"Why is she in the kitchen?" Gabriel frowned, closing the ledger in his hands before lifting his gaze to et Albus’s.
"To prepare dinner," Albus replied with a slight smile. "My Lord, the young lady cooks exceptionally well. I believe you’ll enjoy tonight’s al."
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the wooden surface. "I suppose she’s skilled at household chores too," he murmured, a faint smile playing at his lips.
"Absolutely," Albus affird. Then, after a brief pause, he asked, "My Lord, do you intend to marry Miss Alie in the future? Since you are mates, it might be wise to do so soon."
Gabriel’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. "Alie needs ti to adjust to this kind of life first," he said. "We’ll consider marriage when the ti is right."
He was now curious to see how Alie looked while cooking. "Keep this ledger safe," he instructed Albus before making his way toward the kitchen.
The rich aroma of freshly prepared food filled the kitchen, drifting into the living room and bringing a rare smile to Gabriel’s lips. Drawn by the enticing scent, he made his way toward the kitchen.
As soon as he stepped inside, the maids halted their tasks and imdiately bowed in acknowledgnt of his presence. Their sudden stillness caught Alie’s attention, prompting her to turn around. Her gaze t Gabriel’s as he stood at the entrance, watching her with amusent.
"The dinner isn’t ready yet," Alie said, wiping her hands on a cloth.
"I didn’t co for the food," Gabriel responded. "I ca to see you."
Without breaking eye contact, he took slow steps toward her. Then, shifting his gaze montarily, he issued a single command.
"Leave us."
The maids, well-accustod to his orders, wasted no ti in obeying. Within monts, the kitchen fell silent, leaving only Gabriel and Alie alone there.
Alie turned back to the counter, carefully spreading a smooth layer of cream over the cupcakes she had prepared, just in case Gabriel wanted sothing sweet after dinner.
"I was getting bored, so I thought I’d help the maids in the kitchen," she murmured, focusing on her task. But she could feel it. He was standing right beside her, far too close.
Gabriel leaned slightly, observing her work. "You seem to be quite skilled in the kitchen," he remarked.
She shook her head lightly. "Not really. It’s just a hobby," she admitted before glancing at him. "Would you like to try one?" Holding up a freshly decorated cupcake, her eyes glead with anticipation.
"It would be my pleasure," Gabriel said smoothly, then added, "Feed ."
Alie hesitated for a second before lifting the cupcake toward him. Just as he lowered his face, the cream accidentally smudged onto his cheek, making her gasp.
"Oh, I’m so sorry!" she said hastily, reaching out to wipe it off with her fingers. But before she could clean her hand on the kitchen cloth, Gabriel caught her wrist.
She froze, confused by his sudden action. Then, to her utter shock, he brought her fingers to his lips and licked them clean.
Her breath hitched. Her fingers curled involuntarily as a shiver ran down her spine. "Wh-what are you doing?" she stamred, attempting to pull her hand away. But his grip remained firm.
Gabriel smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "That," he whispered, his lips barely brushing against her fingertips, "is what I call a perfect dessert."
Heat rushed to Alie’s cheeks. Flustered, she quickly stepped back, placing the cupcake on a plate with trembling fingers.
Turning away, she briskly washed her hands, letting the cool water soothe her racing heart. With a deep breath, she shut off the tap, hoping her pulse would finally steady.
Gabriel watched her with amusent, but he remained silent, his eyes following her every movent.
"You should leave the kitchen. I’ll set the dinner table shortly," Alie said, keeping her gaze fixed on the cutlery drawer as she pulled out the utensils.
"Allow to help you," Gabriel offered, picking up two plates.
"No." Alie t his gaze firmly. "You are the Alpha Prince. You aren’t allowed to do such chores," she reminded him as she walked past him with the plates in her hands.
Gabriel smirked but didn’t argue. Instead, he followed her. As she placed the plates on the dining table, she suddenly felt her heart stutter. Gabriel was right in front of her, standing much too close.
She instinctively lowered her head, intending to step back toward the kitchen, but before she could move, he trapped her between himself and the table, his arms bracketing her in.
"Don’t you want a reward?" Gabriel murmured, his breath fanning her cheek.
"For what?" Alie asked, tilting her chin up defiantly, unwilling to show the nervousness tightening her chest.
"For preparing dinner for ," Gabriel said smoothly, his lips curling into a smirk.
Alie huffed, narrowing her eyes. "Do you give rewards to the maids who cook for you daily?" she snapped.
Gabriel chuckled. "Well, you are special," he countered. "They all get paid for their work... a generous amount, I should say."
"So, you want to pay too," Alie’s voice softened.
"Not money, but sothing else," Gabriel replied.
"Then, I don’t need it. Money is more important to ," Alie replied. She could sense his intentions.
"I’ll give you money too. You can keep the black card with you. It has unlimited spending. You can use it whenever you desire," Gabriel said.
Alie looked at him with a shocking gaze and shook her head. "I didn’t an that. Just pay what you give to the maids," she murmured, lowering her head.
Gabriel lifted her chin and brought his lips closer to hers. "But you aren’t the maid in this house, kitten." That nickna sent a shiver down her spine.
"I don’t need a reward. You can keep it for later," Alie said in a quick breath before pushing him away and running back to the kitchen.
Gabriel smiled to see her reaction and threaded his fingers in his hair before lowering it to his side. "Alie, you are fun."
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