Belle's heels clicked sharply against the floor as she stepped forward, the faintest smile curving her lips, the dangerous kind that promised pain disguised as kindness.
"Well then," she said, voice smooth and deceptively pleasant, "since you were late, Sebastian, I suppose it's only fair I come up with a harsh and creative punishment."
I raised an eyebrow. "Harsh and creative? Sounds like you've been waiting for this moment."
"Maybe I have," she replied, tilting her head slightly. "Someone has to keep your ego in check."
I sighed, pressing a hand to my chest in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll take whatever punishment you throw at me…"I paused just long enough to grin. "...but I'm not cooking breakfast for you anymore."
That stopped her dead.
Belle froze mid-step, like her soul had just left her body. Her smile twitched. "...What?"
I tried to hold in a laugh. "You heard me."
