~VINCENT~
As Vincent entered the grand dining room, the soft glow of candelabras and the aroma of roasted cuisine and salad enveloped him. His parents, adorned in elegant attire, sat at the head and foot of the table, respectively. Elora, dressed in a stunning red gown, sat to his mother's right. "Ah, Vincent, darling!" His mother, Isabella's red tinted lips stretched into a warm smile as she rushed to hug him, "We've missed you so much." Vincent forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt. "Mother, Father, sorry I've been busy." His father, Reginald, nodded curtly. "We understand, son. But family is important. We need to catch up." Isabella and Reginald had been childless. This further made them consider adoption, and fortunately, they saw Vincent as a sweet boy and decided to adopt him, saving him from the molestations from the orphanage’s home caretaker. Vincent took his seat beside Elora, who placed a gentle hand on his arm. He didn't respond, his body stiffening. He's unsure how to react. The new butler, tall and imposing, poured wine into Vincent's glass. "Shall I serve dinner, sir?" he asked, his voice deep and formal. Reginald nodded. "Yes, Jenkins. Let's begin." As Jenkins served the first course, Vincent's mind wandered to Dimitri. He pushed the thoughts away, deciding to focus on the conversation. He knew his heart is a betrayer and he wasn't even sure if Dimitri would perform his other ‘end of the deal’ like he had said. "Vincent, how's work?" Isabella's voice broke his train of thoughs, her eyes sparkling. "It's...fine, Mother," Vincent replied, trying to sound enthusiastic. Elora chimed in, "I've been worried about you, Vince. You've been distant lately." Vincent's heart skipped a beat. "Just stressed, Elora. Nothing to worry about." Reginald cleared his throat as his hands hovered over the knife placed beside him on the opulent table. “I've talked to Elora’s parents.” He said with a smile. “Yesss.” Isabella chimed in as she speared a napkin on her lap. “We wanted to chose a date for your wedding. You and Elora had been in a relationship for over eight years and we as your parents are not getting younger even if we have this ever-present youthful look.” She said the last part with a small laugh. “I… I…” Vincent stammered, the salad he wanted to put in his mouth poured back into his plate. “Twenty eight! You are twenty eight Vincent. You will be twenty nine in three months. This is the only way you can pay us back.” His foster father, Reginald, with anger issues shouted which made Vincent clench his fist tightly. He sighed and dropped dropped the fork, the silver clanking against the ceramic. He stood up abruptly, the chair screeching against the tiles. “I just remembered I have something to do. Father.” He bowed to him. “Mother.” He bowed. “I will drop by some other time.” With that, he turned back and made his way out of the dining room. “You shouldn't have spoken to him harshly.” He heard his mother's caution. But even with that, he won't turn back, he didn't want to. So, he decided to go back to his apartment. And now, this is one of the reasons he decided to live alone despite their protests. ~DIMITRI~ “Skip the estate, I will be heading to the penthouse instead.” Dimitri said to Mara whose eyes shot to him in curiosity. “But Grandpa San—” “You will do as I say, Mara. Or you are done.” Mara's eyes darted to the intercom and back to Dimitri, then she nodded. “Yes, sir.” Her fingers hovered over the intercom button before she pressed it, her voice steady: “Mara speaking. Alter destination to the penthouse suite, please.” The car smoothly changed course and they continued their car ride in silence. Soon enough, the car parked before a huge building that stood tall, almost reaching far into the sky. It's a gleaming skyscraper. “Should I get you a change of clothes?” Mara asked as Dimitri reached out to open the door. He turned to her. “No. They are aware. Take the car and go back to the mansion. Don't reveal where I'd gone. You know what's at stake for you.” With that, he descended and moved towards the building. As soon as the receptionist saw him, they allowed him to use the private elevator which took him to his penthouse at the top floor of the tower-like-building. The penthouse floor-to-ceiling windows offered him breathtaking views of the city below. As the owner of the entire building, the whole floor is dedicated to him and he had even forgotten what the other floors are used for. As long as there's a stream of income which doesn't dwindle each year, he's good. He stepped out of the elevator, scanned his finger, and stepped into his suite. As he stepped in, he shed the prison's uniform and, standing in the middle of the opulent room in all his naked glory. He walked to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and stared back at his reflection, even though it's not as clear as using a normal mirror. Dark brown hair which looked tousled as if he had ran his hands through it a million times, onyx black his stared back at him, thin pink lips, strong sharp jaws which looked like it could cut paper, tattooed wide chest, strong looking arms and legs which would bring a gym instructor’s to shame and lastly, his cock which dangles limply between his legs. His eyes wandered to it and, slowly he brought his large palm to it and started rubbing it. His thoughts wandered back to Vincent, the way his lips had wrapped around his cock, the way his teeth gave his pain and pleasure in a weird way. Basically, Dimitri knew that Grandpa Santini had come to the U.S because of the one issue he had with him; get married. The old man knew he was gay but he wished the old man could also understand that he won't change. He had always tried his best to get rid of all his partners but well, he had learned to outsmart him in all ways possible. A grunt escaped from his throat as his eyes fluttered close, his mouth slightly parted as he continued to work towards his climax, Vincent's tear-streaked face as he forced his cock into his mouth on his mind. As he continued, his climax continued to draw closer until it crashed into him like a sea against its shores. He painted the floor-to-ceiling window with his thick whitish cum. “It should have been him.” He whispered darkly. Right at that moment, his black eyes glinted sinisterly. He moved away from the window not caring about wiping his cum, and moved to his bedroom, and then his bathroom. The whole place is painted in black and white with minimalistic decorations. It's time for Dimitri to visit his new prey and he wanted to prepare for just that.~VINCENT~ Even the night air blowing through the open windows couldn't wade off the agony in his heart. It only blew his face and his golden hair but deep inside, he remained hollow like a deep dark hole which sunlight and air couldn't enter. To Vincent, today is a regular occurrence. And to be honest, he had thought that with time, he would get used to feeling like a disappointment. But as time passed, the sting caused by his father continuously escalated and today… just today… it stung him more than he could imagine. “Men don't cry.” “Men don't cry.” He continued to repeat the three words which his father had ingrained into him since he was a young lad like a mantra. Although a week had passed since he learnt of that part of himself, today was when he decided to check it out. Like a coward, he had acted oblivious and when he barely had a taste, even if it's a sinful taste, it just had to be snatched. A bitter chuckle escaped his lips as he pulled up at the garage of his
~VINCENT~ ‘Chaos’ would be an understatement of the century to describe this situation and right at that moment, Vincent knew he was doomed again. He wished the ground could just open up and swallow him. Two pairs of eyes; one with surprise and one with amusement, are fixed on him while he is trying to keep the sweat from trailing down his forehead. After a moment passed, he finally decided to break the silence. “E…elo—” “What's going on, Vince?” Elora asked in suspicion. “Who's he?” Vincent, who'd always been a bad liar stammered, “A–a friend.” Dimitri's brows shot up in amusement. “A friend?” Elora slid past Dimitri, coming to stand between the two men and repeated. “Who's he Vincent?” “I said he's a friend.” Vincent grumbled, dipped his hand into his pocket and his gaze shot to Dimitri. “And you, disrespectfully get the fuck off.” Vincent watched, trying not to gulp when he gave him a smirk and his broad back disappeared. He moved his gaze back to Elora who's still glaring
~Dimitri~ Since his youth, he'd learnt to stop wishing for things, because they won’t come true. He grew up and made things happen on his own. So knowing that, how come he found himself staring at the house he'd just stepped out from, wishing that what's happening behind the closed door is not what he's thinking. Dimitri showed no reaction. His face didn't give away the chaos on his mind as he leaned against his car opposite Vincent's house. He waited, and waited and each minute moved agonisingly slow until the door opened and a disheveled Elora descended the stairs, huffing, and using her hands to smoothen her hair. When she reached the feet of the stairs, her gaze moved to the man leaning on a car across the street. Her eyes widened before she clenched her teeth and marched towards him seething. “You! Who are you?” Dimitri raised an elegant eyebrow, his lips twitching as he moved his hand from under his chin and dipped it into his pocket. “You don't want to know.” He stated.
~Dimitri~ Maybe he's not thinking rationally or this is probably the most rational thing to do. But he found himself opposite Vincent's apartment again. He wanted to turn and speed back to the penthouse but he shook his head. Being lonely had done more harm than good to him and he knew he could use a company right now. So, shutting all his ‘maybes’ away at a deep corner of his mind,he ascended the stairs and tried to turn the knob but it's locked. He shook his head and knocked. He waited but no response. He knocked again but it's as if there's no soul in the house. Even the lights are off. He turned back, his eyes fixed on his car. That's when he heard it; the sound of the door opening. He hurriedly turns back and he's met with a sight he least expected; Vincent stood before him, staring at him in bewilderment. He's naked from the chest and a small towel is draped on his neck while another towel hangs snugly around his waist. His blonde hair stuck to his forehead and droplets o
~VINCENT~ When the fish is caught in the net, the smart ones don’t move; if they do, they exhaust what remains of their energy and die faster. Vincent had been trying to act like the smart fish but he kept failing miserably. And… he did hear everything he said yesterday when he thought he was asleep. Afterall, it's not wrong to be wary of someone who's rumored to be the king of the mafia world and who'd blatantly told him that he's an enemy but his actions refused to show what he really is. Why did he lick his tears when he's meant to be ruthless, why did he pacify him when he had been crying because of him. Did he read his mind by coming back, knowing he needed warmth and company? He's a paradox, a difficult puzzle that's hard to assemble, a riddle he didn't know the answer to despite becoming a judge at such a young age. How did they get here? Why did he feel so comfortingly safe in his arms as if that's how it's meant to be. It's wrong… so wrong. He wanted to escape the deep
~MARA~ And what is unrequited love? Well, to her, it's a killer of joy, a bitch, a mood changer, and a destroyer. For the first time in her life, she'd find it hard to get someone she really wants. Dimitri is a challenge. And guess what? She loves challenges and she won't stop until she conquers him. She had her eyes on someone who didn't even find her worthy as a love partner. She had her eyes on someone who's as cold as ice. But… that's about to change. The mail she just opened is her gateway to conquering him. Her hands fly over the keyboard as her lips stretched into a sweet smile. When she's done, she leaned back into her chair and clutched her cloth over her heart. “Dimitri…” She whispered. “My Dimitri.” Minutes passed before she finally sighed then stood up. Her whole room is covered in purple, ranging from fluffy purple couches, bed spread, wall paper, curtains and carpets. Even the whole room smells of lavender. She opened her wardrobe and picked a caramel cotton g
~ DIMITRI ~ Somewhere in the depth of his hollow mind, he knew it wouldn't end well. It was supposed to be a one night thing, so why did he hold back the previous night, why did he refuse to give in to his sadism tendencies and just take him despite the pain? But the biggest question of all is, why did he sleep over? Dimitri inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of his shampoo. Vincent is snuggled against his chest now after fighting to get away from him some hours ago and he's resting his chin on his head. He sighed before slowly peeling his arm from his body. He watched as he shifted deeper into the warmth left by him and he felt his lips twitching before quickly masking it. He spared him one last glance and silently picked up his cloth and wore it back, resisting the urge to go back into the bed and squeeze him against his chest once more. But he didn't want to draw unwanted attention to him. He clenched his fist and slowly opened the door. It's a few hours before dawn and the w
~ VINCENT ~“Leave. You are not welcomed here.” He said, teeth clenched as he slammed the door to Dimitri's face and pressed his back on the door, slowly sliding down before his butt met the floor.A week had passed and the thought of Dimitri growing bored of him relieved and hurt him but with time, he forced himself to learn to accept it. But suddenly, this night, he saw him at his doorstep again, panting as if he'd run some miles just to get here so he could leave the next morning like he'd left. Again? No. Fucking. Way.The knocks continued for some times before stopping and Vincent sighed — in disappointment and relief — before standing and walking towards his living room.Suddenly, there's another knock on the door followed by Dimitri's threatening voice, “Open the goddamn door before I blow it down.” Vincent gritted his teeth and turned back to the door, his palm turning clammy. “You wouldn't dare.”“You don't want to defy me, Signore Mio.” Vincent inhaled deeply and marched
~ VINCENT ~“We will wait for you here.” Vincent raised an eyebrow, his gaze scanning the trio who looked like they were about to go out.“But you have somewhere to be… like, you are dressed like you do.” Basically, Vincent had just come back from his little outing when he bumped into his neighbours who were dressed like they were on their way out.“Don't worry about us.” Jenna said, waving her hand as if swatting a fly. “As long as you still wanna hang out, we will cancel all our plans, right Alex?” She asked, hitting him softly with her shoulders.“Of course.” He said with a smile, his eyes fixed on Vincent.Vincent sighed before unlocking his door and stepping in. He halted, not knowing what to do, before he cleared his throat.“Please come in.” He whispered, ushering the trio into his new home.“You have a cool place dude.” Remi praised. Vincent bit the insides of his cheeks in nervousness as he stepped further into his haven. He pointed to the couch, signalling for them to set
~ MARA ~Mara couldn't help but think of this as a sort of crude joke.A sack letter?Who does that?She closed her eyes at Dimitri's unjustness and leaned her back against the walls of the elevator. When the elevator dinged, she stood straight and dusted invisible dirts on her short black gown.With head held high, she stepped into Dimitri's floor. His guards were already waiting at the front of his door. Mara wore a smile as she approached them.“Hiiiiiiiiii.” She greeted, moving towards Dimitri's door, the smile still on her face.Two of the guards stood in front of the door, blocking her way.She raised an eyebrow. “What's happening?”“Boss said not to allow anyone entry.”“Boss said not to allow you entry.” They said in unison.The arch in Mara's brows deepened as she wondered which of the two statements she wants to believe. Knowing Dimitri, she decided to believe the latter.She bit her lips in embarrassment as her grip on her small bag tightened. “I…” She swallowed.“I need j
~ VINCENT ~No one said healing was going to be a walk in the park. Perhaps, Vincent thought running away from his problems would make him heal or forget about them. But he'd been ignorant of the fact that, untreated wounds rot and decay. Moreover, the thing about problems is that they adapt. A location, a different problem, same person. It's like thinking that becoming more richer or powerful will solve ones problem not knowing the problems will get cunnier.Vincent's hand halted on the door knob as he tried to strain his ears to catch the voices on the other side of his door.“Are you sure we should do this?” A voice whispered.Vincent groaned as he recognised the voice, his grip on his bag tightening.“Just knock, he won't bite.” Jenna ordered.However, before any any fist could knock on the door, Vincent pulled the door open, coming face to face with his shocked neighbours.Remi’s mouth was parted in shock. Jenna held a candy halfway into her mouth. Then, she shook her head, rega
~ DIMITRI ~Dimitri sat on a comfortable couch, his eyes fixed on nothing. To others, he's staring at the pristine white wall opposite him, but he's actually staring at nothing. The smell of antiseptic clung to the air like it's a lifeline. Opposite him, Ivan leaned on the wall, his eyes closed with a crease on his forehead. Dimitri's father paced the white vast empty hallways with his hands in his pocket, his jaw clenched too tight. It's the first time he will ever lose his composure. On the other hand, Dimitri's stepmother spared Dimitri deathly side glances on regular intervals. There's a loud beep from the door opposite Dimitri. The entire private hospital suite has been booked and labelled off limits to outsiders that are not part of the Santini family. Some minutes later, an old man in a white coat stepped out of the door opposite Dimitri. The sound of the door shutting closed finally broke Dimitri out of his little reverie and he shifted his gaze to the doctor.The doctor, w
~ VINCENT ~It seemed Mr Ricci forgot to mention the ‘free circus entertainment’ perk that came with the apartment. Just when Vincent thought his day couldn't get any weirder, the plane couple showed up with their oddly dressed friend in tow. Vincent groaned as he fixed his gaze on the approaching trio. The guy from the plane spotted him first and he cleared his throat alerting his partner — the lady from the plane — who has a chip halfway into her opened mouth with her eyes fixed on her other friend who walked beside her while showing her something on his phone. She lifted her gaze to her friend, brows raised. His eyes moved to Vincent's direction animatedly. The lady glared at her friend in irritation but when her gaze moved to where he's standing, her eyes widened like saucers and she hurriedly tapped her friend who still has his eyes fixed on his phone.“That's the asshole.” She whispered between mouthfuls, not bothering to keep her voice low. “Shhhhhh Jenna, he can hear you!”
~ DIMITRI ~Few hours later and the mansion's hall was already decorated to fit the theme and mood Grandpa Santini wanted. The maids hurried in and out of the mansion's hall with baskets of decorative items while some pushed in a stroller with a big white cake. The air was filled with the smell of food and low chatters. On the second floor, in a room down the hall stood Dimitri, clad in a black suit, standing before a mirror. He stared back at his reflection with an emotionless face. His hair had been slicked back with gel making his angular and sharp features more prominent. Soon enough, there was a knock on the door and he didn't turn to check since he already knew who'd knocked on the door just by the way they knocked. The door opened and Ivan entered, wearing a black pants with his sleeves rolled up to his arms.He walked towards Dimitri, his jacket dangling on his arm. “If I'd known you would be a married man today, I would have arranged a bachelor's party yesterday.” He said,
~ DIMITRI ~It only took weeks before Dimitri's not so peaceful life went haywire. And it started with the phone call from Grandpa Santini who urged him to pull up at the Santini mansion as early as possible. Reluctantly, he dropped everything he was doing and called one of his chauffeurs to get the car ready. Some minutes later, Dimitri walked out of the Santini corporation with his head held high and his hands in his gray pants pocket. The car pulled up at the company's entrance and he stepped in after the door was opened for him by one of the two men accompanying him including the driver.The ride was silent until they reached the Santini's mansion. One of the escorts at the front hurried out to open Dimitri's door and after that, he stepped outside. He dusted invisible dirts on his pants before walking towards the main entrance, his hands leisurely by his sides.On entering, he groaned. His father, his step mother, grandpa Santini, Ivan, Nikolai and Nicole - Ivan's twin siblings
~ VINCENT ~Apart from hating Dimitri with all his heart, he also hated sitting in the middle seat in planes. He'd always preferred sitting on the seat near the window, but today on his trip to Miami, flight-luck was not on his side.Unfortunately, he was squashed between two couples who are always passing stuff and talking to each other. Vincent closed his eyes, his brows scrunched in frustration as the lady to his left leaned forward to talk to her partner, who was sitting on Vincent's right while he hoped that he won't feel any saliva landing on his being.The lady feeling his distress slowly tapped him and he peeled his weary eyes open with a questioning look etched on his brows.“What?”She blew the gum in her mouth and pointed to her partner. “If you don't mind, can you come sit here so I can be closer with my partner?” She asked.And Vincent internally rolled his eyes. My partner, my foot! If he's not lucky in love by not having a partner, he will make sure anyone around him fe
~ VINCENT ~What do a normal human do in this situation? Sit down and continue to wallow in self pity? Or give up on everything altogether?It's supposed to be either of the two. But… Vincent is not a normal human. His breaking point didn't break him. Instead, it broke another thing. And what's that? The fog clouding his senses.He dropped his phone and let out one long bitter laugh until his belly ached. Then, he stood up. Even though he looked tired, there was a certain light burning in the depth of his eyes. And it's not the normal light that always burns in his eyes. Instead, this one was different, dangerous, it was the light that was drawn from pain. Instead of letting his situation break him, he drew motivation from it. And that was all that mattered to him at the moment. First things first, Vincent took off his shirt, leaving only sweat pants that hung loosely around his snatched waist. He'd grown lean but he didn't care about that right now. The only thing that mattered for