Show off
"We need to go to the market today to buy things," Jackson said, fastening his wristwatch as Alisha and Alice emerged from their room.
Levi and Rish were already prepared to accompany him.
"What about us? Should we come too?" Alice asked, eager to avoid dwelling on his thoughts.
"It's not necessary. We three are going, and Maya went out with Elk as they need to buy things too, but we're heading in the opposite direction," Jackson explained.
Alice sighed. "Then what about our safety?"
He was still paranoid after the attack and his encounter with Aman. He didn't want to stay here alone with Alisha, feeling it wasn't safe.
"This place is inside the pack, so it's already secure. The pack's border is heavily guarded, making trespassing nearly impossible," Jackson reassured, understanding Alice's concerns.
"Okay," Alice replied, careful not to sound too eager or suspicious.
He felt like he was walking a tightrope that could snap with any sudden move. He had to ensure his actions and reactions didn't reveal too much.
"Don't worry. We'll be back in an hour or two, and this is the safest place possible. Try to relax and enjoy some alone time with Alisha," Jackson whispered, patting Alice's shoulder as he left.
"What do you want to eat? I can cook for you," Alisha offered.
"Let me cook today. You sit and wait," Alice smiled.
He'd been eating her cooking a lot lately and wanted to return the favour. Moreover, he needed to stay busy to avoid suffocating under the weight of his thoughts and stress.
"You know how to cook?" Alisha asked, surprised.
"I'm better than professional chefs. Let me cook first, then you can judge for yourself.”
Alisha raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, Chef Alice. I'll be your taste tester then."
Alice grinned, feeling a momentary lightness despite his inner turmoil. He headed to the kitchen, grateful for the distraction.
As he began to prepare the ingredients, Alisha perched on a stool at the kitchen counter, watching him with curious eyes.
"So, what's on the menu?" she asked.
"It's a surprise," Alice replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "But I promise you'll love it."
He moved around the kitchen with unexpected grace, his hands working deftly as he chopped vegetables and seasoned meats. Alisha watched in amazement, realising there was still so much she didn't know about him.
As the aroma of spices filled the air, Alice found himself relaxing. Cooking had always been a secret passion of his, a stark contrast to his usual world of violence and intrigue.
"Where did you learn to cook like this?" Alisha asked, inhaling deeply.
Alice paused for a moment, memories flickering across his face. "My mother taught me," he said softly.
He doesn't want to tell her how when they were poor and his mother had to work all day and night, she just tried helping her and that's how he learned to cook, those days always remain in his head.
No matter how rich he is now, he can never forget or never can forgive .
"Aunt Daisy taught you well. She's a good cook. I really like this idea - it's better to know how to cook regardless of gender. That's what Mother Mary always told me," Alisha smiled, feeling a pang of nostalgia.
She liked this place too, but there was no way she could love it more than the orphanage where she had spent 18 years of her life.
That place held memories she could never part with.
Alice nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Yeah, she always said knowing how to cook gives you independence. It's something you can rely on when everything else feels out of control."
He returned to his task, determined to create something special. Alisha watched him closely, feeling a warm sense, she never felt before, at least not from him.
As the food simmered on the stove, Alice glanced over at Alisha. "How about you? Any secret talents I should know about?"
Alisha laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Nothing as impressive as your cooking, I'm afraid. But I can sew pretty well. Mother Mary taught me that."
"That's a great skill to have," Alice said, genuinely impressed. "Maybe you can teach me sometime. We can trade skills."
"I'd like that," Alisha said, her smile widening.
The kitchen was soon filled with the rich, inviting smells of a home-cooked meal. Alice plated the food with care, presenting it to Alisha with a flourish. "Bon appétit."
Alisha took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise and delight. "Alice, this is amazing! You're right, you could be a professional chef."
Alice chuckled, feeling a rare moment of genuine happiness. "I'm glad you like it."
After they finished eating, Alice started to clean up. Alisha joined him, insisting on helping. “Let me help.”
"Thank you for the food," Alisha said softly, glancing up at him.
"Nothing to be thankful for. You’ve cooked for me quite a few times, so I thought I’d return the favor and show off a bit," he laughed.
Despite cooking holding bad memories for him, he still loved doing it, finding it a better escape than his mafia and office work.
Cooking was like therapy for him. The only person he had ever cooked for was his mom; now Alisha was the second, and he totally loved it.
"Do you want anything sweet?" he asked.
"No, I'm full," Alisha replied.
Alice nodded, smiling. "Alright then. Next time, I'll make sure to include dessert."
Alisha laughed. "I'll hold you to that."
As they settled in the living room, the atmosphere was much lighter.
"Tell me, what do you want to do? We have some time until everyone comes home," Alice asked.
"How about taking a walk?" Alisha suggested.
"I don't think so. I think staying inside is better," Alice denied firmly. He didn't want either of them to step outside the house grounds; he was adamant about keeping them safe. Despite Jackson's assurances, he wasn't willing to take any risks when it came to Alisha's safety.
"We could just go to the garden. It's still within the house grounds," Alisha pointed out.
She didn't understand why he was so scared, but it seemed like he was still thinking about the attack. She didn't want to push him, but he was making it tough for her.
“Still…"
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