His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 630 A blessed curse

Jay leaned against the wall, trying to look casual. "So. Thoughts?"

Jace’s eyes were dark. "On what?"

"On the new look. The hair. The suit. All of it." Jay gestured at himself. "Worth the anxiety?"

Jace stepped closer. His hand came up, fingers brushing the dark hair at Jay’s temple, light and slow.

"You look like a Moretti now," he said softly. Jay always looked different because of his pink hair, but now he looked like Leo, Alessandro, and his uncle.

Jay’s breath caught. "Is that a good thing?"

Jace’s fingers traced down to the back of Jay’s neck, curling into the short strands there.

"You always looked like a Moretti," Jace murmured. "You just hid it."

"Maybe I wanted to be seen differently."

Jace’s eyes searched his face. "Who do you want to see you?"

Jay smiled slowly. "You know who."

Jace’s grip tightened slightly. His eyes dropped to Jay’s lips, then back up.

"Don’t let anyone else touch you tonight," he said quietly.

Jay’s heart hammered. "Jealous?"

"Yes."

The honesty in his voice made Jay’s stomach flip. He reached up and covered Jace’s hand with his own.

"I’m not going anywhere," Jay said softly.

Jace’s eyes darkened. His hand moved to the back of Jay’s neck, fingers curling into the short dark hair, and pulled him closer.

Their lips met hungrily, desperately. Months of stolen glances and hidden touches poured into one kiss. Jace’s mouth was hot against his, his grip firm, and Jay melted into him, hands fisting in the front of Jace’s shirt.

When they finally pulled back, both breathing hard, Jay licked his lips. A slow grin spread across his face.

"I wonder what Nonna’s reaction will be when I tell her," he said, still breathless. "She’s been waiting for grandchildren, you know. And I’m going to show up and say, sorry Nonna, no daughter-in-law. I found someone better."

Jace’s eyes widened. Then he laughed, a real laugh, loud and surprised, the kind Jay rarely got to hear.

Jay grinned wider. "She’s going to chase me around the kitchen with her wooden spoon."

"She’ll chase you and then she’ll feed you," Jace said, still laughing. "You know she will."

"She’ll feed both of us. And then she’ll ask how I’m going to give her great-grandchildren now."

Jace laughed at this. "Let’s survive this dinner first."

Jay’s grin turned mischievous. "Imagine how Leo’s going to react. He married a hacker. And now his brother is dating one too." He paused, pretending to think. "What is it with the Moretti men and hackers?"

Jace shook his head, still smiling. "A family curse."

"A blessed curse," Jay corrected. "Best thing that ever happened to me."

Jace’s expression shifted, something tender breaking through the usual guardedness. His hand came up to cup Jay’s face, thumb brushing his cheekbone.

"Me too," he said quietly.

Jay leaned into the touch, his heart full to bursting.

They stayed like that for a moment longer, hidden in the quiet corridor, the noise of the party muffled behind the door. Then Jace pulled back, smoothing down Jay’s collar, fixing his hair.

"We should go back before they send a search party."

"One more minute."

"Jay."

"Thirty seconds."

Jace sighed and helplessly stayed with him.

They walked back toward the banquet hall together, not touching, but close enough that their shoulders almost brushed. Jay’s lips were still tingling, his heart still racing.

He caught Bella’s eye across the room and gave her a small, secret smile.

She raised her eyebrow but said nothing.

After dinner, the banquet hall transformed. Tables were pushed back, lights dimmed, music pumped through the speakers. The formal celebration melted into something looser.

Bella leaned close to Leo, her lips brushing his ear. "I’m going to the washroom."

He nodded, his hand squeezing hers once before letting go.

She slipped away from the table, weaving through clusters of laughing guests. As she passed the makeshift dance floor, she stopped for a moment, watching.

Jeffrey was in the center, arms flailing, legs moving in ways that defied any known dance style. His tie was loose, his jacket discarded somewhere, and he was grinning like a man who had absolutely no idea how ridiculous he looked.

Bella pressed a hand to her mouth, laughing. "Oh my god."

Someone bumped into her, apologized, kept dancing, and she shook her head, still smiling, and continued toward the washroom.

The bathroom was quiet, a relief from the chaos outside. Bella stood before the mirror, studying her reflection. Her hair was still in place, her lipstick still perfect. She touched up the corners, checked her earrings, washed her hands slowly, enjoying the calm.

Then she took a breath and headed back.

The hallway leading to the banquet hall was empty, the music growing louder as she approached. She rounded the corner and stopped.

A girl stood close to Leo. Too close. Short red dress, heels high enough to be dangerous, her body angled toward him like she had every right to be there.

Leo was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, expression carved from stone.

"I know you’re married," the girl was saying, her voice carrying, confident. "I’m just asking for one dance. It’s not a crime."

Leo didn’t move. Didn’t blink. "Get lost."

The girl’s confidence faltered, but she pushed on. "Look, I know men like you. All serious, all business. But it’s just a dare from my bestie. Don’t be rude about it."

Bella’s eyes narrowed.

She strode forward, heels clicking against the marble, her dress swaying with each step. Her red lips were set in a smile, sweet, pleasant, utterly lethal.

The girl glanced up and froze.

Bella slid up beside Leo, her hand finding his. She lifted it deliberately, fingers tracing the gold band on his ring finger, her touch light, almost absent-minded.

"I think it’s visible he’s married," Bella said, her voice warm, pleasant. She looked at the girl, smile widening. "And his status as a married man is something everyone knows."

The girl’s mouth opened. Closed.

Bella tilted her head, still smiling. "And even if it was a dare—" she leaned slightly into Leo, her fingers still playing with his ring, "—please target single men. Not taken ones. There are plenty of those around."

She tugged Leo’s hand gently. He stood immediately, his arm sliding around her waist, pulling her close.

Bella placed her hand on his shoulder, her other hand finding his. Her red lips curved up at the girl. "Have a good night."

She led him onto the dance floor.

The girl stood frozen for a moment, then retreated, face burning.