CHAPTER 106: WHERE PRETTY FACES PLOT

–Deanne–

It was supposed to be awkward. But Caine? He’s always goofy. Still clinging to me even after I took advantage of him. I only remember it in fragments. It happened because we were flirting and—he dared me. But the kiss? I’ve never kissed anyone before. And yet, we kissed.

He kept his hands off me, just like he promised. And I was the one who left the marks on him.

What I do remember clearly was the man he beat up—the one who smacked my ass with a squeeze. I froze. I’m used to being harassed, but I’ve never seen a man nearly kill the bastard right in front of me just to avenge me and protect me.

The undercover agents trailing us had to pull Caine off before he did something that would get him deported—or worse. But not before he snapped a photo of the man’s ID. I know that look on Caine’s face. He’s planning something.

"When are you going to ask me on a date?" Caine asked, bold as ever while I stared at him for a long moment.

"I don’t date, Caine."

"Then marry me. You should at least ask me to marry you, right?"

"Wow." I said it flatly, like it bored me. I glanced over at Laura and Damien, who were waving at us like fools. "Why should I buy you an engagement ring and kneel? You came crawling to me. I dragged you to my room, remember?"

I smiled as Laura approached and hugged me. I rubbed her lower back gently. Damn, this woman. Still gorgeous, even with her tummy starting to round out.

I turned to Chef Wally.

"Chef Wally, you’re finally here. We’re tired of Damon’s cooking."

"Oh?" he looked surprised. "Then it’ll be my pleasure." He gave a small bow.

"I can cook. I know how to cook," Caine mumbled.

I rolled my eyes. "We got the knife set you wanted." I walked toward Chef Wally, who flashed me that charming smile.

At the penthouse, Grandpa Reagan rushed to greet Laura, eyes scanning her from head to toe. He adored both his granddaughters, though you could tell he was unimpressed with the man Laura had chosen. He’d always been strict with Damien, especially during his visits to Laura’s place. I was often there, helping Livana with school projects. Damien only came to eat.

I knew there was bad blood between their families. I half-expected Grandpa Reagan to badmouth him, but not once did I hear a word. Damien remained his usual playful self, and Grandma Olivia actually liked him.

"Now, where’s the kitchen?" Chef Wally asked.

Livana laughed. "Chef Wally, you just arrived. Relax a bit. The house is full anyway—maybe Caine should move into Deanne’s room."

"Hell no." I rolled my eyes again.

"Hey, I don’t snore—FYI." Caine smirked. "Yeah, I’ll pack."

"No, that’s unnecessary," Chef Wally cut in.

"I’m kidding. We have more than enough rooms," Livana added, still laughing. Her husband was grinning like an idiot. They were teasing me. I glared at them. Damon ducked behind his wife.

Brats.

I walked Laura to her room. Of course, she had her own. Three guest rooms. Three master bedrooms. Plenty of space. Then I checked on Caine. He was already packing—with the closet wide open.

"Why the hell are you packing?" I hissed.

"Since you took advantage of me, it’s time you take responsibility." He pulled Chef Wally in before I could reply.

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes and went to the living room. I grabbed the remote, lowered the blinds, and waited.

They trickled in one by one, Caine included—with his bags.

"Alright, just a heads-up," I clapped once. "The American government is still watching us. Undercover agents are tailing us. So don’t do anything stupid—"

"Like you and Caine did?" Damon cut me off.

I glared at him. "That was self-defense."

"Yeah. Self-defense," Caine echoed.

"Still, I’m proud," Damon added, waving his hand for me to continue.

"As I was saying—we’re in America. They want something from us. We’re continuing with our trip, but stay alert. Just act normal. Be yourselves."

They went quiet. But they I ’be yourselves’ is understatement. If these people become their usual self, I know that they would do something stupid. Like killing or beating up someone like thugs.

"But ’be yourselves’ means to behave." I looked at Laura. "Clear?" I asked.

"Yup, totally," Laura nodded, then nudged Damien. "So... Vegas?"

"In three days," I confirmed.

"Are we going to party and hit a strip club?" Laura grinned. "You know, hunky guys dancing hip-hop?"

I smirked. "I think that’s a great idea."

"Grandpa!" Damien turned to Grandpa Reagan, who was conveniently deaf to Laura’s comment. "You can’t let her go there, right?"

"Hmm," Grandpa cleared his throat.

"Wait—are you going too?" Damien gasped as Grandpa casually sipped tea.

"Grandpa!" Damien dropped to his knees. "Please don’t let them go to a men’s strip club!"

"Babe, it’s not like I’m going to cheat on you. It’s just a bachelorette party," Laura said innocently. I looked at Livana.

"It must be nice to see, right?" Livana stirred the pot with a smile.

"It’s a good thing you can’t

see yet," Damon muttered. She just smirked.

"Let the girls have fun," Grandpa said. "Go to a strip club too—but keep your pants zipped."

"Should I go too?" Damon asked his wife.

"Sure." Livana said casually. I expected her to answer that.

Damon looked visibly betrayed. Or maybe just hurt. The drama between those two? Always there. Livana—the most nonchalant wife alive—lets her husband get eaten alive by women, and still smiles about it.

"Well, strip club it is," I declared. "Chef Wally, you’ll enjoy this." I winked at him. He grinned and nodded.

"You too, Caine."

Caine sighed, shaking his head.

"Why? Wasn’t that your hobby back then? Going to strip clubs?"

"I’m already tainted by you," he muttered, then turned and walked away.

"Tainted?" Laura echoed with a mischievous grin. "Oh, there’s definitely something fishy between those two."

I rolled my eyes and left them to speculate.

When I stepped into my bedroom, there he was—casually tucking a few of his clothes into my closet.

"Stop. You’re not staying here."

He turned to me, and for a second, I almost stepped back. Almost. But I held my ground.

He walked up to me, reached out, and squeezed my cheeks with one hand—like I was some petulant child.

"I’ll sleep on the sofa," he said calmly. "Besides, I checked the other room. It wasn’t made up."

I narrowed my eyes at him. He sighed. His breath was warm and too close.

"I’m going to kiss you."

"I—"

But before I could finish, he pressed his lips to mine. And it wasn’t just a kiss—he sucked on my tongue like he owned it.

My eyes flew open.

But this... this felt familiar.

I did this to him once.

Now my body was betraying me.

Usually, if a man ever pulled something like this on me, they’d be knocked out cold before their lips even got near mine.

But this time?

I let my guard down.

And now, my body wanted to surrender.

–Livana–

I casually sat on the sofa in Deanne’s bedroom. Caine had just left, and Deanne quietly closed the door and locked it behind him. She looked a little flushed.

I must have missed something.

I was also curious—why did Caine move into this room when we clearly have another guest room available?

"I’m curious," I said with a grin as she picked up the tablet and handed it to me without a word.

I reviewed the footage showing how they were being attacked.

"I think Sophia’s enjoying the company of the boys," Deanne remarked.

"Yeah," I nodded. "She loves teasing them—especially Kai."

"Logan is nonchalant as always," Deanne sighed. "I like that guy. But he’s head over heels for Laura."

"Uh-huh." I nodded and handed the tablet back. "I called Jane over to attend to Laura. She’s with my Choco now."

Deanne casually pulled her knees up to her chest and let out a quiet yawn.

"Jane? Your nurse?"

"She’s more than just a nurse," I replied. "She’s a trained assassin. Served in the military and received an official rank."

"Oh, I see." Deanne stared at me for a long time. I stared right back.

"You really have beautiful eyes."

"Thank you."

"That’s why your cousin is so jealous of you," she said bluntly. "By the way, Tyrona just arrived in Los Angeles. We should be careful—she’s really heartbroken right now."

"Hmm. She fell for Alejandro?"

"Who knows? They’ve had that... thing for over a decade. She might still be obsessed with Damon, but she’s a threat to you. She’s good with poisons."

Deanne was right. Sophia may be my right hand, but Deanne—Deanne is my adviser. She handles PR and a dozen other things behind the scenes. She’s excellent at it. She learned it all from my mother.

I know how much she looked up to my mom, especially after my first crime.

Our first crime.

"So," I asked thoughtfully, "do you suggest killing her?"

Deanne smirked.

"Sis, we can’t kill everyone who hates you. If we kill her, the Dela Vegas will just avenge her. Then it’s revenge after revenge—like some endless ’Dynasty’ spin-off."

She’s right.