My Alphas' Dark Desires novel Chapter 375

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~Valerie's POV~

Everything my uncle gave me was useful, but that was just one aspect. Now, I had to tail my target and find the right opening.

Understand his routine, his shifts, his meetings—only then could I act. And today, my chance was at the Havana Starlight.

Well, technically not in it. My so-called date with Dristan wasn't supposed to be in one of the fanciest restaurants in the whole Middle Belt region, but in the one opposite—Gracevine. Simple, not too classy, but with a quiet charm that appealed to me.

We parked, and just as I was about to step into Gracevine, Dristan's hand caught mine. His grip was warm, steady, and for some reason, it sent a small jolt through my chest.

My gaze dropped to his hand, then up to his face. "Dristan."

"Why are we eating here, at an antique shop," he said, his tone almost teasing, "when Havana is right there?"

"I… well, I just felt like a change," I muttered, trying to sound convincing.

"Nah," he said, smirking faintly. "I'm guessing you've never dined in Havana before, have you, Valerie?"

The confidence in his tone made me want to deny it, but I couldn't. He was right. If life hadn't shackled me in my uncle's pack, I would've explored the world with my parents. But life had other plans.

"No," I said simply. "Besides, it's not a date."

He gave a short laugh. "Anytime spent with you, Valerie, is more than enough of a date for me."

I rolled my eyes. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," he said, unlocking the car again. "But if I'm spending time with you, we're doing it properly."

"Properly?"

"At Havana."

I wanted to protest, but his expression was firm, the kind that left no room for argument. So I sighed and followed him.

Inside, the cool air greeted us first, carrying the faint scent of roses and expensive wine. A hostess recognized Dristan immediately, and within minutes, we were escorted to one of the VVIP suite.

I chose the seat by the window when we got inside. The city lights below were blurred through the glass, and from here, I could see Gracevine across the street—its soft yellow glow looked almost humble compared to Havana's glittering crystal chandeliers.

Dristan didn't mind my choice of seat. He just smiled faintly and sat across from me. "You like windows."

"I like open views," I replied. "They make me feel… less boxed in."

"Understandable," he murmured, his gaze flicking briefly toward the night sky.

As we waited for our meal, the silence grew soft but not uncomfortable. Dristan was the one to break it. "Tell me something, Valerie."

"What do you want to know about?"

"Umm, you."

"Me?"

"Yes. What was your childhood like?"

I blinked at the question. "My childhood?"

"Yeah." He leaned forward slightly. "I realize I know almost nothing about you."

"That's not true."

"Is it, really?"

I hesitated, tracing the rim of my glass with my finger. My throat tightened, and I could feel him watching me closely.

"You know my birthday."

"Yes, but not your favorite color. Do you even have one?"

"Take a wild guess."

"Black and Purple."

My brows creased. "Why purple?"

"I got black, right?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Yes."

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