It had been a week since Kian moved into the mansion and despite being injured, he was too ambitious to stay idle. He visited the bakery every day to check on how it was doing and to help in any way he can. Whenever he was at the mansion, he spent time with Irene. She was a very wise woman and an even better cook. However, even though Kian had told her that he doesn't like to talk about Elian, Irene couldn't help but still mention him every once in a while.
After the towel incident had happened, Kian was weirdly tense whenever Elian was around or even when his name was mentioned. Even if accidentally he happened to think of Elian, his entire body would get hot and feverish and the image of his naked torso would appear in Kian's brain.
Sometimes, he had dreams about Elian and his finely sculpted body that woke him up in the middle of the night with his heartbeats racing.
Kian was deeply confused by how his body was behaving. He had never experienced anything like this before and had never felt like this for anyone. He felt ashamed and embarrassed of himself for feeling such things, especially because it was Elian. So he had decided that he'll do his best to avoid Elian while he was staying there.
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Elian was sitting in his office trying hard to focus on his computer screen as he felt a stare, constantly coming his way. "Ms. Clarke, do you need something from me?", he turned his head to the woman, sitting on a desk that was placed a few feet away from his.
The woman was startled by him suddenly catching her in the act. "What? No no no, I was just...uh I was just curious whether you liked the new budget distribution I introduced during the meeting?", she tried to distract him from her offense. "If my opinions on such things had been beneficial, you wouldn't be assigned to this office", Elian said stoically and turned back to his screen. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't stare my way the entire time we work", he added. The later statement made her face red with embarrassment.
Natalie Clarke had joined Elian's department a few days ago. Erik had insisted that the two share the same office to be more efficient which was why Elian had been tolerating these frequent and awkward interactions with her. But Natalie on the other hand was thrilled to share the same working space as Elian because she viewed it as an opportunity to be close to him. But the fact that she had been doting on him wasn't a secret, even Elian had become aware of her feelings towards him. Which was more the reason for him to maintain the distance between their personal lives.
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Kian was sitting on a tall stool wearing an oversized hoodie with a notebook in front of him, while Will was cleared all the tables. Allis was inside the kitchen cleaning the baking equipment.
It was already 8 in the evening and the bakery was closed. All the light bulbs in the shop were off except for one above the counter where Kian was sitting as he was going through their sales record.
"How many times are you going to check it? I'm telling you I haven't made any mistake in the calculations", Will said, irritated.
"I'm not checking it Will, I was just thinking how can we reduce our losses.", Kian replied, not bothering to look up.
"I think you're overthinking this. We are making a good profit and that's all that matters", Will smiled.
"We have a fucking loan! We have to increase our profits or otherwise those loan sharks will come here and bite off your big stupid head", Kian gestured with hand, turning to Will.
"Hey!! I'm not stupid. And what about your compensation ?", Will walked towards where Kian was sitting, as he asked angrily.
"Yeah it's going to pay off some of the loan but we still have a lot of expenses. I want to save some money to expand the shop", Kian replied as he went back to examining his the numbers from the notebook.
"Ugh... Fine. Do whatever you want", Will sighed.
Will turned his head to look at the alley, that lead to the kitchen, checking to see if Allis was still inside the kitchen. He then turned back and stepped closer towards Kian.
"Hey! Did Uncle Levi tell you about Wayne?", he whispered.
Kian lifted his curious eyes to look at him, "What about him?", he asked.
"He is dating someone. It's probably a guy from his office", Will replied widening his brows.
"Have you told Allis?, Kian asked, worriedly.
"No, I don't wanna add to his misery", Will leaned against one of the tables, letting out a sigh.
"Will, Allis is gonna find out anyway. You should tell him".
"Tell me what?", Allis's voice startled both of them.
They turned their heads to see Allis who was standing in the doorway that connected the kitchen and shop. The two dumbfoundedly stared at Allis who was standing there with a questioning look on his face.
"Uhh...Wayne is...", Kian hesitatingly looked at Will, who was looking back at him wide eyed, "He's dating someone", he uttered.
Will shot him an angry glare. Allis just stood there quietly for a few seconds before he went back inside the kitchen without saying a word in response.
Will turned back to Kian and slapped his hand. "Why did you do that?", he asked furiously.
"He was gonna find out anyway. He'd feel much worse if he finds out we knew and still kept it a secret from him", Kian replied with a serious tone.
"Yeah but that was kinda harsh. By the way, why is your hand so warm?", Will asked.
"I don't know. My body temperature has been fluctuating for a few days now. I think I might have caught a cold the night I slept on the couch in the mansion", Kian replied as he got up off the stool. "Don't worry. I'll get better in a day or two".
"Well I'm not worried about you. I'm worried about Allis", Will said reprovingly. "He's stronger than you think Will. He'll be fine. And I'll see you tomorrow", Kian answered and walked outside the shop.
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After spending the whole day working, Elian decided to go to the bar and drink with his friends. He had not had any alcohol the entire week and had been dealing with Natalie in the office and with Kian at home. He had no reason to hold himself back and he kept on downing drinks after drinks.
"Whoa! Slow down man. Last time you drank like this, you broke up with your girlfriend and then forgot about it.", Tristan commented, making Declan laugh.
"I know. It's amazing how usually people confess their love after getting drunk, but you my friend, you're something else", Declan added.
"Good thing I did. She was so crazy she ranted about it on social media rather than talking to me like an adult", Elian spoke leaning back on his seat.
"Speaking of crazy people, how is the butler doing?", Declan asked.
"I don't know but he's crazier than Anna. One day he was banging on my door, trying to pick a fight with me. The next day he saw me walking down the stairs, freaked out, and walked into a wall".
The other two laughed. "Damn! That kid probably has a crush on you!!", Tristan said as took a sip of his drink.
"I couldn't care less. I'm just waiting for him to leave", Elian answered and gulped another glass of alcohol down his throat.
.
.
.
By the time they got out of the bar, it was already midnight. Elian was hanging on Declan's shoulder as he was dragged towards the car park.
Tristan drove Elian back to his house and dropped him off. By the time they reached, he had sobered up just enough to walk by himself. Elian slowly got out of the car. He lurchingly made his way to the house, a male servant opened the door for him and took his coat.
Elian began climbing up the staircase sluggishly with the support of the wall. As he reached halfway, his nose sensed a scent that was coming from upstairs. He climbed up a few more steps.
Suddenly, his worn-out body felt like it was being invigorated, by a certain scent dispersing down the wide marble staircase. It was as if his instincts were pushing him closer and closer towards the direction of the sweet odor.
The more he whiffed, the more his body reacted to it. Energy rushed into his limbs, his heart began to pace and his legs moved on their own to find the source of the mesmerizing perfume.
As he fumbled his way up the stairs, the odor became even stronger. His body began feeling hot, like there was a sudden urge building up in his system. It was like black magic.
Elian's mind had surrendered all its control to the bewitching scent, as he was hypnotized.