Chapter 67: Chapter Sixty-six

“Bella, I don't like that another man is in your house. What if I wasn’t here, huh?” Hunter’s deep voice filled the small kitchen as he followed her inside. His tone was calm, but there was something dangerous underneath it — pure alpha jealousy.

Mirabella didn’t even turn to look at him. She opened the fridge and grabbed a carton of eggs, setting them on the counter with a soft thud.

“If you weren’t here, all that drama wouldn’t have happened,” she replied simply, closing the fridge with her hip.

Hunter stood at the kitchen doorway, his arms folded across his chest, his dark eyes narrowed. The morning light from the window reflected against the hard lines of his face. “You know,” he said slowly, “I don’t like it that you’re not taking me seriously. I don’t like other men around my woman and my child.”

Mirabella froze for a second, then turned slightly, one eyebrow raised.

“I can agree to the fact that you have a child,” she said evenly, “but the woman you’re referring to can’t be me.”

Hunter’s lips curved into that familiar half-smirk that always made her chest tighten. He stepped fully into the kitchen now, closing the distance between them.

“You can’t deny this, Bella. Not after what happened in the room just now.”

Her cheeks flushed immediately. The memory of her rubbing her pussy against his thighs and the way his voice had whispered all those naughty words in her ear — flashed in her mind. But she quickly composed herself, pretending to be focused on the eggs in her hand. She reached for a bowl and a knife, trying to act normal; like she wasn't affected by his words.

Hunter didn’t move away. Instead, he stepped closer until his tall frame shadowed hers. He placed both hands on either side of the counter, caging her in completely. The heat of his body pressed against her back.

“Baby,” he murmured near her ear, his breath warm against her skin, “you know you can’t deny what we have forever. No matter how hard you try to hide it… your eyes give you away.”

Her belly did a little happy dance. Slowly, he turned her around so that she faced him. His dark, steady, unblinking eyes held hers captive. “Let me in,” he murmured, his voice low and rough, almost pleading.

Mirabella swallowed hard. The man had the sweetest voice and he knew exactly what to say, and when to say it. She hated that he knew the effect he had on her. She stared at his face for a long moment — the sharp jawline, the faint stubble, the confidence written all over him. There was no hint of doubt there. He looked like a man who already knew the outcome of every action.

But she wasn’t going to give in so easily and make it simple for him. Not this time. He had said she could make her choice, and she would hold him to that promise. Although she feels he might change his mind soon because he was someone who likes to take control and have things done his way. But she would enjoy the freedom while it lasts.

“I need to cook,” she finally said, breaking eye contact. “Can you give me a little space?”

Hunter’s smirk softened into a faint smile. “Take your time, babe. But we’ll revisit this later. We always will until you give me what I want.”

He bent his head and kissed her forehead gently before stepping back — though not far enough. He leaned against the counter beside her.

She sighed, half amused, half exasperated, and went back to cracking the eggs. He started helping — handing her the whisk, fetching oil, and opening cupboards like he’d lived there forever. Even though she hadn’t asked for help, he stayed.

It was strangely domestic, and that scared her so much. Before, it was Hunter who took her to the kitchen, placed her on the counter and made her something to eat while she just sat and watched him. But now, she was the one doing the cooking and him, helping her out. She might just get used to this life.

By the time the breakfast was ready — eggs, toast, a small fruit bowl and hot coffee — Hunter had made himself comfortable at the table.

“Rena is not up yet?” Daniel asked, stuffing food into his mouth.

“Nope,” Mirabella said as she placed more food on the table. “It’s Sunday. I usually let her sleep more on weekends.”

Hunter sat opposite Daniel, his face unreadable but his stare sharp. Daniel had lingered around after using the bathroom and he is now dining with them much to Hunter's disapproval. “So,” Hunter began slowly, “you’re friends with my woman?”

Mirabella paused for a split second. She shot him a glare, warning him silently, but he ignored her.

Daniel looked up, a frown on his face. “Me and Mirabella have been friends since our childhood days,” he said. “And she’s never mentioned you before.”

Hunter’s lips curved into that dangerous smirk again. “I bet she didn’t. She can only share things like that with those who are important to her. Don’t you think so?”

Daniel’s face flushed red instantly. He looked from Mirabella to Hunter and then back again.

“Don’t say what you don’t know man,” Daniel said sharply. “And don’t assume things about her.”

Hunter didn’t say anything. He leaned back in his chair, one arm resting lazily over the backrest, his dark gaze locked on Daniel. The tension in the room was very thick and uncomfortable.

Daniel turned to Mirabella, clearly confused and slightly angry. “I’m still trying to understand this, Mira. Is he forcing you to do anything?”

Mirabella’s head snapped up. “What? Why would you say that?” Her tone carried both surprise and annoyance.

Daniel shrugged helplessly. “He looks way older than you. Could it be that he’s trying to…”

“He is Rena’s father,” Mirabella interrupted sharply before Daniel could finish. “And no, he isn’t hurting or forcing me to do anything.”

Daniel blinked. The color drained from his face. He looked at Hunter, then back at Mirabella. The room went silent for a moment.

Hunter, however, looked amused. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, and gave Daniel a mocking smile. He seemed to be enjoying the man’s confusion — maybe even his fear. His smirk deepened, and Mirabella knew that look all too well. He was already thinking of something bad. Maybe picturing breaking Daniel’s legs. Or worse.

A small shiver went through her. She quickly shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. Daniel had no idea who he was sitting across from. She needed to warn him later, somehow.

Daniel cleared his throat. “You’ve never talked about him before,” he said quietly. “Does it mean he abandoned you both and now he’s back to… lay claims?”

Hunter’s eyes darkened. Mirabella opened her mouth to speak, but he was faster.

“I don’t think my family matters have anything to do with you,” Hunter said in a voice so cold that even the air seemed to still. His patience was running very thin. The man sitting opposite him had already crossed too many lines. Coming to his woman’s house uninvited was one thing. But sitting at her table and questioning him — that was another. Double even.

“It’d be good for you to stay out of it,” Hunter added, his tone sharp as a blade.

Daniel’s hands clenched into fists under the table. He was angry but also intimidated. Still, he looked from Hunter to Mirabella once more. “I know you haven’t let me in before,” he said to her, his voice softer now. “You’ve never shared anything personal with me. But as a friend, I’d still like to know. And I hope you’ll do me the honor of telling me what all this is about when you’re ready.”

He stood up, pushing his chair back slowly. “Thanks for letting me use your restroom. And thanks for the meal.” His eyes flicked to Hunter one last time, full of quiet anger, before he turned and walked toward the door.

The sound of the door closing echoed through the apartment like a release of pressure.

Mirabella sighed heavily. Her chest ached with guilt. Daniel didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. He’d been there for her through so much, helping when she struggled, being kind to her daughter, never expecting anything in return. And just a few days ago, he confessed his feelings to her. It's true that he deserves to know what was going on, if not for anything, at least for the friendship he'd offered her all these years.

Hunter sensed her inner conflict. His hand slid up the back of her neck, his fingers massaging the tense muscles there. “You should explain everything to him,” he said quietly.

She blinked, surprised. “I should? You just told him to mind his own business.”

Hunter’s lips brushed her ear as he spoke. “I did, baby. That’s why you should tell him everything. Tell him how I’m not going anywhere. Tell him how he has no chance with you.” His voice dropped lower, possessive now. “I saw how he was looking at you. He needs to be cleared on that.”

Mirabella rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. “I thought as much.”

Hunter chuckled softly. “You know me too well.”

They spent the next few minutes in silence, cleaning up the table and washing dishes together. He insisted on drying the plates while she rinsed them. Their hands brushed a few times, and every time it did, she could feel his eyes on her. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable — it was thick with something else. Something warm and tingly.

After they were done, Mirabella went to check on Rena. Her little girl was still curled under the blanket, sleeping soundly with her small hands clutching her teddy bear. Mirabella smiled tenderly, brushing a strand of hair from the child’s forehead.

By the time she bathed Rena and dressed her up in a cute pink outfit, the morning had turned bright. The house smelled faintly of coffee and eggs. She carried Rena out to the living room, where Hunter sat comfortably on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

“Morning, princess,” he said when he saw Rena. His whole face softened as the child ran toward him, smiling.

“Dada!” Rena squealed, climbing into his lap.

Hunter smiled proudly, kissing the top of Rena’s head. “That’s my girl. Did you sleep like a princess?”

“Yes dada. Rena is a princess," the little girl said in her tiny voice.

“Yes you are."

Just then, the doorbell rang again. Hunter’s eyes flicked to the door. He stood up slowly, setting Rena on the couch. “I’ll get it,” he said.

Mirabella frowned. “Hunter, maybe it’s just…”

“I’ll get it babe,” he repeated.