Rooming With The Criminal | ✓

31 | the criminal loves

31

the criminal loves

"YOU'RE TOO BEAUTIFUL," Julian sighed. He leaned in to kiss her forehead and she closed her eyes, savoring the intimate moment between them. "Just gorgeous that I feel like I'm going to die," Julian's tender words washed over Akari like a gentle caress, sending a warm shiver down her spine. She couldn't help but blush intensely at his heartfelt compliment, feeling a surge of adoration for him swell within her.

Taking a seat that Julian had graciously pulled out for her, Akari felt a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. Clad in a stunning red dress that she had meticulously chosen for the occasion, she couldn't help but feel a sense of confidence radiating from within.

Akari did feel pretty. Hours spent in front of the mirror, perfecting every detail of her hair and makeup, had culminated in this moment. Each stroke of the brush, each dab of lipstick had been a labor of love, a testament to her eagerness to make this night memorable for both her and Julian.

This is their first date ever.

Officially.

In the real world.

"You look amazing," Akari managed to reply.

And he really did.

He was hotter.

Akari couldn't help but notice the change in Julian's appearance. He looked refreshed, his features no longer clouded with the exhaustion of his past struggles. Instead, there was a newfound vitality about him, a sense of freedom and confidence that made him even more irresistible.

His freshly shaved cheeks and perfectly groomed hair added to his charm, accentuating his handsome features in a way that made Akari's heart flutter. Her thoughts raced as she fought against the overwhelming urge to abandon all restraint. The temptation to push everything off the table and succumb to the fiery passion simmering between them was almost overwhelming. She bit her lip, chastising herself for entertaining such reckless desires so early in their date.

"Careful," he teased, his voice low and sultry, "you might just tempt me to indulge in some dangerous behavior." His eyes darted to her lips, and Akari let her lips fall back into place, releasing them from her bite.

As the waiter approached their table, Julian took the lead, ordering his preferred dish with confidence. Then, turning to Akari, he inquired, "And what would you like, my starlight?"

Akari smiled, considering her options before replying, "I'll have anything with fish, please."

Julian nodded, his gaze lingering on Akari with affection. "Make that two of your finest fish dishes," he instructed the waiter, before turning his attention back to Akari with a grin.

"Did I mention how beautiful you are?" Julian's voice was filled with genuine admiration as he gazed at Akari.

Akari shook her head, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh, stop it," she replied, a hint of playful disbelief in her tone.

"Well, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on," Julian declared, his hand gently resting on hers. Akari glanced down at their intertwined fingers before meeting his gaze.