Lucas's Pov
The previous day I couldn't visit Rachel; I had to go on a mission. My target was a traitor who had leaked confidential information. Handling two completely different identities at once was exhausting.
To the world, I was just a passionate, highly professional CEO.
To the underworld, I was a ruthless, masked Mafia King.
But today wasn't about either of those worlds. Today I was visiting Rachel. I had brought chocolates with me; it never felt right to show up empty-handed to see a child.
When I entered the room, I was greeted by the sound of Rachel's giggles. She was laughing at something—someone—and when I followed her gaze, I found… a lion.
No. Not a lion. Bella.
Why did she have a moustache drawn on like a lion? She was prowling on all fours with a mock-serious face and a tiny pout, and it was honestly the funniest thing I'd ever seen. A laugh escaped me before I could stop it.
"Hello, Ms. Lion," I chuckled. She turned to look at me and I saw her face loose all the colours.
"I'll remove this!" she squeaked, rushing toward the bathroom.
I sat down beside Rachel, still laughing. When was the last time I'd laughed this hard?
"How did your mother turn into a lion?" I asked Rachel.
"I drew that when Mumma was sleeping," she said proudly. "Doesn't she look cute, like a cat?"
"Yes," I agreed. "She looked cute—but you're even cuter than her."
"Thank you, Mr. Handsome," she said matter-of-factly, "but you can't butter me up. Why didn't you come yesterday? I waited for you till evening."
"Sorry, princess. I got caught up with work."
"Then you should have told me."
"Huh? How could I tell you? I don't have your number."
She scooted over, reaching for the phone on the bedside table. "You can save your number now."
She handed me the phone. I typed in my number and gave it back. By then Bella had returned, the moustache gone but a small frown replacing it. But I definitely noticed a bit of redness on her cheeks.
"Lucas, I've already told you—there's no need to bring so much every time you come."
Was it just me, or did she sound like a wife scolding her husband for wasting money?
"I have to bring something," I said lightly. "Besides, I'm a guest here."
"You're not a guest," Rachel piped up. "You're my friend."
"And when did I agree to be your friend, little bunny?"
"When I met you the first time," she said matter-of-factly. "Friend is also family… right, Mumma?"
Bella blinked at the sudden question but still nodded faintly.
"See, Mumma also said you're family. So you don't need to bring anything—just come daily."
"I didn't say he's family," Bella interjected.
"Am I not your friend?" I teased.
"Well," she said, crossing her arms, "aren't you my creditor? You helped me when I needed it."
"Isn't a friend in need a friend indeed?"
"Fine," she muttered. "You're my friend. But there's still no need to bring gifts every time."
"Yes," Rachel agreed. "Don't bring more gifts. But you have to come daily, okay?"
"Alright," I said with a grin. "Since you're both insisting so much, I won't bring gifts anymore—only myself, every day."
"Well, aren't you busy?" Bella asked. "You don't need to come daily. It'll save you the trouble."
"It isn't any trouble for me. I'm usually free at this time." All thanks to Mark for clearing my schedule. "Why, is there a problem on your side?"
"Why would I have a problem?" she said quickly, then turned to Rachel. "Rachel, it's already your nap time. You should rest now, alright?"
"But I want to play with him," Rachel protested.
"Okay, do whatever you want. No one's listening to me today," Bella huffed, retreating to the couch and focusing on her laptop screen.
"Why is she so moody?" I whispered to Rachel. "Did she actually turn into a lion in my absence?"
Rachel just shrugged, stifling a giggle.
"I can hear you clearly, Lucas," Bella said without looking up.
I winced; Rachel burst into laughter.
"Baby, you wanted to play something, right?" I asked.
She nodded instantly, her cheeks puffed out adorably. I had to fight the urge to pinch them.
"You don't have any toys here, baby," Bella said. "Why don't you draw something?"
"Yes! My toys are at home. Let's draw. Can you give me my drawing book, Mumma?"
"Yeah, wait."
I watched Bella walk to the bag, fetch the book and colors, and hand them to Rachel. Then she turned to go back to her seat—but suddenly stumbled forward.
I caught her just in time.
Thank God I'd been sitting on that side of the bed. Otherwise, she would have met the floor face-first. History really does repeat itself.
What was wrong with the floor of this room anyway? At least today she wasn't lucky enough to end up kissing me again. Still… she looked beautiful this close. She looked beautiful from afar too, but up close? She was breathtaking.
Her eyes were wide from shock, and I found myself drowning in them as always. Those eyes. Those lips. Plump, soft, almost inviting. My gaze lingered as I unconsciously leaned a little closer. Our lips were about to touch when—
Click.
A camera flash went off.
Bella immediately pushed me back and straightened up, flustered once again. Two times in two hours. Not bad.
We both turned toward Rachel. She was holding the phone, looking pleased with herself.
"Thank you for saving me," Bella murmured, cheeks still pink.
"No worries. Are you alright?"
She hummed in response and went back to her seat. My hands still remembered the feel of her petite frame, so light and delicate in my arms.
"Let's draw now!" Rachel chirped, breaking the tension.
I hummed and sat down to draw with Rachel, trying to shake the image of Bella from my head.