LOGIN"That's all?" Valentino asked as he placed the last bits of Nathan's belongings in a duffel bag.The boy's eyes darted round the room and a sigh slipped through his lips. He nodded, lips curved into a small smile."Let's go then." The man could not help but return the smile. He swung the bag on his shoulder and padded towards him."Let me carry that," said Nathan as he stared up at him. His wide eyes caught the light, sapphire-flecked irises sparkling with something that made Valentino's heart skip.Valentino's smile fell into something shy and he shook his head, unable to tear his gaze away.The boy scoffed, shooting him a glare.Then he stormed away, tousled hair bouncing with each step. Once he reached the door, he stopped and moved to the side, glancing expectantly at him.The man stared at him for a moment too long, before he closed the distance between them and slid the door open.A crisp 'tsk' dripped from Nathan's lips, but the small smile playing on his lips was hard to miss
Valentino shifted, sighing as he nuzzled his head against Nathan's chest. A chill coursed down his spine when the boy's hand moved to his hair.His fingers threaded through his strands, warm tips gently brushing his scalp. Another sigh slipped through his lips and he smiled."Aren't you supposed to be working?" Nathan asked, sliding his hand to his nape.Valentino's brows furrowed, his chest tightening with discomfort. He reached for the boy's hand and guided it back to his hair.A smile crossed his lips as his heart thumped against his cheek. Faster. Harder. Than he thought was possible."Yes," he replied, fluttering his eyes close as Nathan's fingers resumed their massage. His ears pressed harder against his chest and he listened to his heart beat.It was music."Why are you here then?" Valentino didn't reply; he lifted his head just enough for their eyes to meet. Once he had his fill of that confusion-ladened gaze, he plopped his head on the boy's chest and nuzzled against it.As
Nathan stood in the balcony, a hand rested on the metal railing, a smile across his face, his heart throbbing as he waved his parents goodbye.Valentino stood beside him.They slid into their car, pulled out of the curb, and his mother flashed them one last smile through the window, before they drove away.A soft sigh slipped through Nathan's lips and his hand fell to the railing.He inhaled sharply, when Valentino's hand slid to his waist and pulled him close, muscles tense as the sensation of his cold hand coursed through the thin fabric of his shirt.His eyes darted to the man. Their gaze lingered on his face for a moment too long, then it sliced to the bushes below.As they both watched the world below them, beneath the evening sun, in the chill breeze, snuggled up together, Nathan's mind wandered to those words.He hadn't meant to eavesdrop.But God was he glad he heard them.A warmth crept to his cheeks as they swirled in his mind, like they were there to stay. And he wasn't aga
The hospital room was quiet. The kind of silence that tightened around Valentino's like a noose, heavy with unsaid words. Nathan's mother sat in the chair beside the bed, slicing some apples, while his father sat beside him in the couch by the window.Valentino glanced towards the man, fiddling with his fingers, his mind replaying the scene from earlier over and over.A memory that just might taunt him forever.His eyes darted to Nathan and the duo exchanged looks, brows furrowed awkwardly, then he looked away.How could he have been so careless?He knew they were coming.He'd planned accordingly. The smile he'd wear. The way he'd speak. The way he'd show his mother that he was the right person for Nathan despite his age.Valentino sighed, wincing internally.Nathan's mother wasn't upset as he'd thought she would be, instead it was his father whose glares were burning through him currently.He sliced his gaze to the man, immediately flicking it back to his fingers when their eyes met
The afternoon sun hung high in clear blue sky, its rays filtering through the glass-paned window, across the sleek hospital room.Nathan was seated in the chair by the window, staring down at the bushes below and the people walking by.His heart raced beneath his ribs, dread creeping deeper into his chest. His parents were visiting today.He clutched his folded legs tighter, a shiver coursing through him as the warm, soft fabric of the blanket brushed his skin.The door slid open."Cheryl made you lunch."Nathan sighed softly, glancing towards Valentino. He placed his head on the sill and smiled lightly."What is it?"Valentino closed the door behind him and placed the flask on the table nearby. The boy watched, blinking slowly as he took off his coat and rolled his sleeves-something he'd never thought would make his stomach this warm. "Porridge."He groaned and the man chuckled, walking up to him, hair uncharacteristically slicked back and brown eyes like aged scotch whiskey twinkli
Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm gold glow across the desk. The chill from the AC hung in the air, colder now that winter was near."I must say, it was quite a surprise." Valentino frowned. Nikolai's lips curved into a light smile, his gaze dipping.He reached for the coffee mug on the desk, and brought it to his mouth, taking a sip as he locked eyes with him firmly.Still holding his gaze, he placed the cup down."I could never have imagine that kid was your mate." The words dripped with a contempt that made his blood rush with rage.He clenched his jaw and inhaled sharply."Why are you here?"Nikolai's smile fell into something sinister.He took a breath and sighed, crossing his legs, eyes darting briefly to the side before he looked back at him and replied."Celyn..." His father's eyes darkened.Valentino's breath hitched, heart thumping beneath his ribs, nails digging into the leather-coated arm of his chair.Nikolai paused, searching his gaze. "She was a tou
Days would pass by, slow and torturous, and Valentino would remain the same—cold and utterly nonchalant.It was like their relationship had taken a thousand step backwards. If it could even be called a relationship. Up until a week ago, Nathan had looked forward to walking through those huge front
Valentino hissed quietly, vision still hazy from sleep. The sheets rustled, pooling at his thigh as he sat up and glanced towards the clock on the bedside table.6:46AM.His eyes darted to Nathan.The boy was still fast asleep, lips parted slightly in a soft breath and leg rested on the pillows bet
"Uh... I was just... um," Nathan stuttered, his sweaty palm tightening on the door handle. A thud echoed through the corridor as he abruptly shut the door. The boy shut his eyes regrettably, as Valentino walked up to him, steps heavy, shoulders broad and brows knitted together. "I was looking for
"Your younger brother will get married to his mate soon."Valentino leaned back in his chair, eyes sweeping briefly across his desk, before they locked onto the man's.His hand fell softly on the armrest, finger tapping frantically on the surface, as he held his gaze. A tensed silence engulfed the







