Kill for Love

Chapter 11 - Attraction

“Hi, good morning! Any reservations?” Athena and Cytherea were greeted by the restaurant's receptionist the moment they arrived.

“Yes, it should be under Cytherea Swan,” Cytherea answered, smiling.

The receptionist scanned the list and then looked up at her.  “Please follow me. This way, Ma’am,” the receptionist politely said. 

They followed the receptionist. She leads them to a private room. Inside, it has a pathway that is made of limestones. Cranesbills are neatly planted beside it. At the end of the pathway lies an open cottage made of bamboo. It has a long table made of rattan. It has matching chairs with white cushions on them. Different kinds of flowers surround the whole area. It looks like more of an indoor garden. 

Cytherea couldn't even utter a single word. She was so amazed by the place. She felt like she was in a completely different place. It doesn't seem like she is still in the hotel's vicinity, let alone inside it. 

"Wow, this is nice," Athena was in awe while looking at the entire room.

"Please have a seat. We will bring the food in a little bit. In the meantime, can I get you some water, juice, or soda?" the receptionist politely asked.

"I'll take orange juice," Cytherea answered. She was still mesmerized by how the room was decorated. It makes her remember the favorite buffet restaurant in her hometown.

“Me, too,” Athena seconded.

“Of course! Our waiters will be with you shortly,” the receptionist said and left them in the room.

“Wow, this is so nice. I never thought there would be something like this in this restaurant. It’s very relaxing here,” Athena commented. “C’mon, let’s start taking some pictures and videos. You have to take some pictures of me too, Bestie. I want to post it on my IG,” Athena said while still roaming around the plants.

“Of course, Bestie and the thing is you will be included in my video.” Cytherea pointed out the gap between the big vases, which has a palm tree planted in them. “There, Bestie! That’s a great view. Now, strike a pose.”

Athena immediately smiled and did what Cytherea asked her to do. They took a lot of photos and videos while the waiters and waitresses slowly brought the food in. They were so busy taking pictures that they overlooked that they already have a company-- a man.

“It looks like you both are enjoying how this room is decorated,” the man said, smiling. He was amazed as he looked at the two women who looked like a child who was very excited to explore a new place.

Startled, Athena and Cytherea looked in the direction of the voice. The man was leaning on the wall beside the door. His arms were crossed while looking at them. His green eyes were shining while looking at the two women - particularly to Cytherea.

Cytherea’s face lit up as soon as she recognized the man. “Mr. Raynott!” Cytherea exclaimed. 

Gaus stood up straight and went towards Cytherea. Athena was just watching the two. She noticed something different from the guy that she couldn’t even describe. She shrugged. She thought that maybe she's overthinking and dismissed the idea. 

"Please call me Gaus. Mr. Raynott is too formal," the man said, smiling.

"If you insist, Gaus," Cytherea agreed. "By the way, this is my best friend Athena Ellis and Bestie. This is Gaus Raynott. He is the owner of this hotel."

"Hi, Mr. Raynott. It's a pleasure meeting you.” Athena extended her right hand to Gaus for a handshake and Gaus accepted her hand.

“Please, drop the formalities. You can just call me Gaus, and the pleasure is all mine.” Gaus smiled at Athena and let go of her hand. “By the way, the food is here. Both of you will be tasting all the food on our menu. You will be having a feast today. I just hope no one’s on a diet,” he playfully added.

“Nah, the word diet is not even in our dictionary,” Cytherea laughed. Athena giggled too. Cytherea was telling the truth. They always eat to their heart’s content without having to worry about their figure.

“That’s great! So, I guess you are all ready to have a feast.”

He guided the two women towards the bamboo cottage and true to his word, the table was full of food. Athena’s and Cytherea’s jaw dropped when they realized that Gaus was not even blabbing. 

“Well, it seemed like we are indeed having a mukbang today,” Athena commented. She’s getting excited to try all of it. The plating is superb and it makes the food look more inviting to eat. 

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to feature your restaurant, Gaus. I really appreciate it,” Cytherea said as she sat down on the chair. “Since you are here with us, is it okay if we include you in our videos?”

Gaus looked at Cytherea. He didn’t respond. It seemed like he was in deep thoughts. 

“I mean, it’s okay if you don’t want to.”

“Oh, no, I’m totally fine with it. But to tell you honestly, I’m just concerned that I will not play my part well. I’m not too good with cameras.” Gaus scratches the nape of his neck because of embarrassment. Even though he’s been in numerous interviews on both tv and magazines, he is still uneasy. He’s still not used to it. 

“Really?” Athena asked as she sat in front of Cytherea. She was done setting up the cameras at every angle of the bamboo cottage.  She couldn’t believe that the hotel's owner is still not accustomed to being on the camera. 

Gaus looked at Athena and charmingly smiled. “Is it that surprising?” he asked. He is still standing. He wanted to sit beside Cytherea, but he’s still contemplating because of Cytherea’s boyfriend.

“Yes! I was thinking earlier why you looked so familiar and now I remembered. You were always featured in the magazines I’m associated with.”

“Hmm, so you’re a model?”

“Yes, Sir!” Athena answered and jokingly made a salute which earned laughter from Cytherea and Gaus.

“I’m sorry, Gaus. I didn’t even notice that you are still standing there. Please sit beside me," Cytherea apologetically said.

"You're good. No need to apologize. Are you really sure you want me to sit beside you?"

"But of course! Besides, you already agreed that you would participate. Athena will be taking the video while Ares is still not here. It will be easier for Athena too."

"Okay, if you insist." Gaus smiled widely. 

“So… everyone’s settled? It’s rude to keep the food waiting, you know?” Athena commented, raising her left eyebrow.

“How about your fiancé?” Gaus asked Cytherea. Even if they had a misunderstanding in the elevator, he still respects the guy. He understands completely why Ares was acting the way he did. Lucky is the man who has Cytherea as a girlfriend. She’s not all looks but also a woman with a heart of gold.

“He will be here in any minute so we can actually start. And Gaus, don’t mind the cameras. Just act like you don’t see them. Let’s just have some fun chatting while we try these foods.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay, on my queue,” Athena warned. “In three, two, one!”

“Hi, everyone!” Cytherea smiled widely in front of the camera and waved both her hands. “This is me, Cytherea and you are now watching. She Tries! And because food is life, every Wednesday, I will be featuring a restaurant on my videos in which I will be trying the foods on their menu. Right now, we are in the Emerald Hotel in their very own restaurant named Lovett's. I have exciting news too that I’m sure you all will like. It is because the owner of the Emerald and Lovett’s will be joining us today -- Gaus Raynott!” Cytherea introduces Gaus in an upbeat tone. 

She was all smiles and Gaus couldn’t help but stare at Cytherea. There’s just something in Cytherea that he couldn’t explain. He seemed like he was in a deep spell whenever she smiled at him.

Athena noticed that Gaus was just looking at Cytherea. She secretly smiled. She knows exactly what is happening to Gaus. It doesn’t take a genius to know that Cytherea’s charms have caught him.

“Uhm,” Athena clears her throat to get Gaus’ attention.

Gaus automatically looks at Athena. She pouted and used her lips to point Cytherea and then teasingly smiled at him. Gaus immediately understands Athena’s gesture. She notices him staring at Cytherea without her knowledge. He grinned and winked at her to cover his embarrassment. 

What they didn’t know is that there was a pair of eyes looking sharply at them. He saw how Athena and Gaus secretly exchange glances. It looks like they’re plotting something. He also dislikes the Idea that Gaus is sitting beside Cytherea. Just by looking at them, anyone can tell that Gaus is obviously attracted to Cytherea. 

Cytherea is his and no one can get her away from him. That’s for sure.