His Innocent Sera

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.noveldrama

"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.

Sera noticed how everyone was sneaking a glance at them. Not at her, but at Nate. Even the worn-out clothes couldn't mellow down his regal appearance and stunning looks. If anything, he looked even more rugged and masculine with bruises marring his features. She didn't find him attractive as she knew just how evil he was, but she couldn't blame girls for losing their hearts to him. She might have fancied him too if she didn't know about his dark side. Here, he looked completely misplaced- like a diamond amongst dead embers. While waiting for their order, Sera spotted a sink on the other side.

UT

"I'll go wash my hands," she told him. His gaze flickered to the sink behind her before giving a nod. She stood up and left. The way to the washbowl was through the center where the glass tower stood Nate watched her go and wash her hands. Nate's focus shifted to his phone as a message came through. He barely had time to read it before a loud, crashing noise rang through the room. His head snapped up just in time to see the last leg of the tower crumbling to the floor. Behind it stood Sera, frozen, wide-eyed, and trembling.

"Shit," he murmured, springing to his feet and hurrying towards her. He knew how easily she got panicked The girl stood ghost-pale, staring at the shattered glasses with panic-stricken eyes. Nate crossed over quickly, pulling her into his

arms.

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"It's okay," he said softly, running a hand down her back, "It was just an accident."

"I didn't.."

"Who broke it?" A deep, angry voice boomed across the room. Sera flinched and curled further into Nate. Nate, in response, tightened his hold around her, letting her know he was right here.

"Don't you have eyes? Didn't you see the ridiculous glass tower sitting in the way?" the owner spat, charging towards them.

"I didn't splurge money on it for you to break it," the owner added, giving Nate a stink eye.

"I'll pay for it," Nate answered calmly. Sera lifted her face to look at him. She tugged on the fabric of his shirt, drawing his attention.

"But it wasn't my fault.." she explained. "I was coming back to our table when a waiter pushed me into the tower."

"She's lying," the owner snapped, his voice thick with accusation. "She broke my glasses and now has the nerve to blame my staff."

"She isn't lying..." Nate stated, his gaze shifting to the owner. They turned solemn as he added, "Line up your waiters and ask them." The owner's nostrils flared.

"I am not going to harass my staff for her mistake. Pay up and take your ass out of here," the owner said. Nate fought against his rising temper. He didn't want to slip up and risk catching attention. But this man was provoking him too much.

"No. We won't pay because it wasn't my fault. Your waiter pushed me and I fell into it," Sera confronted, now looking at the owner. The owner shot her a dismissive glance before locking his gaze back on Nate.

"I am done with warning you. Give me my money," the owner demanded.

"You heard the lady," Nate gritted out, his restraint hanging by a thread. "Show us CCTVs," he added, not budging from his point.

"We don't have CCTVs. Compensate or I am going to call cops," the owner

warned.