

“That’s terrible,” Elijah gasped, a little too dramatically for it to sound genuine. It didn’t stop him from asking, “How did you break it?”

“Stairs,” Isaac lied with a tight smile. When he mustered the courage to glance at Lucien, he felt disappointed that Lucien was talking to someone else.

Elijah ordered more alcohol, and after feeling embarrassed by his emotions, Isaac ended up drinking a little too much wine. But the alcohol helped him relax, and he found it easier to chat with the people around him. Someone made a joke, and Isaac couldn’t help but laugh. How long had it been since he’d laughed like this?

Isaac felt a strange sensation and glanced to the side, freezing when his gaze met Lucien’s. Lucien was looking at him. Isaac’s smile vanished, and he quickly averted his gaze. Why did Lucien have such an intense look in his eyes? Isaac felt his heart race. Everyone finished dinner, and it was time to go home. Isaac stood up but wobbled backward. Mr. Thompson caught his waist before he could fall.

“Careful, Isaac, you’re a bit drunk,” Mr. Thompson chuckled. His hand settled on Isaac’s waist, squeezing it gently even though Isaac had already found his balance.

The pressure of his grip was there, but Isaac felt uneasy.

“Sorry, I guess I had a bit too much wine.”

No thanks to Elijah. Elijah had a hidden talent for making people at ease and filling your cup the second it was empty. Isaac had never drunk so much in one night.

“Do you drink often?”

“No, I’m kind of a lightweight,” Isaac admitted sheepishly, wondering why his hand was still on his waist. “I get red when I drink, so I tend to avoid it. I’m probably red right now.”

He was about to touch his face to check, but Mr. Thompson touched his cheek with the back of his hand.

“You’re growing warm, but handsome nonetheless,” he replied.

Isaac noticed how closely Mr. Thompson was standing to him, and felt uncomfortable by the lack of personal space. Isaac let out a gentle laugh, taking a step back. He didn’t want Lucien to get the wrong idea.

Not that he would care, Isaac thought to himself. He probably left anyway.

Isaac hated how he couldn’t stop thinking about Lucien the entire night. His thoughts were entirely consumed by him, and he grew self-conscious of everything he did in his presence, wondering if Lucien was paying attention to him or listening. He thought maybe the alcohol would drown away the thoughts, but it only heightened them, so now he was not only thinking about Lucien, but he was thinking about him and drunk.

“Thank you, but I’m probably a mess,” Isaac murmured.

Mr. Thompson stared at Isaac, his eyes dilated and yearning. Isaac caught him glancing at his lips a little too long.

“How are you going to go home? Do you want me to take you back?”

Before he could respond, a voice cut through the conversation.

“He already has a ride.”

Isaac’s ears perked at the familiar voice, and he turned to Lucien.

“Oh, Mr. Royce!” Mr. Thompson exclaimed with a tight smile. “Won’t it be a hassle to take him home? You are a busy man after all.”

“I’ll see you on Monday.”

It was both a dismissal and a warning bundled together. Mr. Thompson quickly got the message.

“Yes, of course. I’ll see you next week, sir,” he said through a forced smile, leaving Isaac alone with Lucien.

“He was my ride,” Isaac growled when they were out of earshot.

“You’re riding with me.”

Isaac’s mind censored the third word, and he felt a throb between his legs.

“Do you let any random man touch you?”

The question made Isaac redden. Lucien had a look in his eyes that hinted he was irritated about something. His tone was controlled, but only to hide something wild and dark inside. It made Isaac’s heart pound harder.

“He was just being nice,” Isaac mumbled.

Lucien chuckled darkly, lowering his head to whisper into Isaac’s ear. “If I grabbed your waist and stared at your lips with the thought of taking you to bed, would you call that being nice?”

Isaac grew crimson. He couldn’t help but wonder if Lucien was jealous.

“I was perfectly fine with Mr. Thompson,” he lied.

“Yes, and I’m sure that lowly excuse of a man would have been perfectly fine taking advantage of you when you’re vulnerable and drunk,” Lucien remarked sharply, his words cutting through the tension like a knife.

“I’m not drunk,” he stated. “And I can take care of myself.”

Lucien’s hand caught Isaac’s chin, raising it so he’d look at him. Isaac’s cock twitched at the gesture.

“Not drunk? You can hardly focus on me.”

Wrong. Isaac couldn’t properly look at Lucien because he was shy. It had nothing to do with the alcohol.

“Maybe I just can’t stand the sight of you,” Isaac smirked.

He anticipated a myriad of reactions from Lucien, but he didn’t expect the faint smile that curved the man’s lips, followed by a simple, “Cute.”

Isaac blinked in surprise, a rush of heat surged through him.

“Seeing you push me away half-heartedly makes me want to see you cling to me desperately even more,” Lucien hummed, his voice low and velvet. “But if I see you with that man again, he’s never stepping foot in a corporate building again.”

Isaac’s eyes widened.

“The chauffeur should arrive soon.”

Lucien left the restaurant, but Isaac’s heart continued to race. He watched Lucien’s retreating figure, slowly following his steps.