CHAPTER 181: YOU DESERVE DINING IN A BEAUTIFUL PLACE.

The warm words from Augustine drew a smile to Charles’s lips as he slowly ran his tongue across them, moistening his lips with a subtle flick.

"Now I’m going to have high expectations and await the date you’ve set up for me," Charles purred.

Augustine chuckled softly, the sound rich with mischief.

He kept his eyes locked on the road, calm and composed behind the wheel, while Charles stared out the window, his heart thumping with anticipation for what awaited them.

Then, with deliberate ease, Augustine began to slow the car, eventually pulling up beside the sidewalk.

Across the street stood a luxurious five-star restaurant, its grand entrance glowing under the soft evening lights—an exclusive haven reserved only for the elite.

Charles blinked, stunned. "You brought me here?" he whispered.

Augustine smirked, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Only the best for the man who makes my heart race."

Charles arched a brow, slowly turning his gaze from the window to Augustine with a look full of doubt and hesitation.

"Don’t... don’t tell me we’re actually having our date here?" he asked, voice unsteady as he tried to suppress the nervous flutter building in his chest.

He didn’t want to believe it—not yet. His gut told him the answer, but his mind needed confirmation.

Augustine scoffed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Since you’d rather not hear it, then I guess keeping my mouth shut is the perfect thing to do," he teased, letting his words hang in the air like a challenge.

"What?" Charles snapped, his expression tightening with disbelief as he leaned in. "Are you seriously trying to tell me that we’re having our date in this restaurant? The one meant for the elite of this entire city—?"

"Baby boy, it seems you’ve forgotten," Augustine purred, a smug smile tugging at his lips as he cut Charles off mid-sentence, "your boyfriend here is quite rich."

"Pftt!" Charles breathed out, fluttering his lashes a few times. "I don’t... I don’t think I’m dressed well enough to step foot in a place like that."

Hearing the words of Charles, Augustine bit down on his upper lip, barely restraining a chuckle. His gaze swept slowly over Charles, lingering just a second too long.

"You seriously think you’re not dressed well enough?" he purred, voice thick with mischief. "Pookie, the second we walk in there, every man in that restaurant will turn their heads—and not because of me. They’ll be staring at you like you’re the damn dessert on the menu."

Slowly, Augustine leaned in, unbuckling his seatbelt with a deliberate click, granting himself the space to close the distance between them.

His face hovered just inches from Charles’s, his gaze dark and unwavering.

Then, with a teasing pout, Augustine exhaled—hot, steady breath brushing against Charles’s skin, grazing his cheek like a featherlight tease that sent a shiver racing down his spine.

Charles shivered, his fists clenching as he swallowed hard, his throat tightening around the lump of tension that Augustine had just planted

"I’m the one who should be worried, not you, pookie," Augustine murmured, his voice low and laced with seductive heat. "When we step inside that building... Men and women are going to drool over you... so really, I should be the one scared you’ll get snatched, not the other way around."

Charles scoffed, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You’re just too damn good at uplifting my spirit," he muttered, then leaned in, closing the narrow space left between them.

Charles lips hovered just above Augustine’s, warm breath teasing the air between them as a slow, knowing smile curled on Charles’s mouth.

"Let’s go inside," Charles lips purred, "so I can admire all the men and women drooling over me... since apparently, my boyfriend thinks I’m irresistible."

Without waiting for Augustine to give any response, Charles lean away as he unbuckle his seatbelt before proceeding to open the car as he stepped out of the car.

"Pfft!" Augustine scoffed, an amusing smirk attached to his lips.

He leaned back into his seat, switched off the engine, and stepped out of the car, making sure it was properly locked.

Augustine strolled over to the other side, and without a word, reached for Charles’s right hand, intertwining their fingers with a firm yet tender grip.

"Let’s go have some fun," he purred.

Charles inhaled deeply, his chest rising with the weight of nerves and excitement, then gave a slow, hesitant nod.

Augustine Wales led the way with Charles right beside him, and as they stepped into the restaurant lobby, a few workers dressed in sharp three-piece suits greeted them with polite nods.

A young lady standing in front of a polished pulpit offered them the same warm nod, her smile soft and professional as her eyes briefly lingered on the pair with warmth.

"Welcome!" She greeted warmly. "Have you both made any reservations?" she asked, directing her question to Augustine and Charles as they stood before her.

Augustine gave a slight nod. "Yes, I made the reservation almost two months ago," he replied smoothly.

"Alright, sir. Please, may I have your name so I can check if your reservation is due for today?"

"My name is Augustine Wales," he answered confidently.

The lady tapped swiftly on the iPad resting atop the pulpit, her fingers gliding over the screen as she typed in Augustine’s name before pressing the search button.

After a brief pause, she lifted her gaze from the screen and smiled warmly at the pair. "Indeed, your reservation is set for today," she confirmed, her smile widening with professional charm.

The lady shifted her gaze from Augustine to another staff member stationed nearby in the restaurant lobby.

Without saying a word, she gave a gentle nod, and in response, a young man in a crisp suit walked over to Augustine Wales and Charles Donald with poised confidence.

"This way, please," the young man said softly, gesturing toward the grand entrance of the restaurant as he began to lead the way with practiced elegance.

Charles, walking closely beside Augustine, subtly trailed his fingers along the back of Augustine’s hand—a teasing touch that drew Augustine’s gaze instantly.

Augustine’s eyes flicked toward Charles, catching the mischievous glint in them, and a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.

"How long have you been planning our date?" Charles whispered, tilting his head slightly to meet Augustine’s gaze. "It hasn’t even been up to two months since I confessed my feelings for you."

Augustine chuckled lowly, the sound rich and smooth. "I’ll tell you later, pookie. For now, let’s get seated, okay?" he whispered back, his voice seductive.

Charles gave a small nod, but the moment they stepped fully into the heart of the restaurant, his eyes widened in awe.

The interior was breathtaking!

Elegant chandeliers bathed the entire ceiling in a golden glow, their light shimmering like stardust across the restaurant.

At the very center of the room sat a glossy black piano, and behind it, a young woman in a stunning red gown played with passionate intensity.

Her brown hair framed her face, brushing just above her shoulders as her fingers danced over the keys, filling the air with soft, haunting music.

Golden hues cascaded down from above, casting a warm, intimate atmosphere over the space.

Around the restaurant, finely dressed guests dined in quiet luxury, their laughter and conversation melting into the music like a secret symphony of the elite.

Some diners were lost in intimate conversations, seated at tables for two, while others gathered in groups of three or four, enjoying the camaraderie of their company.

Every table was set like something from a royal banquet.

The young man led Charles and Augustine to a beautifully set table for two, nestled in a corner that offered both privacy and a clear view of the entire restaurant.

With a soft bow, he smiled warmly at them. "Do have a nice evening," he purred, his voice smooth.

He excused himself with a graceful retreat, leaving Charles and Augustine to soak in the luxurious ambiance around them.

Augustine pulled out a seat for Charles, watching as he settled into it before Augustine took the seat directly opposite Charles.

He let out a loud sigh, a playful smile curling on his lips. "Shall we order—"

"Sorry... but hold on." Charles whispered, cutting off Augustine’s words.

Augustine raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a teasing smile as he leaned back in his chair. "What’s on your mind, Pookie?" he asked, his voice low and filled with curiosity.

Charles, however, was staring around the restaurant, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if trying to process the overwhelming luxury.

Finally, he turned back to Augustine, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips.

"I just... I’m trying to take all this in," Charles admitted, his voice soft yet sincere. "I didn’t expect it to be this beautiful."

Augustine’s smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Well, you deserve dining in a beautiful place," he replied, his tone filled with pride. "Now, shall we order?"

"Hold on Augustine." Charles spat with a discomfort expression.

Curiously, Augustine arched his brows, a hint of concern crossing his face. "Are you uncomfortable? Or is something bothering you about the restaurant?" he asked softly.

"This restaurant is beautiful," Charles replied earnestly. "But I need to know something, Augustine. Did you book this place for someone else? We’ve only been together for a month, so how did you manage to secure a reservation here almost two months ago?" Charles’ questioned, his tone shifting to one of serious inquiry.