Chapter 108 - Does It Hurt?

Everyone became busy with their own work except for Aire. She behaved well and watched some random movies in the living room while waiting for someone to finish their work and keep her company.

Tyrone, who was the first to wrap things up, saw Aire alone in the living area.

"How come you're alone?" he asked as he walked and sat beside her.

"Everyone is busy. But I'm glad daddy is free now," Aire said with a grin.

"I'm curious, why do you like calling me daddy, Aire?" Tyrone asked, looking closely at the little girl. He also noticed that Aire resembled Raine a lot not only in physical features but mannerisms too.

"Because you're my daddy and mommy Raine is my mommy. You look, troubled daddy. Is mommy giving you a hard time?" 

Tyrone was stunned hearing the little girl. She seemed too mature for her age.

Tyrone chuckled and asked, "And why do you think that?"

"Just a wild guess. But daddy, you have to be patient with mommy no matter how much she troubles you. She's been through a lot and the burden she had been carrying shouldn't be taken lightly. You may see her as strong and ruthless, but she is broken on the inside… Broken and lost…"

Tyrone did not expect such words from an eight-year old little girl.

"Mommy is fighting her inner battles right now but no one can tell because that's how good she has become in hiding it. She may seem rude, playful, bold and dangerous but in reality, she's just a woman in need of some understanding, comfort and security…"

Tyrone creased his forehead and asked, "Aire, why do you seem to know a lot about these things? Were you really just the granddaughter of the secretary of defense? Why do I feel like you're more than that?"

Aire smiled at him and said, "Hmmm, I'm simply the brilliant and clever daughter of mommy Raine and you…"

"Huh?" Tyrone looked even more confused. Aire simply laughed as she stood up and said, "Ah, I'm getting hungry, daddy. How about you cook dinner this time? I've grown tired of Uncle Levi's cooking. I want to eat something you made."

Aire did not wait for Tyrone to respond and started pulling him towards the kitchen.

Once inside, Aire watched Tyrone prepare the ingredients needed. Tyrone, who felt relaxed around Aire, did not expect to bond with her so well. He even let her peel some vegetables for him and taught her how to cut them properly. She was very keen on learning how to cook from him.

"Haha. Aren't you too young to learn this?" Tyrone asked.

"Hmm, I don't think so. Is there any age limit when it comes to learning? I'm sure this will be very helpful to me once I grow up. In fact, you managed to capture mommy's heart by cooking and feeding her… So all the more reason for me to learn," Aire commented nonchalantly, making Tyrone stare at her in disbelief.

Aire chuckled and tasted the dish he was currently stirring and said, "Mmm. This is so yummy I'm sure mommy will love this! You should cook for her every chance you get!"

"What is this? You're playing cupid now, aren't you?" Tyrone mumbled with a pout.

"And you will listen to me if you want her to stay with you. Hehehehe. I searched for some tips to help you and most of the people online said that the easiest way to someone's heart is through their stomach. Since it's well used by many, there's no harm in you trying it," Aire commented.

Her face lost all smiles as she added, "You should also tell her your secret. That way, you can avoid any future misunderstanding and agony."

Tyrone's face became serious as well. Aire was not an ordinary kid indeed.

"Your comments are weird and suspicious. The way you speak sometimes makes it seem like you already know what will happen in the future but you also make it sound like you're simply giving me advice." Tyrone said while looking at Aire with suspicious eyes.

Aire only made a face at him, then murmured, "It's because I'm not a normal kid. I'm special like mommy Raine. Anyway, let's finish this, daddy. It's almost dinner time."

Tyrone shook his head when Aire changed the topic but he let it slide. They remained in the kitchen for another hour and prepared all the dishes.

"Daddy, I'll prepare the table. How about you call mommy and the rest so we can all eat together," Aire suggested. Tyrone nodded his head and quickly walked to Raine's bedroom.

He knocked on the door and waited but there was no answer so he opened the door and entered. Raine, who was taking a shower, had just stepped out of the bathroom when Tyrone entered.

"Why are you here?" Raine asked, arching her eyebrows, not bothering about her body being wrapped only in a towel.

Tyrone could not help eyeing her from head to toe. Raine saw his lustful gaze and shuddered subconsciously.

He frowned before taking long strides and stopping in front of her. He was only a single step away from her

"What are these marks? Are you hurt? How did you get it?" he asked, gently tracing the bruise-like marks on Raine's skin.

Raine flinched and stepped back. "What are you doing? Leave the room now. Can't you see that I'm almost naked? I need to get dressed!"

Tyrone did not budge as he continued touching the marks on her bare shoulders.

"Does it hurt? It doesn't look like a wound. Not a rash either… It's more like a bite mark…" Tyrone whispered while he caressed them.

Raine bit her inner cheek because her body was getting turned on by his innocent touch. She simply smiled at him and murmured, "So do you enjoy touching my skin like this?"

"Yes, why not? I enjoy touching all parts of your body," Tyrone blatantly replied.

Raine was caught off guard. Tyrone stepped forward and she stepped backward till her back felt the cold wall of her room.

"But you tell me.. Do you also enjoy getting touched by me?" Tyrone asked, staring into her eyes.