His Innocent Sera novel Chapter 57

The diner was far from classy. The dirty rugs, red dim lights, rickety tables, and cheap aprons on the staff made it abundantly clear. His nose twitched with disapproval as a greasy scent of frying food hit him. There was a small window behind the counter, allowing glimpses of the kitchen. One could see sweaty "chefs" tossing noodles in the air right from the entrance. Cheap and disgusting. This place was giving him the ick.

He looked over at Sera, expecting the same reaction from her. But she didn't seem the least bit bothered, much less disgusted.

"This place looks like straight from hell," Nate murmured, eyeing the grimy interior in disapproval before his gaze settled on a tower of glasses stationed in the center— The only aesthetic this place owned. Despite the awful ambiance, the diner boasted a good number of visitors.

"You would know," Sera muttered under her breath, but he heard.

"What did you just say?" he asked, an amused smirk playing at the corner of his mouth as he led her towards the empty table in the corner. She shook her head.

"Are you implying I am going to hell?" he asked, glancing over and catching her nibbling on her lower lip. It was a small, unconscious act, yet it filled him with a giddy rush.

Ignoring his fluctuating hormones, he went on, "You think a face like this is meant for hell?" Self-appreciation was deafeningly loud in his voice. She remained silent.

He pulled the chair and gestured for her to sit. She sat down with her eyes downcast and lips pursed.

As soon as her butt touched the seat, she felt him leaning closer, "but you know what.." he lifted her chin and made her look into his piercing eyes.

"I don’t care where I’m going, as long as you’re with me, even in hell," he promised. She was his plus one for eternity.

"I am going to heaven," she argued, her lips curling downward into a frown. He smirked.

"I don't think you should pick heaven. Those angels will make your life hell," he said, his eyes sparkling with a playful adoration.

"Why?" she questioned, confused. For a brief moment, the mask slipped, revealing his utter fascination with her.

"Because your beauty will outshine them all," he uttered, voice soft and low, "and they'll hate you for it." He remarked, throwing her out for a loop. Was he complimenting her or mocking her?

He leaned away and claimed his own seat across from her, the familiar cocky smirk curving his mouth as he added, "And they would also resent you for stealing their dream man." She snorted inwardly. Just how self-obsessed a person can be.

The waiter showed up a moment later and asked for their orders. Nate ordered food for her and just water for himself.