Chapter 316: Chapter 316 Suspicious
Leo leaned down just a little, his eyes locking onto hers, the air between them suddenly warmer. "Bunny," he said, his voice soft but low, "I’ve handled weapons, empires, and enemies. You think I can’t handle a frying pan?"
Bella blinked again, caught between wanting to giggle and wanting to hide behind the counter. "Well... if you burn the kitchen, don’t blame me," she said under her breath.
Leo chuckled, a quiet, rich sound that always made her heart flutter. He set the bowl on the counter with a firm thud and began cracking eggs with unexpected precision.
Bella watched him closely, half impressed, half amused. "You’re actually doing it," she said softly, her eyes wide.
Without looking up, he replied, "I told you, little bunny. I don’t make empty promises."
She smiled softly and leaned her chin on her hands, watching as he whisked the batter with focus that belonged more in a boardroom than a kitchen.
From the living room, Nonna’s voice drifted in warmly. "If the pancakes turn out good, I want two!"
Leo glanced at Bella with a small smirk. "You heard her. No pressure, hmm?"
Bella giggled, her eyes twinkling. "Then let’s make them together," she said, reaching for the bowl. Their hands brushed, warm and close, and Leo’s fingers paused for a moment before resuming his slow stirring.
"Together then," he said quietly, and for once, even the kitchen seemed to glow a little brighter.
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"Thanks, Leo," Bella said sweetly, her eyes lighting up as he placed the plate in front of her. The pancakes were golden brown, stacked neatly with a small pat of butter melting on top, and a drizzle of honey gleaming under the soft kitchen light. They smelled heavenly—warm, sweet, and comforting.
Leo leaned against the counter, his arms crossed but his gaze fixed completely on her, waiting. He didn’t say a word, but the way his brows lifted slightly betrayed how expectant he was.
Bella noticed it immediately and blinked up at him with a teasing smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, poking the pancake gently with her fork. "Did you put something strange in this?"
Leo raised a brow, feigning offense. "Do I look like someone who’d poison his wife with breakfast?"
Bella giggled softly. "No... but you are watching me like a chef on a cooking show waiting for the judges to taste his food."
He didn’t deny it. "That’s because I am," he said flatly, though his eyes glimmered with amusement.
The truth was, Leo didn’t cook at all. The only thing he had ever mastered in the kitchen was pancakes. It was the first thing he’d learned back in his college days when he lived alone for a short while, and somehow, the habit stuck. He had never cooked for anyone else before, and though he’d kept that fact to himself, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of nervousness now.
Bella finally cut a small piece, blowing on it before taking a bite. The moment the soft, buttery flavor touched her tongue, her eyes widened slightly. She chewed slowly, then looked up at him with mock seriousness.
Leo’s posture straightened just a bit. "Well?" he asked quietly.
Bella set the fork down delicately, pretending to think deeply. "Hmm... I think..." she started, eyes twinkling, "...it’s actually really good!"
Relief washed over his face, though he hid it behind a small, proud smirk. "Of course it is."
Bella giggled at his expression. "You looked so nervous, though," she teased. "Were you scared I’d hate it?"
"I don’t get nervous," he said smoothly, though his ears had turned faintly red. "I was simply observing your reaction."
"Observing?" she repeated, smiling. "You mean, hoping for compliments?"
He leaned forward, one hand on the counter, his face inches from hers. "And did I get one?"
Her cheeks warmed instantly as she looked away, a tiny laugh escaping her. "Fine, fine. You win, Chef Leo. They’re perfect," she said softly.
Leo straightened again, satisfaction flashing in his eyes as he watched her take another bite—happier this time, her little hums of contentment filling the air.
He couldn’t help but smile to himself. She likes it.
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Bella went upstairs after breakfast, still smiling faintly from the memory of Leo’s proud expression as she’d praised his pancakes. The house was quiet now. Nonna had gone to rest, Alessandro and Lina were in their rooms, and Leo had returned to his study.
She walked into her room, letting the soft light from the window fall across her face. Just as she sat on the bed, her phone started buzzing.
Scarlett, the screen flashed, and Bella’s lips curved instantly as she picked up.
"Bella!" Scarlett’s cheerful voice filled the room, so loud and full of excitement that Bella instinctively pulled the phone a few inches from her ear before laughing.
"Oh my goodness, Bella, can you believe it? Everyone’s coming here soon! We’re finally all going to meet in person! I’ve been trying to call Jace, but he’s been so busy lately it’s driving me crazy," Scarlett said with a sigh, though Bella could hear the happiness behind her words.
Bella leaned back against the headboard, smiling softly. "Really? That’s amazing, Scar. I can’t wait to meet everyone," she said excitedly. Then she paused, her expression dimming just a little. "You’re right about Jace, though. He hasn’t been answering much lately."
"I know, right?" Scarlett replied. "He always used to pick up on the first ring. But now it’s all ’Sorry, busy, call you later.’ It’s suspicious!"
Bella let out a tiny laugh but couldn’t shake the little pinch of concern in her chest. "You know... Jay’s been like that too," she murmured quietly. "He used to call every day. Sometimes twice. But lately... he barely messages. It’s been almost three days since his last call."
Scarlett’s voice softened. "You think something happened?"
Bella bit her lip. "I thought so at first. I even checked through a few channels."
"You investigated?" Scarlett gasped dramatically. "Of course you did. You’re Bellatrix."
Bella smiled faintly, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers. "I just wanted to be sure. I used my system to trace some of his recent log-ins. He’s fine. Out of danger. Nothing strange on the records."
Scarlett exhaled loudly, relieved. "Oh, thank God. You almost gave me a heart attack."
"Still," Bella said, her voice softening, "I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. Jay isn’t the type to go quiet for no reason. Maybe he’s just busy like Jace, but..." Her words trailed off, her brows furrowing slightly.