Chapter 126 Buy Me a Drink
But Cecilia didn't bother lifting her hair, just flashed a smile. "Sir, your pick-up lines are a bit old school." She leaned in closer to Jagger, her breath warm and sweet. "How about you buy me a drink, and I'll think about it?"
A mix of perfume and booze hit Jagger's nose, and he took a small step back, frowning even more. "Cut the crap. Lift your hair!"
"So harsh, not charming at all," Cecilia pouted but did as he asked, tucking her hair behind her ear to show off a black butterfly tattoo on her neck.
"Here to check the tattoo, right? Take a good look," Cecilia said with a sly glint in her eyes.
Jagger examined it closely, realizing it wasn't the one they were after. "Sorry to bother you," he said.
"Leaving already?" Cecilia tugged at his shirt, her tone teasing. "Not staying for a chat? Maybe I could give you some clues."
"Clues? You should stay away from that stuff," Jagger said coldly. "Bars are full of all sorts of people. They're not good places. Get a decent job and keep yourself out of trouble."
"A decent job?" Cecilia laughed like he'd told the funniest joke. "Are you worried about me?"
"Just giving you some advice," Jagger said, turning to leave.
"Advice? I don't need it," Cecilia shouted after him. "I hate it when people tell me what to do!"
Isabella, who had been waiting for Cecilia, saw the scene unfold. Her heart skipped a beat. That voice, that tall figure—it had to be Jagger!
"Jagger!" Isabella called out, jumping up and running to him, linking her arm with his. She smiled brightly at Cecilia. "This is my elder brother, Jagger Cooper."
Jagger's usually stern face showed a hint of surprise. He turned to Isabella, a bit awkward. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to thank Cecilia," Isabella said, blinking innocently. "Jagger, you scared her."
Cecilia watched them with interest, a playful smile on her lips. "Your brother? He looks decent, but it's a pity he's so cold." She leaned close to Isabella's ear and whispered, "If he were mute, I'd definitely like him." Isabella's face turned red instantly. Cecilia was too blunt!
She sneaked a glance at Jagger, whose face was now ashen, and quickly tried to smooth things over. "Cecilia, Jagger is just not good with words. He's actually very nice."
"Really?" Cecilia raised an eyebrow, placing a glass of orange juice and an iced Americano in front of Isabella. "Well. By the way, the drinks are on me. But I have something to do, so I gotta go."
With that, Cecilia picked up a bass guitar from the bar and left gracefully.
"Jagger, don't be mad. Cecilia didn't mean it," Isabella said softly, gently tugging at Jagger's sleeve.
Jagger watched Cecilia walk away. She was clearly teasing him, yet he couldn't bring himself to dislike her. Instead, he felt a strange excitement.
"You're too naive, easily deceived," Jagger turned to Isabella, ruffling her hair with a mix of affection and helplessness. "Bars aren't good places. Don't come here often."
"I know, Jagger. But next time, don't be so harsh," Isabella nodded obediently, though she couldn't help but think that Jagger's words were too hurtful. Cecilia had saved her, yet Jagger spoke of Cecilia like that.
Jagger looked at Isabella, feeling a wave of guilt. He realized his words had been too harsh. Cecilia had helped Isabella, and he should find a chance to thank her and apologize.
On his way home from work, he glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. His police uniform made him look even more stern and rigid. He shook his head, thinking he should change things up a bit. The next evening, Jagger swapped his uniform for casual clothes. A black T-shirt showed off his muscular build, and army green cargo pants added to his rugged look. He got a fresh haircut, the short layers revealing his forehead, making him look more refreshed.
He walked into the Timeless Bar with a beautifully wrapped gift box. The place was bustling, colorful lights flashing, and the deafening music made him uncomfortable.
"Jagger, what a rare guest!" Manuel recognized him immediately and approached with a smile. "What brings you here today? Investigating a case?"
"No," Jagger said, turning his head to avoid Manuel's scrutinizing gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'm looking for Cecilia."
Manuel leaned in with a gossipy look, lowering his voice. "What, interested in Cecilia?"
Ignoring his teasing, Jagger handed him the gift box. "Is she here today?"
"No, she won't be here for a few days," Manuel said, taking the box and placing it on the bar. "What's this?"
"A small apology gift. She helped my sister last time," Jagger said succinctly, then turned to leave.
Manuel wanted to say more, but Jagger had already walked out of the bar.
The next day, Jagger arrived at the police station early for his morning shift. Just as he put on his uniform, a colleague rushed in. "Jagger, can you help me out? My son's art class has an outdoor session, but it will finish early today. Can you pick him up?"
Jagger initially wanted to refuse, but seeing his colleague's anxious expression, he nodded in agreement.
Driving to the address his colleague provided, he found a quaintly decorated art studio, the air filled with the faint scent of paint.
Jagger walked in and immediately saw a woman in a white linen dress, her back to him, arranging easels.
The woman had a slender figure, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft halo around her, making her look gentle and elegant.
Jagger asked, "Excuse me, do you know..." Yet before he could finish his words, the woman turned around, and Jagger saw her face, then instantly paused. It was her!
The woman from the bar, dressed in black tight clothes, with heavy makeup, playing the bass with wild abandon—Cecilia!
Now, Cecilia's face was bare of makeup, with just a light layer of lipstick, revealing her natural lip color, which was surprisingly beautiful.
Gone was the boldness of heavy makeup, replaced by a fresh and refined aura.
"Jagger? What, not investigating today? Decided to take up painting?" Cecilia said with a playful smile, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.