Chapter 70– A Breakfast and a Purchase
The next day, Dante was in the kitchen making breakfast for Margaret. The smell of fresh pancakes and brewing coffee filled the apartment, mixing with the soft morning light coming through the windows. He flipped a pancake with practiced ease, smiling as he glanced over at her.
"So," he said, sliding the golden-brown pancake onto a plate, "how are you doing at work?"
Margaret lifted her head from her laptop, where she'd been scrolling through emails even before the day officially started. She looked at him with a playful glint in her eye and smiled. "So you're saying the great black dragon is worried about the work of this poor mortal here?"
Dante chuckled, setting the plate in front of her and pouring a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice no sugar, just the way she liked it. "You know I always care. But you always say you don't want my help, so I usually don't ask too much."
Margaret reached for the fork, cutting into the pancake with a small, appreciative hum. "I know you worry. I'm just teasing. And I don't accept your help because I want to achieve this on my own."
Dante leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching her with quiet affection. "Yes, I respect that. That's why I don't bring it up too much. But if you want it that way, I can't say anything more."
He placed the glass of juice beside her plate. "Well, here are your breakfast pancakes and fresh orange juice with no sugar."
Margaret set the fork down for a second, leaned forward, and kissed him softly. "Thank you so much, dear."
Dante returned the kiss briefly before pulling back with a gentle smile. "It's okay. But if you need my help, just say so. Don't try to act brave. You know how dangerous our world is."
Margaret smiled, picking up her fork again. "Yes, I know. You don't need to worry so much. I'm not going to try to be a heroine. I know our world is dangerous."
Dante's expression softened, but there was still a trace of concern in his golden eyes. "Sorry for repeating this, but I just don't want anything bad to happen to you."
Margaret reached up and placed her hand gently on the side of his face, thumb brushing along his cheekbone. "Don't worry. I know you're just concerned about me. I know there must be a lot of dangerous things and various monsters I don't know about that you have to deal with. So thank you."
Dante let out a quiet breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "I'm at ease knowing you understand."
They ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes—Margaret enjoying her pancakes, Dante sipping coffee and watching her with that protective look he couldn't quite hide. When the plates were mostly clear, he stood up and opened a portal in the middle of the living room. The air shimmered, revealing the familiar interior of Jasmine and Amber's hotel suite.
He stepped through.
The moment he appeared on the other side, Jasmine and Amber spotted him. Their faces lit up instantly, and both of them launched themselves at him with delighted squeals.
Dante caught them easily, one arm around each, steadying them so they didn't knock him backward. "Be careful. And if you get hurt..."
Amber grinned up at him, arms still wrapped around his neck. "I'm sure you'll catch me."
Dante laughed softly. "Then I guess I'm a lucky guy to have that kind of trust."
Jasmine leaned in and kissed him deeply. After a lingering moment they separated, and Amber immediately took her turn, jumping up to kiss him too. After another sweet moment, Jasmine gently pulled them apart with a mock-stern look.
"Let's stop now, you two," she said, though her smile betrayed her amusement. "Forgot we still have to go talk to the owner who wants to sell the building?"
Dante separated from Amber, still holding her hand lightly. "Looks like we can't continue before handling business. So let's go. After all, even though it's a good hotel, I think you both want your own homes, right?"
Amber sighed dramatically but nodded. "Yes, it's true. Even though the hotel is incredible, I don't feel at home. It doesn't have my touch, my personality."
Jasmine crossed her arms, agreeing. "Besides, we have to stay in this busy location. It was good at first, but after a while we just get tired."
Dante nodded. "I understand. So let's go buy a real home."
Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes! Let's buy an entire building!"
Jasmine laughed and put a hand on Amber's shoulder. "Amber, don't make so much noise."
Amber bounced on her toes, completely unable to contain herself. "How can I not be excited? Jasmine, our dear is going to buy a building for us to live in. I'm so happy!" She threw her arms around Dante again, hugging him tightly.
Dante wrapped an arm around her shoulders and smiled. "Don't worry. Her being a little excited isn't anything serious."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow but smiled too. "If you say so… then let's go."
They quickly got ready Jasmine and Amber changing into something more presentable, Dante waiting patiently by the portal. Once everyone was set, they stepped through together and headed toward the meeting place.