Chapter 79

GIULIA

Shit!

How could I have forgotten the two peeping toms by the door? With my eyes wide in shock, I swivelled around to look towards the door, exhaling when I noticed there was no one there. They might have realized we needed some time alone.

"What's wrong?" Mark turned, frowning as his gaze returned to my face.

"Oh. It's nothing." I closed the distance between us and wrapped my hands around his waist, inhaling the sweet scent of… Well, food. He smelt like curry and spice.

"Can you give me a moment? I need to whisk something for you," he said, placing a kiss on the top of my hair.

"No, I want to hug you." I pouted, peering up at him. "There's no telling when I will see you again since you like disappearing on me." I stubbornly hugged him tight, knowing this might be the last time.

Mark had always been a hard nut to crack. There was no telling what goes on in that head of his. It took a lot of scheming to get him. Letting go wasn't an option.

"I'm not going anywhere," he murmured. "Not even if you want me to," he added, smiling as he placed another kiss on my forehead. "You are stuck with me, Lia. Forever."

My cheeks were as red as a ripe tomato when I left the kitchen. Hearing him tell me words I needed to hear made me gooey inside.

"So?" Mary lifted her brows, grinning mischievously. "Spill girl!" She barely contained her happiness as she sat up on the couch, eyes sparkling. Had June not been by her side, she would have tackled me to the ground, so I could spill everything out.

"We are good," I whispered, feeling silly at my reaction.

"So? Tell them more, girl. How good was he? I need something!"

"Mary!" June called out in a warning tone, but her daughter turned a deaf ear to that.

"Tell me, tell me!"

"He said this is forever." I twirled a strand of my hair around my left pinky as I peered down at my feet to hide the redness of my cheeks. I knew the flush had gone down to my neck.

"Gurl!!!!" I was almost tackled to the ground by the excited lady. Had I not reacted on time, we would have both crashed to the ground. "This is news!" She broke from the hug and took my hand in hers. "What happened after he found out you were the one in the kitchen? Mum didn't let me stay to see it all," she grumbled, glowering at June, whose scowl was enough to send the devil running for his money.

Sighing, I leaned on the couch and told her everything. And by everything, I mentioned the kiss. She was awed where necessary, urging me to tell her more. It wasn't until I noticed June glaring that I decided to leave the story for when we were alone.

"What next?" Mary pressed, eyes sparkling. "What did he do? Did you…" She wriggled her brows suggestively, biting her lower lip to drive the question home in case I missed it.

"Mary!"

"What?" She frowned at me. "It's not as if you haven't done it before. We all know. It's just-" She screamed when June kicked her. "Mum! What did you do that for??!"

"Learn to keep your damned mouth shut!" June gritted out, barely keeping her anger in check. With the way her eyes narrowed at her daughter, you would think they had a feud going on.

"Why? It's not as if you haven't done the deed with dad-"

"Lunch is ready!" Mark yelled out, coming to the rescue.

"Let's go!" I rose to my feet and took Mary's hand. "It's time for lunch."

Without sparring a glance at June, I hurriedly tugged the rebellious Mary towards the dining, before her mum could react.

"What were you seeking to do?" I whisper-yelled at her when we were out of earshot. "Were you trying to get killed??!"

"What? It's not as if she hasn't done the deeds with Dad," she defended, glaring at me. "They had me, remember? If they didn't-"

"Shh!" I covered her mouth before she could say more. "Not everything is meant to be said!" I hissed.

Frowning, she removed my palm from her mouth. "Why? It's not like I stated anything bad."

I watched her with a puzzled frown as she walked into the dining and plopped down on her favourite seat. Shaking my head at her childish rants, I stepped over to her and sat on the chair next to hers, just as Mark strode in with another bowl of food.

"One more coming up," he announced, his gaze coming to rest on my face. His lips tilted up in a smile when he realized I was watching him. He winked before he left to get the last bowl.

Sighing, I placed both hands under my jaw and leaned on the table, staring at the door to the kitchen. Everything felt unreal. A month ago, I thought I would never be with Mark again. I figured I would live my life without him. However, fate had other plans.

Even though I lost, I still gained him back.

"Here it is," he announced as he set down the last pot, smiling as he sat opposite me.

"This smells heavenly," I moaned, sniffing the air. Mark was good. I would give him credit for that. The aroma wafting from the pots was enough to make me salivate.

"Thanks." He winked at me, grinning when I shot a smile at him.

"Something smells good!" June gushed as she stepped into the dining. "You are getting pretty good, Mark," she commended, walking over to him.

"I'm always good with my hands." He grinned at her, rising to help her sit. "I made Lia's favourite. I hope you don't mind the spice?"

"Of course, not. We are slowly getting used to this." June chuckled as she added, "I might have to employ you as a permanent chef. Mary thinks your meals are exceptional."

"Mary did?" Mark gasped, looking towards the scowling lady. "Does that mean I'm forgiven???"

"As if," Mary grumbled under her breath, glaring at Mark. "Don't think I will forgive you easily because of this." She gestured to the food on the table. "You are yet to give me a reason to trust you," she deadpanned, scowling.