“It seems Luke's State is about to get riled up again.” The expressions of the five patriarchs grew solemn at that sentence, and the room fell into an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, everyone lost in their thoughts. The two shadow guards walked out of the VVIP room with the corpse while trying not to disturb the thinking patriarchs. Chase Anderson suddenly clenched his fist hard, breaking the silence. “Can this be related to him?” He whispered with furrowed brows. Zeke Edouard shook his head after a few seconds and said, “No, it isn't. His people won't make such beginner mistakes, and he's smart about leaving no trace of evidence. Moreover, he held a dislike for the winter period; he wouldn't live in a cold place. Furthermore, he's dead, and his subordinate has either sold him out or been dealt with by us.” Zeke Edouard confirmed.“Yes, you're right.” Chase Anderson nodded. “But still, we won't leave any stones unturned. We have to find whoever is about to…” Edric Cadie
Hayden rubbed his ears, his face blazing red, which made Zenos' lips curl slightly. The flustered Hayden hurriedly pushed Zenos away, and with his shaky legs, he began to limp outside, his face brighter than ever. Zenos chuckled and went after his cute boyfriend. He held out his hand, and Hayden slipped his hand into Zenos' hand, and they both held each other. As if he had just recalled something, Hayden touched his bare face and came to a stop. He stared at Zenos, who had just entered the elevator and was waiting for Hayden to do the same. Due to Zenos' teasing, Hayden had momentarily forgotten about the mask, but now feeling the absence of the mask on his face made Hayden hesitate about his decision. Hayden bit his lower lips and took a step back. Zenos wasn't disappointed by Hayden's actions. Instead, he smiled at Hayden as if he knew what the boy was thinking. “You can do it. Remember, I promised to protect you.” He coaxed patiently. Hayden's face turned pale, and his brow
“Do you think that person wants Zenos? No matter how much I looked, it seemed to be so.” He whispered, biting his lower lip unhappily. Sean chuckled lightly, caressing Craig's hand. “Zenos will only have eyes for Hayden. Just as I have my eyes on you alone,” he proclaimed seriously, since he knew that the person with Zenos was none other than Hayden. And since Craig had yet to know the truth about Hayden, Sean couldn't just reveal the truth to him impulsively. Craig almost had the impulse to roll his eyes. “Cheesy,” he replied, with a beam that revealed he believed in Sean's explanation and was sweetened by it. Craig continued to watch the two silently until they began to make their way toward another table. At this rate, he almost felt like a creep, but upon remembering it was all for his brother, he continued. If Hayden had acted normal, Craig wouldn't even want to spare him a gaze but seeing the person wrap around Zenos made him infuriated.“Zenos!” Craig yelled and waved at Z
Logan furrowed his brows and silently tapped on the phone, his whole concentration on the game he was playing.After winning for the umpteenth time, Logan powered off his phone and stared at the clouds with the headphones on his head, playing his favorite music.He looked to his side, and he saw an unfamiliar man in a suit with his eyes closed, which revealed that he was either resting or pretending to be.Logan sighed, feeling an overwhelming sense of loneliness.A nagging thought kept on telling him that everything was different because when Xavier and Logan flew to Grail State, they kept on having work discussions since Logan and Xavier sat next to each other, unlike now when he was flying back alone.Logan suddenly felt a tightening in his chest.It felt as if he was missing someone or something, yet he couldn't put a finger on what it was, but coalescing the feelings together made him feel hurt and lonely, his heart aching and thrumming.What was he missing?“Mr. Logan.” A forei
Craig's head was held high as they alighted from Zenos's car. The unmasked Hayden was about to make his way toward Zenos, hold Zenos' arms, and return to the hotel when Craig's eyes were pinned on him fiercely."It's late. Won't you go home already?" Craig glared at the shameless person who had fun throughout the day with Zenos yet still planned not to let Zenos go in the evening when that time should belong to Hayden. How can Craig accept that? Hayden glared at Craig unhappily. He didn't know if he should categorize Craig as his friend or archenemy after all he had gone through in Craig's hands today. If Craig can do it, he'll definitely prevent Hayden from talking to Zenos, not to mention interacting with Zenos. Hayden was quite grateful that his friend's hand didn't itch enough to make it violent because Hayden was his clingy self. Perhaps, it was because that stinky Craig is with Sean? Only Heaven and Craig know. Hayden knew what Craig was thinking, and it warmed his fille
Hayden's hand continued to tug at his silky blonde hair gently, even after he entered the cake and dessert shop closest to the hotel. Had Zenos seen his actions, Zenos would've tried to stop him, but Hayden was far too nervous to stop himself from tugging at his hair. Hayden had spent his day bickering with Craig, so he didn't care, or it was more like Hayden had forgotten about the mask's case, but now that he was alone, a sense of nervousness and unease filled him deeply. He couldn't help fidgeting. Hayden tucked his hand into his pocket with the thought of how he had already begun to miss Zenos, even though they had just departed from each other and would be back together in a few minutes.“Good day, handsome young man. What do you like?” Hayden was asked as soon as he sat down in one of the restaurant's cozy black chairs. He took a polite glance at the waiter. The waiter is a young girl in her early twenties. She looked fair, refined, and petite. She is wearing a white shirt,
And after doing so, he turned his back on Zenos and began to sulk. Zenos chuckled in amusement. He turned the sulking Hayden toward him, and with a light tug of Zenos, Hayden crashed into his chest."I'll miss you, Hayden," Zenos uttered sincerely and tucked a strand of stray hair behind Hayden's ear. He cupped Hayden's cheeks and placed a tender kiss on Hayden's lips."When will you return to Grail?" Hayden asked quietly and laid his head on Zenos' chest.Tears pooled in Hayden's eyes because he realized that he'd be parting ways with Zenos for a while. Hayden had been used to Zenos' presence; how could he cope with Zenos' absence? Within a few seconds, Zenos' shirt had a noticeable wet patch due to Hayden's tears."Don't leave for long this time, okay? And don't avoid me anymore. I'm really sorry." Hayden whispered and hugged Zenos' strong waist tightly as if his life depended on it. Zenos ruffled Hayden's hair playfully, but that wasn't enough to make the deflated Hayden happy.
"Shameless." Hayden cried out while glaring at Zenos angrily. He held the wall for support while making his way to the bed. Hayden had kicked Zenos out when Zenos suggested bathing him. Well, Hayden knew Zenos could definitely not keep his hands to himself. Who is he kidding? Why would he give that lustful person a chance?Unfortunately for him, that smart Zenos had sneaked into the bathroom and Papapa Hayden again and again."Get me my clothes," Hayden ordered coldly, still glaring at Zenos.With his shaky legs, he got onto the bed and slept on it after such intense eating from evening to morning. Ah! He felt so tired. He just wants to sleep all week while basking in Zenos' warm care.Without warning, Hayden's hands were suddenly pinned to the bed. Hayden had a premonition in his heart and turned to stare at Zenos.Zenos had an innocent expression on his face, which made Hayden's anger soften. Hmph! Just a bit. "What are you doing?" He whispered with a gulp while eyeing the innocent
Upon hearing Hayden's words, an amused smile crept on Zenos' face, and he nodded in agreement. He grabbed the boy's hand and placed his head on the boy's shoulder; he kissed the boy's smooth and pale cheek. "Hm, let's stay at home.” Upon hearing Zenos' words, a smile unconsciously lit up on Hayden's face. However, upon realizing that he had just smiled, Hayden quickly puffed out his cheek and looked away. Huff, that Zenos always knows how to placate him and make him smile so easily. So otherworldly!Zenos got down from Hayden and instead wrapped his hands around the boy's waist and pulled him closer. His eyes were fixated on the boy's lips, and their noses brushed against each other. "Stop holding grudges, young master lazy Hayden." He susurrated in a husky and deep voice. A surge of sweet sensation coursed down Hayden's spine, and his face and ears turned red. His lips subconsciously parted. However, before he could blink, the kiss that Hayden expected on his lips didn't happen
Ring The endless ringing of Hayden’s phone made Hayden groan and turn repeatedly. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes and peered at the phone. After seeing the caller, Hayden grabbed a pillow and used it to cover his ears in ‘frustration.’ Hayden shut his eyes, ignored the call, and let it ring. After a few minutes of contemplation and endless ringing, Hayden picked up the call with a scowl. "What?" he articulated coldly. "Where are you?" Zenos inquired, his voice surprisingly gentle; clearly, he knew Hayden was still annoyed at him. The tides sure turned over!Upon hearing Zenos’s words, Hayden’s expression changed. He puffed out his cheeks, and he bellowed, "You think I don't know that you have men following and narrating my movement to you? You jerk!" He harrumphed coldly and cut off the call. Not up to twelve minutes, a calm-looking Zenos strode into the house. His eyes brushed past Hayden’s friends, and upon seeing that Hayden was absent, he nodded to them in greeting.
Hayden stomped into his mansion, his face reddened and his cheeks puffed out in anger. He clenched his fists, several thoughts pervading his mind. To think Zenos didn't follow him at all! Although Hayden said Zenos shouldn’t follow him, he didn’t expect that Zenos would indeed do as Hayden said. Hmph! Who cares anyway? Does he seem like he cares? No. He didn’t. He wasn’t moved a bit. Not a bit. Unfortunately, Hayden’s increasingly reddened eyes betrayed him. The night started so good and beautiful; how can it end like this? He even said that Zenos should give him a break; what if Zenos indeed does as he says… Hayden’s eyes reddened, and he was on the verge of bursting into tears… The sudden scoff of Mason and his sarcastic voice drifted into Hayden’s ear. "Oh. You remember you still have an apartment and friends here?” Mason chided without taking a glance away from his phone or taking a look at Hayden’s face. In fact, he believed that Hayden was there to visit them. “Stupid.” H
Upon seeing Zenos’s back, Zenos’s subordinate's expression changed instantly. One of them pointed at Zenos’s back. "Boss. You're…" Before the subordinates could let out a word, Zenos’s cold gaze swept past them.The subordinates immediately kept their mouths shut and could only watch Zenos stride past them. As soon as Zenos stepped out of the place, the subordinates’ expressions changed and their faces turned cold. How dare these lowly assassins do something like that? The subordinates inwardly swore to make the assassin's last days on earth a living hell! Zenos strode toward Hayden at a long and fast pace. He grabbed Hayden’s hand and dragged him out of the supermarket. As soon as they arrived in the parking lot, Zenos let go of the boy’s hand and scowled, his heart filled with petrification and heartache. What if he didn’t discover the gun and the bullet met Hayden? What if? The thought is enough to send overwhelming fear coursing through Zenos. "Are you crazy? How can you co
Zenos familiarly strode toward the cart section, and grabbed a cart with his right hand, and Hayden’s hands with his left.As soon as the duo left Chips n Chops, Hayden happily suggested that they should go to the city's famous supermarket to get the sketch paper, and once they are done with that, they can continue strolling and find other places to visit!Upon seeing Zenos act so familiarly as if he had been used to this all his life, Hayden’s eyes widened in shock. Hayden has always taken Zenos as someone lofty, high, and mighty who is used to extraordinary actions and not ordinary actions other humans do day-to-day.Hayden’s hand held Zenos’ hand tighter, and his eyes fixed on Zenos’ tall and straight figure. "How can you do this like... like you were familiar with this?" He inquired, his voice filled with shock. Zenos’ lips curved up in amusement. What is this little rascal thinking again? "Familiar." He calmly proclaimed in acquiesence Hearing Zenos’ confirmation made Hayden’
"That moment when you told me you don’t want to have anything to do with me, even though we just met, I became a wreck,” Zenos confessed sincerely, replaying that moment when he stepped into Hayden’s room with snacks only for Hayden to lash out at him.At that time, Zenos believed that he’d never have anything to do with the boy. Who knew that they’d end up becoming so close that they wouldn’t be able to do without each other?The city was cold, and beautiful lights pervaded the city, the cool breeze caressing them softly. Even though the night was cold, somehow being next to each other while holding each other's hands, Hayden and Zenos felt inexplicably warm. The duo couldn’t help thinking inwardly that they needed to be doing more of this from now on reminiscing.Upon recalling that moment, Hayden’s expression changed, and a surge of regret overwhelmed him. Back then, Hayden lashed out at Zenos, thinking that Zenos would coax and explain to him, but he hadn’t expected that in a
"Oh, not again.” Hayden took a step back and exhaled; he puffed out his cheeks and huffed. He made a mistake again! How could he make a mistake for the umpteenth time now? Huff! So infuriating! Hayden’s eyes landed on the drawing, which was now splashed with a different color! Sigh! He gently removed the drawing from the board. Even though he had the idea, he kept making lots of mistakes due to his absentmindedness. Furthermore, he also had a bout of anxiety overwhelming him today. This was all due to the upcoming design exam. In the past, before Hayden set his eyes on Zenos, Hayden had always believed that he wouldn’t venture into design, but ever since he met Zenos, Hayden was inspired to pursue his design career. Hayden believed that in the future, he and Zenos would surely lead the business company to the top. The thought made Hayden’s expression soften and made his bout of anxiety diffuse slightly. Immediately, Hayden felt inspired and a lot of calm; he took a step bac
Hayden leisurely lay on his stomach while flailing his legs, his hand holding his phone tight and his fingers tapping the keyboard rapidly early that morning, leisurely chatting with those rascals in the mansion. It was vivid that Hayden was in a good mood after all; a certain person didn’t wake up with an aching body that morning!Just thinking about it feels great and makes his mood extremely surreal; even his face seems to have a permanent smile on it. Suddenly, the bedroom door was opened, and a darkened face, Zenos, strode into the room at a long and fast pace. Feeling the fierce aura exuding from Zenos, Hayden’s eyes flew wide open, and he turned to Zenos in bewilderment, "What are you… Mmmhhh." Hayden had yet to complete his statement when he was pressed down and kissed ferociously by the dark-faced Zenos. Soon, Hayden was flipped over by Zenos, and his hands were pinned above him. Hayden’s brain rang, and he became alarmed... What. What was happening? How can Zenos pres
Zenos pushed the door and strode into the room calmly. His lips curved up, and he shut the door behind them. The boy had been so sure of trapping Zenos with his plans so much that the boy didn’t bother to shut the door tonight. Only if the boy knew how much Zenos took precautions! Zenos gently sat next to the boy; his soft eyes landed on Hayden's adorable and pure sleeping face. Hayden sleeping like this made him appear so free, pure, and untainted by the world's darkness. It made Zenos want to protect the boy from any harm.Zenos' lips curved up upon recalling the boy’s naughty antics from earlier. His hand fell on the boy’s hair, and he softly brushed Hayden’s hair with his hand. Zenos’s lips curved upward, and a light chuckle spilled past his lips, "How'd you get the mind to torture me, babe?" The boy should have known that riling Zenos’ desire would make Hayden wake up with increasing pain. However, the boy has always been naughty; who knows if the boy enjoys the… Suddenly, H