Page 79 of Dangerous Beginnings

Aslanov chuckles, a hint of pride in his voice as he flips a pancake with expert precision. “You’d be surprised,” he replies, flashing me a grin over his shoulder. “I’ve had to learn a few tricks myself.”

I raise an eyebrow in amusement, a smile playing on my lips as I take in the sight of him cooking.

My eyes suddenly make their way down to the red hair elastic around his wrist again. I stare at it.

“Why are you wearing that?” I ask, a little hesitantly. Aslanov’s eyes narrow slightly as he gazes at the red hair elastic on his wrist, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. He twirls it between his fingers thoughtfully, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

“It’s yours,” he says quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement. “Do you want it back?”

As I stare at Aslanov’s tattooed wrist, my gaze lingers on the band wrapped around it. It’s a simple accessory, but seeing it there fills me with a strange sense of warmth.

I shake my head, not because I don’t want it back, but because the sight of it brings a rush of unexpected emotions. It feels good knowing that he has something of mine.

“It’s my new lucky charm then.”

“Your new lucky charm?” I echo, a hint of confusion. He nods, a playful glint in his eyes.

“That’s right,” he replies with a smirk. “It seems to have brought me some good fortune already.”

Aslanov’s playful response catches me off guard, and a shy smile tugs at the corners of my lips. His words, delivered with a hint of mischief, send a flutter of warmth through me, and I can feel my cheeks flush with a rosy hue.

It’s ten minutes into our agreement and I must admit I’m swooning too much.

Aslanov turns towards me, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and before I can react, he effortlessly scoops me up in his arms. I let out a surprised yelp as he lifted me onto the counter, his strength evident in the ease with which he handled me.

My cheeks flush with embarrassment as he settles me on thesmooth surface of the counter.

He grins down at me, his gaze filled with amusement as he leans in close.

“Just making sure you have the best seat in the house,” he replies, his voice low. He’s flirting with me.

The scent of the food makes my stomach rumble. “Does the infamous Aslanovreallyhave a hidden talent for cooking?”

He shoots me a mocking glare, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he places a plate of steaming noodles next to me on the counter.

Aslanov’s smirk softens into a genuine smile as he watches me take a bite of the food. I can’t help but let out a satisfied hum as I savor the taste.

“See, not so bad, huh?” Aslanov teases, leaning against the counter opposite me. I roll my eyes playfully while devouring the whole plate.

Chapter 46

Guardian Devil

Isabella

After last night I went to my bedroom, and he went to his. We ate, stared each other down for a while, and called it a night after I devoured all the noodles he made me.

The thought of food echoes in my stomach. I look at my phone, it’s already 1 p.m. I immediately jumped out of bed; how did I sleep that long?

I put on a bathrobe and as I make my way downstairs, the aroma of pancakes wafts through the air, drawing me to the kitchen like a magnet. My stomach rumbles in anticipation as I enter the room, my eyes falling on the table where a plate of pancakes sits accompanied by a note, fromhim.

I pick up the note, my fingers trembling slightly as I unfold it and read the words written in his unmistakable handwriting. It’s a sweet message. This side of him is messing with my mind, especially because I know what he means by ‘business’.

‘Good morning, Isabella,’the note reads.‘I hope you slept well. I had to leave early for some business, but I didn’t want you to go hungry. Text me if you need me, there’s a spare keycard in the hallway…’

A smile creeps its way up on my lips as I read on,‘…as well as a car key. Feel free to explore the city. However, bring your phone, do not ever forget it. - Aslanov

Aslanov

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