Ethan couldn't quite understand how they had ended up in this position, but there he was, his body pressed against Lucien's, his face nestled in the curve of Lucien's neck. He could hear Lucien's steady, deep breaths, indicating he was sound asleep. Ethan was unsure if he should move or stay put; he didn't want to disturb Lucien's sleep, so he remained still, his chest rising and falling rhythmically.
After a while, he felt Lucien stir. Not wanting to be caught awake, Ethan closed his eyes, feigning deep sleep. He felt Lucien gently separate their bodies, trying to move without waking him. The shuffling sounds and soft footsteps were followed by the quiet click of the door closing.
Ethan opened his eyes, taking in the spacious room. He sat up slowly, his gaze falling to his clothes, now replaced with something more comfortable. Panic set in as the realization hit him: Lucien had seen him naked.
His heart raced, and he ruffled his hair with an exasperated sigh, scanning the room for his clothes but finding nothing.He sat on the bed for a while as time passed rather slowly,looking around his surroundings just to pass time.
After sitting down for a while he gathered his composure, getting up from the bed and walking out of the bedroom, following the enticing smell of something delicious.
The aroma led him down a sleek, modern hallway, past tasteful art pieces and large windows offering panoramic views of the city. He entered the kitchen, which was spacious and well-lit, with high-end appliances gleaming in the morning light.
Lucien stood at the stove, focused on cooking. The sight of him in the kitchen was both surprising and endearing. Ethan took a moment to compose himself before greeting him.
"Good morning," he said, his voice a bit shaky.
Lucien turned, offering a warm smile. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"
"Better than I expected," Ethan admitted, still feeling a bit self-conscious. "I didn't know you could cook."
Lucien chuckled. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Ethan. I like to cook when I have the time."
Ethan watched as Lucien moved gracefully around the kitchen, flipping pancakes and stirring a pot of something that smelled heavenly. "It smells amazing," Ethan said, trying to shake off his nervousness.
Lucien plated the food and handed Ethan a plate. "Here, try this."
They sat down at the small kitchen island, the atmosphere surprisingly domestic and intimate. Ethan took a bite, his eyes widening. "This is really good!"
Lucien smiled, clearly pleased. "I'm glad you like it."
As they ate, a comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated by the occasional clink of cutlery. Ethan couldn't help but steal glances at Lucien, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. The events of the previous night were still a blur, but he knew Lucien had taken care of him.
"Thank you," Ethan said suddenly, breaking the silence. "For everything last night. I don't remember much, but I know you helped me."
Lucien's gaze softened. "You don't have to thank me, Ethan. I would never let anything happen to you."
Ethan's heart swelled at the sincerity in Lucien's voice. The tension between them seemed to melt away, replaced by a warmth that Ethan couldn't quite explain.
Lucien reached out, his hand brushing against Ethan's. The touch sent a shiver down Ethan's spine, and he found himself leaning in, drawn to the intensity in Lucien's eyes.
"Ethan," Lucien whispered, his voice husky with emotion.
Before Ethan could process what was happening, Lucien closed the distance between them, capturing Ethan's lips in a passionate kiss. It was tender and electrifying all at once, a moment that seemed to suspend time itself.
Ethan's mind raced, but his body responded instinctively, returning the kiss with equal fervor. His hands found their way to Lucien's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his fingertips.
Lucien pulled back slightly, his breath mingling with Ethan's. "I've wanted to do that for a long time,although is the second time" he confessed, his eyes searching Ethan's for a reaction.
Ethan's cheeks flushed, and he smiled shyly. "Me too," he admitted softly,as last night kiss flashed in his mind almost in a moment.
They lingered in the moment, the air between them charged with unspoken promises. As they finished their breakfast, the connection between them felt stronger than ever, a bond forged in shared vulnerability and newfound trust.
Lucien stood, offering Ethan his hand. "Come on, let's get ready for the day. We have a lot to do."
Ethan took his hand, feeling a sense of certainty wash over him.
---
Lucien hadn't forgotten about the man who had tried to hurt Ethan. It gnawed at him, a dark resolve forming in the back of his mind. That's why Ethan was now sitting in the passenger seat beside him. Lucien had dragged him from his office, under the pretense of needing an escort to handle some business. But in truth, Lucien was taking Ethan to his secret place, where he would show him exactly how he dealt with those who dared to cross him.
Despite his growing fondness for Ethan, Lucien needed to establish boundaries. Liking Ethan didn't mean he'd hesitate to assert his dominance if Ethan ever stepped out of line.
As Lucien drove, he glanced over at Ethan, who sat a few meters away, upright with his hands on his lap, staring straight ahead. Ethan's posture was stiff, almost robotic, his eyes fixed on the road as if afraid to make a wrong move.
"Probably feeling shy," Lucien mused, a chuckle slipping out unintentionally.
The sound caught Ethan's attention. He turned to look at Lucien, who kept his hands firmly on the steering wheel. They had been driving for about thirty minutes, and the suspense was making Ethan increasingly uneasy.
Swallowing hard, Ethan decided to speak up. "Where are we going?" he asked, his voice tinged with nervous curiosity.
Lucien didn't respond immediately. Instead, he let a silence hang between them, intensifying Ethan's curiosity and anxiety. Ethan fidgeted slightly, his fingers tapping nervously on his thigh. The car continued to move smoothly down the road, the hum of the engine the only sound breaking the silence.
After a few more minutes, Lucien finally glanced at Ethan, a smirk playing on his lips. "You'll see soon enough," he said cryptically, his tone leaving no room for further questions.
Ethan bit his lip, feeling a mixture of frustration and fear. He hated not knowing what was going on, but he also didn't want to push Lucien too far. He turned his gaze back to the road, his mind racing with possibilities. The air in the car felt heavy, each passing minute adding to the tension.
Eventually, the car began to slow as Lucien took a turn down a secluded road. Tall trees lined the path, their branches arching overhead like a tunnel. The sense of foreboding grew stronger in Ethan's chest, but he remained silent, his eyes darting around as they approached their destination.
After what felt like an eternity, Lucien finally pulled the car to a stop in front of an imposing gate. He reached out and pressed a button, and the gate slowly creaked open, revealing a large, secluded estate.
Ethan's eyes widened as they drove through, taking in the sight of the sprawling grounds. Lucien parked the car and turned to him, his expression serious. "Come on, Ethan," he said, his voice firm. "It's time for you to see how I handle things."
Ethan's heart pounded in his chest as he followed Lucien out of the car. The gravity in Lucien's voice left no room for doubt about the seriousness of the situation. As they walked towards the entrance, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that whatever happened next would change how he thought about Lucien.