A DEAL FOR A LIFETIME

chapter 26

                      BETHEL

I and Rico were both getting weird looks from different angles in the dining room. All the family members were present apart from the children, who were having a sleepover at one of Katherine's friend's houses. I ate awkwardly, feeling the weight of their stares, especially from Rico's dad, who had been smiling at me since we sat down. The only person not giving us any strange looks was Rico's grandfather, who seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts.

Under the table, Rico's hand found my thigh, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I glanced at him, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked softly. I nodded, trying to ignore the heat rising in my cheeks.

After dinner, Rico's dad approached me with a knowing smile. "I'm expecting the news," he said cryptically, leaving me puzzled and a bit anxious. What news? I wondered, but he walked away before I could ask.

Once we were back in our room, Rico voiced what I had been thinking. "Was I the only one who noticed everyone giving us those awkward looks?" he asked, flopping onto the bed.

"Definitely not only you," I replied, sitting on the edge of the bed beside him. "Your mom told me something today, and I wasn't expecting it."

Rico looked at me curiously. "What did she say?"

"First, your mom mentioned that we were pretty loud yesterday. I thought the room was soundproof," I said, feeling my cheeks heat up again.

Rico cursed softly. "Shit! Why, Mom? This was my room years ago, so I didn't think of soundproofing it because I wasn't bringing any lady in."

"And your dad said he was expecting the news," I added. Rico groaned loudly, rubbing his face with his hands.

"He still thinks of grandchildren," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "Maybe anytime we want to have sex, we'll go to our house."

"Our house?" I asked, surprised.

"Yes, ours," he confirmed, walking over and wrapping his arms around my waist. "Anything that's mine is yours now, Bethel. You can take all my houses, cars, gold, diamonds, money—I don't mind," he said, pecking my lips gently.

"You don't really have to do that," I said, looking into his eyes.

"I don't mind," he repeated with a smile.

"Thanks," I whispered before giving him a long, passionate kiss. I could feel the sincerity in his words and it made my heart swell with emotion.

"I have a surprise for you," he said, breaking the kiss.

"What surprise?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"It's a surprise, remember?" he teased, leading me out of the room.

"Close your eyes," he instructed, and I complied. He guided me carefully, making sure I didn't trip over anything.

"You can open your eyes now," he said. I opened my eyes to see a stunning white Bugatti Centodieci parked in front of me, just like Rico's own.

"Rico?" I called, still in shock.

"Hm?" he answered, smiling.

"Why are you showing me your car?" I asked, confused.

He chuckled. "No, it's not mine. It's yours, darling. I got it just for you."

"My car?" I repeated, tears welling up in my eyes.

"Yes, it's yours, babe," he confirmed. I couldn't contain my excitement. I jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly.

"Here is the key," he said, handing me the key. I took it eagerly, running over to the car. I climbed inside and turned it on, the engine purring beneath me. The interior was luxurious, every detail meticulously crafted.