The morning sunlight seeped through the curtains, a soft warmth brushing across Bella's face. She blinked awake slowly, then stilled when she realized Lucas was still asleep beside her. His arm lay heavy around her waist, his chest rising and falling with each steady breath. For a moment, she simply looked at him—his sharp jaw softened by sleep, hair mussed, lashes brushing his cheek.
She didn't even realize she was staring until his voice rumbled, low and husky, "Enjoying the view?"
Bella gasped, heat rushing to her face. "You're awake?"
"Have been for a while." His lips curved lazily. "But I didn't mind. Staring is a compliment when it comes from you."
She huffed, rolling her eyes, though her cheeks only burned hotter. This man never missed a chance to tease her—not even first thing in the morning. Then, before she could stop herself, the words slipped out in a whisper. "I was ready last night."
It was something she had wanted to tell him the moment she woke, but she never expected it to sound so loud. Gosh, this is so embarrassing.
Lucas froze. His dark eyes widened a fraction, and faint color rose along his cheekbones. The man who commanded boardrooms and gangs never expected to be caught off guard—yet Bella's quiet honesty had him blushing like a boy. He thought he was the king of these flirt games, but now he realized she was a quiet assassin, attacking in silence.
"You…" He cleared his throat, pulling her a little closer. He couldn't lose this—it was about his pride as a man who had already been with many women. "Mia cara, you can't just say things like that in the morning."
Bella smiled shyly, secretly pleased at his reaction. He looked even cuter with a blush on his face. Maybe she could make him blush more often.
Before either of them could continue, little footsteps pattered down the hall, followed by Rachel's sing-song voice. "Mama! Dada!"
Their daughter barreled into the room, launching herself onto the bed. Lucas caught her mid-jump, groaning playfully before setting her between them. After a few minutes of cuddling and giggles, the three finally got up and began their morning routine.
The usual chaos unfolded—breakfast scattered across plates, Bella fussing over Rachel's uniform, Lucas crouching to tie her shoelaces.
Halfway through her toast, Rachel looked up at them seriously. "Mumma, when the baby comes… will it like me? Or just cry all the time? My friend told me her little brother cries all day."
Bella softened immediately, brushing her daughter's hair back. "The baby will love you so much. And yes, maybe cry too—but only because that's how babies talk."
Lucas added smoothly, "He or she will know you're the best big sister in the world."
Rachel giggled, reassured. Lucas's gaze lingered on her, but his thoughts drifted. Earlier that morning, before Bella stirred awake, he had unlocked the hidden compartment at the back of his wardrobe. Inside was a sleek, dark phone Bella didn't know existed. No new messages. No updates from Moscow. The silence was louder than anything else, and it followed him even now—though he masked it behind a calm smile.
---
At the school gates, Bella crouched to fix Rachel's backpack strap, kissing her cheek before letting her go. Rachel waved and darted inside, spotting her teacher, Mrs. Allen, walking toward them.
"Good morning, Ms. Bella," Mrs. Allen greeted warmly, then turned to Lucas. "And you must be Rachel's dad."
Lucas shook her hand firmly. "Lucas. A pleasure."
Mrs. Allen smiled, her gaze kind. "I just wanted to let you both know about our upcoming Sports Day. Parents can also take part in a few categories—it's usually quite fun for the children to see."
Bella's eyes lit up immediately. It sounded like a wonderful bonding experience. "That sounds great. We're in."
Lucas frowned instantly, clearly unhappy with the idea. "Thank you for letting us know, but she's pregnant. It's not right for her to put herself through any strain."
"It's mild activities, Lucas. I'll be careful."
Bella shot him a look. He returned it, but it quickly softened into a pout when she didn't falter. This woman is so stubborn.
Mrs. Allen chuckled lightly, clearly used to such exchanges. "Rachel would be delighted to have you both there. Even just watching means the world to the children."
Lucas exhaled, conceding slightly, though his arm slid around Bella's waist as if making his point. "Fine. But I'll handle all the running and chasing. You stick to cheering."
Bella smiled sweetly. "We'll see."
After saying their goodbyes, the two didn't head straight home. It was still early, the streets calm, and Bella suggested picking up groceries. Lucas surprised her by agreeing, pulling into a market lot. Fewer people meant less danger. Still, his bodyguards followed in the car behind—her safety was always a matter of concern for him.
Inside, Bella moved from aisle to aisle with a basket while Lucas followed with the cart. Of course, he tossed in things she hadn't planned on—premium coffee, imported chocolates, three kinds of pasta.
"Lucas," she said, trying not to laugh, "we don't need all this." He looked like he was shopping to open a store.
"You're feeding two now. And Rachel," he added smoothly. "Besides, I like spoiling my family."
Her heart skipped at his words. She didn't reply, just moved a little further down the aisle.
At the fruit section, Bella inspected apples carefully. Lucas leaned casually against the cart, watching her with the same sharp intensity he used in negotiations.
"Do you realize it's improper to stare at a married woman? Didn't your wife teach you better?" she asked without looking up.
"She never stopped me from appreciating—at least not the things worth staring at," he replied without missing a beat.
She rolled her eyes, though warmth spread through her chest. He's calling me beautiful, isn't he?
"You're crazy."
"And yet, you're smiling."
She was—and she hated how obvious it felt. Shopping with Lucas wasn't like shopping alone—it was strangely fun, filled with teasing and bickering while their hands brushed occasionally over groceries. At one point, he plucked a jar from a high shelf she couldn't reach, setting it gently into the basket with a smirk.
By the time they checked out, the cart was overflowing—half her list, half his unnecessary luxuries. Bella sighed, but she couldn't deny the warmth blooming in her chest. It felt… almost like a date.