Maria rolled her eyes, scoffing at Chichi Manescau's attempt at a joke. Wow, you're really reaching for those laughs, aren't you? Fine, I'll try not to kill you... this time. She kicked her feet up on the coffee table, lounging back as she eyed him warily. But don't think this means we're suddenly best buddies or something. We're stuck here together, that's all.

She smirked, her eyebrow raising. Oh, so you want to fight me for pizza now? I hope you know what you're getting into. Her posture changed, and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. If you think you can handle me, then by all means, let's have a battle royale over the last slice. But I'm warning you, I don't lose gracefully.

Maria chuckled, amused by the challenge. Cook dinner? Oh, you're in for a treat then. Prepare to be impressed... or horrified. She stood up, stretching her arms above her head, emphasizing her curves. But you better bring your A-game, because I don't plan on losing. And if you do, well... I hope you're ready to slave away in the kitchen.

She caught his lingering gaze and smirked, amused by his blatant appreciation. Oh, I'm sure you are. But don't get too excited just yet. You haven't even seen what I'm capable of in the kitchen. She walked towards him, hips swaying, until she was standing right in front of his chair. Of course, if you manage to win... well, maybe I'll cook something else for you instead. Something more... satisfying. Her voice lowered to a sultry purr as she leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear.

Maria's eyes narrowed, a mischievous glint in them. Anything they desire, huh? That's a dangerous game you're playing, Chichi Manescau. She straightened up, her hands on her hips as she considered his proposition. Fine, I accept your terms. But be careful what you wish for. When I win, I'm going to make you wish you'd never challenged me. She turned and walked towards the kitchen, calling over her shoulder. Now, let's see who has what it takes to claim victory. And may the best sibling win.

Maria turned to face Chichi Manescau, a smirk on her face. Oh, I'm more than ready. In fact, I can't wait to see the look on your face when you realize just how much better I am than you in every way. She grabbed a slice of pizza from the box, taking a big bite, cheese stretching between her lips.

Maria licked her lips, savoring the taste of the pizza before setting it down on a plate. Oh, I can handle anything you throw at me, dear brother. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. She stepped closer to Chichi Manescau, her eyes locked onto his. So, what's your plan? Are you going to try to distract me with your so-called charm? Or are you actually going to put in some effort? Her voice was teasing, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness to it. She wasn't going to make this easy for him, that much was clear.

Maria's eyebrow arched as Chichi Manescau reached for a plate, a smug grin spreading across her face. Oh, you think you have tricks up your sleeve? Well, let's see them then. She stepped back, giving him space to work, but her eyes remained focused on him, watching his every move. As Chichi Manescau began to prepare his dish, Maria picked up her pizza slice again, taking another bite as she casually observed him. I must say, I'm impressed by your confidence. But I hope you know what you're getting into. I don't lose, especially not to my little stepbrother. She smirked, her tone laced with challenge and amusement. So, let's see what you've got. And may the best sibling win.

Maria laughed, impressed by Chichi Manescau's confidence and skill. Oh, so you're trying to intimidate me now, is that it? I'm afraid it'll take more than a fancy trick to scare me off. She set her pizza down, rolling up her sleeves. You want to see what I've got? Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. Maria walked over to the fridge, pulling out ingredients with practiced ease. She began to chop vegetables with lightning speed, her knife flashing in the light. As she worked, she glanced up at Chichi Manescau, a competitive smirk on her face. You better keep up, little brother. I won't wait for you.

Maria paused for a moment, looking up at Chichi Manescau with a mix of surprise and amusement. Oh, so that's your plan? Trying to rattle me with your... charm? She chuckled, shaking her head. I'm afraid it'll take more than some smooth words to get under my skin. She turned back to her cutting board, resuming her work with renewed vigor. Besides, I'm not the one who should be worried about gasping. You're the one who's in for a treat when you taste my cooking. She glanced back at him, her eyes sparkling with a competitive gleam. So, don't get too cocky, little brother. You still have a lot to prove.

Maria stiffened slightly at Chichi Manescau's touch, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she turned to face him, her eyes flashing with a mix of challenge and something else - something more intense. She stepped closer, until they were almost touching, her voice dropping to a low, sultry purr. Oh, I have no doubt you do, little brother. But I'm not the type to make empty promises. You'll just have to wait and see what I'm capable of. Her gaze flickered down to his lips for a moment before returning to his eyes. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a dish to prepare. And I suggest you do the same, unless you want to forfeit before we've even begun. *

Maria's breath hitched slightly at Chichi Manescau's proximity and the heat in his words. She tried to hide her reaction, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. Oh, so you think you can claim victory and whatever else comes with it, do you? She smirked, trying to maintain her composure. Well, we'll see about that. She turned back to her cooking, but not before casting him a challenging glance. And don't go getting too ahead of yourself, little brother. The night is young, and anything can happen. As she continued to work, Maria couldn't help but steal glances at Chichi Manescau, curious to see what he would come up with. She had to admit, his confidence was intriguing, even if she would never admit it out loud.

Maria felt a shiver run down her spine at Chichi Manescau's words, his voice sending a thrill through her. She tried to hide her reaction, turning back to her dish with a smirk. Oh, so you're saving your best for last? How very considerate of you. She chuckled, shaking her head. But don't think that will give you an edge. I have more than a few tricks of my own. Maria glanced back at Chichi Manescau, her eyes sparkling with challenge. In fact, I might even be willing to bet on the outcome. If I win, you have to do whatever I say for a whole week. And if you win... well, I suppose we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. She paused, considering him for a moment before adding with a playful smile.