Caleb leaned against the taxi window, phone pressed to his ear."I'm in a cab," he said, voice relaxed.Asher’s tone sharpened immediately. "That’s not safe. I’m sending a car right now."Caleb chuckled softly. "Darling, calm down. I’ll be fine. Just chill."Asher sighed, still not convinced.“Just make sure you stay safe,” he muttered.“Sure,” Caleb said softly, then ended the call.Moments later, tires screeched. A black SUV came out of nowhere and blocked the cab. The driver slammed the brakes.Before Caleb could react, masked men jumped out with guns pointed. People screamed and ran in every direction.Caleb’s heart froze. He slowly raised his hands in surrender. One of the men yanked the door open, grabbed him, and pulled him into their vehicle.The SUV sped off, its tires burning against the pavement, leaving the cab driver collapsed on the ground, shivering in fear.---Asher paced the living room for almost an hour, checking his phone repeatedly and calling again and again, bu
The next evening, Caleb walked into the hotel room feeling tired.He dropped his bag, took off his clothes until only his trunks were left, and collapsed onto the couch.Caleb tapped through his phone and started a WhatsApp video call to Asher.The screen connected, and a moment later, Asher’s face appeared. His hair was slightly messy, and his eyes lit up the moment he saw Caleb."There you are," Asher said, smiling.Caleb grinned. "We did it. I am officially collaborating with Maison Vernetti."Asher’s face brightened. "That is amazing, Caleb. I am so proud of you.""I am coming home tomorrow," Caleb said. "Just need one more good night of sleep.""I cannot wait to have you back here," Asher replied, his voice softer now as he studied Caleb’s face through the screen.Asher tilted his head a little. "You look tired, but beautiful."Caleb laughed, brushing a hand through his hair. "I feel like I have been dragged through ten airports, but hearing your voice makes it worth it.""I wish
The flight to Florence was calm. Caleb sat by the window, gazing at the vast stretch of clouds, while his boss, Mr. Collins, worked beside him. Caleb’s heart pulsed with excitement and nerves. The thought of Maison Vernetti’s sleek designs and old-world charm sent shivers of inspiration down his spine.Upon arrival, the city welcomed them with golden sunlight and streets bathed in timeless elegance.They checked into Hotel Miravalle, a boutique masterpiece with marble floors and crystal chandeliers. At the front desk, a stunning receptionist greeted them.The hotel smelled faintly of citrus and polished wood. Chandeliers shimmered above like droplets of frozen light, casting a warm glow over the marble floor as Caleb stood beside Mr Collins at the front desk, holding his portfolio case close to his side."We will take two rooms," Mr Collins said, his voice calm but edged with fatigue.The receptionist, a young woman with bright eyes and a practiced smile, began typing quickly. "Of cou
That night, Caleb and Asher lay in bed, wrapped in each other’s arms. The room was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp.Caleb snuggled closer, resting his head against Asher’s chest, his fingers gently tracing slow, idle patterns along his arm.“Darling,” he said quietly after a long pause.“Hmm?” Asher hummed, his fingers lazily combing through Caleb’s curls.“I am going on a business trip next week,” Caleb murmured.Asher glanced down at him, not surprised. “That is good news. You got a contract?”Caleb lifted his head slightly. “Yes… I just wanted you to know.”Asher smiled, kissing his forehead. “Of course. You deserve it. You are amazing at what you do. Or have you forgotten so soon that you once had a contract with me?” he teased with a grin.Caleb raised his head higher, giving him a playful look. “Stop it,” he said, smiling.“I have to confess, that was one of the best projects I have ever seen,” Asher said warmly. “I was going to recommend you to other clients…
The living room was warm with conversation, soft jazz humming in the background. Caleb sat comfortably beside Jaden, his legs curled under him on the couch as they chatted. Just then, Caleb’s phone began to ring."Excuse me for a sec, bro," Caleb said to Jaden as he reached for his phone.“It’s Derek,” he added, raising an eyebrow before answering the call.“Hey, sorry to interrupt,” Derek’s voice came through with a playful lilt. “Where are you?”Caleb chuckled. “Just chilling at Jaden’s place,” he said with a smile.“Holy Mary. You are with Jaden? I am coming over right now.”“You are coming over?” Caleb asked, laughing as he glanced at Jaden.He covered the mic and whispered, “Derek is on his way.”Back on the line, Derek was already laughing. “You think I will let you two have all the fun? I am coming to join in.”"See you all," Derek said with a playful groan as laughter echoed and the call ended.A few minutes later, a knock came at the door.Caleb got up to answer it. Standing
A stunning woman in a black crop top and fitted trousers that clung to every curve of her body walked with fierce confidence. Two neat cornrows were braided straight back on either side of her head, the long braids swaying below her buttocks. Her razor-sharp heels echoed across the marble floor as she approached two broad-shouldered men in dark shades, each gripping a weapon, standing on either side of a grand door.Without sparing them a glance, she walked past just as her phone rang. She ignored it, heading straight toward the veranda where Valen sat shirtless, enjoying a body massage from three beautiful women.Valen spotted her and lazily waved the women away. He stood and took two slow, deliberate steps toward her."Hey, Valen," Amanda greeted as she reached him."There you are," Valen said with a crooked smile, a cigarette dangling between the fingers of his right hand. He leaned in for a hug.Amanda met his eyes with a knowing look. "You called for me?"Valen’s smile widened. “