MasukSimon opened the door to find Mike standing on the porch with his backpack slung over one shoulder and a few books in his arm. "What are you doing here?" Simon asked him, crossing his arms as he awaited a specific response. It was already evening and he hoped to spend the time in peace. Mike looked at his books and then at Simon again as if indirectly communicating something already to him. "To read." He finally answered. "Do you have a problem with informing me ahead? Does this place look like a library?" "Which library would be open by now? Also, if I were to stay at the apartment, I might not end up reading anymore which was why I came here." Mike offered a small hopeful smile. "I brought my study materials along and I was hoping you'd quiz me as I study. After all, you are more disciplined, smart and terrifyingly organised. I figured you'd make an excellent taskmaster."Simon sighed, stepping aside to let him in anyway. It was too late to tell him to go back. "I ca
Every time Nicolas moved, Seraphina found herself tracking the line of his shoulders or the way his pants hugged his hips. ‘You are such a pervert, Sera. Stop acting like a bitch.’ She scolded herself but that was mostly a passing thought. The silence was killing her too. She felt a desperate need to say something… anything… to bridge the gap between them but the air felt heavy for her. On the other hand, Nicolas completely ignored the tension. Whether it was intentional or not, one couldn't have possibly known because he was focused on what he was doing — stirring the noodles like they were all that mattered. He didn't look at her, offer a smile or acknowledged the way she was practically vibrating with nervous energy beside him. "Do you need help with anything?" she asked, her voice coming out smaller and shaky than she intended. "No," he replied, not turning around. "Just sit. They'll be ready in two minutes."Seraphina nodded and went to sit at the small table, her hands
"I am done," Seraphina said upon opening the bathroom door. "Oh, alright." Nicolas rose to his feet and grabbed a few items before stepping in right after her. The bathroom door clicked shut, leaving a lingering scent of floral soap and steam in the air. Nicolas didn't waste a second immediately he was inside the space. He brought his phone out, typed in a few words and hit the video call button. Miles away, in the sanctuary of his bedroom, Saint leaned back against the headboard while scrolling through something on his phone. Right at that moment, the video call from Nicolas came through and he paused, letting his thumb hover the buttons as he blinked in surprise. Nicolas was with Seraphina, why would he be calling him? Probably for a good reason? Or did something happen? He swiped to answer. "Why are you..."Saint stopped mid-sentence. His jaw didn't just drop; it practically hit the chest of his silk robe. The camera wasn't aimed at Nicolas's face. It was propped up on
"Nicolas, please." Seraphina collapsed onto a nearby rock, chest heavy. "I can't take another step because if I do, you might have to carry an unconscious person down and I mean it this time." She exhaled heavily. "You were energetic earlier, sounding like you could walk the whole of Mississippi if it wasn't water." Nicolas smirked. However, he slowed his pace and circled back toward her. "I meant it twenty minutes ago too. I just had more pride left then." She accepted the water bottle he offered, drinking gratefully. Nicolas laughed, settling onto the rock beside her as he stared ahead. The evening light had cast long amber shadows across the trail below them. "You really have zero stamina, you know that?" "Yes, I am aware." She wiped her mouth, exhaling once more after attempting to gather her breath. "Some of us have not been trained for combat since childhood." "Fair point." He nudged her lightly with his shoulder. "How are you feeling now, though? Better?"Ser
Saint entered the living room and the first person he met was no other than Vincent. The man had his eyes glued to the television screen. Whether or not he was paying attention to the news, one could not have easily known that. He didn't spare Saint a glance for about two minutes after the man had positioned himself right beside him. About three minutes later, he pressed a button underneath the arm of his chair and it automatically turned slowly. Vincent looked at Saint and his brow lifted slightly at what he was seeing. "No mask." His eyes examined Saint's face, taking in the absence of contacts as well. "And no contacts either. What is happening? Why did you decide to go uncovered?" "I had a change of mind, father. I don't see the need for it anymore. I am more comfortable showing my face now."Vincent stared at him a moment longer, clearly expecting further explanation but none came. So he nodded. "All the best then"He gestured toward the sofa across from him and Saint
"I am actually so happy to have you guys here to keep me company." Diana beamed while putting a piece of meat on both Nicolas and Aaron's plates. "Thank you so much, Aunt." Aaron replied.Dominic wasn't around and his absence left the table looking less formal. Even after stating her feelings, Diana watched fondly as Nicolas and Aaron traded easy banter about a recent shipment complication. "...and honestly, I believe if Caleb's men hadn't botched the timing, we wouldn't have had to reroute the entire..." "Aaron." Diana called, setting down her fork and watching the young man with curiosity. "Yes, Aunt." He responded, bringing his glass of wine closer to his lips. "When exactly are you planning to settle down?"Aaron nearly choked. He coughed slightly before recovering. "Ma'am?" "I am talking about marriage." Diana smiled pleasantly. "You are not getting younger anymore. Surely there's someone you've had your eye on." "I appreciate the concern," Aaron cle







