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"Where is Ivan?" Star asked as the ceremony was about to start.
Just then, Ivan burst into the room, out of breath but arriving just in time. The crowd glanced at him, but quickly dismissed the interruption as he joined the others.
Ivan and his team walked to the front of the building, where a large crowd had gathered, complete with filming crews and cameras. Ivan gave a brief speech, expressing his gratitude for being able to open the newly built ECEA building. After the applause, he opened the doors, inviting everyone inside.
The crowd flowed in, the filming crews capturing the grandeur of the venue as people filled the space, eager for the auction to begin.
"Hello and welcome, everyone!" Star's voice echoed as she took center stage. "We'll start the auction very soon and take an hour break during lunch."
With that, the auction commenced. The first items up for bid were displayed on large screens, with the auctioneer's voice guiding the pace. The crowd buzzed with excitement, placing their bids as the items went one by one.
As the morning passed, the auction continued smoothly. Star and the auctioneer kept the energy high, while Ivan observed from a distance, satisfied with how everything was going.
During the lunch break, the atmosphere relaxed. People mingled, discussing the items they had won or the ones they still had their eyes on. Ivan took a moment, going out to take a short rest before his phone rang.
"The live looked nice. I can't wait for you to come back and tell me about it," Callistus laughed through the phone. "Have you eaten yet? I'm getting room service with Shantel's help."
"Not yet, but don't worry. The auction ends in an hour, and I'll be back to you soon," Ivan replied with a smile, ending the call as Callistus couldn't wait for his return.
The auction resumed after lunch, and as the day went on, it became clear that the event was a success.
—
"They gave us new sheets?" Ivan asked, noticing the newly made bed.
"Yeah, I asked for it," Callistus replied. "They asked if I had fun, and I didn't know what to say."
Ivan laughed. "You didn't have to say anything." He stepped closer, looking down at Callistus. "Want to go out tonight? Just the two of us."
"A date?" Callistus asked, surprised.
Ivan nodded. "If you're up for it."
"Why not?" Callistus smiled.
As the sun set, Ivan and Callistus dressed warmly in casual clothes, ready to face the cold winter breeze in Tenawyuv. They let the others know they were heading out, just in case, and slipped into the evening.
They began their night at a local ice cream shop, despite the evening crowd. They managed to find a cosy window seat, enjoying their ice cream while watching the sunset.
Knowing Callistus's love for nature, Ivan then took him for a peaceful stroll along the Moonlit Path. The path, covered in snow, was lined with glowing lanterns that lit the way through the dark forest. The calm surroundings, with lakes and animals nearby, were just what Callistus needed.
To end the evening, they visited a lively night market. They picked up some food and a few souvenirs, enjoying the friendly atmosphere before heading back to their hotel to rest.
"That was fun," Callistus said as they walked back.
"It wasn't much," Ivan replied.
"It's okay. At least we went out and had fun."
As they talked, a basketball suddenly bounced towards them from a nearby park. Ivan caught it, noticing some teenagers waving for the ball.
Ivan and Callistus walked over. Callistus stood aside as Ivan handed the ball back, but then asked if he could join their game. The teens agreed, and Ivan handed his jacket to Callistus, who was a bit surprised.
The game started, with the ball quickly moving around. Ivan hadn't touched it yet when he suddenly grabbed it, passing it to his teammates before scoring.
At first, the teens thought it was just luck, but as the game went on, they realized Ivan wasn't fucking around and knew exactly what he was doing. His team kept scoring, with him passing and occasionally shooting. He had fun, and Callistus couldn't help but laugh as Ivan walked back toward him.
"I remember a photo of us playing basketball," Callistus chuckled. "Did you have fun?"
"You think? It's been a while," Ivan said, grabbing his things and gently cupping Callistus's cheek.
The teens noticed and playfully teased, "Ooh~~."
The couple laughed and walked away, enjoying the moment.
Ivan sat down on bed and pulled Callistus onto his lap. Callistus straddled Ivan, his knees on either side of Ivan's hips. This his breath hitch, his hands instinctively resting on Ivan's shoulders for support.
Ivan's hands roamed over Callistus's back, his touch firm yet gentle, making Callistus shiver. Slowly, Ivan helped Callistus find a rhythm, guiding him with soft whispers and touches.
Callistus leaned forward, resting his forehead against Ivan's as he moved, their breaths mingling. The connection between them felt electrifying, each movement sending waves of pleasure through both of them. Ivan's hands held Callistus's waist, guiding him as their pace quickened.
After a while, Ivan, sensing the change in Callistus's movements, gently urged him to slow down. He pressed a soft kiss to Callistus's lips before carefully guiding him off his lap. Callistus's legs felt a bit unsteady as he stood, but Ivan's steady hands reassured him.
With a smile, Ivan led Callistus to the edge of the bed, helping him lie back with his legs hanging off the side, Callistus's heart raced as Ivan positioned himself between his legs, lifting them gently to rest over his shoulders.
Ivan leaned in, his movements slow, as if savouring every moment of Callistus. Callistus's hands gripped the sheets beside him, his breath catching in his throat as Ivan moved with purpose.
The night went on, filling the room with the sounds of their breathing and the rustling of sheets. Finally, they collapsed together into an embrace, eventually falling asleep.
—
"Finally back home," Pavanya said as they landed in Melaiwya.
"Luckily, there's a public holiday on Monday and Tuesday, so no work for the next three days," Star replied. "See you all then!" She walked off with Mia and Shantel, while everyone else went their separate ways.
Ivan and Callistus headed home to rest after the trip.
"I'm going to water the garden for a bit," Callistus said.
Ivan nodded, letting him step out through the glass door before closing it again. He settled into his office, where a window allowed him to keep an eye on Callistus outside.
After working on his computer for a while, Ivan glanced up to check on Callistus and noticed he was standing completely still. Ivan frowned in confusion just before Callistus dropped the hose and bolted in the opposite direction.
Alarmed, Ivan jumped up and ran outside. He found Callistus in a defensive stance, holding out a knife toward a group of people.
"Get over here!" Callistus said, ready to fight.
The attackers lunged at him, Callistus moved with skill, fending them off. Ivan, shocked at how well Callistus was handling the situation, quickly grabbed his gun and fired at the masked men, aiming for their arms and legs, unabling them to retreat.
The attackers lay unconscious on the grass. Callistus quickly called everyone back. Within minutes, they all arrived and helped drag the attackers inside.
"What the hell happened?" Shantel asked as they gathered around the restrained people, who were beginning to regain consciousness.
Ivan and Callistus exchanged a glance before Ivan knelt down in front of them. "Who sent you?"
The room was heavy with tension as the attackers stayed silent.
Shantel and Myiesha stepped forward, guns pointed at the men. "You can make this easy, or you can make it hard," Shantel warned.
One of the attackers, realizing they had no way out, hesitated before speaking. "We were sent by... someone who wants him out of the way."
They all looked at Callistus.
"Who?" Callistus pressed, his patience wearing thin.
The attacker hesitated again but, under pressure, finally blurted out not just one name.
"Ryan and Valentina."