"Why is she in the kitchen?" Gabriel frowned, closing the ledger in his hands before lifting his gaze to meet Albus’s.
"To prepare dinner," Albus replied with a slight smile. "My Lord, the young lady cooks exceptionally well. I believe you’ll enjoy tonight’s meal."
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the wooden surface. "I suppose she’s skilled at household chores too," he murmured, a faint smile playing at his lips.
"Absolutely," Albus affirmed. Then, after a brief pause, he asked, "My Lord, do you intend to marry Miss Amelie in the future? Since you are mates, it might be wise to do so soon."
Gabriel’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a more thoughtful expression. "Amelie needs time to adjust to this kind of life first," he said. "We’ll consider marriage when the time is right."
He was now curious to see how Amelie looked while cooking. "Keep this ledger safe," he instructed Albus before making his way toward the kitchen.
The rich aroma of freshly prepared food filled the kitchen, drifting into the living room and bringing a rare smile to Gabriel’s lips. Drawn by the enticing scent, he made his way toward the kitchen.
As soon as he stepped inside, the maids halted their tasks and immediately bowed in acknowledgment of his presence. Their sudden stillness caught Amelie’s attention, prompting her to turn around. Her gaze met Gabriel’s as he stood at the entrance, watching her with amusement.
"The dinner isn’t ready yet," Amelie said, wiping her hands on a cloth.
"I didn’t come for the food," Gabriel responded. "I came to see you."
Without breaking eye contact, he took slow steps toward her. Then, shifting his gaze momentarily, he issued a single command.
"Leave us."
The maids, well-accustomed to his orders, wasted no time in obeying. Within moments, the kitchen fell silent, leaving only Gabriel and Amelie alone there.
Amelie turned back to the counter, carefully spreading a smooth layer of cream over the cupcakes she had prepared, just in case Gabriel wanted something sweet after dinner.
"I was getting bored, so I thought I’d help the maids in the kitchen," she murmured, focusing on her task. But she could feel it. He was standing right beside her, far too close.
Gabriel leaned slightly, observing her work. "You seem to be quite skilled in the kitchen," he remarked.
She shook her head lightly. "Not really. It’s just a hobby," she admitted before glancing at him. "Would you like to try one?" Holding up a freshly decorated cupcake, her eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"It would be my pleasure," Gabriel said smoothly, then added, "Feed me."
Amelie hesitated for a second before lifting the cupcake toward him. Just as he lowered his face, the cream accidentally smudged onto his cheek, making her gasp.
"Oh, I’m so sorry!" she said hastily, reaching out to wipe it off with her fingers. But before she could clean her hand on the kitchen cloth, Gabriel caught her wrist.
She froze, confused by his sudden action. Then, to her utter shock, he brought her fingers to his lips and licked them clean.
Her breath hitched. Her fingers curled involuntarily as a shiver ran down her spine. "Wh-what are you doing?" she stammered, attempting to pull her hand away. But his grip remained firm.
Gabriel smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "That," he whispered, his lips barely brushing against her fingertips, "is what I call a perfect dessert."
Heat rushed to Amelie’s cheeks. Flustered, she quickly stepped back, placing the cupcake on a plate with trembling fingers.
Turning away, she briskly washed her hands, letting the cool water soothe her racing heart. With a deep breath, she shut off the tap, hoping her pulse would finally steady.
Gabriel watched her with amusement, but he remained silent, his eyes following her every movement.
"You should leave the kitchen. I’ll set the dinner table shortly," Amelie said, keeping her gaze fixed on the cutlery drawer as she pulled out the utensils.
"Allow me to help you," Gabriel offered, picking up two plates.
"No." Amelie met his gaze firmly. "You are the Alpha Prince. You aren’t allowed to do such chores," she reminded him as she walked past him with the plates in her hands.
Gabriel smirked but didn’t argue. Instead, he followed her. As she placed the plates on the dining table, she suddenly felt her heart stutter. Gabriel was right in front of her, standing much too close.
She instinctively lowered her head, intending to step back toward the kitchen, but before she could move, he trapped her between himself and the table, his arms bracketing her in.
"Don’t you want a reward?" Gabriel murmured, his breath fanning her cheek.
"For what?" Amelie asked, tilting her chin up defiantly, unwilling to show the nervousness tightening her chest.
"For preparing dinner for me," Gabriel said smoothly, his lips curling into a smirk.
Amelie huffed, narrowing her eyes. "Do you give rewards to the maids who cook for you daily?" she snapped.
Gabriel chuckled. "Well, you are special," he countered. "They all get paid for their work... a generous amount, I should say."
"So, you want to pay me too," Amelie’s voice softened.
"Not money, but something else," Gabriel replied.
"Then, I don’t need it. Money is more important to me," Amelie replied. She could sense his intentions.
"I’ll give you money too. You can keep the black card with you. It has unlimited spending. You can use it whenever you desire," Gabriel said.
Amelie looked at him with a shocking gaze and shook her head. "I didn’t mean that. Just pay me what you give to the maids," she murmured, lowering her head.
Gabriel lifted her chin and brought his lips closer to hers. "But you aren’t the maid in this house, kitten." That nickname sent a shiver down her spine.
"I don’t need a reward. You can keep it for later," Amelie said in a quick breath before pushing him away and running back to the kitchen.
Gabriel smiled to see her reaction and threaded his fingers in his hair before lowering it to his side. "Amelie, you are fun."