Just then, Mr. Hills walked into the kitchen, looking bewildered.
"Son, what in the world... What happened."
Eric, standing off to the side, tried to hide a grin, but the corners of his mouth were twitching.
"Well, this is... awkward."
"Stay out of this," Mr. Hills told Eric with a coldness that surprised even Beauty.
"I'll be in the living room," Eric said awkwardly and walked away from the kitchen.
As Beauty and Mr. Hills stood there, assessing the damage with their eyes.
Bruno stood awkwardly, still holding the blackened tray with the burnt wings. He looked as if he might collapse from the embarrassment.
But to his surprise, Mr. Hills, with a soft chuckle, clapped him on the back, making Bruno's heart jump slightly.
"Okay, so it's not a total disaster," he said, his voice light with a touch of humor, trying to ease the tension. "You've got some good ones left here."
He grabbed a few of the less-burnt wings off the tray.
"These will do just fine. Don't worry about it, son. You tried, and I gotta respect that. It's not every day I get to watch a billionaire cook for the first time."
He paused and scanned the scene.
"Besides, not all of them are burnt. You've got some that are perfectly fine."
Beauty smiled at her father's encouraging words and grabbed a couple of wings that weren't entirely charred.
"See? Not all of them are ruined!" She smiled reassuringly at Bruno. "Dad's right. You did great, babe."
Bruno, who had been nervously staring at the charred remains, sighed in relief.
"Well, I guess, I didn't completely ruin everything. I appreciate your support."
Mr. Hills smiled and took a bite of one of the wings.
"These aren't half bad! Nice flavor. If you need a job as a chef, Bruno, you can come work with me any day."
Bruno's face flushed with embarrassment, but he managed a grin.
"I think I'll stick to the business side of things."
They all laughed.
______
Beauty's parents had gone to bed, and the house was quiet and peaceful.
Beauty and Bruno sat together on the couch in the living room, the dim glow of the television flickering across their faces.
The sound of Eric's faint snores filled the room, his slumber undisturbed on the couch opposite them.
They had chosen a romantic drama for the evening, then an unexpected erotic scene came on the screen.
Beauty's heart quickened.
She kept her gaze fixed on the TV, but her body suddenly stiffening under Bruno's sidelong glance.
He shifted closer, the warmth of his presence becoming intoxicating.
His hand moved slowly, slipping under her loose shirt dress.
She sucked in a sharp breath as his fingers brushed the lace of her thong, softly against her feminine folds.
"Bruno..."
Her voice was barely a whisper.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his lips brushing the curve of her ear.
"We can't do it here," she whispered hotly, her voice trembling.
Instead of pulling back, Bruno tilted her chin toward him. His eyes burned with intensity as they locked onto hers.
"Just one kiss," he promised.
Then, without waiting for her response, he claimed her lips.
The kiss started softly but quickly deepened, growing more passionate with each passing second.
His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer.
Beauty melted into him, their breaths mingling, hearts racing in sync.
His lips traveled from her mouth to her jawline, then to the sensitive spot just below her ear.
She gasped softly as he kissed down her neck, his hands exploring the curve of her back and sliding lower with his tongue.
Her body reacted instinctively, arching toward him.
"Wait..." she managed, her hands pressing gently against his chest.
Bruno froze, pulling back slightly to meet her eyes.
His breathing was heavy, his expression curious.
"I have to respect my parents... Please understand," she whispered, her eyes pleading.
He exhaled slowly, his jaw clenching as he fought the fire within him.
Bruno looked disappointed.
"Okay. I can wait until tomorrow. My birthday."
"It's tomorrow?"
Bruno nodded.
"Awww! I promise you, tomorrow," she said, her lips curving into a sultry smile. "On your birthday, and I'll make it unforgettable. We'll do anything you want-role-play, whatever you desire."
Her voice was low, teasing, as she leaned in and nibbled on his lower lip, leaving him with a tantalizing promise.
Bruno groaned softly, pulling her back into his arms for one last heated kiss.
His hands roamed on her curves briefly, igniting sparks of pleasure, but he forced himself to stop when she whispered again, "Tomorrow."
She slipped out of his embrace, leaving him breathless and aching with anticipation.
"The guest room is all set for you tonight," she said softly, brushing a final kiss on his cheek before walking quietly to her room.
Bruno leaned back on the couch, running a hand through his hair.
He watched her as her silhouette disappeared up the stairs, and sighed deeply.
Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.
________
Hours Later
He woke up on the couch, feeling hot, tight, and heavy around his crotch, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He realized he had fallen asleep there after the movie; he was supposed to be in the guest room.
He glanced at his phone. It was 1 a.m. Then his glance shifted to Eric, who was sprawled out on the opposite couch, snoring deeply.
Bruno picked up his phone and texted Beauty.
"Are you awake?"
Then he sighed deeply, his heart racing unbearably.
"I hope she replies," he muttered to himself.
Then his phone vibrated. She replied! Bruno's face lit up.
"Yeah, I can't sleep."
"Me too."
"Are you in the guest room? I want to spend the night with you... I'm wet."
The message sent tickling signals through his body.
"What about respecting your parents?"
"I'll get back to my room early. They'll probably think I slept there."
"I'll be right there."
Bruno ended the chat and slowly stood up from the couch.
He peeped at Eric, who seemed to be sleeping deeply.
Then, he left the living room, quietly.