After being reassured that Eugene got Lucian's full (and financial) support, Eugene went on his journey together with his partner to find the right building for their future printing press.
"What's your budget for the building, Lucian?" Eugene asked as he wiped off his sweat from his forehead using a white handkerchief. The sun was high up in the sky. It was almost noon, and the atmosphere was incredibly hot.
Lucian tilted the umbrella closer to Eugene's side to shelter the older alpha's fair skin from the sun's glaring heat. "More or less a thousand pounds. As long as a printing press can be placed inside, the rest doesn't really matter, right?"
"Indeed," Eugene replied with a nod, a small smile on his lips as he took a quick side glance at his companion. Lucian's small action of providing a shade for him wasn't left unnoticed.
Lucian's golden eyes squinted in recognition as he watched Peter approach them from a distance. "It's Mr. Wright," he informed Eugene with a gentle nudge using his elbow.
Eugene hummed in response as he gazed at the hurrying editor-in-chief. Once their paths finally crossed, Eugene removed his hat, placed it on his chest, and gave Peter a curt bow. "Good day, Mr. Wright."
"Good morning! What a coincidence to bump into the both of you in such a small place," Peter greeted back with a polite smile. "Are you going to buy some goods for today?"
It was only expected of him to think so. After all, they were seen roaming near the market. Peter must've thought the two alphas were out for a quick shop.
"Unfortunately, we're not here for that." Eugene grinned as he gave Lucian a side glance. "We're here for business reasons."
Peter's mouth turned into the shape of an 'O' as he slowly nodded. "The printing press?" he inquired in a whisper, even bothering to cover his mouth with his hand. He made it seem as if they were a group of people involved in some sort of conspiracy or something.
Lucian couldn't help but chuckle as he replied, "Yes." His voice was soft and low, and he was covering his mouth as well. Lucian was clearly playing along with Peter's dramatic gestures.
Peter's eyes widened in utter delight. "That's great! Do you need help with navigating through the streets? I can come with you, if you like," he offered, his lips stretched into a wide smile, showing off the gap between his two front teeth. He looked adorable.
"There's no need for you to tire yourself, Mr. Wright. We're fine with just ourselves. Please continue on doing your errands." Eugene kindly rejected the editor-in-chief's offer with a wave of his hand, his slender fingers stretched beautifully under the sun. "Thank you for the offer, though."
Peter giggled. "If you say so, then I'll wish you greater luck in finding a building for the printing press!" He swished his hat up before he left them, his steps accompanied by a slight leap from the ground.
"He looks so overjoyed," Lucian commented with a smile, his head tilted to the side as he watched Peter from a distance. "Let's not disappoint him, Eugene."
The blonde alpha smirked at him. "I know that more than anyone else, Lucian."
...
"That was perfect!" Lucian exclaimed in delight as he plopped himself on the bed. A bright smile was etched on his handsome face as he stared at the ceiling. "I can't wait to start the business," he giddily added, rolling over the bed out of excitement.
Eugene laughed as he draped his coat over the coat rack. "You're that fascinated with the building, huh?"
"Of course!" Lucian sat up with vigor as he widened his eyes at Eugene. "The foot traffic, the overall quality of the establishment, and the seller aren't bad. Peter's wish worked out for us," he joked.
The Marquis silently nodded his head as he walked into their bed. He removed his shoes first before he lied there with a satisfied sigh.
Lucian smacked Eugene's forehead. "Take a bath first and then change your clothes. You'll get sick if you sleep with your sweaty clothes on, plus I don't want you to stink," he scolded, his eyesbrows furrowed deeply.
In Eugene's eyes, Lucian looked very adorable when he was scolding him. Just like now. The bronze-skinned alpha even puffed his cheeks to show how upset he was. That certainly triggered Eugene's "cuteness aggression." He wanted to just bite the younger man and stuff him in his pocket.
"Are you thinking of nibbling my skin to death again?" Lucian asked, his golden eyes filled with distrust. The last time Eugene gazed at him like this, his cheeks, neck, and collarbone were littered with kisses and bite marks. Imagine how horrible Lucian's skin looked during those days. He would even flinch or grimace every time he saw it in the mirror.
Eugene's crystal-blue eyes turned into crescents as he broke out into a fit of laughter. An evil laugh at that.
The duke's son looked at him in disbelief. "Oh, goodness! You were indeed thinking of doing it!" he accused in the most comical way. He even clasped his chest, as if that were the biggest betrayal Eugene could ever do to him.
"Don't overthink it. I'm simply looking at you with so much adoration," Eugene said, his lips twisted into a teasing grin. He leaned closer to Lucian to plant a swift kiss on his jaw. "I like you."
Lucian placed his palm on Eugene's forehead to push him away. "You're going to bite me again; I'm so sure of that."
"False assumptions."
"No, it's a prediction. My prediction never goes wrong," Lucian argued with a huff. "I'm going to be the next fortune-teller in the underground market, you'll see."
Eugene chuckled as he scooted closer to the younger alpha. After scanning Lucian's mood and confirming that the man wasn't uncomfortable with his intimacy, he carefully laid his head on Lucian's lap.
Lucian looked down at him, his eyebrows raised in a mocking way.
Eugene pouted at him.
The bronze-skinned businessman shook his head helplessly as he welcomed Eugene's intrusion into his personal space with open arms. He raked his fingers through Eugene's golden locks, his expression solemn. "Speaking of the fortune-teller, do you think she's still there?"
"Why?" Eugene asked, despite his eyes closed. His perfect brows were relaxed and smooth. Eugene really loves it whenever Lucian caresses his scalp.
"You should have gotten your future told too, just so we could be even. I missed the opportunity to know about it."
"Well, you were being kind to me that time that you actually let me off. Don't worry, there will probably be a next time for that."
Lucian raised both of his brows in surprise. "When?" It was truly shocking to hear that Eugene was finally willing to do such a thing. After all, Eugene was not in any way a fan of supernatural stuff.
"When I'm ready," Eugene replied with a cunning wink. Eventually, a laugh escaped his lips as he watched Lucian's beautiful face twist into that of 'are-you-fucking-kidding-me-bro'. It was amusing for the Marquis to see Lucian look at him with a priceless expression.
"I just want to inform you that I'm on the verge of choking you right now," Lucian mumbled under his breath as he gripped onto Eugene's blonde hair with gritted teeth. "You dare fool me?"
Eugene instantly saw the severity of Lucian's wrath, so he hurriedly hopped off the younger man's lap. "Lucian," he called out apologetically, his crystal-blue eyes looking at Lucian with utmost carefulness. "I'm just kidding."
"I don't find it funny," Lucian answered in a monotone voice. The intensity of his golden eyes was strong enough; it felt as though it was prickling on Eugene's skin at this point.
The blonde alpha gently wrapped his arms around the bronze-skinned man's waist, a flattering smile etched on his charming face. "I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I swear." Eugene nuzzled his nose in the crook of Lucian's neck, acting like a coquettish cat.
Lucian glared at him.
Eugene blinked back.
"Hah..." A sigh escaped from Lucian's lips as he tugged Eugene's neck closer to him, grazing Eugene's scalp with his fingers along the way. "As much as I want to stay upset with you, you've got that pretty privilege going on with your face."
Eugene chuckled. "Pretty privilege?"
"Don't mind it. It's just an expression." Lucian placed his hand on Eugene's broad back before pulling him down with him to the mattress. "Let's just sleep. I'm really tired."
Eugene nodded with a smile. His advances were actually effective in coaxing Lucian! "Okay, let's do that. Good night, Lucian."
"Good night, pretty boy."
"What 'pretty boy'?"
"Nothing," Lucian whispered with a soft laugh. "Good night, Eugene."
Eugene closed his eyes with a small smile still grazing on his lips. "Hmm."