Chapter 171

Nico still held her close, refusing to put her down.

Red’s arms were looped around his neck, her face buried against him, when the words slipped out softly.

“I love you so much…” she whispered.

He chuckled, his breath warm against her ear. “I love you more.”

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her lips trembling with a shy smile. “No… I love love you so much.”

Nico’s grin widened, and he kissed her nose before murmuring, “Then we’re both hopeless.”

They both laughed softly, the sound melting into a tender kiss.

For a moment, they were lost—just the two of them.....

And then—

“Ahem.”

Both froze. At the door, Mrs. Bellamy stood with her hands on her hips, one brow arched high. Her expression was equal parts amused and smug.

Nico stiffened the moment he heard his mother’s voice. Red’s face was already buried in his chest, her ears burning.

In his panic, Nico loosened his grip a little too quickly—

“Whoa—!” Red squealed as he almost dropped her, her feet stumbling to the ground.

“Ow, Nico!” she glared, swatting his arm while trying not to laugh.

He rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. “Mom… I didn’t know you were—uh… standing there.”

Mrs. Bellamy only folded her arms, smiling knowingly. “Relax. I just came to check up on you both.”

Red’s cheeks were still pink as she straightened her dress, but Mrs. Bellamy’s gaze softened when it landed on her.

Then, with a sly twinkle in her eye, she added, “You know, Nico… your father was never this romantic.”

Nico groaned, covering his face with one hand. “Mom, please—don’t compare me to Dad right now.”

Red burst into laughter, clutching her stomach, while Mrs. Bellamy chuckled to herself, clearly enjoying every second of his embarrassment.

Mrs. Bellamy’s smile lingered as she shook her head. “I’ll catch you both later. Don’t worry, I won’t disturb your… little moment any longer.”

She gave Red a knowing wink and walked off, leaving Nico frozen in place, ears red.

The second the hallway fell quiet again, he turned slowly toward Red. His grin was mischievous now, all traces of embarrassment melting into that dangerous charm.

“Sooo…” he drawled, stepping closer until she had to tilt her chin up at him. “Shower? Or…” he let the word hang, his brow arched suggestively, “…do we pick up where we left off?”

Red’s eyes widened, heat rushing to her cheeks. “Nico!” she hissed, smacking his chest lightly.

He caught her wrist before she could pull away, leaning down to whisper hotly against her ear.

“What? Don’t act like you don’t want both.”

Nico didn’t even wait for her answer. He swept her off her feet again—this time more carefully—and carried her straight toward the bathroom.

“Nico!” Red gasped, half laughing, half protesting, as he kicked the door open with his foot. “Put me down!”

“Nope,” he grinned, setting her on the counter by the sink instead. He reached over and turned on the shower, steam beginning to fill the room. “You said you love me so much… prove it.”

Red’s cheeks flamed. “That’s not what I meant!”

“Too late.” His shirt was already halfway off, muscles flexing as he tossed it aside. He leaned closer, eyes dark but playful. “Don’t worry, I’ll scrub your back… everywhere.”

She covered her face with her hands, giggling, but he gently tugged them down, kissing her knuckles one by one. Then, before she could say anything else, Nico scooped her up again and stepped into the warm spray with her in his arms.

Red squealed as the water soaked them both instantly. “You’re crazy!”

He laughed, pressing his forehead against hers, water dripping down his lashes. “Crazy about you.”

Her laughter melted into a sigh when his lips found hers again—hot against the cool rush of water.

Steam still clung faintly to the air when Nico walked her over to the wardrobe, a towel lazily draped around his waist.

He opened the doors with a flourish and ran his fingers across the row of dresses until he stopped on one—a soft, elegant piece in her favorite color.

He pulled it out, turning to her with a little half-smile. “This one. You’ll look perfect in it.”

Red raised a brow, amused. “You’re picking my clothes now?”

“Not picking,” he corrected smoothly, brushing her hair back from her shoulder as he held the dress up against her. “Just… taking care of what’s mine.”

Her heart skipped at the quiet seriousness in his voice.

She let him guide the dress over her frame, and his hands were unexpectedly careful as he tugged the zipper up the back, his knuckles grazing her skin.

“There,” he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her bare shoulder. “Perfect.”

She turned with a small smile and picked up his shirt, slipping it over his arms and helping him with the buttons. Her fingers fumbled a little, and she laughed softly. “Still struggling with this after all these years?”

He looked down at her, his grin softening into something deeper. “I really missed this… these little moments.”

Her hands stilled on his chest, her eyes lifting to his. “Me too.”

Nico covered her hands with his own, threading their fingers together before leaning in to whisper:

“No more missing out. Not again.”

Just as Nico slipped the last button into place, his phone buzzed on the dresser. He sighed, brushing a kiss to Red’s forehead.

“Always something,” he muttered, picking it up. “Bellamy.”

Red leaned casually against the vanity, watching him as she adjusted her dress. But when she noticed the subtle shift in his posture—his shoulders tightening, jaw set—her smile faded.

On the other end, the detective’s voice was steady.

“Mr. Bellamy, we’ve gathered some fragments of information concerning Doctor Smith’s identity. Nothing concrete yet, but enough to suggest she’s not who she claims to be.”

Nico’s brows furrowed. “Go on.”

“Later today, we’ll likely need to talk to the boy… Noah, I believe. You mentioned before he reacted strongly to her presence. His testimony could be crucial.”

Red froze mid-step, her hand tightening on the edge of the vanity. Her eyes shot to Nico’s, searching his face, needing to know if she heard that right.

Nico glanced at her, reading the worry in her expression. He gave the faintest shake of his head—silent reassurance—before answering.

“Understood. Handle it discreetly. I’ll prepare him.”

The detective agreed and ended the call.

Nico lowered the phone slowly, his gaze lingering on Red. She was pale, biting her lip, her hands twisting together.