Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 166

It’s Dana.

“Hey,” she says with a smile. “Are you guys ready? I thought we could all leave at the same time... you know, so we arrive together and don’t have to wait for each other.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. We’re just about ready,” I say, glancing up the stairs. “Maria? Leon? Let’s go!”

“We’re coming!” Maria calls back.

I turn to Dana. “We’ll be out in a sec.”

Dana’s eyes flick over me, and for a moment, she freezes.

“What?” I ask, unsure.

She opens her mouth to say something, “You look…” but she doesn’t finish it. Instead, she blinks and takes a step back, suddenly quiet.

I watch her carefully, my stomach twisting with unease.

“Dana?” I call, stepping out slightly. But she’s already turning toward the car.

We got into our car, and they got into theirs. Two vehicles, one destination. The drive was quiet but warm, filled with city lights and the soft hum of anticipation. When we arrived, the restaurant was everything I had imagined and more. Elegant, refined, with soft lighting that made everything glow, the walls, the tables, even us.

The place was impeccable. The setting was modern but cosy, every detail meticulously placed, every colour carefully chosen. The hostesses greeted us with genuine warmth, ushering us to our reserved table with ease.

We barely settled into our seats when the chef himself came out to greet us. And yes, he and Alan were clearly old friends, he ruffled Alan’s hair, cracked a joke at his expense, and Alan laughed like a child caught in mischief. It was all so warm and personal.

We ordered drinks and started with something light. The appetisers were heavenly, every bite bursting with flavour. We were mid-laugh over something Rosie had said when it happened.

Another figure approached our table.

He walked in confidently and gave Alan a playful punch on the shoulder. Alan turned around, surprised, and then grinned widely.

“David!” he said, getting up to hug him.

“I didn’t think you were gonna make it,” Alan added, clapping him on the back.

“And yet, here I am,” David said smoothly.

But then… his eyes shifted. Past Alan. Past me.

To Dana. And they didn’t move.

There was a weight in the air as his gaze landed on her. Steady, unreadable and Dana... froze. She just stood there.

“Dana,” he said, his voice lower now. “Always as beautiful as ever.”

Then he took her hand, kissed it lightly, and smiled.

Alan groaned from behind.

“Oh, just stop it, David, and sit your ass down.”

David chuckled, unbothered, before turning his attention to Rosie. “Hello, princess Rosie.”

“Hello, Uncle David!” Rosie beamed, all her teeth showing in a mischievous grin.

“Come on, it’s my birthday! Maria’s here.. she can take the kids back home. Why don’t we go to a club or something to celebrate?”

I blinked. “Oh no, no. I’m not doing that. I don’t do clubs.”

“Come on,” Dana said, her voice unexpectedly urging. “It’s just this once. We never go out. We never get time for ourselves. Please?”

I looked at Maria, my silent cry for help but she wore that unreadable mask again.

And then Dana said, “You know what? If you’re not comfortable, we’ll all go together. I’m okay with Rosie spending the night at your house. I’m sure Maria can take care of them.”

Dana turned to Maria eagerly. “Maria, do you think you can? Please? I just want to go out and have fun for once.”

Maria gave a slow nod, her expression still unreadable. Rosie’s face lit up with excitement. Now Alan was chiming in. David too.

“Come on! You don’t have to dance, or even talk to anyone,” Alan said. “No creeps, no slimy guys—just good music and top-notch people.”

They were all throwing reasons at me. And honestly?

I’d never been to a club. Not once. From my strict home life to becoming a pregnant teen, to raising Leon, to working nonstop. I never had the chance. Never even considered it.

And maybe it was the wine. Two glasses in, and I was already floating. Maybe it was the thrill of doing something new. Or maybe I was just tired of always saying no.

Because then I heard my own voice quiet but clear.

“Okay. Let’s do it.”