13- New Fond

Eleanor smiled as she pulled back slightly, meeting Alexander's gaze. “Now, get up and freshen up,” she said with a playful glint in her eyes. “We're going to make breakfast for everyone, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’re bossy this morning,” he teased, leaning forward to press a soft kiss against her forehead.

Eleanor chuckled, swatting his shoulder lightly. “You’re the one who’s always in charge. Let me have this, just for today.”

He smirked, clearly enjoying the shift in dynamic. “Alright, fine. But only because I’d like to see what kind of breakfast you plan on forcing me to help with.”

“Trust me,” she grinned, standing up and offering him her hand, “you won’t regret it.”

Alexander accepted her hand, getting up from the bed, still watching her with that intense gaze of his. “You’re lucky I love food as much as I love you.”

She laughed softly, rolling her eyes. “Don’t get too sentimental on me, Alexander. It’s just breakfast.”

With one last playful glance, he headed into the bathroom to freshen up, leaving Eleanor smiling to herself. Today was different. The weight of the past few days seemed lighter, and the thought of sharing a simple meal with him—without all the chaos for once—made her heart feel at ease.

As Alexander and Eleanor walked hand in hand into the kitchen, they found Blake already there, casually eating an orange. He glanced up at them and smirked. “Finally, the chef has awoken,” he teased, raising an eyebrow at Eleanor.

Alexander chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t start, Blake. You’re lucky she’s cooking and not making you fend for yourself.”

Blake laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. “I wouldn’t survive without her. What’s on the menu today, Belle?”

Eleanor grinned, rolling up her sleeves. “Ackee and Saltfish with boiled dumplings and banana. I’m also cooking some callaloo on the side. And I’m making chocolate, too.”

Blake whistled, impressed. “You spoil us, you know that?”

Alexander stepped forward, grabbing ingredients and helping Eleanor prepare. “Let me help, or she’ll have us all waiting all day,” he said with a wink.

“Hey! I’m fast!” Eleanor protested, playfully bumping him with her hip.

Blake watched the interaction with amusement, standing up from his seat. “Alright, while you two play house, I’ll handle the cleanup.”

As they moved seamlessly around the kitchen, the warm scent of ackee, salted fish, and chocolate began to fill the air. Alexander’s hands worked with precision as he helped chop vegetables, his movements calm but deliberate, while Eleanor stirred the pot with a smile, enjoying the domesticity of the moment.

One of Alexander’s men entered quietly, setting the table in the adjacent dining room. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the usual tension, filled instead with the simplicity of cooking and laughter. It was peaceful—something none of them had experienced in a long time.

By the time the table was set, and the food was ready, the aroma was mouthwatering. The trio gathered at the table, ready to enjoy the meal Eleanor had lovingly prepared.

Alexander finished setting the table, arranging everything with a precision that only came naturally to him. His men began to filter in, grabbing their chairs with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. This was a sight they weren’t used to—their powerful leader playing a domestic role—and they could feel a shift in the atmosphere. It was something they could get used to, even if it was unexpected.

As Eleanor and Blake emerged from the kitchen, carrying the platters of food and mugs of freshly brewed chocolate tea, the room filled with the scent of the hearty meal. The men couldn’t hide their smiles as they took in the scene—Alexander standing beside Eleanor, his presence softer but still commanding, as if this was where he was meant to be.

Eleanor placed the dish of ackee and saltfish in the center, followed by the callaloo, boiled dumplings, and banana. Blake set down the mugs of chocolate tea with a flourish, nodding toward Eleanor as if to say, "Mission accomplished."

“Dig in,” Eleanor said with a smile, motioning for everyone to start.

The men didn’t need to be told twice. They reached eagerly for the food, each bite met with murmurs of approval and gratitude. It was as though, for that moment, the tension of their world faded away, replaced by the simple pleasure of a shared meal.

Alexander took his seat beside Eleanor, glancing at her with a sense of satisfaction. This, too, was part of his empire—the peace she brought, the warmth of her presence. And as they all ate together, it felt like the beginning of something deeper, something more than just loyalty and power. It felt like family.

After breakfast, Eleanor and Blake got up from the table, both eager to handle the cleanup. Some of Alexander’s men, noticing their efforts, offered to help. Together, they formed an efficient team, clearing the dishes and tidying the kitchen. Eleanor, leading the charge, directed the men with ease, her confidence shining through as they wiped down counters, washed dishes, and swept the floor.

Blake, ever the energetic one, cracked a few jokes as they worked, making the task feel lighter. The men responded with smiles and laughter, their usual stoic faces softened by the casual camaraderie. Even Alexander’s usually disciplined enforcers seemed to relax in the presence of the two, realizing that life under Alexander’s roof, with Eleanor around, had a warmth to it they hadn’t experienced before.

As the last dish was put away, Eleanor wiped her hands on a towel and looked around the spotless kitchen. She exchanged a glance with Blake, who gave her a playful salute.

"Not bad," he said, grinning.

“Not bad at all,” Eleanor replied with a small smile, feeling content.

The men nodded in appreciation, their respect for Eleanor growing not just because of her strength, but because she treated them like equals, making them feel like part of something more than just a group of mafia enforcers. Alexander, who had observed silently from the doorway, felt a sense of pride. Eleanor had brought a new dynamic to his world—one that he hadn’t known he needed.