Sadly, Leo was late.

Bella checked her phone for the hundredth time. The screen glowed in the dim living room, showing his message: Something came up. Don’t wait up.

She read it again, her heart sinking. She had been so excited to show him the painting. She had imagined his reaction, the way his gray eyes would soften, the way his lips would curve into that rare, private smile. She had practiced what she would say, how she would hand it to him, how she would pretend not to watch while he unwrapped it.

But now he wasn’t coming.

She placed the painting on the sofa, leaning it against the armrest. The brown paper crinkled softly. She stood back, looking at it. Wrapped and hidden. Waiting.

She knew his work was risky and dangerous. She had accepted that long ago. But acceptance didn’t make the waiting easier. It didn’t make the fear go away.

She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes.

Please, God, keep him safe, she prayed.

She opened her eyes and exhaled.

And then she practiced for the presentation. The slides were ready, the notes were prepared, the timing was rehearsed. But she needed to do it again. Out loud. In the empty room.

She stood in front of the television. She had put on a video of an audience, just for practice. She spoke clearly, gestured with her hands, pointed to imaginary diagrams on the screen. Her voice echoed off the walls.

8:30 PM.

Dinner was quiet.

The dining table was set for two, but only one seat was filled. The servants moved softly, placing dishes in front of her and removing them when she was done.

Jay and Jace were absent too. She ate alone, so she felt the food was tasteless.

After dinner, she wandered into the living room and turned on the television. She wasn’t looking for anything in particular.

A documentary about bees was playing. The screen was bright and colorful, full of flowers swaying in the breeze. A narrator with a calm voice explained how bees collected nectar from different flowers, roses, lavender, sunflowers, wildflowers she couldn’t name.

Bella watched, half-interested.

The narrator continued: Once the nectar is transformed into honey, it’s impossible to tell which flower it came from. The flavors blend together, creating something new. Something unique.

Bella thought about Leo. About all the different parts of him, the cold and the warm, the distant and the present, the businessman, the mafia boss, and the husband. They blended together, creating someone unique. Someone she loved.

~~~~

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the bedroom windows like liquid gold, wrapping the room in a soft, warm glow. Bella stood in front of the full-length mirror, studying her reflection with quiet satisfaction.

She was wearing professional clothes today. A white shirt tucked into tailored black trousers that fit her like a second skin. The fabric was smooth, expensive, and moved with her as she breathed. A simple black leather belt cinched her waist, highlighting its gentle curve. Black flats completed the look. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, neatly, not a single strand out of place, revealing the delicate line of her neck and the small gold hoops that peeked out from beneath the dark waves.

She turned sideways, then forward again. She smoothed her shirt, adjusted her collar, tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Her brown hair caught the sunlight, rich and luminous, with hints of gold and chestnut woven through the deep brown. It fell in soft waves down her back, the ponytail making her look focused, effortlessly elegant.

Her brown eyes sparkled in the morning light, warm and deep, like pools of honey in sunlight. They were framed by long, dark lashes that cast tiny shadows on her cheeks. Her skin was smooth and glowing, flushed with natural warmth, needing no makeup to enhance what was already there. Her lips were full and pink, curved in a small, pleased smile.

The white shirt made her look fresh, clean, angelic. The black trousers added a touch of sophistication.

She looked professional, capable, confident, and really, really pretty.

She smiled at her reflection, a small, pleased smile that reached her eyes and made them shine even brighter.

She picked up her phone and took a few pictures, a full-length shot that showed the way the trousers fit, a close-up of her face that captured the warmth in her brown eyes, and a candid mid-turn that showed off the graceful line of her neck. She sent them to Leo. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

His response came almost instantly: You look beautiful.

She blushed, the pink rising to her cheeks, making her look even more radiant.

Then her phone rang. Leo’s name flashed on the screen.

She answered immediately, her voice soft. "Leo?"

His voice was low and rough, heavy with exhaustion. "Good luck, Bunny."

She could hear the tiredness in his voice. He must not have slept properly. She felt worry creep into her chest.

"Thank you." She paused, her brow furrowing with concern. "But Leo, how are you? Are you okay? How are Jay and Jace?"

"We’re okay." A pause. Then his voice dropped. "I can’t come home tonight."

Her heart sank, but she kept her voice calm. "I understand."

His tone turned cold, hard, sharp as a blade. "I finally found some leads related to your stalker. If I find him, I’ll kill him."

Bella shuddered. She swallowed, her throat dry.

"Okay," she said quietly. "I’ll be waiting for your news."

She paused, then added, her voice gentle, "And eat something. Take a power nap. You sound exhausted."

A beat of silence. Then his voice softened, the ice melting just a little. "Thank you for your concern, Bunny."

She smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. "Someone has to take care of you."

"I’ll be fine."

Her voice was firm but soft. "You’ll be better if you sleep."

He didn’t argue.

They said goodbye, and Bella ended the call.

She sighed.