His protector

Chapter 8- Mila

For the next couple of days we followed the same routine. During the night we fought and he was getting better.

Romeo didn't show up again to the mansion which made me worry but Kai said he'd done this before and always came back.

Kai and I were in the kitchen, while I tried to teach him how to bake cookies. The other night I baked a batch because I craved something sweet and I was also bored. Then Kai begged me to teach him how to make them because he'd never eaten something so good in my life his words not mine. So I caved in.

I stood at the counter with my sleeves rolled up, my hair loosely tied back. I glanced at Kai who was peering down ar the ingredients with a curious expression. He looked so cute when he concentrated on something.

"Okay, first rule of baking" I say handing him an apron. "Don't wear anything you're not okay getting messy. One time I was wearing an expensive suit because I was about to leave for am event and also had to bring a chocolate mousse and while I was doing I ruined the whole outfit with chocolate! Lesson learned." He chuckled as he pulled the apron over his head and tied it behind his back.

"Got it. So what's the plan? I've never made cookies from scratch before."

I grabbed a stick of softened butter and dropped it into a bowl. "Here, mix the sugar and butter together. Make sure it's smooth and fluffy." I say as I hand him a spoon. He began stirring, though his technique left a bit to desired.

"Like this?" He asked glancing at me.

"Sort of," I nodded, stepping closer to demonstrate. "Like this." I placed my hand over his and guided him I'm a circular motion to get the ingredients to blend together. As we mixed I could feel his eyes lingering on me, not paying attention to the composition.

"You're pretty good at this." He commented.

I gave him a sideling look " Baking or teaching?"

"Both." He said with a smirk.

I shook my head, though I was smiling. I pulled back and let him continue on his own. "Alright let's not get distracted. Add the eggs and vanilla."

As the cookie though, Kai sneakily took a bite to taste while I wasn't looking. "Not bad," he said, nodding.

I swatted his hand lightly. "Hey! Save for the actual cookies."

Dropping spoonfuls of dough into the tray, Kai said quietly. "You know. I didn't expect this to be so calming."

I nod. "Baking can be therapeutic." I slid the tray into the over and set the timer. "Now we wait."

I was wiping flour off my hands when Kai flicked a bit of flower in my direction but I dodged it just in time, laughing as I held up a wooden spoon as a weapon. "Watch it or I'm not helping with cleaning." I threaten. Kai raised his hands in surrender, chuckling.

"I'll behave. Pinky promise." He held out his pinky to me. I rolled my eyes but ended up hooking our fingers together.

We leaned against the counter as the faint smell of baking cookies already began filling the air. Kai glanced at me, a smile tugging at his lips. "So where'd you learn to cook?"

"From a friend from Russia,Rhys. I moved in with him when I was twenty one and he teached me how to bake."

"Was he your boyfriend?" Something passed through Kai's eyes that I couldn't discypher.

I laugh "No. God no. We met in highschool and we imeadialy became bestfriends. We used to get I'm fights a lot and we'd always end up in the principals office. When we both decided we wanted to have this career we moved together and each paid half the rent until we got on our feet and bought our own apartments." He helped me a lot growing up, I don't know what I would have done without him.

"Where is he now?" Kai asked.

"Russia, he's on a job right now." Right as Kai was about to say something else, Lonzo entered the kitchen making us both tense. His sharp gaze took in the both of us. We were covered in traced if flour and bowls of cookie dough scattered across the counter.

He crossed his arms, an eyebrow arching as he surveyed the situation. "What is this?" His voice edged. "Are we fucking running a daycare now?"

"We were just baking some cookies-" I begum but he cuts me off before I can finish.

"Should I fire the chef then? If you can cook why not change your job in this house?" I gritted my teeth.

"I was the one who wanted to bake. I asked Mila to help me. It's not her fault, father." Kai stepped in. Annoyance clear in his voice.

Lonzo shook his head, disappointed. "Well you're going to need to switch gears, there's an event tomorrow night, a gala downtown held by one of our associates. I expect you to be there in the name of our family. I have to fly to Italy to take care of something." Great. I hate galas. There full of fake people who want to get under your skin and it's a risky place to be in when people want to kill you.

"Italy? Has something happened to mom and Leo?" Kai asked, suddenly worried. Leo must be his brother. But why are they in Italy and not with the rest of the family?

Lonzo glanced at me and then back at his son. "We'll talk about it in my office later about this." He said and them turned on his feet and left.

When I'm sure Lonzo is out if earshot I turn to Kai who looked troubled. All the fun we had was thrown out the window. "Are you okay?" I asked. He gave me a tight smile and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just worried about my brother." He said, taking a seat.

"Why? Did something happen?"

"He was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer four years ago. His health is deteriorating and the doctor said we should prepare for his d-death. I'm afraid, Mila." Kai whispered the last words. I rub small circles on his back, trying to comfort him.

"It's going to be okay, Kai. Even if he'll go, then at least you'll know he won't be in pain anymore." He nodded and let out a shaky breath.

"He was supposed to take over the business, you know?" He chuckles "that's why dad hates me. Leo is the perfect son, responsible, everything you would ever want even though he's younger than me. While he was studying and prepare to be a don after our fathers death I was having fun in clubs without any stress in the world. When we found out about Leo's condition, my parents were devastated, dad didn't know what to do. He hired the best doctors and tried to make his surviving rate higher but in the end..."

"Your father's is wrong, Kai. Yes, what is happening to your brother is sad and heartbreaking and I'm really sorry about what's happening to him but your father shouldn't treat his other son like this. As you said your brother prepared to be a don. You didn't, but I'm sure you'll do great in the future, Kai. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." I give him a sad smile, while he leans into my frame.

"Thank you, Mila." He whispered against me.