One night with the Mafia King

The day had been long for Bella. Between her work and helping Rachel with her school homework, she was exhausted. "Baby mumma is tired. Your dad comes to meet you daily, you know that right?" She said caressing her non existing bulge. But Bella knew the baby is too small to even hear her.

So, when in the evening Lucas showed up at her door with a bag of groceries and a sheepish grin, she couldn't help but laugh. She was tired and here he is, like a genie of the magic lamp.

"I figured you might need a break from cooking," he said, holding up the bag.

"You didn't have to do that," Bella replied, stepping aside to let him in. She was feeling really happy that he came but she felt even more happy when he said he will cook. She was too much tired from the day so she didn't want to reject his offer.

"I wanted to," Lucas said simply, setting the bag down on the kitchen counter. "What's for dinner? Or, should I say, what's my specialty tonight?"

Bella raised an eyebrow. "You have a specialty?"

"Of course," he said, feigning offense. "It's called following a recipe and hoping for the best."

Rachel appeared from her room, her eyes lighting up when she saw Lucas. "Mr. Handsome! Are you making food?"

"I am," he confirmed, kneeling to her level. "But I might need a little helper. Are you up for the challenge?"

Rachel nodded enthusiastically, and soon, the kitchen was filled with laughter and the sounds of chopping and stirring. Bella watched as Lucas handed Rachel small tasks, like mixing the salad or arranging plates, his patience with her shining through.

"Careful," he said when Rachel tried to grab a sharp knife. "That's my job. You handle the important stuff.....like tasting the sauce."

When dinner was ready, they sat together at the table, sharing stories and jokes. Rachel talked animatedly about her day at school, while Lucas listened intently, asking questions and laughing at her antics.

After Rachel went to bed, Bella and Lucas lingered in the living room. Bella curled up on one end of the couch, while Lucas sat on the other, his arm draped casually along the backrest.

"Thank you for today," Bella said softly. Lucas tilted his head, his expression curious. "For what?"

"For everything," she replied. "For being here. For helping. It's been a while since someone's done that for me."

His gaze softened. "You deserve it," he said simply. "You deserve more than just someone showing up....you deserve someone staying."

The words struck a chord in Bella. She looked away, feeling a mix of gratitude and vulnerability. Why did he always make her feel like this? Like she is the only one he care about. Like she deserve all his gentleness and affection.

But Lucas didn't push. He just sat there, his presence steady and reassuring.