After his shower, Evan's curiosity got the better of him, and he tried once more to sense any connection with Leo. The strange feeling he'd had earlier was both fascinating and a bit unsettling. He sat quietly on the edge of his bed, holding his breath for any trace of sensation, but after a moment of nothingness, he felt his tension dissolve. His room wasn't far from the pet area where Leo stayed, and even at this distance, the lack of any feeling from Leo reassured him; this "link" wouldn't be triggered so easily, much to his relief.
Recalling how Lucas had said there would be appropriate clothes waiting for him, Evan glanced around the room. At first, he couldn't see a wardrobe, but after closer inspection, he spotted a discreet door in the corner. Pushing it open, he found himself in an entirely separate walk-in closet filled with an impressive collection of clothes in various styles, leaving him quietly marveling at the thoroughness of their hospitality.
After browsing a bit, Evan picked out a loose blue sweatshirt and some comfortable gray sweatpants. He'd need to examine Max today, and dressing too formally seemed out of place. After getting dressed, he lightly blow-dried his hair and, with a quick tousle, smiled to himself; he no longer needed his glasses. Evan left his room, feeling a bit more carefree, and headed toward the pet area with an extra bounce in his step.
As he strolled down the hall, he couldn't help but think that, despite its strangeness, this manor had a peculiar charm.
Evan soon reached the door of the pet room, opened it, and saw Damian and Lucas already inside. Damian was crouched down, quietly entertaining the cats, his fingers moving gently as he played with them, his rare warmth softening his usually composed demeanor. Evan couldn't help but think, "He must really care for these cats… Guess even millionaires find time for a little peace like this."
A faint smile touched Evan's lips as he observed this unexpectedly tender side of Damian, a subtle contrast to the aloof impression he'd had of him so far.
Hearing the door open, Damian looked up, his gaze landing on Evan. Today, Evan looked entirely different from last night, dressed down in a relaxed blue sweatshirt and gray pants, his eyes uncovered and brighter without the usual glasses. He exuded a quiet, refined charm with a hint of youthfulness, his tousled hair only adding to the appeal. Damian stared for a second or two longer than necessary, momentarily taken aback.
Recovering smoothly, Damian spoke in a low, casual voice, "I seem to remember you wearing glasses yesterday, Dr. Evan. Decided to leave them off today?" His gaze lingered for a moment before he added with a faint smile, "It suits you. Looks like the no-glasses look brings out a different charm."
Slightly stunned, Evan felt a hint of embarrassment warm his face. He quickly smiled it off and chuckled lightly. "It's really nothing… I just don't need them most of the time, so I thought I'd try going without them today." He rubbed the back of his neck, inwardly surprised by Damian's keen observation and the almost casual compliment that managed to fluster him.
Damian's faint smile softened. "Well, it fits. You seem more at ease this way." His tone held an easy warmth, as if encouraging Evan to feel comfortable in his presence.
Evan smiled back, feeling an inexplicable warmth rise within him. Who knew the cold, reserved Mr. Damian would have this gentle side?
Just as he was forming this new impression, a sudden turn of events almost made his heart stop. Damian, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, gently scooped up Leo, seated himself in a nearby armchair, and set Leo on his lap, his hand once again petting the soft fur with a calm, rhythmic touch.
"Oh—" Evan barely managed to stifle a gasp as a wave of unfamiliar pleasure coursed through him. His body tingled with a mix of comfort and… something else, making his legs feel weak. His gaze darted to a vacant armchair a bit farther from Damian, and he quickly sat down, attempting to compose himself. He took a deep breath, desperate to calm the strange sensations.
Damian, noticing Evan's sudden behavior, raised an eyebrow in mild curiosity but then smiled. "Dr. Evan, you must still be tired from caring for Leo. I heard about it from the staff; you must have worked hard. It seems I should make more time to look after him." With a gentle look, Damian resumed petting Leo, his focus entirely on the cat.
This is insane! This feels just like sitting on his lap while he strokes me! Evan's mind reeled, a mix of frustration and helplessness swirling within him. And worse yet, while his mind was a whirl of resistance, his body—responding to Leo's feelings—betrayed him, soaking up every inch of Damian's touch with an undeniable pleasure that made Evan feel like screaming.
No, I have to get out of here, fast! Struggling to maintain his composure, Evan racked his brain for a way to escape, knowing that if he stayed any longer, today might end with him losing more than just his composure!