Sleeping With My Step Daddy-Chapter 51: "The Dinner"

Kai and Miles stood outside, waiting for Bast and Ethan like usual. From a distance, a man was watching them closely. Kai noticed the figure but said nothing.

Miles (curious): "What happened?"

Kai (shaking his head): "Nothing."

Just then, a car stopped in front of them. Kai and Miles turned to look as Rico stepped out with his usual charming smile.

Miles (surprised): "Rico?"

Kai (raising an eyebrow): "Why did he suddenly come here?"

Rico walked up to them casually, hands in his pockets.

Rico: "Hey, Miles. Hey, Kai."

Miles smiled politely. "Hey, Rico."

Kai, on the other hand, stared at him silently.

Kai (directly): "Why did you come here, Rico?"

Rico (grinning): "We’re friends, aren’t we? I was free today, so I thought—why not dinner together?"

Kai (shaking his head): "Nope. We already have plans with Bast and Ethan."

Rico (pouting): "Then let me join you. I don’t want to eat alone tonight."

Kai (sternly): "You know Bast won’t allow that."

Rico (sighing dramatically): "Ever since the kidnapping, I’ve been so stressed. I need company."

Miles and Kai looked at him, confused.

Miles (shocked): "Kidnapping?"

Rico (putting on a pitiful face): "Yes. Bast kidnapped me! Look what he did to my beautiful face—he punched me. See this scar?"

Kai (frowning): "Bast didn’t do that."

Rico (leaning closer): "He did! He took me at gunpoint and accused me of trying to steal you from him. That old man is seriously jealous!"

Kai (scolding): "Rico."

Rico coughed, realizing he’d gone too far.

Rico: "I mean... he was just aggressive, okay? I’m so stressed. Look at my eyes!"

Kai (confused and concerned): "Why would Bast do something like that?"

Before Rico could reply, Bast and Ethan arrived. Bast’s eyes immediately landed on Rico, and his entire demeanor changed. His voice dropped to a dangerous tone.

Bast (coldly): "Why is Rico here again with Kai?"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Bast walked over to them.

Bast (dangerously): "What are you doing here, Rico?"

Rico (smirking): "Still the same jealous old geezer, I see."

Kai (stepping between them): "Bast, we need to talk."

Bast (not taking his eyes off Rico): "Later."

Kai (firmly): "Now."

Bast sighed and turned to Kai. "What happened?"

Kai (angrily): "Why did you kidnap Rico? How could you do something like that?"

Bast (defensive): "I was just worried. He’s trying to manipulate you again."

Meanwhile, Ethan and Miles stood nearby, watching the scene unfold.

Ethan (whispering): "Why is Rico even here?"

Miles (shaking his head): "I have no idea."

Rico (mocking): "I’m better for him than you, Mr. Sebastian Vaughn."

Kai (hurt): "Bast, you can’t do this to him. He’s just my friend. And if you’re worried about something, ask me directly—don’t go kidnapping people."

Rico smiled smugly, clearly enjoying the drama. Bast gave him a deadly glare before pulling Kai into a tight hug.

Bast (softly): "Okay, don’t be mad, baby. I won’t do it again."

Kai blushed. "Alright... now let’s go."

Bast: "Okay."

Kai (looking back): "Rico’s coming with us."

Bast (frowning): "Huh? Why Rico?"

Kai (calmly): "After what you did, he’s stressed. He needs someone around. He’ll have dinner with us."

Rico made a pitiful face, milking the moment.

Bast sighed, clearly annoyed but trying to hold himself back for Kai’s sake. "Fine."

Kai walked to the car and got in. Bast stared daggers at Rico, looking like he wanted to shoot him on the spot.

Ethan leaned over to Bast. "What happened?"

Bast (quietly): "We’ll talk later."

And with that, they all left.

They sat in a luxurious restaurant, the atmosphere elegant and warm. Rico leaned back comfortably in his chair, casually glancing around, while Bast sat stiffly, clearly trying to keep his cool. Ethan and Miles sat quietly, observing the tension between the two men.

Bast’s eyes burned with silent fury. Rico, on the other hand, wore his usual smug smile—cool and unaffected. Kai sat between them, oblivious to the intensity, just waiting for the food to arrive.

When the food was served, Rico peeked at Kai’s plate and smiled.

Rico: "Kai, I think you like Japanese food the most.

Rico (smiling as he recalled the past): "I remember when we had lunch together—we only ordered Japanese food, and you ate so well."

Bast’s hands tightened into fists beneath the table. He tried to keep his expression calm, but it was obvious Rico was provoking him.

Kai (smiling): "Actually, I eat pasta the most. Since I was a kid, Bast always made it for me. It’s delicious and my favorite."

Rico looked genuinely surprised.

Rico: "Bast can cook?"

Bast gave a smug smile and patted Kai’s head affectionately.

Bast: "Of course I can."

Before things could heat up again, Ethan cleared his throat.

Ethan: "Hey, guys—before we eat, I’ve got some news."

Everyone turned to him. Kai and Miles looked curious, while Rico raised a brow.

Ethan (smiling): "Next week... I’m getting married to Milk."

Miles’ eyes widened.

Miles: "Next week?!"

Kai grinned: "Hey, congratulations! Finally, the day has come."

Miles (blushing): "When did you even decide this?"

Ethan leaned in and whispered near Miles’ ear.

Ethan (softly): "When you slept peacefully in my arms."

Miles’ face turned bright red.

Rico (smiling gently): "Congratulations to both of you. I know you don’t like me, Ethan, but I’m genuinely happy for you—especially Miles. He deserves happiness."

Miles smiled warmly. "Thanks, Rico."

Just then, Rico’s phone buzzed. He glanced down at the screen and read the message silently:

"Sir, the boy finally came back. Today, he returned home."

A smirk curled on Rico’s lips.

He stood up abruptly.

Rico: "Excuse me. I need to take care of something. Enjoy your dinner."

He grabbed his coat and prepared to leave.

Kai (surprised): "What? But you said you needed company because you were stressed."

Rico smiled, his eyes flashing.

Rico: "I already found someone. Don’t worry about me, Kai. Alright? Have a good night."

And with that, he walked out.

Kai watched him go, confused.

Kai: "What does he really want?"

Bast (lowly): "He’s just a psychopath."

Ethan nodded. "I agree with Bast."

Kai sighed but smiled again.

Kai: "Then let’s enjoy the night."

Bast leaned close and whispered in Kai’s ear, his voice soft.

Bast: "Soon... we’ll be celebrating our wedding date."

Kai blushed deeply.

Kai: "Let’s eat."

His cheeks were red, but his smile was full of quiet happiness. Deep down, he truly wanted to marry Bast.

Rico arrived at Jeff’s house and knocked on the door. Inside, Jeff was finishing up his shower. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he walked toward the door, grumbling softly, "Who’s knocking this late at night?"

As he opened the door, his eyes met Rico’s. Jeff’s heart skipped a beat. Shocked, he whispered to himself, "Am I dreaming...?"

Rico’s gaze slowly traveled from Jeff’s damp hair down to the towel wrapped around his waist. Calmly, Rico stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.

Jeff blinked, still stunned. "Y-You’re here..." he finally managed to say.

Rico sat casually on the couch, legs crossed. "So... I shouldn’t have come?" he asked coolly. "If you don’t like it, I’ll go back." He began to stand.

Jeff quickly stepped forward. "No! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just... surprised to see you."

Rico smirked. "I just wanted to thank you for that night."

Jeff scratched his head awkwardly. "But... you already thanked me in the note you left that morning."

"Not like this," Rico replied, his tone softer. "I want to treat you to the best dinner. So, let’s go."

Jeff glanced at the clock. "I think it’s a bit late for that..."

Rico looked at his watch dramatically. "Really? But I haven’t eaten dinner yet. I’m starving."

Jeff chuckled. "What if I make something for you instead?"

Rico’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

Jeff nodded. "Yeah. I’m actually a pretty good cook."

Rico leaned back with a smile. "Alright then. But first... put some clothes on. You look a bit too erotic like that."

Jeff glanced down at himself, flustered. "Oh—sorry!"

Jeff changed into comfortable clothes and headed to the kitchen to start cooking. Rico remained on the couch, watching him calmly with a quiet expression.

After a few minutes, Rico spoke up. "Where have you been these past few days? You disappeared like air."

Jeff glanced over his shoulder with a small smile. "Were you searching for me? Waiting for me?"

Rico quickly looked away. "Nope. I was just curious... where the chocolate boy vanished."

Jeff chuckled. "I had some important work to take care of."

"Oh, I see," Rico replied, leaning back.

Jeff turned to face him fully, the corners of his lips curling into a teasing smile. "If you ever want to see me or talk, just call. No need to send your boys to my house."

Rico’s eyes widened slightly. He hesitated. "Who... who sent any boys?"

Jeff raised an eyebrow knowingly. "I know you missed me."

"What the hell—miss?" Rico scoffed, turning his face away.

Jeff grinned. "Anyway, let’s eat. The food’s ready."

Rico looked at the plate Jeff placed in front of him. "It looks delicious."

Jeff sat beside him. "It’s my mom’s recipe."

Rico looked up. "Where’s your mom?"

"She lives out of the city. She travels a lot for her work."

Rico blinked, interested. "What does she do?"

"She’s a teacher," Jeff said proudly. "She loves her profession. We usually meet on my birthdays."

Rico took a bite of the food, pausing. "When’s your birthday?"

Jeff smirked. "Why? You want to wish me or something?"

Rico scoffed with his mouth full. "Who cares about your birthday?"

Jeff just laughed, clearly enjoying the moment.