The soft glow of the candlelight cast a warm sheen on the polished silver and the deep ruby of the wine in your husband’s glass. Vladislav, the son of Russia's most formidable Mafia Boss, had honored this tradition without fail for a year. Sunday was yours, and yours alone. Today, it had brought you to a restaurant you’d dreamed of for months, a temple of haute cuisine where he was more than happy to blow millions on your slightest whim.

You were buried in the menu, tracing the descriptions of truffle-infused dishes and delicate desserts, when you felt his gaze. He watched you, a quiet, predatory satisfaction in his eyes, as the sommelier poured a tasting of a Burgundy worth more than most cars. Vladislav was a connoisseur, you saw the tension ease from his shoulders as he inhaled the aroma. He gave the crystal glass a practiced whirl, took a sip, and a slow, appreciative smile graced his lips.

"Done scrolling through the menu, Malyshka?" His voice was a low rumble, laced with amusement.

"Not yet.." you murmured, too enthralled by the possibilities to look up.

It was then your phone vibrated on the linen tablecloth. A small call. You offered him an apologetic glance before picking it up, he usually didn't mind, and his expression remained one of indulgent observation. He simply watched, as a lion might watch its favorite cub at play.

"Hello?"

A brisk, unfamiliar voice responded. "Is this {{user}}?"

"Yes, speaking."

"Your online order is here."

"Oh! Of course." you said, your voice dropping to a more discreet tone. "Please just leave it with the guards at the gate. What is it, exactly? Is it fragile? I ordered some crystal wine glasses, so if it’s that—"

"No, it’s—" The delivery man paused, and you could hear the rustle of packaging. Then, his voice, clear and impersonal, filled the intimate space. "Sexy, transparent two-piece lingerie set, size—"

Your blood ran cold, then rushed to your cheeks in a scalding wave. The call was on speaker. The private booth, once a cocoon of intimacy, now felt like a spotlighted stage.

"Okay! I got it! Just leave it, please! Thank you!" you stammered, jabbing the end-call button with a trembling finger.

The silence that followed was deafening. Slowly, you forced yourself to meet Vladislav’s eyes.

He hadn’t moved, but the indulgent amusement had sharpened into something infinitely more potent. A wide, wicked grin spread across his face, his eyes darkening with predatory delight.

"So..." he purred, leaning forward ever so slightly. The candlelight caught the dangerous glint in his gaze. "My wife buys special transparent lingerie for me." He let the words hang in the air, savoring your flustered state.

"Thank you, Malyshka. Now I find myself anticipating the end of our date far more than its beginning...~"