Page 39

Something smells .

And not in a delicious, home-cooked meal kind of way.

No, this is more like… burning disaster with a side of questionable life choices .

I frown as I unlock the door to Malakai’s apartment, the smell hitting me before I even step inside.

“What the?—”

Then I see him.

Standing in the middle of the kitchen, holding a pan with something charred beyond recognition, his expression a mix of frustration and defeat.

The stove is still on. There’s a mess of ingredients scattered everywhere—some spilled, some completely untouched, like he gave up halfway through.

And the best part ?

There’s actual smoke coming from the oven.

I cover my mouth with my hand, trying to suppress the giggle threatening to escape.

Malakai turns toward me, his jaw tight, his eyes daring me to say one word .

“I swear to God , ?—”

I lose it .

The laughter bursts out of me before I can stop it, my stomach hurting as I double over.

“Oh my God ,” I wheeze, wiping tears from my eyes. “What happened ?!”

He glares. “I was trying to cook for you.”

I gasp dramatically, stepping forward. “ You ? Cook? Oh, this I have to hear.”

He scowls, running a hand through his hair. “I thought I could figure it out. But apparently, I fucking suck at this.”

I peer over his shoulder at the crime scene that used to be his kitchen. “I mean… yeah. But hey, A for effort.”

He groans, tossing the pan into the sink. “I wanted tonight to be special.”

Something warm blooms in my chest.

Because underneath all the chaos, this is… sweet .

I step closer, looping my arms around his neck. “It is special.”

He raises a brow. “You’re laughing at me.”

I grin . “Because I love you.”

His expression softens. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” I kiss him, lingering, pouring everything I feel into it. “It’s the thought that counts.”

He smirks against my lips. “Good. ‘Cause I’m never fucking doing this again.”

I laugh, pulling him down for another kiss.

Because burned dinner or not?—

This is perfect .