For Rent and Love

CHAPTER 16

The front door crashed open.

Nico.

Tie loose, sleeves rolled up, chest rising fast. Eyes locked on Marcus first, cold and sharp, then softened the second they landed on Luna.

Luna’s shoulders dropped. Barely. Only she noticed.

Nico crossed the room in 3 strides. Stopped in front of her, blocking Marcus from view.

He leaned down. Pressed a warm, firm kiss to her cheek. Possessive. Casual. Like routine.

“Morning, wife,” he murmured. Then sat on the couch, pulling her down beside him, arm heavy around her shoulders.

Luna blinked. _Wife._

Marcus went still.

Nico looked up, Luna tucked under his arm, and raised one eyebrow at Marcus. “You were saying?”

Marcus blinked, flustered. He clearly thought Nico wouldn’t be home till later. “I—I was just leaving.”

Nico didn’t let go of Luna. Instead, he shifted closer. His thumb brushed over her knuckles like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Good. Because my wife and I were about to have breakfast.” He lifted Luna’s hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. Slow. Deliberate.

Luna’s breath caught. She forced herself to lean into him, looping an arm around his waist. She rested her head on his shoulder, voice soft. “You’re late. I was starting to miss you.”

Nico’s mouth curved. He dropped another kiss on top of her head. “Miss me, huh? I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

They were too close. Too easy. Luna’s fingers traced patterns on his chest while Nico tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his gaze lingering on her lips for half a second too long.

Marcus watched, eyes narrowing. But the act was good. Too good. Nico laughed under his breath at something Luna whispered, and she smiled against his jaw, cheeks pink.

For thirty seconds it felt real. Like they were actually married.

Marcus cleared his throat. “Right. I’ll… keep an eye on things.” He turned and left fast, the door slamming behind him.

The second it clicked shut, Luna pulled away. Her face was flushed, eyes wide. She scrambled off the couch, putting distance between them like the act had burned her.

Nico leaned back, relaxed, like nothing had happened. But his gaze stayed on her face.

“You handled Marcus well,” he said quietly.

Luna’s cheeks got hotter at the compliment. She tucked hair behind her ear, still embarrassed. “He was rude.”

Nico hummed. “You were smooth. No wasted words.”

Luna cleared her throat, feeling proud at his praise. “How did you know Marcus was around? Do you have a spy watching me?”

Nico scoffed. “Why would I put a spy on you, Luna? I just came home.” A pause. “Besides, you’re terrible at hiding surprise. Your face gave you away the second I opened the door.”

Luna rolled her eyes but her lips twitched. The tension broke.

Silence settled for a beat. Then Luna looked up, voice quieter. “Why haven’t you been home? And why didn’t you call?”

Nico looked a little guilty. He dragged a hand through his hair. “Work piled up. I should’ve called. I promise I will next time I’m late.”

Luna flushed again, the word promise hitting her chest weirdly. Like they were actually married.

“Have you met Mama Rose?”

“I did” Luna smiled. “She's really warm, like an holiday candy"

"She is" Nico smiled getting up " I need to check something upstairs"

"Ohhhhhhh... Your cartoons?" Luna smirked, tilting her head playfully

Nico froze. His face went horrified. “I do not—”

“You do,” Luna grinned, all that reserved calm cracking into teasing. “Big, scary CEO Nico, hiding in his office watching cartoons.”

“I don’t watch cartoons,” he said, but it came out defensive.

“Mama Rose told me,” Luna sang. “So are you going upstairs to watch them now? As usual? Should I come along?” She was enjoying this too much. For the first time Nico didn’t have a smooth comeback.

Nico looked away, ears red. “I need to get something from upstairs.”

Luna laughed at the way he looked. He tried to avoid the conversation, walking toward the stairs, but she kept teasing him. “What cartoon is it today? The one with the talking cat?”

He stopped, turned back. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Luna.”

“I know,” she shot back, still smiling.

Both of them ended up laughing it off. The apartment felt lighter. Warmer. For a few minutes it was just them, being fun around each other, acting all lovey-dovey without Marcus there to perform for.

Then Nico cleared his throat and straightened his tie. “I'll be right back"

Luna nodded, still grinning. “Sure. Go watch your cartoons, Mr. Blackwood.”

He shot her a look. She just waved.

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