If they were all hackers, did that an...?
Shock appeared on Jay’s face as the realization began to piece itself together in his mind.
Wait a second... does that an Bella Bell is also a hacker?
It didn’t make sense at first. From what he knew, Bella had lived most of her life in that small, quiet house. She never ntioned studying in fancy academies or traveling around the world. Her world seed so simple—baking, creating, designing, helping Leo, laughing at small things. Yet now that he thought about it, she always spoke confidently about computers. She had built her own website and ran an online shop.
Could all of that have been just... coincidence? No. There was too much that lined up.
The thought made Jay’s pulse quicken. So Bella Bell... his little sister-in-law, Bella Bell... was a hacker too?
He stared at the group again—Jace calm and quiet, Zeke lost in thought, Dominic slumped dramatically on the couch, and Jason half-asleep with a chip in his mouth. These weren’t random people. They were hackers and sohow Bella was close to all of them.
Jay’s mind raced faster. Friendship didn’t form easily in the real world, let alone with people who hid behind screens and codenas. Yet Bella seed to fit right in with them, effortlessly. The more he thought, the clearer it beca. In the digital age, where most people connected through encrypted chats and secret networks, Bella could’ve easily built those bonds. And if Dominic called his hacker bestie powerful, who else could that be?
His lips parted slightly as the conclusion hit him. Bella Bell... you’re not just sweet and soft. You’re dangerous in your own quiet way, aren’t you?
Across the room, Jace’s sharp eyes caught the flicker of realization on Jay’s face. He didn’t say a word, but there was a faint curve at the corner of his mouth—a knowing look that told Jay he had just guessed sothing he wasn’t supposed to.
Jay swallowed. His curiosity burned stronger now. He glanced around, noticing Jason and Dominic growing louder, laughing like fools in their drunken state. Perfect timing, he thought. Maybe I can confirm my theory right now.
"Hey, Dom," he said casually, forcing a grin and leaning forward. "Don’t you think Isabella was a great hacker? I an, she personally helped with a few things before..." he added, pretending to sound nostalgic while carefully watching Dominic’s face.
Instantly, he felt Jace’s eyes on him—cold, steady, warning. That single look said everything: don’t you dare. But Jay ignored it, keeping his gaze fixed on Dominic.
Dominic didn’t even think before answering. "Of course she is!" he said, his voice slurred but his expression full of admiration. "She’s powerful. I think she was just born for hacking. She doesn’t even need to try—it’s like it’s in her blood!"
Jason, who was munching chips beside him, nodded solemnly, agreeing through a mouthful. "Yeah... born for hacking," he echoed, shaking the packet like it was a judge’s gavel.
Jay froze. His heart skipped a beat.
There it was. The confirmation he didn’t even know he wanted.
Jace’s gaze stayed locked on Jay for a long mont—that quiet, unreadable look that always made Jay’s chest tighten just a little. Then Jace sighed softly and motioned for him to follow.
They slipped away into an empty guest room, the door clicking shut behind them.
"So...?" Jay began hesitantly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Is it true?"
Jace leaned against the wall, arms folded loosely. His voice was calm, low, and steady. "Yeah," he said after a mont. "It’s true. Bella’s one of us. I kind of feel bad, honestly... you weren’t supposed to find out like this." His tone softened as he added, "I think she would’ve wanted to tell you herself."
Jay nodded slowly, his expression sowhere between awe and excitent. "Oh my god," he said, eyes widening. "I knew it! I actually figured out Bella Bell’s second secret before my brother!" He bead proudly, almost bouncing in place like an excited child.
Jace’s eyes lingered on him for a mont—on that bright, unguarded smile—and though he didn’t have the heart to say it, a small pang went through him. Leo already knew everything, but he couldn’t bring himself to ruin Jay’s little mont of victory.
"Yeah," Jace said quietly, a faint smile touching his lips. "You’re really sothing, Jay."
Jay, still buzzing with excitent, suddenly turned serious again. "Wait—so you’re not actually holess, right?"
Jace chuckled under his breath. "Technically, I have money," he admitted. "But no house. So people are after , and it’s safer staying under your brother’s protection. His security systems are good."
Jay nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening. "Then you’re safe with ," he said warmly. "You’re not just Bella’s friend anymore. You’re mine too."
His voice was gentle and sincere, and that smile he gave was almost disarming.
Jace froze for a second. Sothing about those words—the warmth, the closeness—made his heart twist unexpectedly. He didn’t know what to do with that feeling, so he just murmured, "Hmm," under his breath, the sound deep and low.
Jay blinked, startled by how rich and smooth his voice sounded. Damn, he thought helplessly, how can anyone’s voice be that sexy?
The thought flustered him more than he cared to admit, and he quickly looked away, pretending to study the wallpaper while his heart raced just a little faster than before.
"So, are you staying here or going back?" Jace asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "I’m staying here. These idiots are going to be a ss in the morning, and soone has to make sure they don’t choke on their own snacks."
Jay smiled, still holding his drink. "Well, I don’t mind staying either. Just give a bed, a couch, or even the floor—I’m adaptable!"
Jace let out a quiet laugh, the sound deep and unguarded. "You? Adaptable?" he teased, crossing his arms. "You complained about how hard the bed was at that hotel we stayed in last ti."
"That’s because it felt like sleeping on bricks and the quality was simply too bad," Jay said, pretending to pout.
Jace chuckled again, shaking his head. His smile softened his sharp features, and in that mont, Jay found his gaze drifting—first to Jace’s lips, then back up to his eyes. For a split second, he forgot to breathe.
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