Fallen Actress' Comeback: Torn Between the Director and the Mafia Lord-Chapter 33: Cooking

Chapter 33

~Xavier’s POV~

I looked at Xena, the cap covering my eyes. I knew she expected an explanation from me, but that wasn’t something I could say now.

"Later," I said. "Right now, I just need to get you two home safely."

And for the first time in a long time, the idea of "home" felt like something more than a place.

"Okay." Thankfully, she didn’t press further.

I was tempted to go back for my car, but I couldn’t trust that the bad guys wouldn’t be there.

"You didn’t bring your car?" Xena asked, glancing around.

I smiled at her. "I did. But it’s far away. I’ll just order a cab to take you girls."

"Is everything okay? Is your car spoilt, perhaps?"

"Nope. I just do not want to stress you girls."

"It’s not a bother. I’d feel bad if you pay for our fare and have to spend extra because of us."

I pinched her nose gently and smiled. "Look at you getting concerned about my expenses. It’s not a bother. However, I’d feel great taking you both home myself. So, let’s go."

Thankfully, by the time we arrived at where my car was packed, I could barely see the goons anymore.

Most of them had dispersed.

The drive to their place was quiet, but not the uncomfortable kind. Xena sat in the passenger seat, glancing at me occasionally like she wasn’t sure if she should ask more questions or wait until I spoke first.

Skai hummed in the backseat, hugging her giant teddy bear without a single worry in the world.

I almost envied her little innocent self.

When we got home, I carried their groceries and the teddy inside. Xena unlocked the door, pushed it open, and Skai rushed in immediately, still hugging her new toy.

I stopped at the entrance, handing her the toy, but held the groceries in case she couldn’t carry them all.

"You can go in to drop that first, then come take this."

Xena seemed to contemplate what to do. Finally, she lifted her head to look at me. "Do you... want water?" she asked quietly.

I nodded. "I’d love that, please."

She held the door open a little wider. "Come in."

I stepped inside the house. It was warm, simple, and lived-in, nothing extravagant, but it felt comfortable—a place where people actually smiled, not the extravagant cold mansion I had grown up in.

Xena walked ahead toward the kitchen while I looked around the living room. Frames on the wall, Skai’s drawings taped beside them, a couch that had clearly survived a few jumps from a small child. It made something tighten unexpectedly in my chest.

"Uncle Xavier!" Skai called, suddenly appearing from behind me. "Do you want to see my room?"

Her eyes were hopeful and wide.

"Of course," I said, smiling.

She grabbed my hand excitedly and tugged me down the hallway to her room. Pink walls, stuffed animals everywhere, a small bed with a unicorn blanket. She proudly showed me her crayons, her books, and her little vanity mirror with stickers all over it.

"This is beautiful," I said.

"I know," she answered confidently, making me laugh. Then she added something that shocked me. "I want to be a hacker disguised as an artist when I grow up."

"Oh... is that so?"

She nodded eagerly, then leaned forward and beckoned to me to move to her level. "Don’t tell Momma," she whispered immediately I did.

There was a clatter in the kitchen. I excused myself gently and headed back toward the sound.

Xena was there, sleeves rolled up, rinsing rice in a bowl. The soft kitchen lights fell over her face, highlighting the curve of her cheek. She had her hair pulled up, exposing her neck. She looked peaceful for once.

I leaned against the doorframe, watching her for a moment. Then I stepped inside silently and lightly touched her waist. She jolted, gasped, then laughed when she realised it was me.

"Xavier! You scared me."

"Couldn’t resist," I said, amused.

Skai giggled from the hallway. "Mummy, Uncle tickled you!"

Xena shook her head, still smiling. "I’m just making something small for dinner."

"What? Let me guess," I said as I peered into the pot. "You’re making Nigerian jollof rice. But you’re rushing the onions. Let them caramelize a little or the flavour won’t be strong enough."

She stared at me like I had grown another head. "How do you even know that?"

"I can cook," I said, shrugging. "Better than most chefs, actually."

She narrowed her eyes in disbelief. "You? I can understand baking but... Cooking?"

"And why is the other so hard? I’m an excellent chef and you know it."

"Well, if you put it like that..."

"Are you doubting me?"

"Yes."

I grinned. "Fine. I’ll join you."

"You will?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Or I’ll cook the whole meal myself. Your choice."

"And what about getting home?"

"I’m in no hurry. Besides, I have better things to do at home for now."

"I see." Her face flushed slightly before she turned toward a drawer. "Stay right there. I’m getting an apron."

She came back with a spare one, light blue, with small flowers on it. I almost laughed at the sight.

"You want me to wear that?"

"Yes," she said, handing it to me. "If you’re going to help, you’re going to do it properly."

I took off my jacket and cap, slipped it on, tied the strings behind me, and she watched with a faint smile like she couldn’t believe her eyes.

We cooked together easily, moving around each other quietly. I chopped onions while she stirred. I added seasoning while she washed the tomatoes and pepper for blending. It was surprisingly natural, like we’d done this before.

After about twenty minutes, Xena stood on her toes to reach the top shelf for curry. She stretched, fingers just brushing the container but not quite reaching it.

I stepped behind her without thinking, slid my hand beside hers, and took the spice down effortlessly. Our hands brushed slowly.

She turned slightly, her breath catching as my chest brushed her back.

I set the spice jar on the counter, then, without giving myself time to rethink it, I wrapped an arm around her waist. Her whole body tensed for a moment, then slowly softened. I leaned closer, my breath brushing her neck.

"Xena," I murmured.

She swallowed visibly. "Y-yes?"

The scent of her vanilla shampoo filled my head. My hand stayed on her waist, thumb stroking absentmindedly, and it took everything in me not to pull her even closer.

"I like this," I said quietly. "Being here with you."

Xena’s breathing grew uneven. Her fingers curled slightly at the counter, as if she didn’t know what to do with her hands.

Then I glanced at the corner of the doorway.

Skai peeked from behind it, grinning mischievously before tiptoeing away as she had just witnessed a top-secret romance scene.

Xena followed my line of sight and groaned. "Oh no. She’s definitely going to say something."

I chuckled, whispering near her ear, "Let her. She’s not wrong."

She turned her face slightly, and we were suddenly too close, breaths mixing in the warm kitchen air. Her lips parted the smallest bit.

"Xavier..." she whispered.

"Shhh..." I hushed her, placing a finger on her lips.