chapter 005

ELVIS POV

I stood in front of the mirror, my reflection a picture of casual elegance that didn’t quite feel like me. A navy-blue baggy cargo shirt hung loose over a crisp white T-shirt, perfectly matched with cargo pants and spotless white sneakers. My curly hair shimmered under the soft light, freshly styled and glinting from the spray I’d just applied. The diamond necklace around my neck, the glinting wristwatch, and the stud in my left ear added a touch of luxury to the look.

I hadn’t been to a party since leaving Russia, and the thought of being surrounded by strangers again made my chest tighten. Still, I was determined to shake off the nerves tonight.

“Going somewhere?”

I turned, startled, to find Pavel standing at my bedroom door, a slight frown pulling at his face. I hadn’t even noticed I’d left the door open. He didn’t bother hiding his disapproval—he knew I never went out at night.

Ignoring him, I glanced at my phone, checking the address Leo had sent me. I started toward the door, but Pavel stepped in my path, blocking me with his imposing frame.

“I’m going to a party,” I said flatly, irritation creeping into my tone.

“That’s not a good idea, young boss,” he replied, his voice firm, unyielding.

“And why not?” I asked, feigning innocence. I’d expected this argument.

“You know the rules. Your father’s orders are clear: you don’t leave the penthouse unnecessarily, and certainly not without explicit permission.” His tone left no room for negotiation. “I’m not letting you disobey those orders.”

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Or what, Pavel? You’ll stop me? Physically restrain me?” I chuckled, low and husky. “I don’t think so. Besides, this *is* necessary.”

His face darkened, but his expression remained stoic. “Don’t play games, young boss. You’re not going, and that’s final.”

My smirk widened, my tone dipping into a quiet threat. “We’ll see about that, Pavel. Go ahead—try to stop me.”

The air between us tensed, almost vibrating with the weight of unspoken defiance. Pavel’s eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his resolve written in the hard line of his jaw. For a moment, I thought he might actually try to restrain me.

Instead, I brushed past him, my steps confident and unbothered. He didn’t move to stop me, but his silence followed me like a shadow.

“Don’t follow me,” I called out without looking back. I knew my words were futile; they’d follow anyway, covert and watchful.

Downstairs, I slid into one of the sleek cars in the garage, keyed in the address, and drove into the night.

When I arrived at the mansion, the energy hit me like a wave—the pulsing music, the laughter, the dazzling lights. The sheer opulence of the estate was staggering, a palace designed to impress.

I stepped out, my resolve solid. Tonight, I would forget the chaos of my life, even if just for a few hours.

Inside, the party was chaos: couples tangled in heated embraces, groups laughing over drinks, the scent of luxury perfume and mischief thick in the air. As I navigated the crowd, nodding politely at those who acknowledged me, I couldn’t ignore the attention I was drawing. Girls smiled and flirted as I passed, their gazes lingering a little too long.

I declined their advances with a polite smile, my focus on finding Leo. Then I saw him.

By the pool, Leo stood surrounded by friends, laughing and relaxed. My eyes caught on the sight of him pulling away from a kiss with another guy.

A flicker of surprise coursed through me, but it quickly faded.

Leo had told me he was bi two years ago. At the time, I was shocked, scared, and worried all at once. He’d blurted it out so casually, as though it was no big deal But I was only sixteen then, still new to this life, and my fears weren’t about him—I was worried about what would happen if Pavel or, worse, my father found out.

I’d warned him never to mention it around the guards, who he had mistakenly assumed were my brothers. He had panicked at first, worried he’d made me uncomfortable, and quickly assured me he didn’t see me that way. I had laughed it off, offering some excuse I couldn’t even recall now. After that, we let the subject drop and never brought it up again.

In a way, I was relieved he’d chosen to tell me in school. I’d been careful to check for hidden recording devices that day; my father’s obsession with monitoring my every move made me paranoid.

Now, as I watched him pull away from the guy he’d been kissing, it was like he instinctively knew I was there. He glanced up, spotted me, and waved. I noticed he was with a group of friends besides the guy, but all their eyes seemed to follow his to me.

I returned his wave with a small smile, feeling a flicker of discomfort under their attention. Someone in his group said something to him, their gaze lingering on me. Leo frowned at the comment, muttered something back, and then jogged over to meet me, his expression brightening.

“Hey, man” glad you could make it, Leo exclaimed.