I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 65

Natalie was speechless.

She glanced across at Samuel Thompson, whose complexion was no better than Alexander’s.

Did he look like someone who ate spicy food regularly?

“Mr. Thompson, perhaps I can order something else for you? This place can make non-spicy dishes too.”

Alexander’s expression darkened. She had told him to go next door, but for Samuel, she offered to have the restaurant make something different?

“You underestimate Mr. Thompson,” Alexander said, a playful smirk on his lips. “His mother is from Silverpine. A little heat like this is nothing to him.”

Samuel, forcing a nonchalant expression, played along. “You know me so well, Mr. Ramirez.”

He then picked up a piece of fish coated in red chili peppers and placed it on Alexander’s plate.

“It’s rare that we find ourselves with such similar tastes, Mr. Ramirez. I hardly ever find anyone to eat spicy food with. I feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit today.”

Alexander stared at the chili-covered fish on his plate. He felt that if he ate it, every strand of his hair would start to burn.

“You’re absolutely right, Mr. Thompson,” he said, then served a large piece of the fiery chicken onto Samuel’s plate in return.

Natalie felt like she had barely eaten anything, yet the dishes were nearly empty. Looking at the two men beside and across from her, she saw they had both shed their suit jackets and were now just in their shirts, with collars and cuffs unbuttoned.

Their lips were red and slightly swollen from the spice.

Samuel was taking deep breaths, while Alexander was chugging water. Nearly every teapot in the restaurant was now on their table. “Owner, another pot of tea!” Samuel called out.

Natalie watched their little contest, torn between amusement and exasperation.

“You two should stop forcing yourselves. You’re going to upset your stomachs.”

Alexander picked up a piece of food from his bowl. “My stomach isn’t that delicate. But are you okay, Mr. Thompson? If you can’t eat anymore, you should just stop.”

Samuel truly felt he couldn’t take another bite. He finally put down his cutlery. “I’m full, not that I can’t handle it.”

Alexander breathed a silent sigh of relief and leisurely set down his own fork.

Natalie called the owner over to settle the bill.

“This gentleman has already paid,” the owner said, pointing to Alexander.

“As long as I’m here, you won’t be the one paying,” he said, putting on his jacket. He thought to himself, “She won’t get the chance to treat another man to dinner.”

The passenger door slammed shut, and Alexander walked around to the driver’s side.

Seeing her sitting motionless, he asked, “Do you need me to buckle your seatbelt for you?”

Natalie lowered her gaze and mechanically pulled the seatbelt across her body, clicking it into place.

The Rolls-Royce pulled away from the curb and merged into the flow of traffic.

The car's climate was perfectly controlled, neither too hot nor too cold. Natalie stared out the window, silent. She soon realized they weren’t heading in the direction of her hotel.

“Where are you taking me?” she demanded, her eyes wide with alarm.

“I’m going to sell you.”

Her wary look irritated him. Did he look like a human trafficker? Why was she so guarded?

“I’m not as valuable as you think. I wouldn’t be worth much,” she retorted.

“Which is why I’d rather keep you for myself than sell you to someone else.”